Can I install NordVPN on Linux?
Yes, the service is a good fit for the OS.
Thanks to its native app for Linux, NordVPN is much easier to set up and use than most VPNs.
If you’re ready to install the service on your Linux distro and protect your privacy, then let’s dive in.
How to Set Up NordVPN on Linux?
While I recommend using the native app, there are multiple ways to set up NordVPN on Linux.
I’ll take you through the different methods, step by step:
1. Install NordVPN on Linux Using the Native App in 3 Easy Steps
NordVPN has been my go-to service for Linux since it introduced its native client.
While I still yearn for a GUI version, the CLI app still makes it straightforward to set up and access features like Cybersec, Auto-connect, and the kill switch.
It also allows you to easily switch between encryption protocols, allowing you to optimize your connection.
NordVPN offers .deb and .rpm packages for Debian-based and RHEL-based systems. Supported distros include:
- Ubuntu
- Elementary OS
- Linux Mint
- Fedora
- Kali
- CentOS
- QubesOS
- OpenSUSE
Below are the steps you should follow to set up the VPN client using the NordVPN repository.
Reminder: You’ll need an active NordVPN subscription. If you don’t have one yet, click here to sign up and get our exclusive discount.
Step 1: Download & Install the NordVPN Native Application
First, go to the NordVPN download page and get the correct package for your distro.
Alternatively, you can get the NordVPN repo setup package by opening a terminal and typing the command below:
sh <(wget -qO – https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)
When prompted, enter your root password and wait for the package installation to complete.
Note that installing the .deb package only adds the NordVPN repository to apt.
You’ll still need to install an executable.
First, update the package list by typing the command below:
sudo apt-get update (or sudo apt update)
Now install the NordVPN client software by entering the following command:
sudo apt-get install nordvpn (or sudo apt install nordvpn)
Once NordVPN is installed, you’ll see the following message:
“NordVPN for Linux successfully installed!”
Step 2: Log into Your NordVPN Account
Type nordvpn login and enter your NordVPN account details.
Step 3: Connect to a NordVPN Server
Lastly, type nordvpn connect, and you’re all set.
This is usually the fastest server in your location.
If you want to connect to a specific server, you’ll need to include the exact server hostname in your command:
nordvpn connect country_code server_number
For example, nordVPN connect us103
You’ve successfully connected to NordVPN. To disconnect, enter the command – nordvpn disconnect.
How to Use the NordVPN CLI Client on Linux?
The NordVPN native application comes with many of the NordVPN features, including:
- Double VPN
- Dedicated IPs
- P2P Optimized Servers
- Obfuscated Servers
You can access the different features and configuration options by typing the following commands:
| Configuration | Command |
|---|---|
| Connect to a Double VPN Server | nordvpn connect to double_vpn |
| Connect to a P2P Server | nordvpn connect P2P |
| Connect to a Dedicated IP Server | nordvpn connect Dedicated_IP |
| Enable Autoconnect | nordvpn set autoconnect on |
| Disable Autoconnect | nordvpn set autoconnect off |
| Enable/Disable Kill Switch | nordvpn set killswitch on/off |
| Enable/Disable Cybersec | nordvpn set cybersec on/off |
| Enable/Disable Obfuscated Servers | nordvpn set obfuscate on/off |
| Set Custom DNS | nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 |
| Choose Tunneling Technology | nordvpn set technology OpenVPN/NordLynx |
| Switch Between UDP and TCP | nordvpn set protocol udp/tcp |
| View Account Information | nordvpn account |
| View Current Settings | nordvpn settings |
| See the connection status | nordvpn status |
| View country list | nordvpn countries |
| Log out | nordvpn log out |
2. Set Up NordVPN on Linux Via Network Manager
Besides the NordVPN native application, you can set up the service on your Linux distro using the Network Manager.
Below is a quick walkthrough:
- Click here to download the OpenVPN configuration file package.
- Next, extract the files into a new folder.
- Click the network icon, then VPN Off, and select VPN Settings.
- On the next window, click the plus (+) icon next to VPN.
- A prompt will appear. Click “Import from file.”
- Go to the folder you extracted the .ovpn configuration files into and choose one of the files.
- When prompted, enter your NordVPN account details and click Add.
- Toggle on the VPN button to connect to NordVPN.
If your connection is successful, the VPN button will turn green. To disconnect, simply toggle off the button.
3. Connect to NordVPN Using Linux Terminal
If you’re having issues with the native app or just fancy a manual configuration, follow the steps below to set up the service via the Linux Terminal using OpenVPN:
- Open the Terminal window by pressing [ctrl+alt+T].
- Disable IPv6 and type the following command to install the OpenVPN client:
sudo apt-get install openvpn
- Open the OpenVPN configuration directory by typing:
cd /etc/openvpn
- Type in the command below to download the OpenVPN configuration files:
sudo wget https://downloads.nordcdn.com/configs/archives/servers/ovpn.zip
Note: If you get ERROR: The certificate of `nordvpn.com’ is not trusted. enter the following command:
sudo apt-get install ca-certificates
- To extract the .ovpn files from the ovpn.zip you downloaded earlier, enter the command:
sudo unzip ovpn.zip
Note: If you don’t have the unzip package installed, you can download and install it using the command:
sudo apt-get install unzip
- Navigate to the server configuration files you just extracted. The folders are labeled ovpn_udp and ovpn_tcp:
cd /etc/openvpn/ovpn_udp/
cd /etc/openvpn/ovpn_tcp/
- To view the list of servers, type the command:
- Choose a server to connect to.
- Run OpenVPN by entering the following commands:
sudo openvpn [file name]
sudo openvpn us9348.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn
sudo openvpn /etc/openvpn/ovpn_udp/us9348.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn
- When prompted, enter your NordVPN username and password.
Why You Should Use NordVPN With Linux
NordVPN gives you an extra layer of protection thanks to its advanced security features.
You get military-grade encryption, allowing you to hide your browsing behavior from your ISP.
In addition, the VPN has an automatic kill switch to keep you safe in case your vpn connection drops.
Another reason why I like NordVPN is its no-logs privacy policy.
The provider does not collect your activity data nor keep traceable information like your IP address.
However, if you connect to a NordVPN dedicated IP server, your online activities can still be traced back to you.
That’s because NordVPN’s dedicated IPs are tied to your account.
Suppose you’re concerned about anonymity, and at the same time, you need a dedicated IP.
In that case, I recommend opting for a VPN like CyberGhost that uses a token-based system to assign a dedicated IP.
This ensures there is no link between your dedicated IP and your account, giving you the same level of privacy as a shared IP.
So far, I’ve been pleased with NordVPN’s speed.
My recommended server scored 44.72 Mbps — a tiny drop from my original 49.81 Mbps.
This is fast enough for torrenting and even streaming in HD.
NordVPN has a native app for Linux.
It may not be as user-friendly as the GUI clients offered by TorGuard and PIA, but it makes using the VPN easier once you master the key commands.
And to top it all off, NordVPN has 24/7 customer support.
If you run into any problem, you can quickly reach out via live chat and get help in a matter of minutes.
Why Is My NordVPN Not Working on Linux?
First, you need to identify the exact problem.
Here are some common issues and their solutions:
NordVPN Unable to Log In on Linux
The good news is that this issue is easy to solve. If you’re stuck here, use the following command:
nordvpn login –legacy
It will allow you to avoid the browser. But, it won’t work if you use 2 Factor Authentication (2FA).
If you’re still having trouble, try setting your protocol to TCP after installation.
NordVPN Not Connecting on Linux:
There are many reasons you can have difficulty connecting to NordVPN.
These include:
1. VPN Server Issue
Your VPN server could be offline.
To rule this out, switch to a different server or use the “nordvpn connect” command to connect to the best available server.
If you’re trying to connect to a specific location to bypass geo-blocks, opt for a fixed region rather than a fixed server.
I’ve been using the following configuration, and so far, I haven’t had any connection problems:
nordvpn connect The_Americas
nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
nordvpn set protocol udp
nordvpn set killswitch on
2. Linux App Configuration
If you’re using the NordVPN app, try updating or reinstalling the app:
- Update the app
Open the terminal and enter the following commands:
sudo apt update (or sudo apt-get update)
sudo apt upgrade (or sudo apt-get upgrade)
- First, type the command below to remove the app: sudo apt –purge autoremove nordvpn* (or sudo apt-get –purge autoremove nordvpn*)
Best NordVPN Alternatives for Linux
NordVPN is an excellent VPN service.
But what if you’re not entirely satisfied with NordVPN?
What if the CLI client is too much of a hassle for you?
Below are 3 alternatives to NordVPN that you may want to check out.
1. Private Internet Access (PIA)
NordVPN is an excellent VPN service.
But what if you’re not entirely satisfied with NordVPN?
What if the CLI client is too much of a hassle for you? Below are 3 alternatives to NordVPN that you may want to check out.
2. TorGuard
TorGuard is another top VPN for Linux that provides a visual interface for Linux users.
The app is user-friendly and makes it easy to connect, switch servers, and configure your VPN connection.
TorGuard offers SSL Stealth VPN and OpenVPN obfuscation, allowing you to bypass strict VPN blockades.
It’s fast and works with all primary streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
3. Mullvad
Mullvad is an excellent alternative to NordVPN if you’re looking for a Linux VPN that supports anonymous payments.
Mullvad generates a random, untraceable account number for each subscription.
You don’t need to provide any information when signing up for Mullvad.
Yes seriously.
No email address, no password.
It doesn’t get any more private than that!
On top of that, Mullvad has a GUI app for Linux distros with systemd such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora.
FAQ
Is NordVPN Compatible With Linux?
Yes, NordVPN is compatible with Linux and comes with a native client.
The app is easy to set up and gives easy access to features such as Autoconnect, kill switch, and CyberSec.
Can I Get a NordVPN Dedicated IP on My Linux Device?
Yes, NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses.
To connect to a dedicated IP server, enter the command below:
nordvpn connect Dedicated_IP
How Do I Run NordVPN on Ubuntu?
There are three main ways you can run NordVPN on Ubuntu.
The first and the recommended option is to use the NordVPN native application.
You can also set up the VPN via Linux Terminal or Network Manager.
What Linux Distros Does NordVPN Support?
NordVPN supports all Linux distros except for Arch, TempleOS, and TailOS.
Conclusion
I hope this tutorial helped you learn how to set up NordVPN on Linux.
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