Introduction
This article explains how to download, install, set up the NordVPN application on your macOS device, and connect to a VPN server.
Before you start
- Make sure your device is running macOS 12 or a later version.
- You will need the password for your Mac to authorize the installation.
- For macOS Ventura users: If the installation fails, please refer to our guide for troubleshooting this specific issue.
Here’s what to do
Download and Install
- Go to the official NordVPN macOS download page and click the "Download App "button.
- Open your Downloads folder and find the NordVPN.pkg file. Double-click the NordVPN.pkg file to begin the installation:
NOTE: Ensure the file is saved directly on your device, not in a cloud-synced folder like Dropbox. - An installer window will open. Click "Continue," then "Install."
- When prompted, enter your Mac's password or use Touch ID to authorize the installation.
- Once the installation is complete, click "Close."
Log In and Connect
- Once you have NordVPN app downloaded, press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open "Spotlight Search", type "NordVPN", and press enter to open the app.
- A login window will appear. Click "Log In" if you have an account or "Create account" to create one:
- Click "Continue" in the pop-up window to open the Nord Account website:
NOTE: You may be redirected to a URL other than nordaccount.com for login, as domains can vary by region. - To log in, enter your email address and password, or use Google, Apple, or 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 logging in through the browser, you will be prompted to open the NordVPN app. Agree to always allow Nord Account to open the app.
- Once you're back in the app, you can connect in two ways:
- For the fastest connection click the "Secure my connection" button in the top-left corner.
- To choose a specific location, you can type a country's name into the search bar or scroll through the list and click the one you want.
Additional tips
- Connect to Specialty Servers. Find the "Specialty Servers" list in the left sidebar. Hover over a category and click the three-dot menu to select a country.
- Threat Protection Pro™. Click the shield icon in the left sidebar of the NordVPN application to block ads, malicious websites, and trackers.
- Use Meshnet. Click the interconnected dots icon in the left sidebar of the NordVPN application to access other devices over a secure, encrypted tunnel.
- Activate Dark Web Monitor. Click the radar-style icon in the left sidebar of the NordVPN application to scan for leaks associated with your NordVPN email address.
- Explore the "Settings" menu by clicking the gear icon in the bottom-left corner of the app:
- In the "General" settings, set the app to launch on startup, choose your VPN protocol, enable post-quantum encryption, and turn on Invisible on a local network.
- Use the auto-connect settings to have the app automatically connect when you join an untrusted network.
- Enable the Kill Switch to prevent unprotected internet access if the VPN connection drops.
- Customize your app appearance.
- Check your account details, subscription status, and security settings.
