NordVPN is one of the most trusted and reliable VPN services available, providing top-notch security and privacy features for users around the world. While NordVPN is popular for use on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices, many Linux users wonder how to set it up on their systems. Fortunately, NordVPN offers an easy-to-follow installation process for Linux that works across various distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the installation process for NordVPN on Linux and show you how to enjoy a more secure and private internet experience.
Why Use NordVPN on Linux?
Linux users often prioritize security and privacy, making NordVPN a perfect choice. Here are a few reasons to install NordVPN on your Linux device:
- Enhanced Security: NordVPN encrypts your internet connection, making it more secure and harder for hackers or third parties to monitor your online activities.
- Access Restricted Content: NordVPN helps you bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to content and streaming services that may be blocked in your region.
- Privacy: With NordVPN, your real IP address is hidden, helping to maintain your privacy while you browse the web.
- Lightweight and Efficient: NordVPN’s Linux client is designed to integrate seamlessly with your system without consuming too many resources, which is particularly beneficial for lightweight Linux distributions.
Let’s explore the process of installing NordVPN on your Linux machine.
Method 1: Using the NordVPN Linux Client
NordVPN offers a dedicated Linux client that’s compatible with most Linux distributions. Here’s how to install and set up NordVPN on your system using this client.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before you install any software, it’s always a good idea to update your system’s package list. This ensures that the installation will go smoothly and that you have the latest versions of necessary libraries and tools.
Step 2: Install Dependencies (if Required)
For Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian, you may need to install certain dependencies before proceeding with the installation of the NordVPN app. Typically, this is handled automatically, but it’s always worth checking.
Step 3: Download the NordVPN Client
Visit the official NordVPN website to download the Linux client. Once downloaded, the installation process will begin, and you’ll be guided through adding NordVPN’s repository to your system.
Step 4: Install NordVPN
Once the repository has been added, you’ll be able to install the NordVPN client. Depending on your distribution, this process may vary slightly, but the NordVPN website will provide you with step-by-step instructions based on your operating system.
Step 5: Log in to Your Account
After installation, you’ll be prompted to log into your NordVPN account. Use the email address and password you used when signing up for NordVPN.
Step 6: Connect to a Server
Once logged in, you can connect to a server of your choice. NordVPN offers a wide range of servers in various countries, so you can easily select the one that best suits your needs for privacy, speed, or content access.
Step 7: Disconnect When Done
When you’re finished using NordVPN, simply disconnect from the server through the client. You can also choose to reconnect whenever needed.
Method 2: Using OpenVPN with NordVPN (Manual Setup)
For users who prefer more control over their VPN configuration, or if the NordVPN client is not supported on your particular Linux distribution, you can manually set up NordVPN using OpenVPN. This method requires a bit more technical knowledge, but it gives you the flexibility to configure the VPN to your specific needs.
Step 1: Install OpenVPN
First, you’ll need to install OpenVPN, a popular open-source VPN protocol. Most Linux distributions support OpenVPN, so you can easily install it through your package manager.
Step 2: Download NordVPN Configuration Files
Log in to your NordVPN account and download the OpenVPN configuration files from their website. These files are essential for establishing a secure connection to NordVPN’s servers.
Step 3: Configure OpenVPN
After downloading the configuration files, you’ll need to configure OpenVPN with your NordVPN credentials. This can be done by following the instructions provided by NordVPN in the setup guide.
Step 4: Connect to NordVPN
Once you’ve configured OpenVPN, you can manually connect to any of the available NordVPN servers by selecting the configuration file for the server you want to use. This method also allows you to fine-tune various connection parameters.
Step 5: Disconnect from OpenVPN
To disconnect, simply terminate the OpenVPN session through the terminal or command line.
Method 3: Using Network Manager with NordVPN
If you prefer using a graphical user interface (GUI) instead of the command line, you can configure NordVPN using Network Manager on Ubuntu or other Linux distributions with a similar tool.
Step 1: Install Network Manager
To use Network Manager with NordVPN, you will need to install the OpenVPN plugin for Network Manager. This plugin allows you to import the OpenVPN configuration files and connect to NordVPN easily through the GUI.
Step 2: Download Configuration Files
Download the OpenVPN configuration files from the NordVPN website, as you would for the manual setup method.
Step 3: Add NordVPN to Network Manager
Open Network Settings and navigate to the VPN section. Here, you can add a new VPN connection by importing the downloaded OpenVPN configuration files. You will also need to enter your NordVPN credentials to complete the setup.
Step 4: Connect and Disconnect
Once the configuration is set up, you can connect to a NordVPN server directly from the Network Manager. To disconnect, simply open the same menu and disconnect the VPN connection.
Verifying Your VPN Connection
After setting up NordVPN on your Linux device, it’s a good idea to verify that the connection is working properly. You can do this by checking your IP address before and after connecting to the VPN. If your VPN connection is active, your IP address will change to the location of the server you are connected to.
You can use a simple online service like “WhatIsMyIP” to check your IP address and confirm that your NordVPN connection is functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter issues during installation or while using NordVPN on Linux, here are a few common problems and solutions:
- No Internet Access After Connecting: If you’re unable to access the internet after connecting to NordVPN, try adjusting your DNS settings or restarting your system.
- Slow Speeds: If you experience slow speeds, try switching to a different server, as some servers may offer better performance depending on your location.
- Connection Drops: If your connection to NordVPN drops frequently, ensure that your firewall or security software is not interfering with the VPN connection.
- Configuration Errors: Double-check your OpenVPN configuration files and credentials to ensure they are correctly entered.
Conclusion
Installing NordVPN on Linux is a straightforward process, whether you use the official NordVPN Linux client, OpenVPN, or Network Manager. Each method offers a way to enjoy enhanced privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content, all while being compatible with various Linux distributions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up NordVPN on your Linux device and protect your online activities.
With NordVPN on Linux, you can surf the internet with greater peace of mind, knowing that your data is encrypted, your location is hidden, and you have access to content from all over the world.