Are you looking for how to set up a VPN on Harmony OS Next?
Yes, this question comes up quite often. The simplest option is to use the built-in VPN client in the OS, which supports PPTP and L2TP VPN. Unfortunately, both options are often blocked by the provider.
If you’re still interested in how to set it up, scroll down — there’s a detailed guide below.
If you have some Huawei gadgets and you want to use a VPN on your Harmony smartphone, we have prepared simple VPN setup guides for you. Below you can see how to set up a PPTP and L2TP VPN on Harmony OS Next.
By the way, Sahrzad VPN supports both types of VPN for Harmony OS.
If you want to give it a try, we offer a Free Trial >>>.
However, we recommend upgrading your Huawei device’s capabilities and using a professional SSL VPN.
You can still install Android apps — to do this, install EasyAbroad, download the APK file of the app, and run it. After that, you will be able to use the most advanced Cisco SSL VPN for Harmony OS
Here’s a video tutorial on how to install APK files on Harmony OS Next:
What is Cisco SSL VPN and Why You Should Try It
Cisco SSL VPN is a powerful and secure way to connect to a private network (like your company’s or school’s network) from anywhere in the world — without needing special software or complex setup.
How It Works
Cisco SSL VPN uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) – the same encryption technology that protects websites with “https.” When you connect using Cisco’s SSL VPN client (like AnyConnect), it creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the network you’re connecting to. All of this happens through your web browser or a lightweight app, which makes it super easy to use.
Key Advantages
No Need for Extra Ports or Protocols
Unlike older VPN types like PPTP or L2TP, which can get blocked by networks or firewalls, Cisco SSL VPN runs over standard HTTPS (port 443) — the same port used by all secure websites. This makes it very hard to block and ideal for use in countries or networks with tight restrictions.
High Security
SSL VPN encrypts all your data using strong security protocols. It also supports multi-factor authentication, certificate-based login, and other advanced security features trusted by governments and Fortune 500 companies.
Fast & Efficient
Cisco SSL VPN is optimized for performance. It automatically chooses the best connection path and adapts to changing network conditions. That means faster speeds, even on slow or unreliable internet.
Bypass Censorship & Firewalls
Because it uses standard web traffic to connect, Cisco SSL VPN is excellent at bypassing government censorship, firewalls, and VPN blocks — much better than outdated protocols like PPTP or L2TP.
In short: If you want a VPN that’s secure, fast, hard to block, and works anywhere, Cisco SSL VPN is one of the best choices you can make. It’s trusted by top companies around the world — and once you try it, you’ll see why.
Try it once — and feel the difference.
If you’re a fan of good old technologies, you can set up a PPTP or L2TP VPN on your Harmony OS. Keep reading, and we’ll explain everything in detail.
Configure the VPN client on Harmony OS (PPTP and L2TP)
Prerequisites
- Get Free Trial VPN account (L2TP/PPTP support).
- You already have access to the Internet.

Method 1: Configuring the L2TP VPN client
- Connect your computer or phone to the CPE’s Wi-Fi (or connect your computer to the CPE’s LAN port using an Ethernet cable).
- Go to Advanced > Router > VPN.
- Click Enable VPN to enable the VPN function of the router, and set Connection type to L2TP VPN client.
- The parameter values in the following figure are for reference only. Set the parameters based on the actual VPN account.
- When L2TP is used for VPN dial-up, the entered parameters must be the VPN server parameters of the L2TP type. Otherwise, the dial-up will fail.
Option | Description | Mandatory or Optional |
|---|---|---|
LNS address | IP address or domain name of the L2TP server | Mandatory |
Hostname | Host name of the L2TP server If the server does not have a host name, enter any value. If the server requires host name verification, the entered host name must be correct. For details, see the VPN account that has been applied for. | Optional |
Tunnel password | Tunnel password of the L2TP server If the server does not have a tunnel password, enter any value. If the server requires tunnel password verification, the entered tunnel password must be correct. For details, see the VPN account that has been applied for. | Optional |
PPP user name | User name of the L2TP server | Mandatory |
PPP password | Password of the L2TP server | Mandatory |
- Click Save. If the Connection Status is Connected, it indicates that the VPN is successfully connected.
Method 2: Configuring the PPTP VPN client
- Connect your computer or phone to the CPE’s Wi-Fi (or connect your computer to the CPE’s LAN port using an Ethernet cable).
- Go to Advanced > Router > VPN.
- Click Enable VPN to enable the VPN function of the router, and set Connection type to PPTP VPN client.
When PPTP is used for VPN dial-up, the entered parameters must be the VPN server parameters of the PPTP type. Otherwise, the dial-up will fail.
Option
Description
Mandatory or Optional
Dial-up server address
IP address or domain name of the PPTP server
Mandatory
Dial-up user name
Dial-up user name of the PPTP server
Mandatory
Dial-up password
Dial-up password of the PPTP server
Mandatory
Active domain name server
IP address of the primary DNS server of the PPTP server
Optional
Standby domain name server
IP address of the standby DNS server of the PPTP server
Optional
- Click Save. If the Connection Status is Connected, it indicates that the VPN is successfully connected.
HarmonyOS, also known as Hongmeng OS in Chinese, is an operating system developed by Huawei Technologies, a Chinese multinational technology company. HarmonyOS is designed to be a versatile and unified operating system that can run across a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs, wearables, IoT devices, and more.
Key features and aspects of HarmonyOS include:
- Distributed Architecture: One of the central concepts of HarmonyOS is its distributed architecture, which enables seamless collaboration and interaction between different devices. This means that devices running HarmonyOS can work together as a unified system, sharing resources and functionalities.
- Microkernel Structure: HarmonyOS utilizes a microkernel architecture, which separates critical system services and components from the kernel, providing better security and stability. This design aims to reduce potential vulnerabilities and improve overall system performance.
- Adaptive User Experience: HarmonyOS aims to provide a consistent and adaptive user experience across various device types and screen sizes. It supports responsive design and layout adaptation to ensure that apps and interfaces look and work well on different devices.
- Multi-Device Collaboration: HarmonyOS supports features that enable multi-device collaboration. For example, users can seamlessly transfer tasks and content between devices, such as using a smartphone to control a HarmonyOS-based smart TV.
- Deterministic Latency Engine: HarmonyOS includes a deterministic latency engine that optimizes system resource allocation and task scheduling, resulting in smoother and more responsive user experiences.
- Developer-Friendly: HarmonyOS offers a set of development tools and frameworks that make it easier for developers to create applications that can run on different types of devices without significant modifications.
Huawei initially introduced HarmonyOS in 2019 as an alternative operating system amid uncertainties about the company’s access to Google’s Android ecosystem due to trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. HarmonyOS is not only intended to be a replacement for Android but also aims to create a more connected and unified ecosystem of devices under Huawei’s umbrella.
