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Connecting to NordVPN (IKEv2/IPSec) on Android

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These instructions will help you to connect to NordVPN on Android using the IKEv2 protocol.

  1. Download the NordVPN IKEv2 connection certificate.
     
  2. Download and install the strongSwan VPN Client app from Google Play.

    the strongSwan VPN Client app open in Google Play, ready to be downloaded by tapping “Install.”
     
  3. Open the strongSwan application.
  4. Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the app and select "CA certificates" from the drop-down menu.

    “CA certificates” highlighted in the strongSwan VPN Client app menu. Select it to proceed.
     
  5. In the following screen, tap on the three-dot icon again and select "Import certificate."

    The “Import certificate” option highlighted in the “CA certificates” menu.
     
  6. Select the root.der file that you have downloaded in step 1.

    The “root.der” file is typically located in your downloads folder if you are following this guide.
     
  7. Confirm your selection by tapping Import certificate.

    A pop-up asks you to confirm your selection by clicking “Import certificate.”
     
  8. Tap the left-pointing arrow to go back to the main screen of the strongSwan app.
     
  9. Select Add VPN profile.

    The “Add VPN profile” option lets you set up a connection to a VPN server using strongSwan VPN Client.
     
  10. In the Server field, enter the hostname of a NordVPN server.

    For the sake of this tutorial, the server hostname will be “us6180.nordvpn.com.” To find the best server for you, use NordVPN’s server utility for a recommendation. Press Show advanced options and select the IKEv2/IPsec security protocol.

    The server hostname and security protocol field highlighted in the NordVPN server utility.

    Enter your NordVPN service credentials in the “Username” and “Password” fields.

    You can find your NordVPN service credentials (username and password) through the Nord Account dashboard:
    1. Go to the menu bar:


       
    2. Click NordVPN.


       
    3. Scroll down and click Set up NordVPN manually​​​​​​.


       
    4. You will receive a verification code in your email that you use for NordVPN services. Type the code in: 


       
    5. Copy the credentials using the Copy button bellow.


       
  11. All other settings can stay the same. You can give the profile whatever name you want in the “Profile name” field.

    The server hostname and the user’s NordVPN credentials have been entered into strongSwan VPN Client.

    Once you have entered all the required information, click "Save."
     
  12. To connect, tap the profile you have just created.

    A new VPN connection option becomes visible in the main strongSwan VPN Client screen following setup.
     
  13. The application will ask you for the permissions necessary to form a VPN connection. Tap "OK."

    Note: Different devices may display different warning messages.

    A possible warning displayed on Android devices when the strongSwan VPN Client app tries to connect.
     
  14. If the status field shows that you are “Connected,” the connection to the VPN server has been successful. You can now minimize the application and use your device as usual – your internet traffic is now secured by NordVPN.

    The strongSwan VPN Client app shows that the user is “Connected."

    To disconnect from the server, tap "Disconnect."
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