How to connect to NordVPN with IKEv2/IPSec on iOS

This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to configure a connection manually on an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) using the IKEv2 protocol.

Note: IKEv2/IPSec protocol is no longer supported on iOS on NordVPN 8.10.1 and newer app versions.

1. Download the NordVPN IKEv2 certificate to your device. You can do so by opening this link in Safari: https://downloads.nordcdn.com/certificates/root.der 
2. The certificate installation dialogue will appear. Tap Install in each step:
   
   
   
   
    
3. Once the certificate is installed, tap Done to complete the installation.
   
   
   
   3.1. On iOS 12.2 and later versions, after you download the certificate, you might see a pop-up saying "Profile Downloaded - Review the profile in Settings app if you want to install it".
   
   
   
   3.2. Navigate to your device Settings > Profile Downloaded > NordVPN Root CA > Install > Trust.
   
   If you cannot see the Profile Downloaded button, go to Settings > General > Profiles. You should find the downloaded profile there.
   
   
    
4. Now you have to determine which server to connect to. Go to https://nordvpn.com/servers/tools/. The tool will pick a server recommended for you. In our case, the recommended server is US #810 with the hostname us810.nordvpn.com. We will use this server as a reference in all further steps.
   
   
    
5. Go to Settings > General > VPN.
   
   
   
   Note: If you are using a newer version of iOS (15+) find the VPN setting section by the following pathway:
   General > VPN & Device Management > VPN
    
6. Tap on Add VPN Configuration...
   
   
    
7. Fill the boxes as follows:
   
   Type: IKEv2
   Description: Any preferred name for the VPN connection
   Server: The hostname of the server (see step 4)
   Remote ID: The same hostname as in the Server field
   Local ID: Leave empty
   User Authentication: Username
   Username: Your NordVPN service username
   Password: Your NordVPN service password
   
   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 below.
      
      
      
      Proxy: Off
      
      Tap Done.
      
      
       
8. To enable the VPN, go back to the device Settings and click on the toggle switch next to VPN.