OpenVPN Setup for macOS
Complete guide to configuring OpenVPN on your Mac
π 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.
π Step 1: Choose Your OpenVPN Client
We recommend two excellent OpenVPN clients for macOS:
π₯ Step 2: Download Configuration Files
Download one or more of the following OpenVPN configuration files to your Mac:
π¬π§ London Server
πΊπΈ Denver Server
π³π± Amsterdam Server
π§ 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
π± 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
π 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"
π 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
βοΈ 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 portChoose UDP for faster speeds (default)
Switch to TCP if UDP is blocked by firewalls
Adjust MTU size if experiencing connection issues
π Server Selection Guide
Performance Recommendations:
London: Best for European users, excellent global reach
Denver: 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
π§ Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions:
Installation Blocked: Allow Tunnelblick in System Preferences β 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 β 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
π 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.