From October 17th, 2024, older applications will have a few function limitations. The issues can affect macOS applications version 8.27.2 and below. They can include not receiving notifications in the app and reduced Dark Web Monitoring and Meshnet functionality.
To resolve the issue, please update your application to the latest version.
This article will help you set up the NordVPN application on your Mac and connect to a VPN server.
Note: The NordVPN (App Store) app is compatible with macOS 11 and later versions.
Downloading and installing
- Go to the NordVPN app page in the App Store or click download the App Store version of NordVPN on our downloads page:
- Agree to Open App Store.
- When the App Store launches, click on the blue Get button and choose to Install the app.
- Once the download is finished, press the Open button.
Setting up and using the application
- Open your Launchpad and click on the NordVPN icon.
- You can Log In or Sign Up in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Once you press either log in or sign up, a pop-up message will appear. Click continue button to be redirected to the Nord account website:
Note: in some countries, the alert might display a different URL than nordaccount.com due to domain rotations or blocked URLs.
- To log in, enter your registered email address and password. You can also sign in using your Google account, Apple ID, or by entering 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 completing the above steps, you will be prompted to open the NordVPN app. Agree always to allow Nord Account and grant access to the app.
- After a successful login, you will see the main NordVPN application window.
Connecting to servers
- The Quick Connect button in the top-right corner will automatically connect you to a server.
- To connect to a specific server, click on the Search field in the top-left corner of the app. Enter a country, a category, or a specific server number (e.g., Canada #1224) to find what you need.
- All servers in the left sidebar are sorted by country and specialty.
To connect to a specialty server, hover over one of the categories under Specialty Servers, and click on the three-dot menu to select a country:
Alternatively, you could use the auto-connect feature, which is located in the settings. With it, you can automatically connect to a selected country, untrusted or trusted networks.
- To connect to a specific country, click on it.
NordVPN features menu
Threat Protection Pro™/Threat Protection
-
Threat Protection Pro™ is a special NordVPN feature that automatically blocks ads, trackers, and malicious URLs. When you visit a website known for scamming people, this feature displays an in-browser alert to warn you about possible fraud. Threat Protection Pro™ also scans downloads for malware and checks your apps for security vulnerabilities. Available with selected NordVPN plans, Threat Protection Pro™ can work without an active VPN connection. Learn more about Threat Protection Pro™.
If your NordVPN subscription doesn’t include Threat Protection Pro™, you can use the Threat Protection feature instead. It blocks intrusive ads and malicious domains based on DNS filtering and works whenever you’re connected to a VPN server. Threat Protection comes with all NordVPN plans.
Meshnet
- The Meshnet feature helps you to access devices over encrypted tunnels. Learn more about Meshnet.
Dark Web Monitor
- Dark Web Monitor scans the internet for any credential leaks associated with your registered NordVPN e-mail address.
Statistics
- Statistics show you more information about your connection.
Settings
To change application settings and find various features, click on the gear icon at the bottom-left corner of the app:
- Settings tab displays the NordVPN app settings.
Quick Help
Here you can find your connection logs, a direct to our Support Center, or our customer support email.
Alternatively, the help button can be located in the top status bar once the connection is established:
NordVPN settings
General
The general tab has the following features:
-
- Auto launch when the computer starts — toggle to open the NordVPN app automatically every time you turn your device on.
- VPN Protocol — will let you choose from 4 different connection protocols (OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, NordLynx, and NordWhisper).
- Post-quantum encryption - protects your VPN connection against potential quantum computer attacks.
- Share analytics data — makes NordVPN better by sending us aggregated, anonymous data.
-
Stay invisible on a local network - keeps your device invisible on a local network when connected to a VPN.
Auto-connect
The auto-connect tab features the following functions:
- When using an untrusted network — toggle to automatically be connected to a VPN when you're connected to a network that is not added to a Trusted network list.
- Connect to — you can select a specific country from the list.
- The current network — shows the network you are currently connected to.
-
Trusted network — you won't be automatically connected to a VPN while on a trusted Wi-Fi network.
Kill Switch
The Kill Switch tab features the following functions:
- Kill Switch prevents unprotected access to the internet when your VPN connection accidentally drops.
- Advanced Kill Switch is an additional layer of security that can be enabled to prevent WebRTC leaks. However, it functions separately from the system-wide Internet Kill Switch. Read more information about Kill Switch.
-
Stay invisible on a local network — this will let you keep your device invisible on an unsafe local network.
Appearance
Appearance settings let you add an application to your dock and menu bar. Also, it lets you choose between dark and light modes.
Other Apps
-
Other Apps tab introduces other Nord Security products. As well as a scannable QR code that directly leads you to the NordVPN mobile app download.
Account
-
Account section shows your NordVPN profile and subscription information. Here you’ll also find links to NordVPN Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.