Using OpenVPN with nmcli on Debian February 28, 2023 by ~glorifiedgluer

1. Install openvpn and the NetworkManager package

      $ sudo apt install openvpn network-manager-openvpn
   

2. Import the configuration file with nmcli (note that your connection will have the same name as the file, in this case, it will be called client)

      $ sudo nmcli connection import type openvpn file client.ovpn
   

3. Append the following to /etc/NetworkManager/NetworkManager.conf

      [ifupdown]
      managed=true
   

4. Restart NetworkManager.

      $ sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
   

5. Enable this connection only for resources on its network and bring the connection up.

      $ sudo nmcli connection modify client ipv4.never-default true
      $ sudo nmcli connection up client