Introduction
This article covers how to download and set up the NordVPN app on Android, connect to a VPN, and explore key features and settings.
Before you start
- You need an Android device with an internet connection.
- You will need your Nord Account credentials. If you do not have an account, you can create one during the setup process.
- For full feature access, ensure you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app. Versions 7.9.2 and below will have limited functionality starting October 17th, 2024.
Here’s what to do
How to download and install NordVPN
You can install NordVPN on Android in several ways.
From an app store
- Open the app store on your device:
- Google Play Store (most Android phones and tablets)
- Samsung Galaxy Store (Samsung devices)
- Amazon Appstore (Amazon Fire tablets)
- Search for NordVPN.
- Select the NordVPN app and tap "Install."
Manual installation (APK)
- Visit the official NordVPN website on your device.
- Download the Android APK file.
- Open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
How to log in
- Once the installation is complete, open the NordVPN app.
- Tap "Log in" if you already have an account.
- Your browser will open the Nord Account login page. Enter your email or username and password, or sign in with Google or Apple ID if enabled.
- Tap "Continue."
- After logging in through your browser, return to the NordVPN app.
NOTE: If you don't have a Nord Account yet, tap "Sign up" to create one. This will open your browser and take you to the Nord Account page to complete the process.
How to connect and disconnect
- To connect, choose one of the following methods:
- Tap "Secure my connection" to automatically connect to the fastest server.
- Swipe up to the "Countries" list and tap a specific country to connect to that location.
- Tap the magnifying glass icon on the main screen to search for and select a specific country or city.
- A connection request will appear the first time you connect. Tap "Ok" to allow the app to create a VPN connection.
- To end your session, tap "Pause" and then select "Disconnect". You can also choose a duration from this menu to pause the connection temporarily.
Explore NordVPN features
On the main screen, swipe up to find:
- Dedicated IP - connect to your exclusive IP address.
- Tap "Devices" to create a secure network for your devices with a Meshnet feature.
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Specialty servers - access servers for specific needs:
- P2P - servers that are specialized for fast and secure file sharing, such as downloading. These servers are optimized to handle large amounts of traffic while keeping your IP address hidden from other peers
- Onion Over VPN - a feature that combines the anonymity of The Onion Router (Tor) with the security of a VPN tunnel.
- Obfuscated - servers that are designed to bypass heavy internet restrictions and firewalls that block VPNs.
- Double VPN - servers that provide an extra layer of security by routing your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
In the bottom navigation menu:
- Tap the shield icon to manage Threat Protection settings - a feature that blocks ads, trackers, and unsafe domains based on DNS filtering. It only works when you're connected to one of the NordVPN's servers.
- "Products" to discover other Nord products and extend your security. In this section also manage:
- Dark Web Monitoring - a feature that continuously monitors email addresses and other added assets for data exposures, including passwords or other sensitive personal information, and alerts you once it detects a potential threat on the web.
- Call protection - a feature that flags potential scam calls before you answer. It screens incoming numbers and shows a clear warning so you can decide whether to ignore, decline, or send the call to voicemail instead of answering.
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Meshnet - a feature that lets you create a secure private network between your devices, enabling remote access, traffic routing, file sharing, gaming, and enhanced network protection.
- The profile icon to access general features:
- Account details where you can check your subscription duration, set up multi-factor authentication, or delete your account.
- App settings
- "Help" where you can report a website issue, suggest a feature, or send diagnostic logs.
- Refer a friend where you'll find your referral link to invite friends to NordVPN.
- Notifications
- Statistics
Inside the "Settings" section, you can configure:
- Preferred location- choose the country or server location NordVPN connects to by default.
- Protocol - lets you choose how NordVPN connects and protects your traffic, balancing speed, security, and stability.
- Auto-connect - automatically connect to NordVPN when the app launches or when you join an unsecured network.
- Split tunneling - a feature that allows you to have a specific part of your internet connection rerouted outside of the VPN.
- Post-quantum encryption - a feature that protects your VPN connection against potential quantum computer attacks.
- DNS settings
- Local network discovery - a feature that allows you to access printers, TVs, and other devices on your local network while connected to the VPN.
- Kill Switch - a feature that helps prevent unprotected access to the internet when your traffic doesn't go through a NordVPN server.
- The app's appearance to switch to the dark mode.
- Notification preferences
- Privacy preferences
Additional tips
- Make sure your NordVPN app is always updated to access the latest features and security improvements.
