"VPN Server" and "VPN Client" options missing from Deco app (should be under "More > Advanced > VPN Server/Client"

I’m trying to create a VPN server on my Deco mesh network so I can access my network shared files from a different network. I have found extensive instructions on how to do this on TP-Link’s website, only I can’t get passed step 1 because I simply don’t have the “VPN Server” option visible in the app, and I can’t figure out why. I’m not a networking expert, but I’m relatively tech savy, I’ve tried all sort of different things, enabling/disabling various other options hoping one of them might be the reason for the option not being available, and nothing has worked. This is how it should apparently look.

I have a mesh network set up with six Deco M5 models, configured in Wifi Router mode (which is how it is configured in the tutorial on TP-Link’s website, so it’s not like I’m supposed to be in AP mode). The host Deco is hooked up to my ISP’s router over Ethernet.

All the other options are there, but in between “Address reservation” and “Fast roaming”, there is nothing, where the two VPN options are supposed to be. I have Googled “Deco M5 VPN server compatibility”, and haven’t found anything, I’ve also Googled “Deco app VPN server missing” and variants of both of these search terms- nothing…

Anyone have any ideas? I’d be really surprised if the M5 model simply isn’t compatible…

Thank you.

There are a few cases for the new feature updates where not all features can be added to the firmware - whether it be that there is a compatibility issue or if it will put too much strain on the network.

The Deco M5 does not support the VPN functionality on its current firmware of 1.7.x - The VPN feature is still rolling out, so it may be added at a later time, but we really do not know. It is worth mentioning that the VPN feature does not require all nodes to be compatible, so you may look into upgrading only your main node to a model that is known to support the feature.


Hey, I know this post is old but I’ve found this in the Deco app, on the support section. Apparently the M5 is VPN capable. I’m trying to set up a VPN for my X68 and I don’t have the VPN option on settings.

I’ve just got a three mesh AXE5400 System and no VPN on my app, help!

VPN server/client functionality isn’t available for the M5, because (a) it only has 512 MB RAM and the (b) the CPU can only do 717 MHz. VPN server/client functionality requires at least 1 GB RAM and CPU with 1.5 GHz or greater.

The M5 just isn’t powerful enough to do it.

I’m having the same issue with my S4

According to TP-Link - How to set up The VPN Server/VPN Client Feature on a Deco Mesh Wi-Fi Router.

The VPN menu option is ONLY available on these models: Deco X95 , Deco X73 , Deco X50 , Deco W3600( V2 ) , Deco X20 , Deco X75 , Deco X55 , Deco X68( V2 ) , Deco X25( V2 ) , Deco BE85 , Deco BE95 , Deco XE200 , Deco X5000 , Deco W6000 , Deco X50-Outdoor , Deco W7200 , Deco X90 , Deco XE75 , Deco X60( V3 V4 )

https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/3642/

I have the x20 but the option for vpn in app is not there under advanced. Anyone figure this out yet ?

Hi there i just bought a 2 year plan from the suggested VPN from the deco app and i was trying to find the icon under advanced. I own 9pcs of XE75pro and from the messages down here it seems lower versions dont work but im curious if i have the top of the line why would it not have on mine ?. Better to just put a disclaimer if your gonna reason out its because you have an old model and just say out right we randomly choose to put VPN capabilities on our items and not specifically if have the top of the line you get VPN.

Good day, everyone. I have 3 items of deco x50 v1.0 and 1 item x50 4g. I’m missing the VPN Server/Client option under the Advanced menu. Firmware versions of x50 is 1.4.1 build 20231122 Rel. 40485 and for x50 4g is 1.1.2 20230619 Rel. 38462. Any thoughts, guys?

my deco x3600 missing the vpn deature as well…why?

I have an X20, have updated the firmware, and still am not seeing the VPN option in the APP menu. What other factors might cause this?

Which is the cheapest Deco device that supports VPN and can be added to a Deco M4 network?

Sorry for creeping but I just stumbled upon this post and I had a question.

I currently have an X95 and it’s already fully updated but whenever I use the VPN Client feature and set everything up the router would connect to the VPN and show “Connected” but then the devices I selected to connect to that VPN end up not working, and then the status of the connection goes to “Connecting” without it ever working again. Any idea why it does this? I use ProtonVPN which utilizes OpenVPN. Also I’m 100% sure the file is perfectly fine as I’ve used more than one including TCP/UDP ones.

Can you please make a list of which nodes/types of TP Link Decos that support this VPN feature. I also have 3 M5s, and still waiting to hear if the firmware will support it soon.

So, if I buy a single Deco AX3000 WiFi 6, will the M5s connect to the Deco AX3000?

Ahhh damn that makes sense. What a shame… I just got my PC’s hard drive set up as accessibel on my local network and it has been a game changer for accessing files from my laptop/phone. Having that ability outside of my home would be so sick, but nevermind. I may look into what you mentioned in your 2nd comment about accessing single devices as I only really need access to one drive on my PC, I don’t actually need full network access at all. I just assumed that VPNing into my home network and simulating access over LAN was the easiest way.

Does the M9 have the same CPU / RAM performance restrictions as the M5?

[Edit] Just answered my own question. The answer is yes, sounds like M9 also has the same spec (and thus limitation).

I’ve found the following from Tom’s Hardware:

Like some of its mesh competitors, the Deco M9 Plus uses Qualcomm’s IPQ 4019 Wi-Fi control chip that combines 512MB of RAM, 4GB of solid-state storage for firmware settings and updates. Controlled by a 717MHz quad-core processor, the Deco M9 Plus can accommodate more than 100 simultaneous connections and dynamically streamlines the data flow.

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/tp-link-deco-m9-plus,review-6146.html#:~:text=Controlled%20by%20a%20717MHz%20quad,dynamically%20streamlines%20the%20data%20flow.

It’s so strange to read this after setting up VPN on devices with 128MB of RAM.

i hvae Deco X50 , but there is no VPN option there

I’m thinking it’s a version thing. My “older” x20 does not have the option as well, even though they say it is supported