[captaintrips86]

Archer C7, running DD-WRT build 43078. First time setting up either DD-WRT or a VPN, but I've only run into this one issue.

Bought the router and subbed to NordVPN in order to cut the cord and get around local blackouts with ESPN+ and the MLB app on my Samsung Smart TV. If I have to readjust settings to do this via a FireStick I will, but that's less than ideal given the processing power (or lack thereof) of that device.

Set up NordVPN through the OpenVPN settings. Gave my TV a static IP (192.168.6.196) and added the line 192.168.6.196/32 to the Policy-based Routing config in DDWRT. Going to ipleak.net via the web browser on my TV shows that I'm connected to the correct server on that device. All other devices show actual location, which is perfect.

The issue comes when I try to use the ESPN or MLB apps on the TV's OS. MLB crashes or never loads, and ESPN gives an error code. With the VPN not routing this device, these apps work as usual. Prime Video app works.

I've read the guides and I don't know where else to turn for troubleshooting. Are there certain settings I need for these specific apps? Have ESPN and MLB "figured it out" and somehow blocked VPNs? I'm at a loss and extremely frustrated.

EDIT: Something else I've noticed, but this may be normal as I'm new to VPNs. I'm unable to ping my TV from my PC.
"Reply from 192.168.6.128: Destination host unreachable"

[egc]

Without going into detail a lot has changed.

So consider upgrading to a recent build (as of now 46395)
Newer builds use and route the pushed DNS servers via the tunnel (I think a large part of your problem is a DNS leak)

NordVPN's setup instructions are not the best.
For better instructions see the "OpenVPN Client setup guide with instructions for various providers":
https://forum.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=327398

So my advice, upgrade to a recent build, review your settings and then test again.

Edit: make sure your Samsung TV is using the DHCP settings/static lease it is not unheard of that it uses its own DNS servers it should use the router as DNS server,

[captaintrips86]

As far as I can tell the TV is using the proper IP, the network settings screen doesn't give much info but it does show 192.168.6.196 as I set up.

I did use the setup guide from Nord themselves, so I'll try the guide linked, thanks.

As far as builds go, is 46395 the new-new, or the newest good build for my router? I've read that the newest build isn't always the best choice.