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  2. Troubleshooting and VPN issues
  3. Issues using the NordVPN app
  4. I can't install or update the NordVPN app

I can't install or update the NordVPN app on macOS

Problem

You encounter a problem during the NordVPN macOS app installation or update process.

Common symptoms

  • The installer does not start.
  • You encounter an error message like “Installation failed” or “Something went wrong” during installation.
  • The installer launches, but the installation never finishes.
  • The installer launches but fails to overwrite the existing version.
  • The app still shows an outdated version after attempting to update.

Troubleshooting steps

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

  • Check if your operating system supports the NordVPN app.
  • Check if you have administrator rights:
     
    1. Click the Apple icon at the top left.
    2. Click “System settings.”
    3. Navigate to “Users & Groups.”
    4. Click the “i” icon.
    5. Toggle the “Allow this user to administer this computer” setting.
    6. If you can't enable administrator rights, try downloading NordVPN from the Apple App Store.
       
  • Allow installation from other sources:
     
    1. Click the Apple icon at the top left.
    2. Click “System settings.”
    3. Navigate to “Privacy & Security.”
    4. Scroll down to “Security.”
    5. Click on “Allow applications from.”
    6. Select “App Store & Known developers.”
       
  • 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.
  • 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.
       
  • Delete NordVPN and install the latest version from 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. Restart your device.
    5. Install NordVPN from our website.

Additional tips

  • Check if the issue occurs on other devices.
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