Download NordVPN only from NordVPN’s official download pages or your device’s official app store. You also need an active NordVPN subscription to use the app. Choose your operating system below for the supported versions, installation steps, first connection, and the most useful troubleshooting fixes.
Before downloading NordVPN
NordVPN provides device-wide VPN apps for desktop and mobile operating systems. On a computer or phone with multiple user accounts, only one user can use the NordVPN app at a time.
| Platform | Current supported versions | Recommended download method |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 64-bit, version 1607 or later; Windows 11 | Official NordVPN Windows installer |
| macOS | macOS 12 Monterey or later | Official NordVPN macOS package |
| Android | Android 9 or later for the standard app | Google Play, Galaxy Store, Amazon Appstore, or official APK |
| iPhone and iPad | iOS or iPadOS 16.0 or later | Apple App Store |
| Linux | Safest current target: Debian 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+, Linux Mint 21+, Raspberry Pi OS, or Fedora 43+ | NordVPN’s official shell installer |
NordVPN’s general operating-system matrix lists some older Linux versions, including Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+, and Fedora 32+. However, the dedicated Linux installation guide has newer minimum versions for current builds, so verify compatibility before installing on an older distribution.
Download and install NordVPN on Windows
The current Windows app is intended for Windows 10 64-bit version 1607 or later and Windows 11. Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 32-bit are legacy platforms rather than current-app targets.
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- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- Open NordVPN’s official software download page.
- Download the Windows installer.
- Open your Downloads folder and double-click
NordVPNInstall.exe. - When Windows asks whether the installer can make changes, select Yes.
- Click Next.
- Select or clear the optional NordPass and NordVPN browser-extension checkboxes, then click Install.
- Click Launch NordVPN.
Log in and connect on Windows
- Open NordVPN and click Log In.
- Sign in on the Nord Account page with your email and password, Google, or Apple ID.
- If your browser asks whether it may open the NordVPN link, click Open or Allow.
- Click Secure my connection. The status should change from Not connected to Connected.
Useful Windows settings
- Kill Switch: open Settings, click the profile icon in the upper-right, then choose Kill Switch.
- VPN protocol: open Settings and select Connection and security > Protocol.
- Automatic startup and connection: in Settings, enable Launch at Windows startup and Auto-connect.
- Scam, phishing, and malware protection: open that tab and click Turn on protection. This was previously called Threat Protection Pro.
If the installer does not open, right-click it and choose Run as Administrator.
Download and install NordVPN on macOS
The current macOS guide requires macOS 12 Monterey or later. NordVPN’s current support list includes Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe; macOS 11 Big Sur and macOS 10.15 Catalina are legacy versions.
- Open NordVPN’s official macOS download page.
- Click Download App.
- Open Downloads and double-click
NordVPN.pkg. - Click Continue, then Install.
- Enter your Mac password or authenticate with Touch ID.
- Click Close when installation completes.
Keep the installer on the Mac itself rather than inside a cloud-synced folder such as Dropbox.
Log in and connect on macOS
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search.
- Type NordVPN and press Enter.
- Click Log In, then click Continue in the Nord Account pop-up.
- Sign in with email and password, Google, Apple, or a code.
- Allow Nord Account to reopen the NordVPN app after browser authentication.
- Choose a server location and click Secure my connection.
Useful macOS settings
- General: profile icon > Settings > General.
- Auto-connect: profile icon > Settings > Auto-connect.
- Kill Switch: profile icon > Settings > Kill Switch.
- VPN protocol: profile icon > Settings > General > VPN protocol.
Other current sections include Custom DNS, Appearance, and Account. On macOS Ventura, use NordVPN’s separate installation-troubleshooting path if the installation fails. Threat Protection Pro is plan-dependent, so the onboarding screen may not show a Set up option for every subscription.
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The standard Android app supports Android 9 and later. Android 7 and Android 8 require NordVPN’s sideloaded application. Devices running Android 6.8 or earlier lost support on November 20, 2024.
Rank #2
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Delivers fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz, 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) for uninterrupted video streaming, downloading, and online gaming all at the same time. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, and distance to devices.
- 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐎𝐧-𝐓𝐡𝐞-𝐆𝐨 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work. This is not a Mi-Fi device or mobile hotspot.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐲 - Offers (1) Router Mode for Ethernet or USB (phone) tethering connections, (2) Hotspot Mode for secure access to public WiFi , and (3) AP/RE/Client Mode to extend WiFi, add WiFi to wired setups, or connect wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - The Roam 6 AX1500, measuring a compact 4.09 in. × 3.54 in. × 1.10 in., is a pocket-sized travel router perfect for your next trip or adventure.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Power the Roam 6 via its USB-C port using the included adapter or any 5V/3A PD power source, like a power bank.
Install from an app store
- Open the appropriate store: Google Play Store for most Android phones and tablets, Samsung Galaxy Store for Samsung devices, or Amazon Appstore for Amazon Fire tablets.
- Search for NordVPN.
- Select the NordVPN app and tap Install.
Install the Android APK
- Open NordVPN’s official website on the Android device.
- Download the official Android APK.
- Open the APK and follow the on-screen installation instructions.
Use the APK only when obtained from NordVPN’s official website. Avoid third-party APK sites.
Log in and connect on Android
- Open NordVPN and tap Log in.
- Sign in through Nord Account with your credentials, or use Google or Apple ID if enabled.
- Tap Continue and return to the NordVPN app.
- Tap Secure my connection for the fastest available server.
- Alternatively, open Countries, or tap the magnifying-glass icon to search for a country or city.
- On the first connection, tap OK when Android asks permission to create a VPN connection.
To disconnect, tap Pause, then Disconnect. Android settings include Preferred location, Protocol, Auto-connect, Split tunneling, Post-quantum encryption, DNS, Local network discovery, and Kill Switch.
Fix Android installation errors
For messages such as Installation failed, Something went wrong, an installation that never completes, or an update that cannot replace the existing app:
- Update Android through Settings > System or About phone > System update or Software update > Download and install.
- If Google Play fails, try the official APK. If the APK fails, try Google Play.
- Temporarily disable antivirus software if it is blocking the installer.
- Uninstall NordVPN through Settings > Apps > NordVPN, restart the phone, and reinstall it.
Download and install NordVPN on iPhone or iPad
NordVPN supports iPhones and iPads running iOS or iPadOS 16.0 or later. You need an Apple ID and an internet connection for the initial download.
- Open the App Store.
- Search for NordVPN and tap the download button.
- Tap Open after installation.
- Choose privacy preferences with Accept, Reject, or Customize.
- Tap Next.
- Choose whether NordVPN may send notifications by tapping Don’t Allow or Allow.
- Tap Log In or Sign up.
Connect for the first time on iOS
- Tap Skip, or continue through the onboarding screens, then tap Next.
- Tap Secure my connection.
- When iOS asks to add VPN configurations, tap Allow.
- Confirm with your passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
- A green map pin and Secured status confirm the connection.
For a specific location, open All locations and select a country. To choose a city, open the country’s downward arrow, or use Search. Specialty groups such as Dedicated IP, Obfuscated, and Double VPN are also available from All locations.
Rank #3
- 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 - Roam 7 BE3600 connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports up to 90 devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and home use. VPN connectivity supports secure remote work.
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟕 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Delivers up to 2882 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, supporting smooth streaming, downloads, and gaming for up to 90 devices. ◇ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟔 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐲 - Offers (1) Router Mode for Ethernet or USB (phone) tethering connections, (2) Hotspot Mode for secure access to public WiFi , and (3) AP/RE/Client Mode to extend WiFi, add WiFi to wired setups, or connect wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN and 1x 1 Gbps LAN ports, along with WiFi 7 speeds, enable fast wired and wireless data transmissions.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
VPN connection settings provide NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN (TCP), and OpenVPN (UDP), as well as Custom DNS.
Fix iPhone and iPad installation failures
- Update iOS or iPadOS through Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
- To reinstall, press and hold the NordVPN icon, tap Remove App, choose Delete App, and restart the device.
- Install NordVPN again from the App Store.
Download and install NordVPN on Linux
NordVPN officially supports selected Linux distributions and GNOME and KDE desktop environments. Community distributions may work, but NordVPN offers limited distribution-specific troubleshooting and does not pre-test every distribution.
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Install the Linux GUI
Open a terminal and run:
sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh) -p nordvpn-guiAfter installation, open NordVPN from the system application menu, log in, and click Secure my connection.
Install the Linux command-line app
With curl installed, run:
sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)If curl is unavailable, use wget:
sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)Follow the installer’s prompts.
Essential NordVPN Linux commands
nordvpn login
nordvpn connect
nordvpn disconnect
nordvpn status
nordvpn settings
nordvpn countries
nordvpn groups
nordvpn help
man nordvpnTo connect to a particular server, use the country code and server number:
nordvpn connect uk715The general format is:
nordvpn connect <country_code server_number>Fix common Linux errors
If you see Permission denied accessing /run/nordvpn/nordvpnd.sock, add your current account to the NordVPN group and reboot:
Rank #4
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USERIn Linux app version 3.18.4, traffic forwarded from a LAN through a VPN-connected computer is blocked by default. If you need LAN forwarding, enable LAN discovery or allowlist the relevant subnet or forwarded IP traffic.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Linux app protects the whole system. All users are covered, but multiple users cannot establish separate NordVPN connections simultaneously on the same Linux installation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.NordVPN app versus browser extension
The NordVPN desktop and mobile apps protect device traffic. A NordVPN browser extension protects browser traffic only; it does not replace the app for other programs on the device. NordVPN also advises against running the app and browser extension simultaneously because they can interfere with each other.
Threat Protection Pro is available on Windows and macOS, while Android, iOS, and Linux provide the standard Threat Protection feature. It is therefore incorrect to assume that every NordVPN feature or protection mode appears on every platform.
Official installation references
- NordVPN software downloads
- Supported operating systems
- Windows installation guide
- macOS installation guide
- Android setup guide
- iPhone and iPad installation guide
- Linux installation guide
FAQ
Do I need a NordVPN subscription before downloading the app?
Yes. An active NordVPN subscription is required to use the app. Download the installer from NordVPN’s official website or obtain the mobile app from the relevant official app store.
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Best Value
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Which operating systems does the current NordVPN app support?
The current targets are Windows 10 64-bit version 1607 or later and Windows 11, macOS 12 Monterey or later, Android 9 or later, iOS and iPadOS 16.0 or later, and selected Linux distributions. Older Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux versions may be legacy or require separate compatibility checks.
Why will NordVPN not install on Android?
Update Android first, then try the other official installation route: use the APK if Google Play fails, or Google Play if the APK fails. Antivirus software can also interfere. If necessary, uninstall NordVPN from Settings > Apps > NordVPN, restart the device, and reinstall it.
Can the NordVPN browser extension replace the NordVPN app?
No. The browser extension protects browser traffic only, while the app provides device-wide VPN protection. NordVPN advises against running both at the same time because they can interfere with each other.
The Bottom Line
Use the official NordVPN download page for Windows and macOS, an official app store or NordVPN’s APK for Android, the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and NordVPN’s shell installer for Linux. Check the operating-system version first, then log in and verify that the app reports a connected or secured status before relying on the VPN.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
