NordVPN not working? A troubleshooting guide

NordVPN not working can happen for several reasons, from local network problems and firewall interference to server issues or app settings like the kill switch. Sometimes NordVPN gets stuck on “Connecting,” fails to stream content, or won’t auto-connect properly.

Whatever issue you’re facing, we’ll cover the most common causes and include step-by-step fixes for each case. We’ll get you back to streaming, browsing, and torrenting securely in no time. And in the unlikely event that things don’t work out, we have some alternative VPNs ready.

Why is NordVPN not working? General connection issues

There’s no shortage of factors that could lead to NordVPN not working—whether you’re trying to stream Netflix, torrent safely, or just secure your day-to-day activities online. Here are some of the most common issues that may stop NordVPN from working on your device:

• Network connectivity issues: Sometimes the VPN isn’t to blame. Spotty Wi-Fi, router hiccups, or issues with your Internet provider can cause NordVPN to get stuck in a connection loop or constantly disconnect.
• NordVPN server problems: Naturally, no VPN is infallible. The server or location you’re connecting to may be experiencing issues. Or, a faulty network node between you and the server could prevent you from connecting.
• Kill switch interference: NordVPN’s Internet kill switch feature completely shuts down traffic if the VPN disconnects. If you have a poor connection, the kill switch may activate, making it appear as though NordVPN is not working.
• Blocked port/protocol: Work, school, and other organizations may block VPN protocols like NordLynx by port. This is to prevent students and employees from, say, unblocking X/Twitter at school or bypassing other network restrictions.
• Missing updates: An outdated operating system, network drivers, or VPN app could interfere with your ability to connect with NordVPN.
• Local DNS settings: The DNS servers you’re using (whether custom or NordVPN’s) may be experiencing technical difficulties.
• Firewall or antivirus conflicts: Network security features like firewall or antivirus software could cause NordVPN not to work properly.
• Improper app setup or faulty update: If NordVPN wasn’t installed correctly or a recent update corrupted some files, the client may fail to launch or connect until you reinstall it.

Why is NordVPN not working for streaming?

Are you able to go online securely, but can’t access your usual streaming services? Here’s what could be putting a stop to your movie night:

• Cookies and cached browser data: Old cookies or stored cache can reveal your true location to online services and block streaming even when connected to NordVPN. Clear your cookies and browser cache or use Incognito mode when streaming.
• Threat Protection interference: NordVPN’s Threat Protection may interfere with playback, especially on platforms with ad-supported plans.
• IP or DNS leaks: If NordVPN leaks your real IP or DNS requests, streaming sites can detect your actual region and deny access. Use a tool like IPLeak and ensure your real IP/location is nowhere on the page.
• GPS feature reveals your location: On mobile devices, GPS data can override your VPN location and give away where you really are. Turning off location services or switching to a PC or laptop with no such tracking may solve the issue.
• Incorrect timezone settings: A mismatch between your device’s timezone and the NordVPN server location can trigger errors on some streaming platforms. Sync the system and server time to avoid geo-blocks and other annoyances.
• Streaming app cache issues: Cached data within the streaming app itself can conflict with your VPN connection and prevent shows from loading.

How to fix NordVPN not working

From trying a different server or protocol to updating your app or network settings, these fixes cover the most frequent issues users run into.

Troubleshoot your internet connection

Before we start messing with any settings to deal with NordVPN not working, let’s rule out some basic connection or device problems.

• Connect using a different device: Use a different phone or laptop to connect to NordVPN on the same network. If it works, your device may be to blame.
• Try a different network: If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting using an Ethernet cable or using mobile data (if applicable).
• Reboot your router: All you need to do is unplug it for about 20 seconds, then plug it back in. This should get rid of any temporary network glitches.
• Run local network diagnostics tools: Built-in utilities like Windows Network Troubleshooter or Mac Wireless Diagnostics check for connectivity problems, identify adapter issues, and see if anything is blocking NordVPN from connecting.

How to run Network Troubleshooter on Windows:

• Windows 10: Click Start, then navigate to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Status. Scroll down, choose Network troubleshooter, and follow the listed steps.
• Windows 11: Press Start, look up, and click on Get Help. Choose Fix Ethernet/Wi-Fi connection problems from the list of searches, then click Run network diagnostics.

How to run Wireless Diagnostics on Mac:

1. Option-click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Open Wireless Diagnostics.
3. Follow the steps on screen to check for issues.

Switch to another NordVPN server

Connect to a few different regions to rule out server-specific issues or defective nodes preventing you from connecting to NordVPN’s network. You can try its obfuscated servers to mask your VPN traffic and evade any network blocks, resulting in NordVPN not working.

Connect with a different protocol

By default, the NordVPN client automatically selects the best protocol for your network conditions. Of course, this isn’t always optimal, so you may need to change it manually.

Here’s how to switch VPN protocol:

1. Click the Settings button (gear icon).
2. Go to Connection and Security.
3. Press VPN protocol and try all the different protocols. NordLynx is great for most purposes, but NordWhisper may help on more restrictive networks, while OpenVPN TCP can keep you connected on less stable connections.

Turn off the NordVPN kill switch

NordVPN’s kill switch is designed to block all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, keeping you secure. However, it can sometimes mistakenly prevent your connection from working even when the VPN is running.

This often happens in specific moments, like when your computer wakes from sleep, right after a restart, before the network is fully ready, or during a brief Wi-Fi drop or network switch. Other apps, such as firewalls or network managers, can also temporarily interrupt the VPN and trigger the kill switch.

If you notice NordVPN getting stuck on connecting in these situations, disabling the kill switch can help restore your internet access.

Here’s how to switch off NordVPN’s kill switch:

1. Open the NordVPN settings.
2. Select Kill Switch from the menu on the left.
3. Toggle off the Internet Kill Switch setting.

Disable Threat Protection Pro

As mentioned, Threat Protection may interfere with NordVPN’s ability to connect to some streaming services. This is especially true if you’re on a “with ads” plan. Support reps have mentioned the feature only blocks “malicious ads,” but users on Reddit reported getting NordVPN to work after disabling it.

Here’s how to turn off Threat Protection Pro:

1. Launch the NordVPN app.
2. Select the shield icon on the top left.
3. Click the drop-down menu and choose Turn off to disable Threat Protection completely.

Try custom DNS settings

The NordVPN app lets you use custom DNS settings in case their own servers are down or otherwise causing issues.

Here’s how to use alternate DNS servers:

1. Click the settings icon.
2. Select Connection and security.
3. Scroll down and toggle on Use custom DNS.
4. Add up to four DNS server addresses (e.g., 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare, or 9.9.9.9 from Quad9).
5. Click the checkmark next to the server address to save it.

We have a separate guide on fixing NordVPN issues with Apple TV, including steps to configure your DNS settings on tvOS. This may resolve the “Unexpected error at our end” issue when trying to log in to the VPN on Apple TV.

Restart NordVPN and your device

A good “turn it off and on again” will usually solve temporary hangups with NordVPN. Restart the VPN client, your PC, or mobile device, and see if issues persist. Smartphones in particular benefit from this, since most people don’t bother—even though the NSA recommends rebooting your phone every week to prevent so-called zero-click exploits.

Alternatively, you can reset the NordVPN app settings with these steps:

1. Open the NordVPN app.
2. Click the question mark symbol on the bottom left.
3. Select Run diagnostics and confirm any system prompt that appears.
4. Click Reset app and allow it to refresh its connection and background services.
5. Log back into NordVPN with your credentials.
6. You’ll be asked to set up your preferences again, including toggles for auto-connect, kill switch, and Threat Protection Pro. Leave them on if you’ve already tried disabling those features and NordVPN is still not working.

Update your network drivers and OS

Outdated network drivers or an old operating system can prevent NordVPN from connecting properly. Ensure you have the latest OS updates and try using the VPN again.

On macOS, network driver updates come bundled with regular system updates. On Windows, you can force the system to detect the adapter and reload its drivers. This can fix connection issues that may be blocking NordVPN.

Follow these steps to update your network driver:

1. Press the Windows key + R.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. This will open Device Manager.
3. Under Network adapters, right-click your network device (usually has “Wireless” or “Ethernet” in the name).
4. Select Scan for hardware changes.

Check if your firewall is blocking NordVPN

If you’re not sure whether your system/antivirus firewall is the problem, try turning it off temporarily and see if NordVPN connects. If it works, then you’ll know the firewall is blocking the VPN. At that point, you can re-enable it and create an exception instead.

VPNs also use specific ports to connect to the internet. TCP connections use port 443, while UDP uses port 500. NordVPN requires ports 443 TCP and 1194 UDP to be open. If your ISP or network admin blocks any of these, NordVPN may not work properly.

Use the steps below to open ports on Windows:

1. Click Start, then search and click on Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Select Inbound Rules on the left, then click New Rule… in the pane on the right.
3. Pick the Port option, then click Protocol and Ports.
4. Select TCP or UDP and type in your desired port number. We’ll use TCP 443 in this case. Press Next to continue.
5. Ensure Allow the connection is selected and click Next again.
6. Check the Domain, Private, and Public boxes, then press Next.
7. Name your new rule something recognizable (like “NordVPN TCP 443”), add a description if you want, and click Finish.
8. Repeat the steps above for each port you want to open.

You can open ports manually through the Mac Terminal, but creating an exception for NordVPN in the macOS Firewall should be enough.

How to allow NordVPN through the macOS Firewall:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Navigate to Network > Firewall.
3. Click Options… and use your passcode or Touch ID to unlock settings.
4. Click Add (+) and select NordVPN.
5. Choose Allow incoming connections and click Done.

Reinstall the NordVPN client

If all else fails, it’s best to uninstall NordVPN from your system, delete any related files, and reinstall it from scratch. Make sure to download the latest version of the app from the provider’s website or the Google Play/App Store.

Why is NordVPN not working on my iPhone or Android?

Having issues with NordVPN not connecting on Android and iOS, and previous fixes haven’t worked? Then here are some mobile-specific tips to consider:

Network errors

If you can’t connect to NordVPN on your Wi-FI network, try restarting your router as suggested earlier. Otherwise, switch to mobile data to confirm if NordVPN is the source of the problem. Barring that, you can reset your connection settings on both systems with the steps below.

Here’s how to reset your network settings on Android:

1. Open your smartphone Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General Management, then Reset.
3. Choose Reset mobile network settings, then press Reset settings.
4. Unlock your device if needed, then press Reset one more time to confirm your choice.

Now, here’s how to reset Wi-Fi network settings on iOS:

1. Open your iPhone or iPad Settings.
2. Tap General, then Reset (or Transfer or Reset [Device] on newer versions).
3. Press Reset, then choose Reset Network Settings.
4. Type in your passcode or use biometrics to unlock and finish up.

Battery saver apps or settings

VPNs run in the background, and such tools may close useful background processes without your knowledge. Exclude NordVPN from any battery saver or cleaner apps to keep it running without interruptions.

Related: Does a VPN drain battery life faster?

Android firewall app conflicts

No-root firewalls on Android use the VpnService API, which—you guessed it—may cause NordVPN to stop working. Android doesn’t support multiple VPNs, so disable any firewall apps to resolve the conflict and get back online.

Streaming app cache errors

As mentioned, clearing your streaming app cache on Android can help resolve underlying playback issues. Now, iOS doesn’t have this option, though some apps have a built-in clear cache feature.

How to force quit and clear app cache on Android:

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Scroll down, press Apps, then find your preferred streaming app on the list and tap its icon.
3. Tap Force stop on the bottom right.
4. Scroll down and select Storage, then tap Clear cache.
5. Open the app, log in if needed, and see if it works with NordVPN active.

Why isn’t NordVPN auto-connecting?

With auto-connect enabled, NordVPN protects you around the clock. If NordVPN isn’t auto-connecting, you may have to adjust some key settings. Check below.

Windows

1. First, open the VPN settings and toggle on Launch the app at Windows startup.
2. Head to Connection and Security.
3. Click the Auto-connect drop-down and tick On all networks or any of the other three options.
4. Check the Trusted Wi-Fi network and ensure your current network isn’t listed there. Otherwise, NordVPN won’t auto-connect, as “trusted” networks are treated as safe to use without a VPN.

Mac

1. Click the gear icon, then select Auto-connect on the left.
2. Toggle on the setting that says When using untrusted network.
3. Optional: Use the Connect drop-down to choose your preferred location or specialty server. Otherwise, leave it on Recommended country for the best performance.
4. Verify your Wi-Fi connection isn’t on the Trusted networks list.

Android and iOS

1. Tap the profile icon on the bottom right.
2. Press Settings (Android) or the gear icon on the top right (iOS).
3. Tap Auto-connect and toggle on the same setting on the next screen.
4. Choose whether you want NordVPN to auto-connect on all networks, or only when using Wi-Fi or mobile data. On iOS, your options are limited to Wi-Fi networks and “Always.”

Why is NordVPN not working for torrenting?

Are you experiencing issues with your downloads and seeding when using NordVPN for torrenting? First, go through the general connectivity fixes presented above (including checking NordVPN for leaks), then verify the following:

• The torrent has enough seeders: The more there are, the better your download speeds. If there are few to no seeders, you’re better off looking for a different torrent.
• You’re using P2P servers: If you connect to a regular server, NordVPN automatically redirects torrent traffic to one of the provider’s P2P servers in the Netherlands or Canada. Use one closer to your location to avoid connection issues.
• Correct torrent client setup: Check out how to set up qBittorrent with NordVPN if you’re going for a SOCKS5 proxy configuration. Otherwise, see how to bind your VPN to uTorrent. Both ensure your torrent traffic goes strictly through the VPN tunnel.
• Proper split tunneling setup: Trying to route torrent traffic through a split tunnel to improve speeds for side activities? Then make sure you didn’t accidentally add your torrent client to the apps that bypass the VPN.

What to do if you can’t get NordVPN to work

If nothing seems to help fix your NordVPN issues, here are your remaining options:

1. Install the NordVPN extension: NordVPN not working for streaming? If you keep running into problems, the provider recommends using their VPN browser extension to connect to your favorite services.
2. Contact customer support: We’ve tried to cover just about every angle, but every now and then, support reps will have up-to-the-minute knowledge about why NordVPN is not working at the time. They’re available 24/7 through live chat, so chat away!
3. Wait it out: Occasionally, server-side issues or maintenance on NordVPN’s end can cause temporary outages.
4. Use a different VPN: You can’t win them all. Luckily, there are some other quality VPNs just a click away. Check out our best VPN guide for nine other amazing providers, or read on for five quickfire options to try out. All of them come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test them out risk-free.

Best NordVPN alternatives if it still doesn’t work

NordVPN isn’t the only VPN out there. Here are some quality recommendations if you’ve tried all the tips above with no luck:

1. Surfshark — Best budget alternative.
2. Total VPN — Best value for streaming.
3. Proton VPN — Best VPN for privacy and security.
4. ExpressVPN — Excellent choice with easy-to-use apps.
5. IPVanish — Great option with unlimited connections.

NordVPN not working: FAQs