1. Live Chat, VPN Setup, Troubleshooting | NordVPN Customer Support
  2. Troubleshooting and VPN issues
  3. Issues with VPN connection
  4. My VPN keeps disconnecting

My VPN keeps disconnecting on macOS

Problem

The NordVPN app keeps disconnecting on your macOS device.

Common symptoms

  • The status changes to “Connecting” in the NordVPN app.
  • You get a notification that NordVPN has disconnected.

Troubleshooting steps

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

  • Check if you are using the latest version of the NordVPN app:
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the profile (person) icon in the top-right corner.
    2. Click "Settings."
    3. If the app is outdated, you will see a banner showing that a new version is available.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.
  • Change the VPN protocol:
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the profile (person) icon in the top-right corner.
    2. Click "Settings."
    3. Click “General.”
    4. Try connecting with all available protocols.
       
  • Turn off post-quantum encryption:
    1. Open the NordVPN app and click the profile (person) icon in the top-right corner.
    2. Click "Settings."
    3. Click “General.”
    4. Use the toggle to turn off Post-quantum encryption.
       
  • Disable Meshnet:
    1. Click the "Meshnet" icon on the left side of the NordVPN app.
    2. Use the toggle to turn off Meshnet.
       
  • 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.
       
  • Connect to an obfuscated server.
  • Reset your application preferences.

Additional tips

  • Check your internet connection without connecting to the VPN.
  • If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
  • Check if you have other VPNs running on your computer.
  • Check if the issue occurs on other devices connected to the same network. If it does, try switching to a different network.
  • Restart your device.
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