GL.iNet Router WireGuard VPN Setup - Complete Configuration Guide

Last updated: September 11, 2025
Table of Contents

🚀 About GL.iNet Routers

GL.iNet produces compact, powerful OpenWRT routers perfect for travelers and professionals. With built-in VPN support and a user-friendly interface, they make network-wide VPN protection simple and portable.

Compatible GL.iNet Models

GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)

  • Entry-level travel router
  • 300Mbps WiFi
  • WireGuard: ~15-20 Mbps
  • Perfect for basic use
  • USB power compatible

GL-AR300M (Shadow)

  • Dual-flash design
  • 300Mbps WiFi
  • WireGuard: ~20-30 Mbps
  • External antenna option
  • More stable performance

GL-AR750S (Slate)

  • Dual-band AC750
  • 3 Gigabit ports
  • WireGuard: ~50-70 Mbps
  • MicroSD slot
  • Best for power users

GL-AX1800 (Flint)

  • WiFi 6 support
  • Quad-core CPU
  • WireGuard: ~200+ Mbps
  • Home router class
  • Advanced features

Why WireGuard on GL.iNet?

WireGuard Advantages

  • Superior Performance: 2-3x faster than OpenVPN on same hardware
  • Lower CPU Usage: More efficient, less battery drain
  • Quick Reconnects: Instant reconnection after network changes
  • Modern Cryptography: ChaCha20, Curve25519, BLAKE2s
  • Minimal Configuration: Simple setup compared to OpenVPN
  • Built-in Roaming: Seamless transitions between networks

Protocol Performance Comparison

Router Model WireGuard Speed OpenVPN Speed CPU Usage
GL-MT300N-V2 15-20 Mbps 5-10 Mbps 60% vs 95%
GL-AR300M 20-30 Mbps 10-15 Mbps 50% vs 90%
GL-AR750S 50-70 Mbps 20-30 Mbps 40% vs 85%
GL-AX1800 200+ Mbps 80-100 Mbps 20% vs 60%

Use Cases

🌍 Travel

Secure hotel/airport WiFi

🏢 Business

Mobile secure network

🏠 Home

Whole network VPN

📱 IoT Security

Protect smart devices

🎮 Gaming

Low latency connections

📡 Backup WAN

USB tethering failover

Prerequisites

⚠️ Firmware Requirements

  • GL.iNet firmware 3.0 or newer (WireGuard support)
  • Latest firmware recommended for best performance
  • Update via: Admin Panel → Upgrade → Online Upgrade
  • TorGuard VPN subscription with WireGuard access

Network Architecture

GL.iNet VPN Network Flow

Client Devices
GL.iNet Router
WireGuard Tunnel
TorGuard Server
Internet

All connected devices automatically use VPN

Step-by-Step Configuration

1Generate WireGuard Config

Visit TorGuard's config generator and create your WireGuard configuration:

Config Generator

Select WireGuard and your preferred server location

Config Generator Settings:

  • Protocol: WireGuard
  • Server: Choose closest for best speed
  • Port: Default (51820) or custom
  • Click "Generate Config"
  • Download the .conf file

2Access GL.iNet Admin Panel

Connect to your GL.iNet router and access the admin panel:

GL.iNet Login

Default address: 192.168.8.1

💡 First Time Setup

Default credentials:

  • URL: http://192.168.8.1
  • Username: Not required initially
  • Password: Set on first login

3Navigate to WireGuard Client

In the admin panel, go to VPN → WireGuard Client:

WireGuard Menu

Select WireGuard Client from VPN menu

4Add New Profile

Click "Add New Profiles" to import your configuration:

Add New Profile

5Name Your Connection

Give your VPN profile a descriptive name:

Name Profile

Example: "TorGuard-USA" or "TorGuard-UK"

6Copy Configuration Content

Open your downloaded .conf file in a text editor and copy all content:

Copy Config

Select all text and copy (Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C)

7Paste and Save Configuration

Paste the configuration into GL.iNet and save:

Paste Config

Right-click and paste, then click Add

8Connect to VPN

Click the Connect button to establish the WireGuard tunnel:

Connect VPN

9Verify Connection

Check the connection status and statistics:

Connection Status

Upload/Download stats confirm active connection

10Confirm IP Address

Visit MyIP.tg to verify your VPN IP:

IP Verification

Advanced Features

🔧 GL.iNet Advanced Options

1. Kill Switch

Enable VPN policies to block internet if VPN disconnects:

  • VPN → VPN Policies
  • Enable "Block Non-VPN Traffic"
  • All devices protected from leaks

2. Policy-Based Routing

Route specific devices through or around VPN:

  • By MAC address
  • By IP address
  • By domain (GL.iNet 4.x)

3. Multi-WAN

Use multiple internet sources:

  • Ethernet primary
  • WiFi repeater backup
  • USB tethering failover

4. DNS Configuration

Custom DNS options:

  • Use VPN DNS exclusively
  • Custom DNS servers
  • DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

Performance Optimization

🚀 Optimization Tips

MTU Settings

  • Default WireGuard MTU: 1420
  • For PPPoE connections: 1412
  • Mobile hotspots: 1380-1400
  • Test with: ping -f -l [size] google.com

Server Selection

  • Choose geographically closest servers
  • Test multiple servers for best performance
  • Avoid overloaded locations
  • Consider dedicated IPs for consistency

WiFi Optimization

  • Use 5GHz band when possible
  • Set channel width to 40MHz
  • Position router optimally
  • Update router firmware regularly

Troubleshooting

Connection Fails

  • Verify config file is complete
  • Check server is online
  • Ensure correct time/date
  • Try different server

Slow Speeds

  • Test without VPN first
  • Try different MTU values
  • Check CPU usage
  • Use wired connection

DNS Issues

  • Enable "DNS over VPN"
  • Clear DNS cache
  • Try 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8
  • Disable DNS rebinding protection

Mobile App Management

GL.iNet routers can be managed via mobile app:

  • iOS: GL.iNet app on App Store
  • Android: GL.iNet app on Play Store
  • Remote management capability
  • Quick VPN toggle
  • Real-time statistics

Firmware Updates

📦 Keeping Updated

Regular firmware updates provide:

  • Security patches
  • Performance improvements
  • New features
  • Bug fixes

Always backup settings before updating!

Common Use Scenarios

Hotel/Public WiFi

  1. Connect GL.iNet to hotel WiFi (repeater mode)
  2. Enable WireGuard VPN
  3. Connect devices to GL.iNet hotspot
  4. All traffic secured automatically

Mobile Hotspot Extension

  1. USB tether phone to GL.iNet
  2. Share secured connection via WiFi
  3. Multiple devices use single data plan
  4. VPN protection for all

Need Help?

If you need assistance with GL.iNet WireGuard setup:

Contact Support

Include your router model and firmware version

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