OpenVPN not changing IP address (5 tested solutions)

December 2022 · 5 minute read
OpenVPN not changing IP

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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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If your version of OpenVPN is outdated, or you installed a modified version, you could experience connectivity issues.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 modified 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.

  • Press the Win key on your keyboard
  • Type firewall
  • Select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
  • Go to the Inbound Rules section
  • Locate OpenVPN and remove all restrictions (if any)
  • Head to the Outbound Rules section
  • Repeat step 5
  • Launch your antivirus
  • Make sure OpenVPN is not blacklisted or restricted in any manner
  • Restart your PC
  • Launch OpenVPN and check if it now changes your IP address

    • 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:

    For OpenVPN client:

  • Close your OpenVPN client
  • Launch the Task Manager and make sure that OpenVPN is closed
  • Locate your OpenVPN’s client configuration (.conf) file
  • Open it with any text editor (with admin rights)
  • Add redirect-gateway def1 to your conf file on a new line
  • Save the configuration file

    • For OpenVPN server:

  • Close your OpenVPN server
  • Launch your Task Manager and make sure that OpenVPN has been closed
  • Open your OpenVPN’s server .conf file with any text editor
  • Add push “redirect-gateway def1” on an empty line (quotes included)
  • Save the configuration file

    • 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.

    5. Use a commercial VPN

    If you’re using OpenVPN for privacy protection purposes, you might be better off with turning to a commercial service.

    Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, can keep your privacy safe and won’t give you too much headache.

    You just install it, log in to your account, choose a server and your privacy should be 100% protected.

    On the downside, commercial VPNs are generally paid-for services, as opposed to OpenVPN, which is completely free to use.

    Note that commercial VPNs won’t replace OpenVPN’s ability to create Virtual Private Networks for remote access.

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    Conclusion

    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.

    Your connection is not secure - websites you visit can find out your details:

    Companies can sell this information, alongside your location and internet provider name, and profit from it by serving targeted ads or monitoring your data usage.

    We recommend Private Internet Access, a VPN with a no-log policy, open source code, ad blocking and much more; now 79% off.

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