In this guide, we will cover how to set up an IKEv2 manual connection on an iOS device (iPhone/iPad).
Even though the IKEv2/IPSec protocol is no longer supported on iOS on NordVPN 8.10.1 and newer app versions, this connection method can be used as one of the alternative ways to connect to NordVPN servers if you're unable to install the application.
This setup lacks the additional features of the native NordVPN app and requires more steps to set up.
Manual connection setup
- Download the NordVPN IKEv2 certificate to your device. You can do so by opening this link in Safari: https://downloads.nordcdn.com/certificates/root.der
- The certificate installation dialogue will appear. Tap Install in each step:
- Once the certificate is installed, tap Done to complete the installation.
3.1. On iOS 12.2 and later versions, after you download the certificate, you might see a pop-up saying "Profile Downloaded - Review the profile in Settings app if you want to install it".
3.2. Navigate to your device Settings > Profile Downloaded > NordVPN Root CA > Install > Trust.
If you cannot see the Profile Downloaded button, go to Settings > General > Profiles. You should find the downloaded profile there.
- Now you have to determine which server to connect to. Go to https://my.nordaccount.com/dashboard/nordvpn/manual-configuration/server-recommendation/. The tool will pick a server recommended for you. In our case, the recommended server is US #810 with the hostname us810.nordvpn.com. We will use this server as a reference in all further steps.
Follow the steps below to find the best server for your connection:
-
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.
- Go to Settings > General > VPN.
Note: If you are using a newer version of iOS (15+) find the VPN setting section by the following pathway:
General > VPN & Device Management > VPN
- Tap on Add VPN Configuration...
- Fill the boxes as follows:
Type: IKEv2
Description: Any preferred name for the VPN connection
Server: The hostname of the server (see step 4)
Remote ID: The same hostname as in the Server field
Local ID: Leave empty
User Authentication: Username
Username: Your NordVPN service username
Password: Your NordVPN service password
You can find your NordVPN service credentials (username and password) through the Nord Account dashboard:
Follow the steps below to find the service credentials for manual connection setup:
-
Log into your Nord Account, and click NordVPN.
- Scroll down to Advanced Settings and click Set up NordVPN manually.
- Select the Service credentials tab, where you'll find the Username and Password needed to connect manually.
Proxy: Off
Tap Done.
- To enable the VPN, go back to the device Settings and click on the toggle switch next to VPN.