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  2. Troubleshooting and VPN issues
  3. Issues using the NordVPN app
  4. I can't launch the NordVPN app, or it crashes

I can't launch the NordVPN app, or it crashes on macOS

Problem

You experience frequent crashes when trying to launch or use the NordVPN macOS app.

Common symptoms

  • The NordVPN app refuses to launch.
  • The NordVPN app launches, but shuts down immediately.
  • Your screen freezes or becomes unresponsive when launching the NordVPN app.
  • You see a blank or black screen upon launching the NordVPN app.
  • The NordVPN app fails to load beyond the initial logo or loading screen.
  • The NordVPN app launches but crashes frequently (especially when connecting to a server).

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: Check if the issue has been resolved after each step.

  • Check if your Operating System supports the NordVPN app.
  • If you have an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list.
  • Temporarily turn off or uninstall your antivirus to see if it is blocking or interfering with the NordVPN app.
  • Delete and reinstall NordVPN using the version provided on our website:

    1. Open the Finder app by clicking the happy face icon in the dock at the bottom of the screen.
    2. Click the “Applications” folder on the left.
    3. Right-click the NordVPN app icon and select the “Move to Bin” option.
      NOTE: You don’t need to empty the bin to reinstall NordVPN, especially if you have other files there you might want to keep.

    4. Manually clear NordVPN application files:
       
      • Sideload NordVPN app version (app downloaded from NordVPN website):

        1. Right-click on a Finder app in your dock and click "Go to Folder..."
        2. Enter the following path and press "Enter:"
          ~/Library/Application\ Support
        3. Out of all the folders, look for the following one:
          com.nordvpn.macos
        4. Right-click on the folder and click "Move to Trash."
        5. Repeat the steps by right-clicking on a Finder app in your dock again and clicking "Go to Folder..."
        6. Enter the following path and press "Enter:"
          ~/Library/Caches
        7. Out of all the folders, look for the following one:
          com.nordvpn.macos
        8. Right-click on the folder and click "Move to Trash."

      • App Store NordVPN app version (app downloaded from App Store):
        1. Right-click on a Finder app in your dock and click "Go to Folder..."
        2. Enter the following path and press "Enter:"
          ~/Library/Group Containers
        3. Out of all the folders, look for the following one:
          W5W395V82Y.group.com.nordvpn
        4. Right-click on the folder and click "Move to Trash."
        5. Repeat the steps by right-clicking on a Finder app in your dock again and clicking "Go to Folder..."
        6. Enter the following path and press "Enter:"
          ~/Library/Containers
        7. Out of all the folders, look for the following one:
          NordVPN
        8. Right-click on the folder and click "Move to Trash."

    5. Restart your device.
    6. Install NordVPN from our website.
  •  
  • Check if there are any macOS updates for your device:

    1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen
    2. Select "System settings."
    3. Click "General" in the sidebar.
    4. Click "Software Update" on the right to check for updates.
    5. If there is an update available, click "Update now" and follow the on-screen instructions. Your device might restart and display a progress bar (or a blank screen) during this process.

Additional tips

  • Check if the issue occurs on other devices.
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