Routers & Modems

How to Setup TorGuard OpenVPN on GL.iNet Mini Router - Legacy & New Firmware Guide

Last updated: September 11, 2025
Table of Contents

🌐 About GL.iNet Travel Routers

GL.iNet routers are compact, portable VPN routers perfect for travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers. They create a secure VPN connection for all your devices through a single pocket-sized router.

⚠️ Firmware Version Notice

This guide covers both legacy firmware (v2.x/v3.x) and new firmware (v4.x). GL.iNet has significantly updated their interface. Check your firmware version in Admin Panel → System → Upgrade.

Compatible GL.iNet Models

GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)

  • CPU: 580MHz MTK
  • RAM: 128MB
  • VPN Speed: ~10 Mbps
  • Ports: 2x Ethernet
  • Price: ~$20

Entry-level, ultra-portable

GL-AR750S (Slate)

  • CPU: 775MHz QCA
  • RAM: 128MB
  • VPN Speed: ~17 Mbps
  • Ports: 3x Gigabit
  • Price: ~$70

Best value, dual-band

GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX)

  • CPU: 1.2GHz Quad
  • RAM: 512MB
  • VPN Speed: ~150 Mbps
  • Ports: 3x Gigabit
  • Price: ~$150

Premium, WiFi 6, WireGuard

GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX)

  • CPU: 1.3GHz Dual
  • RAM: 256MB
  • VPN Speed: ~300 Mbps
  • Ports: 3x Gigabit
  • Price: ~$90

Latest model, WiFi 6

💰 Pre-Configured Routers

Save time with pre-configured GL.iNet routers from the TorGuard store, ready to use with your VPN account out of the box.

Configuration Guide

Legacy Firmware (v2.x/v3.x)
Modern Firmware (v4.x)
WireGuard Setup

Legacy Firmware Setup (Shown in Screenshots)

1Access Router Interface

  1. Connect to GL.iNet router via WiFi or Ethernet
  2. Open browser to 192.168.8.1
  3. Login with admin password
  4. Complete initial setup (timezone, etc.)
  5. Click OpenVPN tab in top menu
GL.iNet OpenVPN menu

OpenVPN tab in legacy interface

2Download Configuration Files

Download the appropriate TorGuard config package:

Drag and drop the ZIP file into the OpenVPN interface:

Drag config file

Drag ZIP file to upload configs

3Enter Credentials

Enter your TorGuard VPN credentials:

Enter VPN credentials

Enter VPN username and password

Note: Use your VPN service credentials, not your website login. You can find/reset these in the client area.

4Enable and Connect

  1. Check "Enable" box
  2. Check "Force VPN" (kill switch)
  3. Click "Apply"
Connected status

Successfully connected

Verify your connection at myip.tg

Modern Firmware Setup (v4.x)

1Access New Interface

  1. Connect to router and go to 192.168.8.1
  2. Navigate to VPN → OpenVPN Client

2Add Configuration

  1. Click "Add a New Configuration"
  2. Select "Upload File"
  3. Choose a single .ovpn file from extracted ZIP
  4. Name it (e.g., "TorGuard USA")

3Configure Settings

  • Username: Your TorGuard VPN username
  • Password: Your TorGuard VPN password
  • Description: Friendly name for connection

4Advanced Options

  • Enable "Internet Kill Switch"
  • Enable "Route All Traffic"
  • Set "DNS" to Manual: 10.8.0.1

5Save and Connect

  1. Click "Apply"
  2. Toggle the connection switch to ON
  3. Check status in VPN dashboard

WireGuard Setup (Recommended for v4.x)

🚀 Why WireGuard?

  • 5-10x faster than OpenVPN on GL.iNet routers
  • Lower CPU usage and better battery life
  • Simpler configuration
  • More stable connections

1Generate WireGuard Config

  1. Login to TorGuard client area
  2. Go to Config Generator
  3. Select WireGuard
  4. Choose your server location
  5. Download config file

2Import to Router

  1. In router: VPN → WireGuard Client
  2. Click "Add New Configuration"
  3. Upload the .conf file
  4. Name it descriptively

3Enable and Test

  1. Toggle connection ON
  2. Check VPN status dashboard
  3. Verify IP at myip.tg

Performance Expectations

Router Model OpenVPN Speed WireGuard Speed Best Use Case
GL-MT300N-V2 8-12 Mbps 40-50 Mbps Basic browsing, email
GL-AR750S 15-20 Mbps 60-80 Mbps Streaming HD, general use
GL-AXT1800 50-70 Mbps 150-200 Mbps 4K streaming, downloads
GL-MT3000 80-100 Mbps 250-300 Mbps Power users, full speed

⚠️ Performance Notes

  • Speeds depend on server distance and load
  • OpenVPN is CPU-intensive on these devices
  • WireGuard offers significantly better performance
  • Enable hardware acceleration if available

Travel Router Benefits

✈️ Why Use a Travel VPN Router?

🔒 Security

  • Secure all devices with one VPN
  • Protect on public WiFi
  • No per-device setup

🌍 Convenience

  • Connect unlimited devices
  • Works with any WiFi
  • Bypass hotel restrictions

📱 Compatibility

  • Smart TVs & streaming devices
  • Gaming consoles
  • IoT devices

Advanced Configuration

Multiple Server Profiles

  1. Upload configs for different locations
  2. Name them clearly (USA-Netflix, UK-Banking, etc.)
  3. Switch between profiles as needed
  4. Legacy firmware: Use dropdown menu
  5. New firmware: Toggle between saved configs

Kill Switch Configuration

Ensure internet is blocked if VPN disconnects:

  • Legacy: Check "Force VPN" option
  • Modern: Enable "Internet Kill Switch"
  • Test: Disconnect VPN and verify no internet access

DNS Configuration

Prevent DNS Leaks:

  • Legacy: DNS is handled automatically
  • Modern: Set DNS to 10.8.0.1 or 10.9.0.1
  • Test at dnsleaktest.com

Troubleshooting

Cannot Access Router Interface
  • Ensure connected to GL.iNet WiFi or LAN
  • Try 192.168.8.1 or gl.inet
  • Clear browser cache
  • Reset router: Hold reset button 10 seconds
VPN Won't Connect
  • Verify credentials are VPN service login
  • Check account is active
  • Try different server config
  • Update router firmware
  • Factory reset and reconfigure
Slow Speeds
  • Switch to WireGuard protocol
  • Try closer server location
  • Check WiFi signal strength
  • Reduce encryption: AES-128 vs AES-256
  • Consider upgrading to faster model
Config Upload Fails
  • Extract ZIP file first (modern firmware)
  • Upload individual .ovpn files
  • Check file isn't corrupted
  • Try different browser
  • Ensure sufficient storage space

Router as Repeater Mode

Use GL.iNet router to share hotel/public WiFi:

  1. Set router to Repeater Mode
  2. Connect to hotel/public WiFi
  3. Enter captive portal credentials if needed
  4. Enable VPN connection
  5. All devices connect to GL.iNet WiFi

Best Practices

✅ Optimization Tips

  • Update Firmware: Keep router firmware current
  • Use 5GHz: Less interference than 2.4GHz
  • Position Well: Central location, away from interference
  • Secure Admin: Change default admin password
  • Regular Reboots: Weekly reboot for stability
  • Monitor Temps: Ensure adequate ventilation

Alternative Setup Methods

Using TorGuard App Config

For routers with app support:

  1. Install TorGuard plugin from app store
  2. Enter credentials directly
  3. Auto-configures optimal settings

Manual Configuration

For advanced users:

  1. Create custom .ovpn file
  2. Include inline certificates
  3. Add custom routes or DNS
  4. Upload single file to router

Need Help?

If you're having trouble with your GL.iNet router setup:

Contact Support

Include your router model and firmware version for faster assistance

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