VPN on a TP-Link router: Archer setup over OpenVPN
Some TP-Link Archer routers have a VPN client in their firmware. It accepts the OpenVPN file and the login from your Ben's VPN account page. Only the devices on its list then use our server, for example the TV and the console. The rest of the home network keeps its direct connection.
TP-Link lists VPN Client for the Archer AX53 and AX55, not the C80
The VPN Client menu exists only on some TP-Link routers. TP-Link names these models in its support center and updates the list with new firmware. The list includes the Archer AX53, AX55 and AX55 Pro, plus the AX20, AX23, AX73, GX90 and others. The Archer C80 is not on it.
The exact model and hardware version are on the label under the router. Install the latest firmware before the setup. TP-Link adds the client through updates. Older firmware may not show it.
A model without VPN Client cannot connect to our servers. Install the app on the devices that need the VPN, or use a router that our app supports.
OpenVPN on an Archer in 4 steps
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Download a server file
Click Show login and password in the Router section of your account page, on the Other routers tab. Next to the country you need, click Download .ovpn. The login and password on this tab become active about 2 minutes after the first request.
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Enable VPN Client
Sign in to the router’s admin page at tplinkwifi.net. If that address does not open, use 192.168.0.1. Under Advanced, open VPN Client, enable it and press Save.
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Create a profile from the file
In Server List, press Add and enter any description, such as the country name. Choose OpenVPN in VPN Type and upload the .ovpn file. Enter the login and password from your account page in the fields below. The file does not contain them. The saved profile appears in the list with its own switch. Enable that switch.
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Add devices to the list
In Device List, press Add and tick the TV, console or computer that needs Ben's VPN. Other devices on the network keep a direct connection. New devices on your Wi-Fi are not on the list. Add each new device here to send it through the VPN.
Fallbacks for OpenVPN: another server, PPTP, the apps
First, download the file of another server. Each .ovpn also has a second address over TCP. That address sometimes connects on networks that block the first one.
PPTP is the next option. Choose it in VPN Type and enter the server IP in VPN Server. Below that, enter the same login and password and set the encryption to MPPE. PPTP works without a file. Its encryption is weak, so treat it as a temporary option.
If neither protocol connects, your line may block both. In that case, install Ben's VPN on the devices themselves: apps for computers, phones and TVs. These apps use other protocols.
TP-Link on OpenWrt: our app instead of VPN Client
Some TP-Link routers can run OpenWrt instead of the stock firmware. On an official OpenWrt release with a root password, VPN Client is not needed. Install the Ben's VPN app for OpenWrt with one command over SSH. Its page lists the supported OpenWrt releases and the RAM requirement.
Plans with no device limit
Any active plan includes router settings at no extra charge.
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TP-Link Archer: 4 questions
Support 24/7: the chat on this site, Telegram @bensvpn and [email protected].
VPN Type lists other options too. Which one do I choose?
OpenVPN. Our router servers accept only OpenVPN and PPTP. The other types in that list do not connect to them.
Why is there no router login on my account page?
Check 2 things. The account page shows router settings only with an active subscription. The login also appears only after a click on Show login and password, on the Other routers tab of the Router section.
Can the router and my phone be in different countries?
Yes. The router uses the server from the file in its active profile. In the Ben's VPN apps on your phone and laptop, you choose the location with the Location button. One subscription covers the router and the apps.
Does this work on TP-Link’s 4G routers?
Yes, on the models that TP-Link lists with VPN Client. These are the Archer MR400 and MR600 and the TL-MR6500v. Their admin page is at tplinkmodem.net. The other steps are the same.
Start for 3 days, then decide
The trial costs $0.50 and opens all 187 countries and every app. After it, the plan renews at $5 a month. You can cancel the renewal from your account at any time.
