Remote Login to BI

Hi Guys,

Yesterday my ASUS RT-AC86U mesh system failed and so I reset them all. But for the life in me I cannot log into my VPN android app to then enable me to use the BI app anymore.

Now I've fiddled with the ASUS for so long and I am not getting anywhere, just going insane using exactly the same android VPN app I previously used.

Please could someone help as I fear I am totally stuck, I have watched youtube videos on VPN setup in Asus but they seem to be for some alternate use of VPN. All I want is to log into my home VPN to use my BI in the simplest way.

In fact using a VPN was always a chore as it was two stage ie log into vpn then log into BI. Is there a simpler one stage method of android logging in away from home please?

Just to add that this is more or less all I had setup before hand, but doing exactly this is not producing any results.

IKEv2 Config is always showing as "not authenticated" and so I cannot export any setting to my phone. Not that I had to last time as I remember, but I keep reading about it.

So I am on the 3rd full Asus AI Meshfull reset so as to get factory defaults in place, but I am still at a major loss, time for a beer at the pub. I am thinking of leaving BI for another system, it really is hard work despite its excellent fine tuning abilities.

Rhodesy said:

IKEv2 Config is always showing as "not authenticated" and so I cannot export any setting to my phone. Not that I had to last time as I remember, but I keep reading about it.

So I am on the 3rd full Asus AI Meshfull reset so as to get factory defaults in place, but I am still at a major loss, time for a beer at the pub. I am thinking of leaving BI for another system, it really is hard work despite its excellent fine tuning abilities.

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You definitely should leave Blue Iris and get ring. The reason I say this is because you can't understand basic concepts like the fact that you would need the VPN if you had any other system vms or nvr and you wanted to secure it properly. The issue you are currently having has nothing to do with blue iris but for some reason you are blaming Blue Iris.

I always found that using merlin firmware on asus routers was a better experience…. More options, less errors and frequent updates. I think the merlin firmware also has enhancements and better options for vpn configurations. ASUS usually adopts some of the merlin enhancements and firmware changes after a while… they work closely together from what I understand.
You only have to install merlin on your main router. You can keep the stock asus firmware on the aimesh router, since aimesh code is proprietary and the merlin firmware doesn’t touch it. Give it a try. You can always go back to stock firmware if you decide you don’t like the merlin firmware. I think you will find that the VPN setup under merlin is a lot better (as far as configuration and getting it going)

also, the problems you are experiencing have nothing to do with BI. If you want an option for VPN, without touching anything on the router, give zerotier a try. Others on this forum also report that tailscale also works well

As others have said, this isn't a BI issue. When you factory reset the ASUS, all the OpenVPN credentials got wiped out, so you need to basically start over with the router and your phone.

Just go to OpenVPN and enable it and see what it says - probably asks you to create a user/PW, DDNS name, encryption method, and create certificate. Then copy and save the certificate on your mobile device. Then install the OpenVPN app and select the certificate and then connect and you are on your home network.

It really is simpler than our minds make it out to be.


As far as using VPN when away, there are apps that will turn your VPN whenever you are not on the home network to save that step of clicking the app.

fenderman said:

You definitely should leave Blue Iris and get ring. The reason I say this is because you can't understand basic concepts like the fact that you would need the VPN if you had any other system vms or nvr and you wanted to secure it properly. The issue you are currently having has nothing to do with blue iris but for some reason you are blaming Blue Iris.

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I think you have misread my post @fenderman, I am not blaming BI but more to the point admitting my lack of knowledge and ability when I say it really is hard work. I love BI but I really am a little weak at PC's finer details, perhaps you are right and I should move on as I am pretty poor at VPN's.

However, I don't think Ring or anythin else would allow the options BI gives us and I have made great headway at so much else within BI other than VPN's that I may as well stick with it.
I am a tryer and I will keep batting on until I get there but occasionally I need a little help. Honestly I have tried to do it solo and not ask, but I did get stuck and confused. I will work with what the other guys have suggested and see if I can work it out, probably try @wittaj recommendation first, but Merlin software may also get a test run so thanks to @jmltech too.

wittaj said:

Just go to OpenVPN and enable it and see what it says - probably asks you to create a user/PW, DDNS name, encryption method, and create certificate. Then copy and save the certificate on your mobile device. Then install the OpenVPN app and select the certificate and then connect and you are on your home network.

It really is simpler than our minds make it out to be.

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Well thank you again @wittaj, just you simplifying it like that made me try it the easy way and it worked immediately, last night I was up till 3am and after 5hrs sleep, I spend another 5 hours failing so this really is appreciated.

To help others in future, I have screenshotted "the only asus adjustment" need to to open a VPN within ASUS router. Then email attachment to yourself, download on your phone and upload to a VPN app, piece of cake.

No doubt there are improvements to be made security wise, but I am happy for now thanks all