Using NordVPN with BitTorrent is as easy as switching on a lightbulb.
And once you’ve enabled NordVPN, you can download torrents without fear of the internet bad guys watching you.
In this guide, you’ll find two methods of using NordVPN with BitTorrent, one which is enabled with a couple of clicks, and another that details how to set up a proxy within BitTorrent.
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Get Going With NordVPN and BitTorrent - FAST
If you’re itching to set up NordVPN with BitTorrent, I’ve got your back.
The steps below will help you hit the ground running without the super-lengthy details.
- Fire up NordVPN and connect to a P2P server.
- Check that your torrent IP matches the IP address shown within the NordVPN connection window.
- Open a torrent file or magnet link in BitTorrent.
Thanks to NordVPN’s use of a Socks5 proxy and its Double VPN feature, you are now downloading torrents anonymously with BitTorrent.
If you need more guidance with the setup process, keep reading and I’ll reveal everything you need to know.
Steps to Set Up NordVPN With BitTorrent
If you’ve come this far, you might be seeking a more in-depth explanation to set up NordVPN with BitTorrent, and you’ve come to the right place!
Below is everything you need to get started with anonymous torrenting and downloading the best content available using NordVPN.
- Sign up for a NordVPN account.
- Download and install the BitTorrent client.
- Open BitTorrent and navigate to Options > Preferences.
- Select Connection from the left-hand panel and then, under the Proxy Server Type dropdown, choose Socks5.
- Head to NordVPN’s server address page, choose your country, and select P2P from the server type dropdown. This will provide the best server for your location and server type. Copy the address name.
- Back over in BitTorrent, paste the Server Address into the Proxy box.
- The Port should be set to 1080.
- Enable the following options:
- Authentication
- Use proxy for hostname lookups
- Use proxy for peer-to-peer connections
- Disable all local DNS lookups
- Disable features that leak identifying information
- Disable connections unsupported by the proxy
- Enter your NordVPN Username (typically your email address) and Password next to Authentication.
- Hit Apply and then OK.
- Head to IpMagnet and note the IP address shown on the page.
- Click the link shown below (but leave the page open).
- Select Open BitTorrent.
- A download will begin connecting to peers in BitTorrent.
- Head back to the IPMagnet page on your browser, hit Update, and your NordVPN IP address should be different from the one you saw previously.
BitTorrent is now enabling connections with the proxy settings you’ve set, with an IP address handled by NordVPN.
Slow NordVPN BitTorrent Connection? Here's What to Do
Nobody said that using NordVPN with BitTorrent would come without flaws, and a slow connection is probably one of the most frustrating you’ll experience.
Fortunately, there are a few things to try and look out for that can be slowing down your connection.
Are You Connected to NordVPN?
As basic as it sounds, not being connected to NordVPN while downloading torrents is not only dangerous but will impact your download speeds significantly.
If downloads are slow, check your IP address.
If the IP address is different from that displayed with NordVPN, there could be an issue with your settings.
Check Your Internet Connection Speed
If you are confident you are connected to NordVPN successfully but are experiencing slow download speeds, perform a speed test.
If you are getting low download speeds, there may be an issue with your broadband connection.
Use a Wired Connection
A wired (ethernet) connection is much more reliable than a wireless one.
If you struggle to get a decent download speed while torrenting, try plugging in a cable between your device and router to see if it improves.
Disconnect Inactive Devices
The more devices on your network, the more bandwidth that’s being used.
If you have multiple devices connected to your router, disconnect them to free up some bandwidth to check what happens.
Choose a Different Server
NordVPN has plenty of P2P servers to choose from, so if you are running low on options for improving your download speeds, it’s worth hopping onto a different server to see if it helps.
NordVPN and BitTorrent Not Working? Try These Steps
If NordVPN and BitTorrent are not working, you might see the “connecting to peers” status instead of “downloading”.
As a result, downloads may never complete, but there are several possible reasons for this.
Below are a few things to try to see if they resolve your download issues.
Check Your BitTorrent Connection Settings
If you are connected to BitTorrent using the proxy method, please check that all settings are correct.
Even something as minor as a typo in the server address field is enough to stop your connection.
Try a New Torrent or Magnet Link
Torrents are uploaded by unreliable sources meaning they are never 100% fool-proof.
If a torrent is not finding peers to download the files required for a complete torrent, try a different version of the torrent from an additional source to see if it identifies more peers.
Add a Firewall Exception
Windows Firewall often blocks connections it deems as malicious, and BitTorrent could get caught in the trap.
Add a firewall exception for BitTorrent to allow the application and its connections for use on Windows.
If all else fails, contact NordVPN support.
They are available 24/7 and may have a solution to the problem.
NordVPN Alternatives That Work Well With Bittorrent
NordVPN isn’t the only provider that works well with BitTorrent.
There are plenty of VPNs to choose from.
The providers below have been rigorously tested to ensure they provide great P2P support with stable connectivity.
Most importantly, they don’t reveal your online identity or torrenting activity.
ExpressVPN offers full support for P2P activities.
You can expect lightning-fast speeds across a vast number of server locations.
Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous device support gives the provider an edge.
It offers servers that work flawlessly with BitTorrent and uses 256-encryption to protect your privacy.
CyberGhost gives its customers optimized servers for every occasion, not just for P2P.
They operate a zero-log policy, so you know that your online activity is in safe hands.
FAQ
Does NordVPN Allow BitTorrent?
Yes, NordVPN allows BitTorrent in addition to most other torrent clients like uTorrent and Vuze that support the Socks5 proxy.
Although many VPN providers allow torrenting, NordVPN goes one step further by providing servers specifically optimized for P2P.
Using NordVPN’s P2P servers masks your P2P traffic, making it impossible for your ISP to know what you’re up to.
Is Torrenting Faster With NordVPN?
Yes, torrenting is faster using NordVPN.
Considering NordVPN’s servers are shared by millions of users, their specialized P2P servers deliver excellent speeds that would otherwise succumb to throttling over a direct connection.
Download speeds are further improved thanks to the use of a Socks5 proxy and the Nordlynx technology; NordVPN’s signature VPN tunneling protocol supported by Wireguard.
Wireguard outperforms traditional protocols like IPsec and OpenVPN, using state-of-the-art cryptography to deliver robust security and high-speed connectivity.
NordVPN subscribers immediately have access to 50 Socks5 proxy servers and 10 P2P servers optimized for torrenting.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Torrent?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to torrent, but I don’t recommend it.
Choosing a free VPN service versus a subscription provider sounds great (as you’re getting a VPN without paying anything for it), but it has a lot of drawbacks.
Free VPNs often include malicious code that can harm your device, but that’s only the beginning.
If you intend to use a free VPN for torrenting, you should know that your online activity is likely being logged, and your data may be sold to third parties for marketing purposes.
Additionally, encryption with free VPNs is typically unreliable, so if you’re downloading copyrighted material via torrenting your ISP and the copyright owner will likely find out.
Conclusion
NordVPN and BitTorrent go hand in hand, and getting started with anonymous torrenting is easier than ever.
Once you’re set up, you can expect an invisible shield around your internet connection, meaning your ISP and other internet snoopers won’t have a clue what you’re up to.
Several other providers support torrenting like ExpressVPN, but with such NordVPN’s competitive prices, you can’t afford to miss out on the vast savings available right now!
