How to Use NordVPN With xCloud? (2024)

The easiest way to use NordVPN with Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) is by connecting to a NordVPN server in an xCloud-supported region before launching the service.

I used several NordVPN-Xbox Cloud Gaming compatible servers to unblock platform exclusives (Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5) on my phone in the UAE, where the service isn’t available.

Let me show you how to enjoy an exciting Xbox Cloud Gaming experience with NordVPN on your smartphone, PC, smart TV, and other supported devices.

How to Use NordVPN for Xbox Cloud Gaming on PC/Mobile?

Unblock the Xbox Game Pass and enjoy buffer-free, geo-restricted xCloud games on your PC or smartphone with NordVPN.

I’ll use a Windows PC for this guide, but the setup is similar across all PCs and smartphones:

Purchase a NordVPN subscription (enjoy savings).

Download the NordVPN app for your PC or smartphone. I’ll get the Windows PC app for this demo.

Install the NordVPN app. This step is only necessary on PCs.
Log in to the NordVPN Windows app with your credentials.

Activate the NordVPN Kill Switch to prevent DDoS attacks on vulnerable Xbox Cloud games like Fortnite if the VPN connection drops. Go through Settings > Kill Switch and toggle Internet Kill Switch ON.

Choose the NordLynx protocol for reliable unblocking and fast speeds on Xbox Cloud Games. Go through Settings > Connection > VPN Protocol and choose NordLynx.

Click the Globe Icon, then search for a server that supports Xbox cloud gaming. I recommend the US, UK, Portugal, Spain, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Norway, or South Korea.

I connected to Spain for this guide.

Visit Microsoft to create your account. Skip to the next step if you already have a Microsoft account.

Go to xbox.com and log in with your Microsoft account details.

Click Game Pass > Game Pass Ultimate.

Click “JOIN NOW.”

Choose a plan, click “JOIN NOW,” and complete the payment steps.

Note: Ensure your payment details relate to your chosen server location if you’re connected to a NordVPN server while making this purchase. Otherwise, if Xbox Game Pass is available in your region, disconnect from NordVPN to use your region’s payment details (bank information, address).

Log into xbox.com using your Microsoft credentials. Reconnect to the VPN if you disconnected it in the previous step.

Note: Clear browser cache, go incognito, or refresh the page before signing into the Xbox site to access all the available games on the platform.

Connect your Xbox controller to the Windows PC via Bluetooth (wireless) or USB cable (wired). You can follow the video guide below.

Enjoy hundreds of Xbox Cloud Games on all your compatible devices, even in unsupported regions. I played Grounded via xCloud on my PC in Kenya, where the service isn’t available, with zero issues.

Note: You can enjoy free-to-play Xbox Cloud gaming titles like Dauntless and Crossout without upgrading to Xbox Ultimate Game Pass.

How to Reduce Ping When Unblocking xCloud With NordVPN?

I tested to see if disconnecting from NordVPN while playing games on xCloud would lower my ping and improve my overall gaming experience. To do this, I checked for speed drops on the bandwidth-heavy Destiny 2 title while connected to a 100 Mbps network.

I recorded a 40% speed drop while connected to the NordVPN US-Kansas server.

And only a 10% speed drop while disconnected from the VPN.

I also discovered that disconnecting from the VPN after unblocking the game didn’t make me lose access to the title I was on. So, you can disconnect from the NordVPN server to improve your gaming performance AFTER unblocking xCloud.

Note: While disconnecting from NordVPN improved my gaming speeds on the platform, it left me more vulnerable to IP leaks and DDoS attacks.

How to Use NordVPN With Xbox Cloud Gaming on Smart TV/Xbox?

You can set up NordVPN on smart TVs/Xbox units using the virtual router, smartDNS, and home router methods. These workarounds are essential since these devices don’t have a native NordVPN (or any other VPN) app.

Follow these steps for the virtual router setup:

Get a NordVPN account. Grab these exclusive NordVPN deals for massive savings.
Download the NordVPN Windows app and log in with your credentials.
Connect to a NordVPN server location that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming. I connected to the NordVPN Canada server for this guide, but you can connect to the US, UK, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, or several other regions.

Configure your Windows PC into a VPN hotspot. Adapt the steps in the video below to work with NordVPN.

Connect your smart TV or Xbox to the encrypted NordVPN WiFi hotspot connection you created in step 3 above via WiFi or ethernet.
Follow steps 9-13 in the PC/smartphone guide above. Those steps are best completed on your PC if you don’t already have a Microsoft account or Game Pass to use with xCloud.
Launch the Xbox app on your smart TV or Xbox. You can only download the app to Samsung Smart TVs (2020 and newer).
Connect the Xbox game controllers to your smart TV or console. Follow the steps below to connect your Xbox controller to a Samsung TV.

Unblock Xbox games from anywhere without geo-restrictions, ISP throttling, or disconnection issues.

Alternatively, set up NordVPN to work with your smart TVs/consoles using the following methods:

Set up NordVPN on Samsung TV for xCloud.
Set up NordVPN on Xbox for xCloud.

Does NordVPN Work With Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck?

You can use NordVPN to access Xbox Cloud Gaming on Steam Deck, even in unsupported regions. Here’s how:

Got your NordVPN account? Grab these one-time deals, otherwise.
Install the “TunnelDeck” plug-in. You can follow the video guide below to learn how to install plugins.

Visit the NordVPN desktop site.
Click “Show advanced options.”

Configure the VPN server you want to use.

Select country – closest NordVPN server that supports Xbox cloud gaming. I chose the UK for this guide.
Select server type – “Standard VPN” or “P2P.”
Select security protocol – OpenVPN TCP (secure) or UDP (faster).

Click “Download config” and save the file.
Configure the NordVPN OpenVPN config file for your Steam Deck. Adapt the steps in the video below, starting from the 1:30 mark.

Switch to gaming mode on your Steam Deck.
Click the TunnelDeck plug-in you downloaded in step 2.
Toggle the NordVPN connection ON and reconnect your WiFi connection.
Optional: Follow Steps 9-13 from the PC/smartphone setup guide above if you don’t have a Microsoft account or Xbox Game Pass yet.
Set up xCloud gaming on your Steam Deck. The video guide below shows you the exact steps to follow.

You’re done! Enjoy Xbox Cloud titles on Steam Deck from anywhere.

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FAQs

Can NordVPN Unblock Xbox Cloud Gaming on iPhone 14?

NordVPN can’t directly unblock Xbox Cloud Gaming on an iPhone 14 since the xCloud service isn’t officially available on the iOS Xbox Game Pass app.

To unblock xCloud on your iPhone, access the Xbox website via a browser like Google Chrome or Safari after connecting to a compatible NordVPN server.

Enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming With NordVPN

It’s possible to enjoy Xbox Cloud game titles from anywhere and on any device, as this comprehensive guide has demonstrated.

You can now get guaranteed unblocking and military-grade security on Xbox Cloud battle royale, strategy, RPG, and simulation games via multiple devices.

So, grab these NordVPN discounts to get your first account and start playing games like Battlefield 4 and Airborne Kingdom worldwide!