Yes, but only if you have the Dedicated Server add-on.
NOTE: Standard NordVPN servers and the Dedicated IP add-on don't support port forwarding. You need the Dedicated Server add-on for this.
Dedicated Server or Dedicated IP - which one forwards ports?
People mix these two up often, so here's the quick split:
- Dedicated Server - Forwards ports. You set your own rules and point inbound traffic to the devices you choose.
- Dedicated IP - Gives you a fixed IP that only you use, but it won't forward ports.
- Standard servers - You share these with other users, so they don't forward ports either.
What can you actually do with it?
Port forwarding opens the door for inbound connections to a device on your network. Most people use it to:
- Host game servers like Minecraft.
- Connect to a remote desktop.
- Run self-hosted services such as a home NAS.
- Use any app that expects incoming traffic from the internet.
Does it work on every platform?
Mostly, yes - with one catch on macOS.
NOTE: If you downloaded the NordVPN app from the macOS App Store, port forwarding won't work yet. App Store sandboxing stops the app from setting the local firewall rules that inbound traffic needs.
Additional tips
- Follow our guide on how to configure port forwarding on your NordVPN Dedicated Server.