Installing the NordVPN app on iPhone or iPad

This tutorial will teach you how to install and use NordVPN on an iPhone and iPad.

Table of contents:

Downloading and setting up
Connecting to servers

• Connect to a specific country
• Connect to a specialty server
• Connect to a specific city
• Connect to a specific server

Profile information

• Dark Web Monitor
• Security Score
• Threat Protection
• Multi-factor authentication
• Meshnet

Settings

• VPN connection settings
• General settings

Downloading and setting up the app

1. Open the App Store.
2. Search for "NordVPN."
   
   
   
   Note: NordVPN may not appear in the App Store in certain regions with VPN restrictions. If that’s the case, follow our guide on downloading the NordVPN app for iPad and iPhone from such locations. 
    
3. Tap the "Download" button.
   
   
    
4. Once the download is finished, tap the "Open" button.  
   
   
   
   
5. The NordVPN app will ask if you want to register a new account. If you already have a NordVPN account, click Log in at the bottom of the screen. 
   
   
   
   If you don't have an account, press Sign up to go to Nord Account for account creation. There, enter your email address and press Continue. Once you sign up, you will be brought back into the NordVPN app to pick your plan. 
   
   
   
   
6. Once you’re done, you will see a privacy notification. Click “Agree and continue.”
   
   

Connecting to NordVPN servers

1. Once logged in, you will see a map and the Quick Connect button. Press this button to automatically connect to a server recommended by our smart algorithm based on your needs and preferences.
   
   
   
   
2. When connecting for the first time, you will be asked to allow NordVPN to add VPN configurations. This is a standard warning message – VPN configurations are necessary for connecting to VPN servers. Since NordVPN is a respectable VPN service provider, tap Allow to continue.
   
   
   
   
3. If you are using Touch ID, you will be asked to confirm your choice with your fingerprint.
   
   
    
4. Once connected, you will see the “Connected to (country)” message above the map, and that country’s map pin will turn green. A VPN icon will also appear in the status bar along the upper edge of the screen. 
   
   

 

Choosing between different servers

1. Tap a country pin and press Quick Connect to automatically connect to the best server for you in that country.
   
   
   
   
2. You can also view all available countries and specialty servers by swiping up from the bottom of the app when no country pin is selected. Then, tap on your chosen country to automatically connect to a server.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. You can tap on the three dots next to a country's name to select a specific city. NordVPN will rank the available servers based on your needs.
   
   
   
   
    
4. You can also tap "Search" to find a specific server using its server number.
   
   
   
   

Profile information

1. While on the map screen, you can tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner to access your profile information, shortcuts, and settings.
   
   
   
   
2. Here you will be able to see your subscription details (1), your security dashboard (2), shortcuts (3), settings (4), and Meshnet overview (5).
   
   

 

Dark Web Monitor

Once enabled, this feature automatically scans the internet for any leaked credential associated with your registered NordVPN e-mail address. The NordVPN app will immediately notify you if Dark Web Monitor detects your credentials on underground websites. Read more about the feature's usefulness on our Dark Web Monitor page.

 

Security Score

These steps will tell you how to fully protect yourself with NordVPN.

 

Threat Protection

This NordVPN feature blocks intrusive ads and malicious domains through DNS filtering. Keep in mind that you need to be connected to a NordVPN server and enable the Threat Protection feature for it to work.

 

Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security feature that helps protect access to your account. With MFA enabled, you must pass an extra security step (usually by supplying a code generated by an authenticator app) to log in to NordVPN. We offer detailed guidance on how to enable MFA for NordVPN.

 

Meshnet

Meshnet is a new NordVPN feature that allows you to create a secure, private network for many devices located anywhere in the world, access them remotely, and send all your online traffic through another device.

 

Settings

VPN connection

Protocol: Switch between Nordlynx, IKEv2, TCP, and UDP connection protocols. We have a detailed guide on which VPN protocol you should choose.
Auto-connect: With auto-connect enabled, the NordVPN app will automatically connect you to NordVPN whenever your phone is on and connected to a Wi-Fi network. In the “Trusted Wi-Fi networks” section, you can disable auto-connect for specific networks. For example, you can make an exception for a trusted home Wi-Fi network.
Reset VPN profile: Reset the VPN configuration on your device.

 

General

Appearance: Choose your preferred application appearance, including switching to a dark theme.
Notifications: Turn NordVPN app notifications on or off.
Help us improve: Send us anonymous data to help improve our services.
Siri shortcuts: Create specific Siri phrases to control the application hands-free.
Subscription and privacy info: All your subscription-related information.
Rate us on the App Store: Give our services a review on the App Store.
Tell friends about NordVPN: Share information about our app with your friends and family.