How to Setup OpenVPN on Chromebook - Complete Guide

Chromebook VPN Compatibility

Method 1: Native ChromeOS OpenVPN

Step 1: Download TorGuard Certificates

Download both CA certificates:

• Download tgca.crt - For most servers
• Download tgca2.crt - For NY/NL/Vancouver

Step 2: Import Certificates

1. Open Chrome browser
2. Type in address bar: chrome://settings/certificates
3. Click the Authorities tab
4. Click Import button
5. Navigate to Downloads folder
6. Select tgca.crt and click Open
7. In the dialog box:
   • Check "Trust this certificate for identifying websites"
   • Click OK
8. Repeat for tgca2.crt

Step 3: Reboot Chromebook

Restart your device to ensure certificates are properly loaded:

1. Click time in bottom-right corner
2. Click Power icon
3. Select Shut down
4. Wait 10 seconds, then power on

Step 4: Configure VPN Connection

1. Click status area (bottom-right)
2. Click Settings gear icon
3. In left sidebar, click Network
4. Click Add connection
5. Select Add built-in VPN → OpenVPN

Step 5: Enter Connection Details

6. Click Connect

Method 2: Android App (Recommended)

Requirements

• Chromebook with Play Store support
• ChromeOS 80+ recommended
• 2GB+ RAM for smooth operation

Installation Steps

1. Open Play Store on Chromebook
2. Search for "TorGuard VPN"
3. Click Install
4. Wait for download to complete
5. Open TorGuard app
6. Login with credentials
7. Select server and connect

Android App Settings

• Protocol: OpenVPN or WireGuard
• Port: 443 for stealth
• Kill Switch: Enable for security
• Auto Connect: On startup/WiFi

Method 3: Linux (Crostini) Advanced

For power users with Linux enabled:

# Enable Linux in Settings → Advanced → Developers

# Install OpenVPN
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvpn

# Download config
wget https://torguard.net/downloads/OpenVPN-UDP.zip
unzip OpenVPN-UDP.zip

# Connect
sudo openvpn --config TorGuard.USA-NEWYORK.ovpn

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Certificate Import Fails

• Ensure certificates are in Downloads folder
• Try different browser (not incognito)
• Check file isn't corrupted (re-download)
• Update ChromeOS to latest version

Connection Timeouts

• Try different server location
• Switch ports: 443, 1194, 1912
• Check school/work firewall restrictions
• Verify credentials are correct

Slow Speeds

• Use nearby server locations
• Try UDP instead of TCP
• Close unnecessary tabs/apps
• Check Chromebook performance

ChromeOS-Specific Considerations

Always-On VPN

Configure VPN to reconnect automatically:

1. Settings → Network → VPN
2. Click gear icon next to connection
3. Enable "Connect automatically"

Multiple User Profiles

VPN settings are per-user:

• Each user needs separate setup
• Certificates must be imported per profile
• Consider supervised users for family

Power Management

• VPN may disconnect during sleep
• Enable "Keep WiFi on during sleep"
• Use Android app for better persistence

Performance Optimization

School/Work Chromebooks

Workarounds for Managed Devices

1. Personal Account: Add personal Google account if allowed
2. Guest Mode: Some restrictions bypassed
3. Browser Proxy: Use TorGuard browser extension
4. Mobile Hotspot: Connect through phone VPN

VPN Method Comparison

Security Best Practices

1. Verify Connection:
   • Check IP at torguard.net/whats-my-ip.php
   • Run DNS leak test
   • Verify WebRTC isn't leaking
2. Enhanced Privacy:
   • Use Incognito mode with VPN
   • Clear cookies regularly
   • Disable location services
   • Use TorGuard DNS
3. Connection Security:
   • Always verify certificate warnings
   • Use strong VPN password
   • Enable 2FA on TorGuard account
   • Avoid public WiFi without VPN