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How to Set Up NordVPN on a Router: A Comprehensive GuideUpdated 2 months ago

One of the best ways to secure all of your devices with a VPN is by setting it up directly on your router. This ensures that every device connected to your network is protected, without the need to install a VPN app on each individual device. NordVPN, a top-rated VPN service, allows you to set up and configure the VPN on your router, providing privacy and security for your entire home network.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of setting up NordVPN on a router, covering the supported routers, different setup methods, and everything you need to get started.

Why Set Up NordVPN on Your Router?

Setting up a VPN on your router offers several benefits:

  1. Complete Device Protection: By configuring NordVPN on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi network (smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, game consoles, etc.) will automatically be protected by the VPN.
  2. No Need for Individual Device Configuration: Instead of manually installing the NordVPN app on every single device, the router setup ensures that all devices on your network are routed through the VPN connection.
  3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions on All Devices: Setting up NordVPN on your router lets you enjoy region-restricted content on devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles that don’t support VPN apps. For example, you can access Netflix US or BBC iPlayer on your TV.
  4. Enhanced Privacy and Security: With NordVPN on your router, your entire network will benefit from encryption, which helps protect sensitive data and shield your activities from hackers, ISPs, and surveillance.

Which Routers Support NordVPN?

NordVPN supports many routers, especially those running on DD-WRT, Tomato, or AsusWRT firmware. These firmware types support OpenVPN, which is the protocol that NordVPN uses for router setups. Here are some routers that typically support NordVPN:

  • Asus Routers (AsusWRT firmware)
  • Netgear Routers (with DD-WRT firmware)
  • Linksys Routers (with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware)
  • TP-Link Routers (with DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware)

Before starting the setup process, you should verify if your router supports the installation of custom firmware (DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT) or check whether your router comes pre-configured with OpenVPN support.

How to Set Up NordVPN on a Router

There are two main ways to set up NordVPN on your router: through a manual OpenVPN configuration or by using a pre-configured router from NordVPN.

Option 1: Manual OpenVPN Setup on Your Router

If you want to manually set up NordVPN on your router, follow these steps:

  1. Check Router Compatibility
  2. Ensure that your router supports OpenVPN. Routers with DD-WRT, Tomato, or AsusWRT firmware work best for this setup. Check the router manual or NordVPN’s support pages for a list of supported routers.
  3. Install OpenVPN on Your Router If your router doesn’t support OpenVPN natively, you’ll need to install third-party firmware, such as DD-WRT or Tomato. Here’s how to do it:
  4. Install DD-WRT or Tomato Firmware (if necessary):
  5. Go to the router’s admin interface and follow the instructions for installing DD-WRT or Tomato firmware.
  6. Be aware that installing custom firmware may void your warranty or cause potential issues if not done correctly. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
  7. Download the NordVPN Configuration Files
  8. Go to the NordVPN website and log in to your account.
  9. Navigate to Downloads and select the Manual Setup option.
  10. Download the OpenVPN configuration files for your desired server locations. These files will include the server addresses, usernames, and passwords you’ll need for the connection.
  11. Configure OpenVPN on Your Router
  12. Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually by typing the router’s IP address in your browser).
  13. Navigate to the VPN or OpenVPN settings in the router’s control panel.
  14. Upload the OpenVPN configuration files you downloaded earlier into the appropriate section.
  15. Enter your NordVPN account credentials (username and password) when prompted.
  16. Connect to a NordVPN Server
  17. Once you’ve entered your credentials, select a server from the list provided by NordVPN.
  18. Save your settings and enable the VPN connection.
  19. Your router should now be connected to NordVPN, encrypting all devices connected to your network.
  20. Verify the Connection
  21. Once you’ve set up the VPN, go to WhatIsMyIP.com or a similar site to check your IP address. If the VPN is working, the IP address should reflect the server location you connected to, not your real location.

Option 2: Using a Pre-Configured Router from NordVPN

NordVPN also offers pre-configured routers, making the setup process even simpler. These routers come with NordVPN already installed and require minimal setup.

  1. Order a Pre-Configured Router
  2. Visit the NordVPN website and check out their pre-configured routers, which come with NordVPN pre-installed and ready to use. These routers are plug-and-play, so you don’t need to worry about manual configurations.
  3. Connect the Router
  4. Once you receive the pre-configured router, follow the included instructions to connect it to your home network. This usually involves:
  5. Connecting the router to your modem.
  6. Plugging in the router’s power adapter.
  7. Connecting to the router’s Wi-Fi network.
  8. Login to NordVPN
  9. The router will already have NordVPN configured, but you may need to log in to your NordVPN account to activate the service. You’ll typically need to enter your credentials into the router’s web interface to activate the VPN connection.
  10. Enjoy VPN Protection on All Devices
  11. Once connected, your entire network will be protected with NordVPN’s encryption and security features. You can now enjoy secure browsing, access to geo-blocked content, and protection for all your devices.

Troubleshooting NordVPN Router Setup

Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips for setting up NordVPN on your router:

  1. VPN Connection Drops
  2. If your VPN connection frequently drops, try changing to a different server location with better stability or speed.
  3. Check the router’s firmware to ensure it’s up to date.
  4. Slow Speeds
  5. VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet speed. Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location for better speed performance.
  6. Some routers may have limited bandwidth, so upgrading to a more powerful router could help.
  7. Incompatible Router
  8. If your router doesn’t support OpenVPN or other necessary protocols, consider purchasing a new router that is compatible with NordVPN or one of NordVPN’s pre-configured routers.

Conclusion

Setting up NordVPN on a router offers an easy way to protect all your devices at once, ensuring that your home network benefits from NordVPN’s top-notch security and privacy features. Whether you choose the manual OpenVPN setup or opt for a pre-configured router, NordVPN makes it simple to secure your entire household with minimal effort.

If you encounter any issues during setup, NordVPN’s customer support team is available to assist you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. With a VPN on your router, you can enjoy secure and unrestricted internet access across all devices, giving you peace of mind while browsing, streaming, or gaming.


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