OpenVPN
The classic is back — import an OpenVPN profile and connect in one click
* Northern Unicom: Japan or Korea
* Southern Telecom: Southeast Asia
* Prefer the nearest server
* Other ISPs: China regions
Client
iOS: the app isn't in every App Store region
OpenVPN Connect isn't listed in the China App Store. It is available — and free — in the US, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore. Pick either route below.
Option 1: create a new free Apple Account (recommended — leaves your current one untouched)
- In the App Store, tap Get on any free app, then choose "Create New Apple Account"
- Pick US, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan or Singapore, and enter an address in that region's format
- Set payment method to "None" — free apps need no payment details at all
Option 2: change the region of your existing Apple Account
- First spend your balance down to zero, cancel every subscription, leave Family Sharing, and let pre-orders and rentals finish
- Then go to account.apple.com → Personal Information → Country/Region and follow the prompts account.apple.com
⚠️ A region change may require a valid payment method for the new region and affects apps and subscriptions you already own. If you'd rather not touch your current account, use Option 1.
OpenVPN Connect · App StoreUsers inside mainland China: China direct-routing tool
Chinese sites routed the long way round once the VPN is up? Download this small tool and run it: Chinese IP ranges go direct, everything else uses the VPN. Works for both Cisco and OpenVPN. (Your LAN already goes direct — the tool no longer handles it.)
!! Outside China? Ignore this - it makes Chinese sites bypass the VPN, which is the opposite of what you want.
Setup Instructions
- Install the client for your system from the table above.
- Click a flag to download the .ovpn profile.
- Open it in the client — you're connected.
Windows / macOS / Android / iOS profiles have your credentials built in. On Linux, import it from the system VPN settings and enter your site email and password on first connect.
The first time you connect OpenVPN Connect, macOS will ask you to approve a Network Extension — skip this and the icon just spins forever without connecting:
macOS 15 Sequoia and later
- Open System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions.
- Scroll to the "Extensions" section at the bottom, switch the view to "By Category", and click the ⓘ next to "Network Extensions".
- Turn on the OpenVPN Connect toggle and enter your password or confirm with Touch ID when prompted.
macOS 13 Ventura / 14 Sonoma
- Launch OpenVPN Connect once and click Connect — a "System Extension Blocked" alert will appear.
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security, scroll down to "System software from developer \"OpenVPN Technologies, Inc.\" was blocked from loading", click Allow, and enter your password.