This article covers how to download and set up the NordVPN app on Android, connect to a VPN, and explore key features and settings.
To get started, you’ll need access to your Nord Account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one during the setup process.
For the best experience and full feature access, make sure you’re using the latest version of the NordVPN app, as older versions may have limited functionality.
Downloading and installing NordVPN app
You can install NordVPN on Android in several ways.
From the app store
- Open the app store on your device:
- Google Play Store (most Android phones and tablets)
- Samsung Galaxy Store (Samsung devices)
- Amazon Appstore (Amazon Fire tablets)
- Search for NordVPN.
- Select the NordVPN app and tap "Install."
Manual installation (APK)
- Visit the official NordVPN website on your device.
- Download the Android APK file.
- Open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
Logging in to the NordVPN app
- Once the installation is complete, open the NordVPN app.
- Tap "Log in" if you already have an account.
- Your browser will open the Nord Account login page. Enter your email or username and password, or sign in with Google or Apple ID if enabled.
- Tap "Continue."
- After logging in through your browser, return to the NordVPN app.
NOTE: If you don't have a Nord Account yet, tap "Sign up" to create one. This will open your browser and take you to the Nord Account page to complete the process.
Connecting and disconnecting from the VPN
- To connect, choose one of the following methods:
- Tap "Secure my connection" to automatically connect to the fastest server.
- Swipe up to the "Countries" list and tap a specific country to connect to that location.
- Tap the magnifying glass icon on the main screen to search for and select a specific country or city.
- A connection request will appear the first time you connect. Tap "Ok" to allow the app to create a VPN connection.
- To end your session, tap "Pause" and then select "Disconnect". You can also choose a duration from this menu to pause the connection temporarily.
Setting up and exploring NordVPN features
Main screen
On the main screen, swipe up to access the following features:
- Dedicated IP – Connect to your exclusive IP address.
- "Devices" to access Meshnet – Create a secure private network between your devices.
-
Specialty servers – Access servers for specific needs:
- P2P – Optimized for fast and secure file sharing, such as downloading, while keeping your IP address hidden from other peers.
- Onion Over VPN – Combines the anonymity of the Tor network with the security of a VPN tunnel.
- Obfuscated – Designed to bypass strict internet restrictions and firewalls that block VPN traffic.
- Double VPN – Routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
Bottom navigation menu
From the bottom navigation bar, you can access these sections:
- Threat Protection (the shield icon) – Manage Threat Protection settings, which block ads, trackers, and malicious domains using DNS filtering.
- "Products" – Discover other Nord products and manage additional security features, including:
- Dark Web Monitor – Continuously monitors selected email addresses and assets for data breaches and alerts you if sensitive information is exposed.
- Call protection – Identifies potential scam calls and warns you before you answer.
-
Meshnet – Create a secure private network for remote access, traffic routing, file sharing, gaming, and enhanced device protection.
- Profile – Access general features:
- Manage account – Check your subscription duration, set up multi-factor authentication, or delete your account.
- App settings.
- "Help" – Report a website issue, suggest a feature, or send diagnostic logs.
- Refer a friend – Access your referral link to invite friends to NordVPN.
- Notifications.
- Statistics.
Settings
Inside the Settings section, you can configure the following options:
- Preferred location – Select the country or server location NordVPN connects to by default.
- Protocol – Select the VPN protocol NordVPN uses to establish your connection. Each protocol offers a different balance of speed, security, and stability.
- Auto-connect – Automatically connect to NordVPN when the app launches or when joining an unsecured network.
- Split tunneling – Choose which apps or traffic bypass the VPN connection.
- Post-quantum encryption - Protect your connection against potential future quantum computer attacks.
- DNS settings
- Local network discovery - Access local devices such as printers or smart TVs while connected to the VPN.
- Kill Switch – Prevent unprotected internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- The app's appearance – Switch between light and dark modes.
- Notification preferences – Manage tailored marketing notifications.
- Terms – Learn about our legal terms.
- Privacy preferences – Manage your privacy choices.
