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 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.
- 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, 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 see a privacy notification. Click "Allow".
Connecting to NordVPN servers
- After logging in, you will see a map and the Quick Connect button. Press this button to automatically connect to a server recommended by our clever algorithm based on your needs and preferences.
- You will be asked to allow NordVPN to add VPN configurations when connecting for the first time. 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.
- Depending on how you secure your device, you can be asked to confirm your choice by entering a passcode, password, or your fingerprint.
- 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
- Tap a country pin and press Quick Connect 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.
- 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.
- You can tap "Search connection" to find a specific server using its server number.
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.
- You will see your subscription details, security dashboard, shortcuts, settings, the Meshnet overview, and the NordVPN refer-a-friend program here.
Moreover, you can find the Contact us button through this tab or you can also check out other NordVPN products
Dark Web Monitor
Once enabled, this 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.
Security Score
These steps will tell you how to protect yourself with NordVPN fully.
Threat Protection
This NordVPN feature blocks intrusive ads and malicious domains through DNS filtering. For it to work, you have to enable the Threat Protection feature.
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
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Protocol: Switch between Nordlynx, 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. - 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.
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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.
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.
- Subscription and privacy info: 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.