The first step towards online security is setting up NordVPN correctly. Follow these simple steps to install the NordVPN app and connect to a VPN server.
Note: NordVPN supports macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, and macOS Sanoma 14 and above.
Attention: If you encounter issues during the installation of NordVPN on macOS Ventura, please refer to the following guide for a possible solution: macOS Ventura Error: The Installation Failed.
- Downloading and installing the NordVPN app
- Setting up the NordVPN application
- Connecting to servers
- NordVPN features
- NordVPN settings
Downloading and installing the NordVPN app
- Download NordVPN for macOS:
Alternatively, click here to download the latest macOS version.
- Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the NordVPN.pkg file and double-click on it to begin the installation:
Note: Ensure the download file is saved locally on your device (e.g., downloads folder, desktop) and not within Dropbox or other file management/synchronization tools or special folders.
- A new Install window will pop up, guiding you through the installation process. Choose to continue:
- Click on install:
- You will be asked for permission to install the installer, which is required to establish secure VPN tunnels. Enter your Mac's password and choose to install the software:
You can also confirm it with a fingerprint:
- Give access to the installer to files in the Downloads folder by clicking ok in the new pop-up window:
- A message will confirm that the app was successfully installed. Close the window:
Setting up and using the NordVPN application
- Open your launchpad and click on the NordVPN icon:
- If you have a NordVPN account, click log In in the top-right corner of the screen and enter your email address and password. If you are a new user, click sign up at the top-right corner of the screen:
- When logging in, you will be redirected to your Nord Account. Enter your registered email address and password. You can also sign in using your Google account or Apple ID or by entering a one-time login code:
- If you are a new user, 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 to always allow Nord Account and grant access to the app:
- After a successful login, you will be introduced to the main NordVPN application window:
Connecting to servers
The Quick Connect button in the top-right corner will automatically connect you to a server recommended by our smart algorithm.
Connecting to a specific 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.
Connecting to a specific country
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:
To connect to a specific country, simply click on it:
NordVPN features
Map
The map tab is the app’s home. Here, you can find and navigate NordVPN servers using the map, search bar, or specialty section.
Threat Protection Pro™
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, this feature 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.
Presets
Presets let you load a specified set of configurations, including server number, type, protocol, and more, at the click of a button! You’ll find many uses for this feature, like instantly loading a streaming service or a game with the necessary settings to experience a smooth session.
How to set up presets?
Start at the preferences page, as depicted above. You can either edit an existing preset or create a new one by pressing Add new.
In this example, we’ll add a new one by building it from scratch. After pressing Add new, you will see a menu with the settings you can use. First, give the preset a name. Next, select from available VPN protocols. If you change the default setting Use recommended, you’ll be able to alter the server type. Here you can set a specialty server or any regular one as your type:
Depending on the server availability, you may also have the choice of selecting either a specific region:
Finally, you can add either a web page or an app to the preset. It will be displayed under the preset name on the main screen:
If you press Add link, a field will appear for the URL of the website you would like easy access to. After inserting the URL, press Enter to register it. When you set up the configuration, press Save preset, and it will be added to the main screen.
Statistics
Statistics show you more information about your connection.
Settings
The settings tab displays the app settings.
Quick Help
Here you can find connection logs, be directed to our Help Center, and write an email to our customer support
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 3 different connection protocols (OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and NordLynx).
- Automatically check for updates — will check if you’re using the latest version of the NordVPN app.
- Help Us Improve — makes NordVPN better by sending us aggregated anonymous data.
Auto-connect
The auto-connect tab features the following functions:
- When using an untrusted network— toggle to automatically connect to a network that is not added to a Trusted network list.
- Connect to — 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
Kill Switch prevents unprotected access to the internet when your VPN connection accidentally drops.
DNS
DNS ensures tighter security and privacy for your traffic. You can configure your device manually to use private NordVPN DNS servers.
Appearance
Appearance settings let you add an application to your dock, menu bar, or both and choose between dark and light modes.
Refer a friend
The Refer a Friend tab provides you with your personal referral link and instructions on how to refer NordVPN to your friends.
Other Apps
The other Apps tab introduces other Nord Security products.
Account
The account section shows your NordVPN profile and subscription information. Here, you’ll also find links to NordVPN's Terms of Services and Privacy Policy.