Cannot import .ovpn file from Network Manager GUI but using CLI still works

Question

I'm trying to import a .ovpn fille in Ubuntu 20.04 using Network Manger GUI. Here's the steps I followed:

1. Go to Network Manager -> Add VPN -> Import a file -> Select .ovpn file Import an ovpn file

2. Then this shows up. The "Add" button is blurred so I'm stuck here. I notice that all the generated files (cert, key) are .pem files --> Is this normal?
   Unable to import. Add button is blurred

I can still use CLI to connect VPN, and everything works find after that

sudo openvpn master.ovpn

I can also use CLI to import the .ovpn file

sudo nmcli connection import type openvpn file master.ovpn

Import via CLI is shown to be successful

However, the imported VPN doesn't work at all. Turning it on makes me unable to connect to the internet.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

I had the same issue with the "Add" button grayed out. I was able to run this from a terminal:

sudo nm-connection-editor

which brings up the old connection editor. Clicking the + button and choosing "Import from file" allowed me to import the .ovpn file and make any edits I wanted. After saving it shows up fine in my Network Manager.

Answer 2

nmcli connection import type openvpn file $file allows you to import an OpenVPN file, as mentioned here.