Introduction
In this article, you will learn how to download, install, and use the NordVPN app on your iPhone or iPad to ensure your internet connection remains private and secure. Setting up NordVPN on iOS allows you to protect your data with just a few taps, even on restrictive networks.
Before you start:
- Make sure you have an Apple ID to download apps from the App Store and a device running a NordVPN-supported operating system version of iOS or iPadOS by NordVPN.
- Internet access for the initial download and setup.
Here's what to do
Downloading and setting up NordVPN
- Open the App Store on your iOS device and search for NordVPN.
- Tap the download button.
- Once it finishes downloading, tap "Open." Select your data privacy preferences by tapping "Accept," "Reject," or "Customize."
- Tap "Next" and choose your notification preferences by tapping "Turn on notifications" or "Skip."
- Tap "Log In" if you already have an account, or tap "Sign up" and follow the prompts to create a new Nord Account.
Connecting to a VPN server
- After logging in, tap on the things that brought you to NordVPN or tap "Skip."
- Tap "Next" after learning about our features.
- Choose your preferred location when connecting to NordVPN using the "Secure my connection" button.
- Tap "Secure my connection" to automatically connect to the best available server.
- When connecting for the first time, a prompt will appear regarding VPN configurations. Tap "Allow," otherwise you will not be able to connect.
- Confirm the action using your device's passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
- Once the map pin turns green and the "Secured" message appears, you are successfully connected to a NordVPN VPN server.
Choosing specific locations or features
- To choose a specific country, tap "All locations" and select the country you want to connect to.
- To connect to a specialty server, such as a dedicated IP, obfuscated, or Double-VPN server, tap "All locations" and select one of the server groups above.
- To connect to a specific city, in the country list, tap the downward arrow to select a specific city. Otherwise, you can use the search feature to find a country or city you would like to connect to.
- Tap the Threat Protection (shield) icon to enable DNS filtering or Adult Site blocking, which blocks malicious domains, intrusive ads, and lets you configure what websites you want to see while connected.
- Tap the products (Four cubes) icon to enable the Dark Web Monitor, which alerts you if your credentials are leaked online, use Meshnet, or check out other Nord Security products.
Configuring Settings
- VPN Connection:
- Protocol: Switch between NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN (TCP), and OpenVPN (UDP).
- Post-Quantum Encryption: Enable this to secure your connection against quantum computer attacks.
- Custom DNS: Set up specific DNS servers to be used instead of NordVPN's default servers.
NOTE: If you set up Custom DNS servers to be used while connected, you might run into issues regarding website accessibility or streaming usage. - Auto-connect: Automatically secure your connection on Wi-Fi, with the option to exclude Trusted Wi-Fi networks.
- Local Network Discovery: Enable this if you need to reach printers or TVs on your local network.
- Prevent VPN bypass: Force all traffic through the VPN tunnel for maximum security.
- Reset VPN profile: Use this to reset the VPN configuration on your device.
- General:
- Appearance: Switch between light and dark themes.
- Siri shortcuts: Create voice phrases to control the app hands-free.
- Privacy Preferences: Manage how your data is handled.
- Other: Access subscription terms, rate the app, or refer friends.
Additional tips
- Protect your account by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and requiring an extra security step to log in.
