NordVPN Chrome Extension: Setup, Issues & Solutions

Yes, you can use NordVPN on Chrome via its Chrome Extension – and setting it up is easy!

I’ve been testing and reviewing hundreds of VPNs for 6+ years.

During this time, NordVPN has remained one of my favorites, especially when it comes to online privacy.

But sometimes, you only need a VPN for your browser, and having it influence the other apps you’re using simultaneously is annoying.

This is where the NordVPN Chrome extension comes in.

Coming up next, I’ll walk you through how to set it up and use it, as well as troubleshoot some of the problems you might run into.

Let’s jump in!

Get NordVPN for Chrome

How to Setup NordVPN on Chrome in 10 Steps?

To set up the NordVPN Chrome extension, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open your Chrome browser and head to the NordVPN website.

Step 2: If you already have a NordVPN account, login at the top-right. Otherwise, sign up by purchasing a subscription plan. Check out our exclusive deal here!

Step 3: Once signed in, click on “Downloads” in your account dashboard.

Step 4: Scroll until you reach “Browser extensions” and click “Download” next to the Google Chrome extension.

Step 5: The NordVPN Chrome Extension page will load in the Chrome Web Store. Click the “Add to Chrome” button.

Step 6: When prompted, select the “Add extension” button.

Step 7: You’ll get a notification saying the NordVPN Chrome extension was added to your browser.

Step 8: Click on the extension in your Chrome menu bar and sign in to your account.

Step 9: If you don’t see the NordVPN icon, select the puzzle piece on the far right of your menu. Then select the pin icon, so it turns blue.

Step 10: After you log in, click “Secure my connection” or choose a specific country from the list to connect to a NordVPN server. Once connected, the icon will turn green.

Read Also: In-Depth NordVPN Review

NordVPN Chrome Extension Settings Explained

Once you have the NordVPN Chrome extension installed, there are additional settings you can change for better protection.

Keep reading to find out three of the most important ones!

Block WebRTC

WebRTC means Web Real-Time Communication. It lets your device and browser communicate in real-time through voice and video media.

In other words, it lets your browser use your computer or smartphone’s camera and microphone by default.

It might sound tempting – especially if you’re a streamer.

Unfortunately, WebRTC is also a huge online privacy risk. It has a vulnerability known as the WebRTC leak, which lets websites see your real IP address – even if you’re using one of the best VPNs.

No matter what device you’re using, the Chrome and Firefox browsers are vulnerable to WebRTC leaks. There’s a long, complicated way to block WebRTC in Firefox, but Chrome users rely on extensions.

The NordVPN Chrome extension blocks WebRTC by default, so this is a setting you don’t need to enable yourself. You’ll find the switch at the top of the extension’s settings (the gear icon).

Scam and Phishing Protection (Formerly CyberSec)

Older versions of the extension called this feature CyberSec (short for “Cybersecurity”); NordVPN now calls it Scam and phishing protection. It won’t replace all of your other cybersecurity measures, but it can help you minimize the number of extra tools and services you use. This feature acts as an ad-blocker. It will also block unsafe websites known for being scams or hosting malware. It works by filtering DNS, so it only protects you while you’re connected to a NordVPN server. Here’s how to turn it on:

1. Open your NordVPN Chrome extension and connect to a server.
2. Click the shield icon to turn on Scam and phishing protection.

If your extension still shows the older design pictured below:

1. Select the settings icon in your NordVPN Chrome Extension.

2. Click the icon next to “CyberSec” so it turns blue.

Exclude From VPN (Formerly Bypass List)

The NordVPN Chrome extension’s Exclude from VPN feature (older versions called it the Bypass List) lets you use split-tunneling right in your browser.

This way, you can use one browser tab to listen to music on YouTube that isn’t available in your country while logging in to your online bank account in another.

To utilize this feature, follow these steps:

1. Click the NordVPN extension icon.
2. Click “Exclude from VPN” among the buttons on the left side of the extension.
3. Type your bank’s domain into the box. Tick “Add all subdomains” if you also want to cover addresses like login.yourbank.com.

4. Click “Exclude” and reload the page.
5. Do this for any other websites you don’t want to visit through NordVPN’s secure connection.

There’s also a shortcut: right-click any page, choose NordVPN, and select “Disable VPN for this domain.”

In the older design pictured below:

1. Select the settings icon in your NordVPN Chrome Extension.

2. Next to “Bypass List,” click “Manage list of websites that bypass proxy.”

3. Select “Add Website” and copy your bank’s website URL into the empty box.

4. Select “Add.”

What if the NordVPN Extension Is Not Working On Chrome?

If you’re running into difficulties while using the NordVPN extension on Chrome, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with this quick troubleshooting guide!

General Steps (Try These if NordVPN Isn’t Connecting!)

If NordVPN isn’t connecting via the Chrome extension, the first thing you should do is try connecting through the NordVPN app instead.

If you can’t get a connection there, try these steps:

1. Check if you can still load websites or other apps using your regular connection. If not, try disconnecting from your WiFi network and then reconnecting. If you still can’t connect to the internet, restart your router or contact your ISP.
2. Try connecting to a different NordVPN server.
3. Ensure you’re logged in to your NordVPN account with the proper credentials and aren’t exceeding the maximum of 10 simultaneous connections.
4. Add NordVPN to your firewall’s exceptions list to make sure it isn’t blocking the connection.
5. Update your NordVPN app and make sure you have the latest Chrome extension version installed.
6. Reset your NordVPN settings to default.

Contact NordVPN’s support team if you still can’t connect via the app or Chrome extension after trying these steps.

Extension Keeps Asking for Password

This sign-in pop-up comes from Chrome itself, not from the NordVPN extension or your account.

It’s a browser bug, and NordVPN says it’s working with Chrome’s developers to fix it.

In the meantime, click “Cancel” to close the pop-up and carry on. Then check NordVPN’s What Is My IP page to confirm you’re still connected; if you’re not, wait up to 10 minutes and connect again.

NordVPN Chrome Extension Not Working After Update

NordVPN regularly tests its service so updates can be released as quickly as possible when a vulnerability or other issue is discovered. They rarely do a rush job, but developers are humans, after all.

If the extension isn’t working, try clearing your browsing data by clicking the three dots on the far right of your Chrome menu bar, selecting “Settings,” and navigating to “Privacy and security.”

You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the extension and/or the steps listed above under “General Steps.”

If none of these work, you’re likely stuck waiting for the update to be patched, as NordVPN doesn’t offer older versions of its extensions.

Remember to use the NordVPN app instead in the meantime!

NordVPN Chrome Not Finding Other Countries

If your NordVPN Chrome extension isn’t showing all of its server countries, log out, close Chrome, and try again.

If you’re still having difficulties, reset the extension to its default settings, or uninstall and reinstall it if the problem persists.

In rare cases, these steps might not work. If this is the case for you, contact NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat and ask them to investigate on their end.

FAQ

What Are the Differences Between NordVPN App and Chrome Extension?

The difference between the NordVPN app and the NordVPN Chrome extension is the app offers a full suite of VPN features, while the extension acts as a lightweight proxy version. While the app protects your whole device, the extension only protects your Chrome connection. This means any online activities outside of Chrome are still visible to your ISP and other spying entities.

Can You Use the NordVPN Extension in Incognito Mode?

Yes, you can use the NordVPN extension in Chrome’s Incognito Mode – in fact, the NordVPN extension fills the gaps left by Incognito Mode by hiding your real IP address and all of your online activities. However, if you receive an error while trying to do so, check the app permissions in your Chrome settings.

Does the NordVPN Chrome Extension Shield My Traffic From My Employer?

Yes, the NordVPN Chrome extension shields your traffic from your employer as long as you stay inside the browser at all times. However, the second you switch to a different browser or app, your activities are no longer encrypted or protected.

Should I Use NordVPN Chrome Extension While Using the App?

No. NordVPN advises against connecting through the app and the Chrome extension at the same time, because the double connection interferes with both and can slow your traffic down. Pick one: the app if you want your whole device protected, or the extension if you only need Chrome covered. If you really want both, NordVPN’s workaround is to exclude Chrome from the VPN with the Windows app’s split tunneling feature first.

Final Thoughts

If you want to protect your online privacy while browsing the internet, the NordVPN Chrome extension is a lightweight solution. It’s easy to install, and all you need to do is click once to connect.

Take advantage of our exclusive NordVPN discount deal to try it today!