Last updated: July 24, 2026

How to Set Up and Deploy OpenVPN on Android Devices Using MDM?

This guide explains how administrators can deploy OpenVPN, an open-source VPN solution using SSL/TLS encryption, on Android devices through MDM. It covers publishing the OpenVPN Connect app via Managed Google Play, preparing an .ovpn configuration file with server address, credentials, and profile details, distributing it to devices as a downloadable announcement, and importing the file into the OpenVPN Connect app to establish a secure remote connection.

This guide provides administrators with a structured approach to deploying OpenVPN on Android devices through MDM. OpenVPN is an open-source VPN solution that establishes encrypted connections over the internet, enabling secure remote access to private networks. Leveraging SSL/TLS encryption for authentication and data protection, OpenVPN ensures confidentiality and integrity while supporting both remote-access and site-to-site VPN configurations. Its cross-platform compatibility, including Android, makes it ideal for enterprise use. By following this guide, admins can efficiently push OpenVPN profiles via MDM, enforce security policies, and troubleshoot connectivity issues, ensuring seamless and secure remote access for corporate devices.

Step 1: Deploy OpenVPN via Managed Google Play

Publish the OpenVPN App:
- In MDM admin console, navigate to Device Mgmt->AppRepository-> Managed Google Play.
- Search for OpenVPN Connect (Package ID: net.openvpn.openvpn).
- Approve and publish the app.
- Distribute the OpenVPN Connect App to the relevant device groups with silent installation for seamless deployment.
Upload the VPN Configuration:
- Prepare an .ovpn file containing:
  - Server address/Cloud ID
  - Username & password
  - Profile name (VPN configuration details)
- Create an Announcement on .ovpn file, as a downloadable URL with details.
- Download the .ovpn file from the Announcement downloadable url.

Step 2: Configure OpenVPN on the Device

Launch OpenVPN Connect application and import the .ovpn file downloaded from the Me MDM Announcement.

Frequently asked questions

What is OpenVPN and why would I deploy it through MDM?

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN solution that uses SSL/TLS encryption to establish secure, encrypted connections over the internet, letting admins push VPN profiles to Android devices and enforce security policies via MDM.

How do I publish the OpenVPN app to managed devices?

In the MDM admin console, go to Device Mgmt->AppRepository->Managed Google Play, search for OpenVPN Connect (Package ID: net.openvpn.openvpn), approve and publish it, then distribute it to device groups with silent installation.

How do devices get the VPN configuration file?

Prepare an .ovpn file containing the server address/Cloud ID, username and password, and profile name, then create an Announcement with the file as a downloadable URL so devices can download it.

How do I complete the VPN setup on the device?

Launch the OpenVPN Connect application and import the .ovpn file downloaded from the Announcement to establish the connection.