Introduction
In this article, you will learn how to add NordVPN widgets to your home screen on iOS and Android devices, giving you quick access to connect, disconnect, and monitor your VPN status without opening the app.
Before you start
- Make sure you have the latest version of the NordVPN app installed.
- You must be signed in to your NordVPN account at least once before widgets become available.
- If you have an iOS device, your device must run iOS 14 or later for home screen widgets. Lock Screen widgets require iOS 16 and above.
- On iOS, the VPN configuration permission must be granted at least once through the main app before a widget can connect.
Here's what to do
iOS - Adding a Widget to the Home Screen
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the home screen page where you want to place the widget.
- Touch and hold an empty area until the app icons begin to jiggle, then tap the + icon in the top-left corner.
- In the search bar, type "NordVPN.:
- Select "NordVPN" from the results.
- Swipe left or right to choose your preferred widget size and type.
- Tap "Add Widget."
- Drag the widget to your preferred position, then tap "Done."
iOS - Adding a Lock Screen Widget (iOS 16+)
- Press and hold your Lock Screen until the "Customize" button appears.
- Tap "Customize," then select "Lock Screen."
- Tap one of the widget slots (above or below the clock).
- Find and select "NordVPN" from the list, then tap the desired widget to add it.
- Tap "Done" to save your changes.
Android - Adding a Widget to the Home Screen
- Long-press an empty area of your home screen.
- Tap "Widgets" from the menu that appears.
- Search for or scroll to NordVPN.
- Long-press the widget you want and drag it to your desired home screen location.
- Release to place it.
Note: If you have a Samsung device, after long-pressing the home screen, tap Widgets, find NordVPN, and tap Add or drag it directly to the home screen.
Note: If you have a Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus, or Huawei device, these devices have aggressive battery savers that may stop widgets from working after a reboot. Go to your device's app settings for NordVPN and enable Autostart and set battery usage to "No restrictions" or "Unrestricted."
Additional tips
- If the NordVPN widget does not appear in the widget gallery or drawer, open the app, sign in, and restart your device - widgets are registered with the system after the first launch.
- If the widget fails to connect when tapped, open the NordVPN app and confirm your subscription is active and your VPN configuration is set up.
- If the widget shows an outdated connection status, force-close the NordVPN app and reopen it to refresh the widget.
- On iOS, make sure "Background App Refresh" is enabled for NordVPN to keep the widget status up to date:
- Open the "Settings" app.
- Tap "General."
- Tap "Background App Refresh."
- Keep the NordVPN app updated - widget functionality often improves with each new release.
