This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kartik Chilkoti

As a web developer, you might need to automate VPN connections for tasks like secure web scraping, testing geo-restricted features, or protecting your browsing sessions. Python makes this process surprisingly accessible thanks to its powerful subprocess module.

Below, I’ll show you how to use Python to automate VPN connections and share some tips to make your workflow smoother.

Why Automate VPN Connections?
Save time: No more manual logins every time you need a new IP or secure connection.
Consistency: Scripts ensure you always connect the same way, reducing human error.
Integrate with other tools: Combine VPN automation with web scraping, testing, or deployment scripts for seamless workflows.

Getting Started: The Tech Stack
Python 3: The language for scripting.
subprocess module: To launch and interact with VPN clients.
A VPN client: Such as OpenVPN, Windscribe, or ProtonVPN.

Example: Using Python’s subprocess to Connect to a VPN
Here’s a simple example using OpenVPN and the subprocess module:

“python
import subprocess

Replace with your .ovpn config file path

vpn_config = “yourvpnconfig.ovpn”

Start the VPN connection

process = subprocess.Popen(
[‘sudo’, ‘openvpn’, vpn_config],
stdin=subprocess.PIPE,
stdout=subprocess.PIPE,
stderr=subprocess.PIPE,
text=True
)“

If your VPN requires credentials, you can send them like this:

process.stdin.write(“your_username\n”) process.stdin.write(“your_password\n”)
process.stdin.flush()

# Read output (optional)
for line in process.stdout:
print(line.strip())
Note: For more advanced credential handling, consider using tools like pexpect.

Try This Instead: Automate with Windscribe
If you want to rotate IPs or automate server switching, Windscribe’s CLI is a great choice. Here’s a quick example:
##code

python
import os
import random
from time import sleep

# List of server codes
servers = ["US", "CA", "FR", "DE", "NL"]

try:
    os.system("windscribe connect")
    while True:
        server = random.choice(servers)
        sleep(random.randint(120, 300))
        print(f"Switching to {server}...")
        os.system(f"windscribe connect {server}")
except:
    os.system("windscribe disconnect")
    print("Disconnected due to error.")

> Full tutorial: GeeksforGeeks – Automate VPN with Python
Tips for Web Developer
Check your IP: Always verify your public IP before and after connecting to confirm the VPN is active.

##python
import requests
print(requests.get('https://api.ipify.org').text)

Handle credentials securely: Never hardcode sensitive data. Use environment variables or encrypted secrets.

Automate responsibly: Be aware of the terms of service for both your VPN provider and any sites you access.

Useful Links:–
Python subprocess documentation
pexpect for automating interactive CLI apps
Windscribe CLI
OpenVPN official site

“Automation is good, so long as you know exactly where to put the machine.”
— Eliyahu Goldratt

Want to see more Python automation tips or have a question?
Ready to save time and streamline your workflow? Give Python VPN automation a try and share your experience below!

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kartik Chilkoti