OpenVPN quick start

The OpenVPN module in the BeAdmin panel runs your own VPN on the server using the time-tested OpenVPN protocol. Encryption is built on X.509 certificates: every user gets their own certificate, and the panel manages the entire key infrastructure on its own. OpenVPN is the most mature open-source VPN: clients exist for every platform, including older systems and routers. Modern DPI filters recognise OpenVPN by its distinctive handshake — where the provider actively blocks VPNs, Amnezia or Xray will work better.

This article walks through the minimum scenario: install the module, create the first user, and connect a client device.

ℹ️ Note

Your own VPN server pays off compared with commercial services: bandwidth is not split between hundreds of clients, and the number of users in the OpenVPN module of BeAdmin is not limited even on the free licence.

⚠️ ISP restrictions

Traffic encryption makes a VPN a reliable way to protect a connection, but in some countries and regions internet providers actively interfere with VPN protocols. Because of this, full availability of the service cannot be guaranteed — regardless of the connection type. If one protocol does not work for you, try another VPN module available in the panel. If none of them work on your network, contact support and we will issue a refund for the license.

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Installing the module

In the side menu open VPN → OpenVPN and click Install — the module installs with a single button and is ready to use right after. By default, the server listens on UDP port 1194 — the standard OpenVPN port.

When installation finishes, the panel takes you straight to the Users page — the module's main screen. Installation usually takes a few minutes; you can follow the progress via the Log button on the install card.

After installation

The page header exposes the core module actions — start, stop, and restart. The three-dot menu holds the rest — checking and running an update, as well as reinstalling and uninstalling the module.

To get started, create the first user.

Creating the first user

An OpenVPN user is a separate account with its own certificate and .ovpn configuration file. We recommend creating a separate user for each device that will connect: this makes it easy to revoke access for one device without touching the others.

1. On the Users page click Create user.
2. Fill in the fields:
   • Username — a short identifier of 2 to 32 characters: Latin letters, digits, and hyphens. The field can be left empty — the panel will generate a name itself. The name must be unique.
   • Email — optional. Useful when SMTP is configured in the panel and you want to email the configuration to the user; for connecting, the address is not needed.
   • Comment — an optional note of up to 64 characters: for example, "Anna's iPhone" or "work laptop". Helps you navigate the list.
   • User language — the language of the configuration email. Default — English.
3. By default the user is created enabled — toggle off Enabled in the dialog footer if you want to create it disabled.
4. Click Create.

The user appears in the list. The server issues a certificate and assembles the .ovpn configuration file — you can grab it right away.

Connecting a client device

OpenVPN uses a single .ovpn file with embedded certificates, keys, and connection parameters. There is no QR code or import link — the client only accepts the file.

Pick one of these apps for the connection:

• OpenVPN Connect — the official client from the protocol authors: Android, iOS, Windows and macOS.
• Tunnelblick — macOS.
• OpenVPN GUI — Windows.

Install one of the apps on the device that will route traffic through the VPN.

1. In the user list click a row — a panel with action buttons expands.
2. In the expanded row you'll find:
   • The Download .ovpn button — saves the .ovpn configuration file. The file name matches the user name.
   • The Email button — sends the same file to the user's address (when SMTP is configured in the panel and an address is set).
3. Import the file into the app:
   • On a smartphone: send the .ovpn file to the device however you prefer (email, cloud, or messenger) and open it in OpenVPN Connect — the app will offer to import the profile.
   • On a computer: in OpenVPN Connect or OpenVPN GUI pick file import and point it to the downloaded .ovpn. In Tunnelblick on macOS just double-click the file.
4. Activate the VPN in the app. On iOS confirm the system prompt to install the VPN profile.

To confirm that the VPN works, open any IP check page in the browser, for example myip.com. If everything is set up correctly, it will show the country of your server.

Emailing the configuration

If SMTP is configured in the panel, the .ovpn file can be sent to the user by email — handy when the device is not within reach.

In the expanded user row click Email. The file goes to the address set when the user was created.

ℹ️ When SMTP is not configured

The email button stays inactive, and a note Email sending is not configured on the server with a link to settings appears in the expanded row. Details — in How to set up an SMTP relay for sending email. Downloading the .ovpn file works either way.

What's next

• OpenVPN. Managing users — adding users, editing, emailing the configuration, revoking access.
• OpenVPN. Managing the module — starting and stopping the service, updating, and uninstalling the module.