These instructions will help you to connect to NordVPN on Android using the IKEv2 protocol.
- Download the NordVPN IKEv2 connection certificate.
- Download and install the strongSwan VPN Client app from Google Play.
- Open the strongSwan application.
- Tap on the three-dot icon in the top-right corner of the app and select "CA certificates" from the drop-down menu.
- In the following screen, tap on the three-dot icon again and select "Import certificate."
- Select the root.der file that you have downloaded in step 1.
- Confirm your selection by tapping Import certificate.
- Tap the left-pointing arrow to go back to the main screen of the strongSwan app.
- Select Add VPN profile.
- In the Server field, enter the hostname of a NordVPN server.
For the sake of this tutorial, the server hostname will be “us6180.nordvpn.com.” Press Advanced filters and select in the Security Protocol dropdown, select IKEv2/IPsec.
Follow the steps below to find the best server for your connection:
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Log into your Nord Account, and click NordVPN.
- Scroll down to Advanced Settings and click Set up NordVPN manually.
- Select the Server recommendation tab. According to your location, the best server will be recommended.
- By pressing Advanced filters you can further customize the recommended servers by selecting the Server type and the Security protocol.
- Under the server IP, next to Available protocols, select IKEv2/IPSec.
- In the window that pops up, copy the server hostname and use it in your IKEv2 manual connection setup.
- When connecting to IKEv2 manually, you're going to need to use the Username and Password from the Service credential tab.
- Enter your NordVPN service credentials in the “Username” and “Password” fields.
- All other settings can stay the same. You can give the profile whatever name you want in the “Profile name” field.
Once you have entered all the required information, click "Save."
- To connect, tap the profile you have just created.
- The application will ask you for the permissions necessary to form a VPN connection. Tap "OK."
Note: Different devices may display different warning messages.
- If the status field shows that you are “Connected,” the connection to the VPN server has been successful. You can now minimize the application and use your device as usual – your internet traffic is now secured by NordVPN.
To disconnect from the server, tap "Disconnect."