Introduction
This article explains how to download, install, set up the NordVPN application on your macOS device, and connect to a VPN server.
Before you start
- Make sure your device is running macOS 12 or a later version.
- You will need the password for your Mac to authorize the installation.
- For macOS Ventura users: If the installation fails, please refer to our guide for troubleshooting this specific issue.
Here’s what to do
Download and Install
- Go to the official NordVPN macOS download page and click the "Download App "button.
- Open your Downloads folder and find the NordVPN.pkg file. Double-click the NordVPN.pkg file to begin the installation:
NOTE: Ensure the file is saved directly on your device, not in a cloud-synced folder like Dropbox. - An installer window will open. Click "Continue," then "Install."
- When prompted, enter your Mac's password or use Touch ID to authorize the installation.
- Once the installation is complete, click "Close."
Log in to NordVPN app
- Once you have NordVPN app downloaded, press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open "Spotlight Search", type "NordVPN", and press enter to open the app.
- A login window will appear. Click "Log In" if you have an account or "Create account" to create one:
- Click "Continue" in the pop-up window to open the Nord Account website:
NOTE: You may be redirected to a URL other than nordaccount.com for login, as domains can vary by region.
- To log in, enter your email address and password, or use Google, Apple, or a code:
If you are a new user, you will need to create a Nord Account by entering your email address and other required information:
- After logging in through the browser, you will be prompted to open the NordVPN app. Agree to always allow Nord Account to open the app.
Onboarding and connecting to VPN
- After logging in, you’ll be guided through the onboarding process. First, select the reason you’re using NordVPN and click "Next."
- Next, set up Threat Protection Pro™ by clicking "Set up" and following the on-screen instructions:
NOTE: If you don’t see the option to set up Threat Protection Pro™, your plan doesn’t include this feature. This feature is only available with selected NordVPN plans.
- Then you’ll be prompted to enable Dark Web Monitor. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to turn it on:
- Choose your preferred server location. You can either connect to the fastest available server or manually select a specific location.
- Finally, click "Secure my connection" to establish your first VPN connection.
- Once the onboarding process is complete, you’ll land on the main NordVPN home screen.
Setting up and exploring NordVPN features
Main screen
On the main screen, access the following features:
-
Specialty servers – Access servers for specific needs:
- Dedicated IP – Connect to your exclusive IP address
- 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.
Left sidebar
From the left sidebar, you can access these features:
- Threat Protection Pro™ (the shield icon) – Block ads, malicious websites, and trackers.
- Meshnet (interconnected dots icon) – Create a secure private network for remote access, traffic routing, file sharing, gaming, and enhanced device protection.
- Dark Web Monitor (the radar-style icon) – Scan for leaks associated with your NordVPN email address.
- Statistics – Monitor your VPN usage.
- Products (four-square icon) – Discover other Nord products and manage additional security features, including:
- Incogni – Delete information about you held by data brokers and similar entities.
- NordPass – Manage your passwords securely and effortlessly.
- NordLocker – Store and share your data securely.
- Saily – eSIM service.
Settings
Explore the "Settings" menu by clicking the profile (person) icon in the top-right corner of the app, then selecting "Settings":
- Click "General" to manage overall app settings, including:
- Launch the app on system startup – Enable the app to start automatically when your system boots.
- Post-quantum encryption – Protect your connection against potential future quantum computer attacks.
- VPN protocol – Select the VPN protocol NordVPN uses to establish your connection. Each protocol offers a different balance of speed, security, and stability.
- Stay invisible on a local network – Keep your device hidden from other devices on the same local network while connected to a VPN.
- Privacy preferences – Manage your privacy-related settings.
- Click "Auto-connect" to configure automatic VPN connections – Automatically connect to NordVPN when the app launches or when you join an unsecured network.
- Click "Kill Switch" to prevent unprotected internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- "Custom DNS" – Configure Custom DNS settings.
- "Appearance" – Switch between light and dark modes.
- Refer a friend – Access your referral link to invite friends to NordVPN.
- Click "Account" to view and manage your account details:
- Check your subscription duration.
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Delete your account.
