How to set up tunneled mode in OpenVPN Connect

Tunneled mode is Astro's VPN-compatible fallback for unstable regional routes. Instead of changing your apps or proxy settings, you import a separate OpenVPN profile that routes traffic through an intermediate gateway.

Tunneled mode does not replace your proxy connection. It runs in the background alongside a proxy that you've already configured in another app on the same device. You still need to set up your Astro’s proxy separately in your browser, scraper, or antidetect tool.

This guide explains when tunneled mode is useful, how it works, and how to set it up. Typical use case: routing issues between Ukraine and Russia, or when sessions drop, and connections behave inconsistently. If you want to test the workflow first, you can request a $3 bonus with no time limit to your Astro balance.

When to Use IP Tunneling

Use IP tunneling when access to certain locations becomes problematic from specific regions. Typical signs of ISP interference with traffic include some websites not loading, sessions dropping, and unstable connections.

How it works

Astro provides a dedicated OpenVPN Connect profile that builds a tunnel through an intermediate gateway.
Your provider sees OpenVPN traffic to that gateway rather than a direct path to the proxy location.
Once connected, you keep using your usual apps and tools.

Setup steps

1. Install OpenVPN Connect.

You can download OpenVPN Connect on this page, which includes versions for Windows 10 / 11 and macOS.

2. Download the OpenVPN configuration file from Astro.

3. Import it into OpenVPN Connect.

Enter the username and password shown in the Astro panel, then connect.

Add the .ovpn file to OpenVPN Connect in whichever way is fastest for you:

• Open the file with a double click.
• Drop it onto the OpenVPN Connect window.
• Use the app’s import flow and select the file.

4. Approve the import prompt.

5. Turn the profile switch to Connect and confirm the state changes to Connected.

Important notes

• Only one profile can be active in OpenVPN Connect at a time. To use a different profile, disconnect the current one first.
• If tunneled mode does not resolve the issue, the next step is to change the route or server via our Astro Support Team.