I can’t connect to the VPN on macOS

Problem

You can’t connect to a VPN server on NordVPN’s macOS app.

Common symptoms

• The app is stuck on the “Connecting” status.
• You get a “Can’t establish connection” error.

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: Make sure to check your connection after each step.

• If you used the “Quick Connect” button to connect to the VPN, try manually selecting and connecting to several specific countries instead.
• Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
  
  
  1. Click the cogwheel icon at the bottom left of the NordVPN app.
  2. If the app is outdated, you will see a banner showing that a new version is available. Click the “Update now” button.
     
     
• If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
• Disable IPv6.
• Change the VPN protocol:
  
  
  1. Open the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the lower-left corner to enter the “Settings” menu.
  2. Click “General.”
  3. Try connecting with all available protocols.
     
     
• Reapply the VPN configuration settings on macOS:
  
  
  1. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click “System Settings.”
  3. Go to the “VPN” tab and click the information icon (i) next to NordVPN.
  4. You will get a pop-up about modifying system settings. Approve it, click the “Remove Configuration” button, and click “Remove” once more to confirm.
  5. Close the NordVPN app by pressing Command + Q on the keyboard.
  6. Re-open the NordVPN app and click the “Quick Connect” button.
  7. If a pop-up appears, allow the NordVPN app to add VPN configurations.

Additional tips

• If the issue appeared after you have tried connecting to the same VPN server multiple times, wait a few minutes before attempting to connect again.
• Check if the issue persists on a different device.
• Make sure that your internet connection is active