Save OpenVPN Credentials for Automatic Login
When using OpenVPN with VPN providers, entering your credentials repeatedly can be annoying. This article shows you how to securely save your credentials in a file for hassle-free connections.
Steps to Save Credentials
Create a Credential File
- Open a terminal and create a text file:
vim vpn-credentials.txt - Add your username and password (provided by your VPN provider):
username password
Secure the Credential File
To prevent unauthorized access, set proper permissions:
chmod 600 vpn-credentials.txt
This ensures only your user account can read the file.
Modify the OpenVPN Configuration File
- Open your VPN configuration file:
vim <server-name>.ovpn - Add or modify the following line to point to your credential file:
auth-user-pass vpn-credentials.txt
Connect to the VPN
Use the updated configuration file to connect:
sudo openvpn --config <server-name>.ovpn
The VPN will now use the saved credentials and won’t prompt you.
Important Notes
File Location:
If the vpn-credentials.txt file is not in the same directory as your .ovpn file, use the full path:
auth-user-pass /path/to/vpn-credentials.txt