Setup guide

OpenVPN Setup for macOS

Complete guide to configuring OpenVPN on your Mac.

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📋 Before You Begin

Ensure you have your CodaMail VPN credentials ready. You’ll need your VPN username and password (different from your email login) to connect to our secure VPN servers.

Important: All VPN and proxy servers are under the cotse.net domain. The codamail.com domain is exclusively for email services.

🏃 Step 1: Choose Your OpenVPN Client

We recommend two OpenVPN clients for macOS.

Tunnelblick (Recommended)

  • Free and open-source.
  • Native macOS integration.
  • Advanced configuration options.
  • Menu bar access.
  • Download from: tunnelblick.net

OpenVPN Connect

  • Official OpenVPN client.
  • Simple and user-friendly.
  • Cross-platform consistency.
  • Available on Mac App Store.

📥 Step 2: Download Configuration Files

Download one or more of the following OpenVPN configuration files to your Mac:

London Server

Server: london.cotse.net

Config File: london.ovpn

Location: United Kingdom

Chicago Server

Server: chicago.cotse.net

Config File: chicago.ovpn

Location: United States (Illinois)

Amsterdam Server

Server: amsterdam.cotse.net

Config File: amsterdam.ovpn

Location: Netherlands

🔧 Step 3A: Tunnelblick Setup (Recommended)

Installation

  • Download Tunnelblick from tunnelblick.net.
  • Open the downloaded .dmg file.
  • Drag Tunnelblick to your Applications folder.
  • Launch Tunnelblick from Applications.
  • Allow admin access when prompted (required for VPN configuration).

Import Configuration

  • Double-click on your downloaded .ovpn file (e.g., london.ovpn).
  • Tunnelblick will ask where to install the configuration.
  • Choose “Only Me” for personal use.
  • Enter your Mac password when prompted.
  • The configuration will appear in Tunnelblick’s menu bar icon.

📱 Step 3B: OpenVPN Connect Setup (Alternative)

Installation

  • Download OpenVPN Connect from the Mac App Store.
  • Or download directly from openvpn.net.
  • Launch OpenVPN Connect after installation.

Import Configuration

  • Click the “+” button in OpenVPN Connect.
  • Select “File” tab.
  • Browse to your downloaded .ovpn file.
  • Click “Upload File”.
  • The profile will be imported and ready to use.

🔐 Step 4: Configure Authentication

For Tunnelblick

  • Click the Tunnelblick icon in your menu bar.
  • Select your server configuration (e.g., “london”).
  • When prompted, enter your credentials:
    • Username: Your VPN username
    • Password: Your VPN password
  • Check “Save in Keychain” to remember credentials.

For OpenVPN Connect

  • Click on your imported profile.
  • Enter your VPN credentials in the Username/Password fields.
  • Enable “Save Password” if desired.
  • Click “Save”.

🚀 Step 5: Connect to VPN

Using Tunnelblick

  • Click the Tunnelblick menu bar icon.
  • Select “Connect [server name]”.
  • The icon will change to show connection status.
  • A green icon indicates successful connection.

Using OpenVPN Connect

  • Toggle the switch next to your server profile.
  • The status will change from “Disconnected” to “Connected”.
  • A green indicator shows active connection.

⚙️ Advanced Configuration

Tunnelblick Advanced Options

  • Auto-connect: Set connections to start automatically at login.
  • DNS Settings: Configure custom DNS servers for enhanced privacy.
  • Kill Switch: Enable “Disconnect on sleep” to prevent data leaks.
  • Split Tunneling: Route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel.

Network Optimization

  • Default Port: Config files use port 1194/UDP by default.
  • Alternative Ports Available: If blocked, servers also listen on:
    • UDP: 20, 123, 31482 (bypasses most firewalls).
    • TCP: 443, 80, 993 (works on restrictive networks).
  • Edit the .ovpn file to change remote server-address 1194 udp to use any alternative port.
  • Choose UDP for faster speeds (default).
  • Switch to TCP if UDP is blocked by firewalls.
  • Adjust MTU size if experiencing connection issues.

🌍 Server Selection Guide

Performance Recommendations

  • London: Best for European users, excellent global reach.
  • Chicago: Optimal for North American users, central location.
  • Amsterdam: Great for European users, strong privacy laws.

Use Case Considerations

  • Choose the nearest server for general browsing and best speeds.
  • Select specific regions for accessing geo-restricted content.
  • Switch servers if experiencing slow speeds or connectivity issues.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

  • Installation Blocked: Allow Tunnelblick in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.
  • Connection Failed: Verify your VPN credentials are correct.
  • No Internet Access: Check DNS settings or restart the connection.
  • Frequent Disconnects: Try TCP protocol instead of UDP.
  • Slow Performance: Switch to a different server location.
  • Admin Password Required: This is normal for VPN configuration changes.

macOS-Specific Issues

  • Gatekeeper Warnings: Right-click Tunnelblick → Open to bypass warnings.
  • Network Extension Conflicts: Disable other VPN apps before connecting.
  • Firewall Issues: Allow Tunnelblick through macOS Firewall.
  • Keychain Access: Reset if credential saving isn’t working.

📞 Need Help?

If you need additional assistance with OpenVPN setup on macOS or encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please contact our support team at helpdesk@codamail.com.

We’re here to help ensure your VPN connection works perfectly and keeps your Mac browsing secure and private.