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FIX: OpenVPN Not Changing IP Address [5 Tested Solutions]
You can patch OpenVPN issues by configuring its settings properly
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
OpenVPN is an open-source virtual private network system that provides users with both server and client applications.
A lot of people rely on OpenVPN, as it’s one of the most popular protocols thanks to its speed, flexibility, and security.
It’s also optimized to run on additional devices other than desktop computers or laptops, including routers, consoles, and even smart TVs.
However, despite its popularity and versatility, sometimes you may notice that OpenVPN is not changing your IP address.
Given that IP address spoofing is one of the essential operations that a VPN needs to perform, that can be quite alarming.
Not to worry, though; our comprehensive guide will teach you how to troubleshoot OpenVPN if it stops changing your IP address.
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Does OpenVPN change your IP address?
Most probably, you should be able to switch to other IP addresses using OpenVPN and mask your online identity.
There are instances when this is not working either because your VPN is not configured correctly or the version you’re using doesn’t allow you.
You can face various scenarios where OpenVPN doesn’t respond and give certain error messages like these:
That being said, you can run into such issues while using OpenVPN but not to worry. With the following practical guide, you’ll be able to establish a strong VPN connection.
Quick Tip:
If you’re using OpenVPN for privacy protection purposes, you might be better off turning to a professional VPN tool.
ExpressVPN can keep your privacy safe and has numerous IP addresses in 94 countries with the latest encryption, or split tunneling for next-gen protection.
ExpressVPN
How to fix OpenVPN not changing IP address?
1. Run OpenVPN GUI as administrator
A lot of processes and programs on your Windows computer require certain privileges in order to run as intended.
The quickest way of assuring that you’ve granted OpenVPN the appropriate rights to run on your PC is to run it with administrator privileges.
Just right-click the GUI and select Run as administrator to get that out of the way.
If OpenVPN is still not changing your IP address, jump to our next recommended fix.
2. Reinstall OpenVPN
If your version of OpenVPN is outdated, or you installed a modified version, you could experience connectivity issues.
Although OpenVPN can connect you to the VPN server you pointed it to, you may notice that your IP still stays the same.
For that reason, you should download OpenVPN from the official website and reinstall it on your PC, but not before uninstalling the old version.
Just a quick note before starting the installation process: right-click the installation executable and run it as an administrator.
3. Check security software
If you recently installed a firewall or modify settings in your existing one, there’s a chance you might’ve messed up OpenVPN’s functionality.
Not to worry, though, there’s nothing that a good old troubleshooting session can’t fix.
It’s quite common for security software to conflict with various other programs on your PC, which is why checking it for restrictions is an important step.
4. Configure OpenVPN properly
This one requires you to get your hands dirty, but if everything failed so far, this is the golden ticket right here.
Without further ado, here’s what you have to do:
Now you can launch both the server and the client and you should notice that your IP changes without a hiccup.
Note that if the server’s IP changes periodically (dynamic IP), you may need to perform additional configuration to your .conf files.
You could avoid that by using a dynamic DNS service such as No-IP.
This will bind your IP address to a domain and will detect any IP changes automatically.
How does OpenVPN assign IP addresses?
Shortly, this particular VPN software can protect you by assigning other IP addresses in a dynamic way, so you get different IPs based on different locations.
Once connected to the Access Server on this VPN, your IP address is masked and dynamically receives other addresses.
To wrap it up, if you notice that OpenVPN is no longer changing your IP address, it’s time to step up.
Most of the time, restarting the service or reinstalling it should take care of this issue in no time.
However, if nothing seems to work, you might be better off switching to a commercial VPN.
More about the topics:Fix VPN,VPN,VPN errors
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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