In this article, we will see how to install NordVPN on any device. Installation on PCs, Macs, and smartphones is fairly easy, but things are less straightforward when it comes to some Smart TVs, video game consoles, and any other devices that don’t support VPNs. .
NordVPN is the most used VPN in France according to a recent survey by ARCOM. The service has over 6,000 servers in 111 different countries, making it one of the most flexible VPNs. Installing NordVPN is very easy on PC or Mac. Simply download the installation package from the publisher’s site. On smartphone, NordVPN is available on the Play Store and App Store.
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Note that during the process you will be required to create a Nord Account (https://www.nordaccount.com/signup) if you don’t have one. You will need it to log in once the app is installed.
Also don’t forget to take out a subscription. NordVPN does not offer a free plan, although it is possible to benefit from a “satisfied or refunded” guarantee within 30 days after subscription.
Install NordVPN on Windows, macOS and Linux
The NordVPN installation file is available on the service’s official website. Go to the nordvpn.com website homepage. Scroll down to the footer and you will see links to access the file or installation processor on different platforms.
By clicking on Windows or macOS, you can recover .exe and .pkg files depending on your OS. Then simply launch the installer and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Install NordVPN on Linux
You can install NordVPN on different Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, etc.). However, NordVPN on Linux does not have a user interface (GUI). Everything therefore involves entering orders from the Terminal. So use the following commands:
- To download and install NordVPN on Linux: sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh) OR sh <(wget -qO – https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)
- To log in to your account: nordvpn login
- To connect to a server: nordvpn connect
There are several other commands to access the different configuration options of NordVPN on Linux. You can see all orders on the publisher’s website.
Install NordVPN on Android and iOS/iPad OS
On Android, you have the choice between installing NordVPN from the Play Store or downloading the APK from the publisher’s website. However, we recommend the Play Store which is the simplest option. On iPhone and iPad, you will need to install NordVPN from the App Store.
How to install NordVPN on a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge)
If you have already installed NordVPN on Windows or macOS, the application will normally ask you to install the extension on your preferred browser. If this is not the case, it is still possible to install the extension at any time. NordVPN is available in the Chrome, Firefox and Edge extension stores.
It is important to remember that using VPNs from a browser does not cover all of your internet trafficbut only your activities in the browser.
Another important clarification: you do not benefit from the same level of security as when using the VPN application directly. Indeed, Browser extensions are not VPNs strictly speaking, but Proxy which rely on classic https encryption.
Installing NordVPN on Smart TVs (Google TV / Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV)
NordVPN is also accessible on certain Smart TVs and multimedia boxes. For now, the VPN is only available on le Play Store (Google TV / Android TV)on the Apple TV devices (via App Store) and on Fire OS devices (Fire TV, TV Stick).
If you want to access NordVPN from any other Smart TV, including those from LG (WebOS) and Samsung (Tizen), the best option is to configure the VPN directly on your internet router if it supports VPN.
How to access NordVPN from a game console (PS5/PS4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)?
Gaming consoles like PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox consoles or Nintendo Switch do not support VPN applications. So you can’t install NordVPN directly there, but there are a few workaround options for using a VPN on your console.
Configure NordVPN directly on your router : this is the most effective method. If your router / internet box allows it, configuring the VPN directly will allow you to benefit from a secure connection on all of your devices, including your consoles. But not all routers offer this possibility.
Activate NordVPN on your PC and share your connection with the console: this other workaround works. Simply connect to the VPN on your computer and then share your connection with your console via an Ethernet cable or by creating a WiFi hotspot.
Use SmartDNS : This is the last option that we recommend if you cannot use the first two. NordVPN is compatible with the SmartDNS functionality which allows you to bypass location-based restrictions on your console, but do not encrypt your traffic.
You can go to the online support for your console brand (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo) to see how to configure DNS manually. Use the following DNS addresses: 103.86.96.103 (principal) et 103.86.99.103 (secondary).
But for these addresses to work, you must first activate SmartDNS on your NordVPN account.
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Enable SmartDNS on NordVPN
NordVPN has its own DNS, but to use its Smart DNS, you must not only have a subscription, but also activate the option directly in your Nord Account. NordVPN will then add your IP address to its whitelist. Here is the process to follow:
- Disconnect from NordVPN and any other VPNs in use (this step is essential)
- Then connect to your Nord Account from a browser (https://my.nordaccount.com/fr/)
- In the left menu, at the section level Servicesselect NordVPN
- Next, locate the SmartDNS insert and click Enable
- Finally click on Enable SmartDNS in the popup that opens to add your public IP address to NordVPN’s whitelist
Note that the activation process may take up to 10 minutes. So wait until NordVPN registers your IP address. After that, you will be able to use the provider’s proprietary DNS on your various compatible devices, provided you are connected to the network whose IP address has been added to the whitelist.
How to configure NordVPN on your router or Internet box?
By configuring NordVPN directly on your router, all devices connected to your Internet network systematically benefit from a secure connection, with IP address change to allow you to surf anonymously or bypass geolocation restrictions.
Not all routers support setting up a VPN. You will therefore need to check with your operator if your Internet box is compatible. Otherwise, you can purchase a second router that supports this feature and configure it as a repeater.
This is the case of some models from Asus, Netgear, Linksys or even Synology. Routers that allow you to install third-party firmware should also allow you to configure a VPN. Some compatible firmwares are DD-WRT, OpenWRT or even Tomatobut these options are reserved for advanced users.
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