To begin using NordVPN on your iPhone or iPad, download the iOS application, sign in (or sign up), and connect to a NordVPN server. As your device connects to our servers, your device's internet connection will be private and secure.
This guide will show you how to set it up step-by-step, quickly and thoroughly, and how to connect to our servers without needing to be a tech expert.
Downloading and setting up the NordVPN iOS app
- Open the App Store.
- 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 to downloading the NordVPN app for iPad and iPhone from such locations.
- Tap the "download" button.
- Once the download is finished, tap the "Open" button.
- NordVPN will ask you what data you allow to be sent to NordVPN. You can read more about this by visiting Nord Account's Privacy Policy section. Tap either "Accept," "Reject," or "Customize."
- The NordVPN app will ask if you want to register a new account. If you already have a NordVPN account, tap "Log In" at the bottom of the screen.
If you don't have an account, sign up for a Nord Account and create one. 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.
- Once you're done, you will be asked to allow notifications for privacy alerts, security tips, and excellent VPN offers. If you would like to not allow the NordVPN app to notify you at all, tap "Skip"; otherwise, tap "Turn on notifications."
- If you tap on the "Turn on notifications" button, you will be asked to allow NordVPN to send you notifications. Tap "Allow."
- If you tap on the "Turn on notifications" button, you will be asked to allow NordVPN to send you notifications. Tap "Allow."
How do you connect to a VPN server using the NordVPN iOS app?
- After logging in, you will see a map and the "Secure my connection" button. Press this button to automatically connect to a server recommended by our clever algorithm based on your needs and preferences.
- When connecting for the first time, NordVPN will remind you that you must allow permissions to install a new VPN profile. Tap "GOT IT."
- This is a standard warning message: VPN configurations are necessary to connect to NordVPN servers. Since NordVPN is a respectable VPN service provider, tap "Allow" to continue.
- Depending on how you secure your device, you can be asked to confirm your choice by entering a passcode, password, or your fingerprint.
- This is a standard warning message: VPN configurations are necessary to connect to NordVPN servers. Since NordVPN is a respectable VPN service provider, tap "Allow" to continue.
- 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.
How to choose a specific server in the NordVPN iOS app?
- Tap a country pin and press "Secure my connection" to automatically connect to the best server for you in that country.
- 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.
- In order to connect to a specific city first you most sort the country list and choose "By popularity" and then you will be able to select a city when you tap the three dots next to the country's name. NordVPN will rank the available servers based on your needs.
- You can tap "Search connection" to find a specific server using its server number.
Products
- Tap the products button, the one made up of 4 cubes.
- From this screen you are able to check all Nord Security solutions and enable Dark Web Monitor - a feature automatically scans the internet for any leaked credentials associated with your registered NordVPN email 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.
Threat Protection
- Tap on the shield button on the right of the global icon.
- This NordVPN feature blocks intrusive ads and malicious domains through DNS filtering. For it to work, you have to enable the Threat Protection feature.
- You can also configure the NordVPN Threat Protection feature by enabling Adult site blocking or configuring it to always work or only with the VPN off.
Profile information
- While on the map screen, you can tap the profile icon in the bottom-right corner to access your profile information, shortcuts, and settings.
- Here, you will see your subscription details, settings, the Meshnet overview, get troubleshooting help for various issues, configure your notifiactions, check your statistics, and the NordVPN refer-a-friend program.
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 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, NordWhisper, OpenVPN TCP, and OpenVPN UDP connection protocols. We have a detailed guide on which VPN protocol you should choose.
Before you connect to our servers, you can also set up custom DNS servers in the VPN protocol tab. They are used instead of NordVPN DNS servers when you are connected. - "Post-Quantum Encryption:" Your VPN connection is additionally secured from attacks using quantum computers, with Post-Quantum Encryption enabled.
- "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. You can turn off auto-connect for specific networks in the"trusted Wi-Fi network" section. For example, you can make an exception for a trusted home Wi-Fi network.
- "Reset VPN profile:" Reset the VPN configuration on your device.
- "Local Network Discovery:" If this feature is disabled, your iPhone or iPad will be invisible to the Local Network, which is helpful for extra security. However, if you struggle to reach your TV or any printers, we recommend turning this setting on.
- "Prevent VPN bypass (recommended):" This feature prevents VPN bypassing by forcing all traffic through the VPN tunnel, including apps that may try bypassing it. It could accidentally interfere with some streaming services.
General
- "Appearance:" Choose your preferred application appearance, including switching to a dark theme.
- "Notifications:" Turn NordVPN app notifications on or off.
- "Siri shortcuts:" Create specific Siri phrases to control the application hands-free.
- "Rate us on the App Store:" Give our services a review on the App Store.
- "Terms:" All your subscription-related information.
- "Tell friends about NordVPN:" Share information about our app with your friends and family.
- "Privacy preferences:" You can manage your privacy preferences regarding your data.
