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

Problem

The NordVPN Linux app fails to install properly, making it unusable.

Common symptoms

  • The installer launches and appears to be installing, but it never finishes.
  • The update process gets stuck or never completes.

Troubleshooting steps

NOTE: This guide follows troubleshooting for Debian-based and Fedora-based systems. If you use a different distribution or package manager, double-check the commands to ensure they use the correct package managers.
NOTE: Make sure to check if the issue persists after each step.

  • Check if your Operating System supports the NordVPN app.
  • Follow the troubleshooting steps according to your installed Linux distribution:
     
    • Debian-based:
      • Check for system updates and reboot the device:

        1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
        2. In the terminal, type these commands:

          sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 
          sudo reboot
           
      • Reinstall the NordVPN app:

        1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
        2. In the terminal, enter:

          sudo apt autoremove --purge nordvpn
        3. Once it’s removed, reinstall it by following these steps:
          1. Change the directory to the “Downloads” folder:

            cd ~/Downloads
             
          2. Download the latest NordVPN “.deb” file:

            sudo wget “https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/n/nordvpn-release/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb"
          3. Extract the packages:

            sudo dpkg -i nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb
             
          4. Install NordVPN and reboot your device:

            sudo apt install nordvpn
            sudo reboot
             
    • Fedora-based:
      • Check for system updates and reboot the device:
        1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
        2. In the terminal, type these commands:

          sudo dnf update --refresh
          sudo reboot
           
      • Reinstall the NordVPN app:

        1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
        2. In the terminal, enter:

          sudo dnf remove nordvpn*
           
        3. Once it’s removed, reinstall it by following these steps:
          1. Change the directory to the “Downloads” folder:

             cd ~/Downloads
             
          2. Download the latest NordVPN “.rpm” file:

            sudo wget “https://repo.nordvpn.com/yum/nordvpn/centos/noarch/Packages/n/nordvpn-release-1.0.0-1.noarch.rpm"
             
          3. Extract the packages:

            sudo dnf install nordvpn-release-1.0.0-1.noarch.rpm
             
          4. Install NordVPN and reboot your device:

            sudo dnf install nordvpn
            sudo reboot

             

            NOTE: If the installation fails, go to the Downloads folder via a file manager and double-click the "nordvpn-release-1.0.0-1.noarch.rpm" file. After that, run this command once more:

            sudo dnf install nordvpn
              1.  

Additional tips

  • Ensure your device has a stable internet connection throughout the installation process.
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