PIA Authentication Failed Error

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Use your PIA username

   Copy steps
   1. 01Find your username (p1234567) in the welcome email or Client Control Panel
   2. 02Enter it instead of your email
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Reset your password

   Copy steps
   1. 01Go to the Client Control Panel
   2. 02Reset the password and log in again in the app
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Check the subscription

   Copy steps
   1. 01Log in to the Client Control Panel
   2. 02Confirm the plan is active and payment went through
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. FIX 4Update saved credentials

   1. 01Re-enter credentials in router/pfSense/OpenVPN configs
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

'Authentication failed' or 'AUTH_FAILED' when logging in or connecting, often on routers or manual OpenVPN setups.

Why it happens

• C-01Using email instead of the p-number username
• C-02Wrong or recently changed password
• C-03Expired or unpaid subscription
• C-04Old credentials saved in a router or config

// this guide also covers

• pia authentication failed
• pia auth failed
• pia login not working

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

• NordVPN Not Connecting (NordVPN)
• Surfshark Not Connecting (Surfshark)
• ExpressVPN Unable to Connect / Stuck on Connecting (ExpressVPN)
• Mullvad VPN Not Connecting or Stuck on Connecting (Mullvad VPN)
• Proton VPN Not Connecting (Proton VPN)

Other Private Internet Access errors

• PIA Not Connecting
• PIA Not Working With Netflix
• Why Is PIA So Slow?
• Connected to PIA but No Internet
• PIA Keeps Disconnecting
• PIA Websites Blocked and Google CAPTCHAs
• PIA Not Working With BBC iPlayer or Disney+
• PIA Port Forwarding Not Working