What You'll Learn
This comprehensive guide covers the entire process of creating your own VPN server. You'll learn to deploy a Virtual Private Server, install OpenVPN, and connect all your devices securely.
Deploying Your Virtual Private Server (VPS)
Setting up the foundation for your VPN
This is the foundation of your VPN. Here, you'll rent a small virtual computer that will run your VPN software.
Select a Server Location
During the signup process with Hostinger, choose a physical location for your server (e.g., USA, UK, Singapore). All your internet traffic will appear to come from this location.
Choose the Operating System & Application
In your provider's setup menu, look for a "One-Click App" or "Marketplace Image."
Select an image that pre-installs OpenVPN for you. It will likely be named something like:
This saves you from doing any manual installation.
Finalize and Purchase
Proceed through the billing process.
Important
During the final setup, you will be prompted to create a root password for your server. Make this password very strong and save it in a secure location, as this is the master password for your entire server.
Installing and Configuring the OpenVPN Panel
Setting up the OpenVPN administration interface
Once your VPS is running, you must install and configure the OpenVPN application through your provider's control panel.
Access Your Server Dashboard
Log in to your VPS provider's website. From the main dashboard, you can see your new server and its general settings.
Install the OpenVPN Application
- Navigate through your dashboard to the section for managing your server's software (e.g., OS and Panel → Applications).
- Select OpenVPN from the list of available applications.
- A confirmation pop-up will appear. You will need to:
Configuration Steps:
- Acknowledge the Warning: Tick the box that warns you this process will delete all existing data on the server.
- Create Panel Password: You will be asked to enter and confirm a new password. This password is specifically for the OpenVPN Admin Panel. Create a strong password and save it.
Click "Confirm" to begin the installation. Wait for this process to complete.
Access the OpenVPN Admin Panel
Once the installation is finished, you will see a button labeled "Manage App" in your VPS dashboard. Click this button to automatically open the OpenVPN login page in a new tab.
Security Notice
You will see a browser warning: "Your connection is not private." This is normal. Click "Advanced" and then "Proceed."
Enter Your Credentials
You will now be at the OpenVPN login page.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Username: | openvpn |
| Password: | Use the new Panel Password you created during the installation step |
Important: Do not use your server's root password here. Use only the Panel Password you created specifically for OpenVPN.
Log in to access the Admin Web Interface.
Connecting Your Devices
Setting up VPN clients on your devices
Now that the server is configured, you can connect your computers and mobile devices to it.
Download the VPN Client
The OpenVPN login page has download links for client software. It will automatically detect your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.) and provide a link.
Download and install the application, which is called OpenVPN Connect.
Import Your Profile & Connect
- Open the OpenVPN Connect app you just installed. It should automatically import the profile from your server.
- The app will ask for your username (
openvpn) and password one final time. - Click connect, and you're done! Your device's internet traffic is now being routed securely through your private VPN server.
Manage Connections
Connection Limit
Remember that the free version of OpenVPN Access Server allows a maximum of two devices to be connected at the same time. You can manage users from the Admin Panel you accessed in Phase 2.
