Setting Up NordVPN: Step-by-Step Guide for All Devices

“How do I set up NordVPN on my smartphone?” It is a question we all ask ourselves. In this digital era where our phones are practically glued to our hands keeping them secure is a top priority. We have been using NordVPN for years now and let us tell you, it has been a game-changer for us.

Now whether you are tech-savvy or more of a “which button do I press?” kind of person, we have got you covered. We are about to walk you through setting up NordVPN on all your devices. And hey, don’t worry if you have never used a VPN before. By the time we are done, you will be protecting your online privacy like a pro. Let us dive in and make the internet a safer place, one device at a time.

Setting Up NordVPN On Devices

Setting up NordVPN on your devices is a pretty straightforward process that makes sure that your online doings remain private and secure all the time. Whether you are using a computer, smartphone or even a router, this amazing virtual private network service offers dedicated apps and detailed guides to make the installation quick and hassle-free for you.

By just following a few simple steps, you can protect your internet connection and access content from around the world with ease. We will discuss everything from every device to the console. You will know how to set up and what steps you should follow. 

How Do I Set Up NordVPN on My Smartphone?

Setting up NordVPN on your smartphone can be done either manually or through the official app, whether you are using an Android device or an iPhone. Here is how you can do it:

How to Set up NordVPN on Android?

Through the NordVPN App

• Go to the Google Play Store app and search for “NordVPN.”
• Download and install the application.
• Open the app and log in with your account. 
• Select a server to connect to it.

Manually (OpenVPN Configuration)

• Download the OpenVPN Connect app from the Google Play Store.
• Visit the NordVPN website and log in. 
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files for your preferred servers.
• Open the OpenVPN Connect app and import the configuration files.
• Enter your NordVPN credentials, and then connect to the server.

How to Set Up NordVPN on iPhone?

Through the NordVPN App

• Go to the Apple App Store and search for “NordVPN.”
• Download and install the app.
• Open the app and log in with your account. 
• Choose a server to connect to it.

Manually (IKEv2 Configuration)

• Go to the website and log in. 
• Download the IKEv2 certificate.
• On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > VPN > Add VPN Configuration.
• Select IKEv2 and enter the server details, remote ID and your NordVPN credentials.
• Save the configuration then switch on the VPN connection.

P.S. These steps will make sure that your smartphone is securely connected to your preferred virtual private network. Now, whether you like the ease of the app or the NordVPN manual setup control of a custom configuration, you can connect to it.

How To Set Up NordVPN on Desktop Devices?

Setting up NordVPN on desktop devices, including Windows, macOS and Linux can be done through the app or manually. Below are the detailed steps for each OS:

Setting Up NordVPN on Windows

Through the NordVPN App

• Visit the website and download the app for Windows.
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Open the NordVPN app and log in with your account.
• Select a server from the map or list. 
• Click the “Quick Connect” button to create a connection.

NordVPN Manual Setup (Using OpenVPN)

• Download and install the OpenVPN GUI from the official site.
• Visit the NordVPN website and log in. 
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files for your desired servers.
• Copy the downloaded configuration files to the OpenVPN config folder which is usually “C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config”.
• Open the OpenVPN GUI as an administrator and right-click the system tray icon. 
• Select the server you want to connect to.
• Enter your credentials when prompted.

Setting Up NordVPN on macOS

 Through the NordVPN App

• Go to the website and download the macOS app.
• Open the downloaded “.dmg” file and drag the NordVPN icon to the Applications folder.
• Open the app from your Applications folder.
• Log in with your account and select a server. 
• Click “Quick Connect” to start the VPN connection.

Manually (Using IKEv2)

• Visit the NordVPN website and log in. 
• Download the IKEv2 certificate.
• Double-click the downloaded certificate to add it to your keychain.
• Go to System Preferences > Network > Add (+) > Interface: VPN.
• Choose a VPN Type like IKEv2 and fill in the server address, remote ID, and your credentials.
• Click “Connect” to create the VPN connection.

Setting Up NordVPN on Linux

Through the NordVPN App (CLI-based)

• Install the NordVPN App
• Open the terminal and run the following commands: “sudo apt-get update,” “sudo apt-get install nordvpn” 
• Log in using “nordvpn login” and enter your credentials.
• Connect to a server with “nordvpn connect” or specify a location like “nordvpn connect us.”

NordVPN Manual Setup (Using OpenVPN)

• Open the terminal and run: “sudo apt-get install openvpn” 
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files from the website.
• Go to the directory which has the configuration files, then connect using: “sudo openvpn –config <server-name>.ovpn”
• When done, then enter your credentials to create the connection.

P.S. These are the detailed steps that should assist you in setting up NordVPN on your desktop devices, no matter what operating system it is. However, we suggest using the official app for the easiest operation or manual setup to have more control.

How To Install NordVPN On a Router?

A lot of people find that setting up NordVPN on their router is a convenient way to keep connected anyway, securing every device within your network with just one VPN connection. The exact procedure will vary depending on your router’s firmware, but the overall process is available below for routers with OpenVPN or alternative free firmwares such as DD-WRT, TomatoUSB and AsusWRT.

Prerequisites

• A NordVPN subscription. Moreover, you can get extra discounts and support if you buy a NordVPN subscription through vpn.com.
• A router that supports VPN connections, specifically OpenVPN.
• Access to your router’s admin panel.
• The OpenVPN configuration files from NordVPN.

General Steps to Install NordVPN on a Router

There are following steps for installing NordVPN on a router which are as follows:

Access Your Router’s Admin Panel

• Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar which is something like 192.168.1.1.
• Log in using your router’s admin credentials. Use the default username and password that is often printed on the router or in its manual.

Download NordVPN OpenVPN Configuration Files

• Go to the website and log in to your account. 
• Then go to the Downloads section.
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files for the server you want to use. 
• These files have a .ovpn extension.

How to Set up NordVPN on Router?

Setting up NordVPN on different routers are as follows:

DD-WRT Router

In the router’s admin panel, go to “Services” and then “VPN.” From there you should enable “Start OpenVPN Client.” After that enter the following information:

• Server IP/Name: The server address is found in the .ovpn file.
• Port: The port number (usually 1194).
• Tunnel Device: Set to TUN.
• Tunnel Protocol: Set to UDP (or TCP if preferred). If you are confused about which one is best to choose, you can check out this helpful guide on the differences between TCP and UDP protocols.
• Encryption Cipher: AES-256-CBC.
• Hash Algorithm: SHA-512.

Under “Additional Config”, copy the content of the .ovpn file and upload the CA certificate, client certificate and the client key if it is required. Then apply the settings and reboot the router.

Tomato Router

In the admin panel, go to the “VPN Tunneling” and after that “OpenVPN Client”. Under the “Basic” tab, enter the following:

• Server Address/Port: As per the “.ovpn” file.
• Protocol: Set to UDP or TCP.
• Firewall: Set to Automatic.

Now under the “Advanced” tab, enable the “Custom Configuration box”. Then copy and paste the content of the “.ovpn” file into this box and upload the necessary certificates and keys. Then just save the settings and start the VPN.

AsusWRT Router

Go to the “Advanced Settings” then select “VPN”. After that select the “VPN Client” tab and click “Add Profile”. Then choose that “OpenVPN” and fill in the details:

• Description: Name the profile.
• Username/Password: Your NordVPN credentials.

Now just upload the “.ovpn” configuration file and click on “OK” to save the profile, then just click “Activate” to connect.

Verify the VPN Connection

• After setting up the VPN, check if the connection is working by visiting NordVPN’s IP address checker or any other similar site to make sure that your IP address is the same as the VPN server’s location.
• You can also verify that all your devices connected to the router are using the VPN by checking their IP addresses too.

By following these steps, your router will be secured with NordVPN. It will also make sure that all of your devices on your network are protected without you needing to install the VPN on each one separately.

How To Set Up a NordVPN on Smart TVs?

It is a bit difficult to configure it on Smart TVs since most smart TVs do not support VPN apps as Native Software. But there are a few methods that you can follow to secure your Smart TV with this VPN provider. The following are detailed instructions for each method.

Method 1: Setting Up NordVPN on a Router

This way, all of your devices that are connected to wifi, including Smart TV, will get protection with NordVPN.

How to Set Up NordVPN on Router?

• Go through the steps as detailed in the previous “How to set up NordVPN on router?”
• Once you have set up the VPN connection on your router, all of your devices that are connected to Wi-Fi, including Smart TV and others will pick it up by default.

Connect Your Smart TV to the Router

• Go to your Smart TV’s Network Settings.
• Connect the TV to the Wi-Fi network which is provided by your router.
• Your Smart TV is now protected by NordVPN.

Method 2: Using a Smart DNS Service

The VPN service also comes with its own SmartDNS offering that can be configured on your smart TV. This only makes certain that you bypass geographic restrictions and do not encrypt your connection like a full VPN. However, you can learn more about this feature by visiting this helpful NordVPN SmartPlay guide.

Enable SmartDNS

• Visit the website and log into your account.
• From the Dashboard, look for SmartDNS.
• After that, you need to click on the SmartDNS and write down the given DNS addresses.

Configure SmartDNS on Your Smart TV

• Go to the Network settings of your Smart TV and select Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on the type of connection you have).
• Locate DNS Settings then change it from Automatic to Manual.
• Enter the SmartDNS addresses from NordVPN.
• Click on save and restart your Smart TV.

Test the Connection

• Test it out by opening a streaming app like Netflix or Hulu to see if you can access the content that is restricted in your region. Check out this detailed guide on using NordVPN for Netflix.

Method 3: Sharing a VPN Connection from a Desktop

You can share a VPN-protected connection from your Windows or macOS computer to your Smart TV.

Set Up NordVPN On Windows

• Get the free app on your Windows PC.
• Connect to a NordVPN server.

Share the VPN Connection

• Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot
• Enable Share my Internet connection with other devices
• In Share My Internet connection, select your VPN connection.
• In the left column, click Change adapter settings in Network and Sharing Center.
• Right-click the “NordVPN TAP” adapter and click Properties.
• Then click the Sharing tab and check to Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
• Select your hotspot connection and press OK.

Connect Your Smart TV

• Get your Smart TV connected to the WiFi network that Windows PC created.

Set Up NordVPN On macOS

• Download the NordVPN Mac Application.
• Connect to a NordVPN server.

Share the VPN Connection

• Go to “System Preferences,” then go to “Sharing”.
• Click the box next to Internet Sharing.
• Choose NordVPN from the list.
• Select Wi-Fi under “To computers using.”
• Click Wi-Fi Options and enter the network name.
• Turn on Internet Sharing.

Connect Your Smart TV

• Now Connect Your Smart TV with the Wi-Fi network generated by your Mac.

Method 4: Using an Amazon Fire TV Stick

NordVPN on Smart TV with Amazon Fire Stick. If your smart TV doesn’t support VPN apps but you own an Amazon Firestick. It is possible to install it directly onto the Firestick.

Install NordVPN on Fire TV Stick

• Go to your Fire TV Stick, go into Settings > My Fire TV, and click on Developer options on the list.
• Turn Apps from Unknown Sources On.
• Head over to the Amazon App Store, type in “NordVPN,” and download it.
• Launch the app, log in and connect to a server.

Use the Fire TV Stick

After that, your Fire TV Stick will be allowed to stream what you want and under the protection of NordVPN.

Method 5: Using a Pre-Flashed VPN Router

Setting up a VPN on your current router is fairly complicated, so you are much better off simply purchasing a pre-flashed NordVPN installation for the same experience.

Purchase a pre-flashed Router

• Purchase pre-flashed routers via a retailer like FlashRouters or directly from NordVPN partners.

Set Up the Router

• Now you must simply install the router by clicking next until finished.
• Make this router connect to the Smart TV.

By using one of these methods, you can easily get this virtual private network service ready on your Smart TV. The same goes for installing NordVPN on your router, using SmartDNS, sharing a VPN connection from your computer, or even using Fire TV Stick.

With any option listed above, you will have the ability to protect not only yourself but also be able to bypass geographical restrictions and unlock access to content that pertains more towards what appeals best and most securely.

Setting Up NordVPN With A NAS

It can shield all your network-attached storage (NAS) devices, protecting you against cyberattacks and intruders by encrypting the data. If you are curious about how VPNs can protect you against data threats, you should check out our guide.

Setting up is different for every NAS model that uses an operating system like Synology or QNAP. Below are detailed instructions for setting up NordVPN on both Synology and QNAP NAS devices.

Prerequisites

• A NordVPN subscription.
• Access to the admin interface of your Synology or QNAP NAS device.
• NordVPN OpenVPN Configuration Files.

Setting Up NordVPN on a Synology NAS

Here are the following ways to set up NordVPN on Synology NAS:

Download the OpenVPN Configuration Files

• Go to the NordVPN website and log into your account.
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files for your desired server in the Downloads section. These files have a “.ovpn” extension.

Access the Synology NAS Control Panel

• Copy the IP address of your Synology NAS and use it to log in via a web browser.
• Go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.

Create a New VPN Profile

• Click “CREATE” and then click on “Create VPN Profile”.
• Select OpenVPN by importing the .ovpn file and click “Next.”

Configure the VPN Connection

• Profile name: Name your VPN connection.
• Username & Password: Type in your NordVPN service username and password (not your account credentials).
• Import the .ovpn file: Click Browse, locate the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier and then click “Open”. 

Advanced Settings

• Below that is the “Use default gateway on remote network” checked box.
• Set the Reconnection interval to your preferred interval. 
• You can also add extra CA certificates here if the server demands them.

Connect to the VPN

• After creating the configuration, you can view your new VPN profile by clicking on the “Network Interface address” list.
• Select it and click “Connect”.
• Now your Synology NAS is connected to it.

Verify the VPN Connection

• You can check your NAS IP to confirm a connection with any banned tracker site using an external service like “NordVPN IP Checker.”
• Also, just give a test if the connection drops and automatically reconnects according to your reconnection settings.

Setting Up NordVPN on a QNAP NAS

Here are the following ways to set up NordVPN on QNAP NAS:

Download the OpenVPN Configuration Files

• As with Synology, log in to your account on the NordVPN website.
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files (.ovpn) for your chosen servers.

Access the QNAP NAS Control Panel

• Open a web browser and go to log in to your QNAP NAS using the IP.
• Go to the Control Panel > Applications > VPN Client.

Set Up the VPN Connection

• Click on “Add” then on “OpenVPN”.
• Profile Name: Type a name for your new VPN connection.
• Server Address: Enter your server address in the .ovpn file.
• Port: 1194 or (443 mostly) depends on .ovpn file.
• Username and Password: Enter your NordVPN service credentials.
• Encryption: Leave the setting to Default unless specified by .ovpn file.

Import the .ovpn Configuration File

• Click on the Import .ovpn file and choose your configuration format.
• After adding, press Apply to save the profile.

Connect to the VPN

• In the VPN Client find your profile, click on it and then “Connect”.
• It will be “Connected” once it is successfully connected.

Verify the VPN Connection

• You can now type in the IP address to see if your NAS is using a VPN connection or not.
• You might also want to check file access speed and other network services just in case the VPN gets on its way with your NAS operations.

Optional: Set Up Auto-Connect

On a Synology or QNAP NAS device, you can set the VPN to automatically start when the system boots up or reconnect if it suddenly disconnects. This is an important setting to guarantee ongoing protection without any other manual entries.

Considerations

• Performance Impact: You should see a slight decrease in network speed as you will have to route all traffic from your NAS through your VPN server location and with overhead encryption.
• Geo-Restrictions: If you use your NAS for media streaming, be sure to select a VPN server in a geo-region that permits the content from where it serves.
• Reconnect on Failure: Where possible, enable the auto-reconnect setting so that even in the event of disconnection, your NAS will remain connected in VPN mode.

Thus you have set up NordVPN on your Synology or QNAP NAS easily and all data passed to or from your NAS platform is encrypted using high-security level servers provided by it. 

How Do You Use NordVPN on Xbox and PlayStation?

It cannot provide support for its apps on platforms like Xbox and PlayStation as they do not even have built-in functionality to run them. But we will show you how to set up NordVPN on Xbox or Playstation in different ways.

Method 1: Setting Up NordVPN on Router

To make it easier to secure your games console, the simplest method is to connect up an Ethernet cable and use a VPN on your router. This includes everything connected to your Wi-Fi, so it can also be applied to whatever you are playing through the internet on your Xbox/PlayStation.

Set Up NordVPN on Your Router

• Check back to the detailed sections earlier in this guide on “how to set up NordVPN on router.”
• If you set it up on your router, then everything connected to that network, including gaming consoles and all of the smart devices, will effectively use a VPN.

Connect Your Console to the Router

• Go to Settings > Network settings on your Xbox or PlayStation.
• Connect your console to a Wi-Fi network that Is connected to the NordVPN router.
• This means your gaming console now gets to use NordVPN encrypted connection and for that matter keep your data safe or even help pass geo-restrictions.

Method 2: Sharing a VPN Connection from a Windows PC

If you are not keen on setting up a VPN on your router, then sharing a VPN-protected connection from your Windows PC is an alternative.

Set Up NordVPN on Your Windows PC

• Get NordVPN on Windows.
• Get connected with the NordVPN tool on any server.

Share the VPN Connection

• On your PC, go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” and click on “Mobile hotspot.”
• Enable “Share my Internet connection with other devices.”
• Choose the NordVPN TAP adapter you have as a Westing point of internet connection in the Sharing section.
• Select the “Network and Sharing Center,” then go to “Change adapter settings”.
• To find the connection, either right-click and choose “Properties” or click it once, then go to the top menu.
• Click “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
• Select the hotspot that you have just created and click “Ok.”

Connect Your Console to the Shared Connection

• From your Xbox or PlayStation, go to Settings then Network.
• Join the Wi-Fi hotspot with your Windows PC.
• Now your console will go through the NordVPN connection shared from the PC.

Method 3: Using a Smart DNS

The SmartDNS feature of NordVPN can also skip geo-restrictions on content, making it suitable for downloading games and streaming from consoles although not a full VPN service with encryption capabilities.

Setup SmartDNS on NordVPN

• Go to the website and log into your account.
• Head back to the Dashboard and Enable SmartDNS.
• Make a note of the DNS server addresses.

Configure SmartDNS on Xbox

• Now, onto your Xbox and go to Settings > Network > Advanced settings> DNS settings.
• Select “Manual” and give NordVPN DNS addresses.
• Press save and exit your settings, then restart the console.

Configure SmartDNS on PlayStation

• Visit Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection on your PlayStation.
• Select Wi-fi or LAN, then Custom.
• In DNS Settings select Manual and type the Smart DNS addresses from NordVPN.
• Finish the setup and reboot your console.

Method 4: Using a VPN-Enabled Virtual Router on Mac

Just as you can set up a virtual router, if it is a Mac, move on to share an Internet connection via NordVPN with your gaming console using the MacOS built-in feature.

Setting Up NordVPN on Your Mac

• Download the NordVPN App for Mac.
• Open the application and connect to a server.

Share the VPN Connection

• Open the “System Preferences” and then “Sharing” on your Mac.
• Select “Internet Sharing”.
• Pick up Wi-Fi from Share your connection from dropdown and choose Wi-Fi.
• Check Ethernet or Wi-Fi if you are using a wireless connection.
• To use the shared connection click on “Start”.

Connect Your Console

• Join your Xbox or PlayStation in the community shared with your Mac.
• It will make your Mac host with a VPN tunnel and then pass that traffic forward from or to the console. 

Benefits of Using NordVPN on Gaming Consoles

• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Access games and content that is not available in your region.
• Reduce Ping and Latency: Connect with servers near your game’s server to possibly reduce ping time.
• Protect Against DDoS Attacks: When gaming, make sure to connect your setup to a VPN server so you can avoid any targeted DDoS attacks on all devices.
• Stream Geo-Locked Content: Stream apps on the console, such as Netflix and Hulu, and view libraries outside of your current country.

When you are bored with using the same private network for games and social media, then look no further but get your hands on any of these methods to set it on Xbox or Playstation with security features so you can enjoy regular gaming.

Be it through the router setup, SmartDNS configuration or sharing VPN connection on PC and Mac it offers means to stay safe in terms of privacy while giving you access to worldwide content even when gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Setting up NordVPN isn’t just about following steps. It is about taking control of your online privacy and security. It is about browsing the internet on your terms, whether you are checking your bank account on public Wi-Fi or streaming your favorite shows from abroad.

The digital world can be a wild place, but with this VPN service, you have a trusty shield at your side. And now that you know how to set it up on all your devices, you are ready to take on the internet with confidence.

The next time you pick up your phone, fire up your laptop or settle in for a gaming session, take a moment to appreciate the invisible shield of privacy that is around you. After all, in this connected world, a little protection goes a long way. Stay safe out there and happy browsing.