Introduction
In this article, you will learn how to use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Chromecast, and AirPlay screen mirroring - as well as a wired HDMI connection - while your NordVPN connection is active. Because a VPN changes your IP address and can hide your devices from your local network, some of these features may not connect as expected. This guide explains why that happens and shows you the workaround for each connection type.
Before you start
- Connect both devices involved in casting or mirroring (for example, your phone and TV) to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Update the NordVPN app to the latest version.
- NOTE: NordVPN currently offers Split Tunneling only on the Windows, Android, Android TV, and browser extension apps. It does not support iOS or macOS, so the split-tunneling workarounds below apply only to those supported platforms.
Here's what to do
Connect with an HDMI cable (simplest option)
An HDMI connection carries the display over the cable rather than your local network, so the VPN doesn't interfere and you can leave it on.
- Connect your device to the TV with an HDMI cable. On a phone or tablet, use a compatible HDMI adapter (for example, a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning-to-HDMI adapter).
- On the TV, select the matching HDMI input.
- Your screen appears on the TV with the VPN still active.
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
CarPlay and Android Auto need a direct connection to your car's head unit, either wired or wireless. VPN routing can interfere with that connection, so the head unit may fail to detect your phone. The right workaround depends on your platform.
Android Auto (recommended: split tunneling). In the NordVPN Android app, add the Android Auto app - along with related apps such as your maps or music app - to the split-tunneling exclusion list. For detailed setup steps, read our article on how to set up Split Tunneling with NordVPN, or you can follow these steps:
- Open the NordVPN application.
- Tap on the profile icon, then tap Settings.
- Choose the Split tunneling option.
- Toggle the Split tunneling switch to the ON position.
- Press Manage apps and select Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so they are not affected by the VPN connection.
Those apps then bypass the VPN while everything else stays protected.
Apple CarPlay (iOS). NordVPN does not offer split tunneling on iOS, so that option does not apply. Instead, disconnect the VPN before you connect to your car, then reconnect once CarPlay establishes the session if your setup allows it.
Allow local network discovery
A VPN can hide your devices from each other on the local network, which blocks casting and mirroring. To fix this, adjust the local network discovery setting in the NordVPN app. The exact step depends on your platform.
On iOS: disable "Stay invisible on a local network."
- Open the NordVPN app and tap the Profile menu (bottom-right corner).
- Tap the Settings icon (top-right).
- Tap Local network discovery.
- Disable Stay invisible on a local network.
On Android: enable local network discovery.
- Open the NordVPN app and tap the Profile menu (bottom-right corner).
- Tap the Settings icon (top-right).
- Tap Local network discovery.
- Enable the setting.
Chromecast / AirPlay / general screen mirroring
Older Chromecast devices, AirPlay, and most media-mirroring services include no built-in VPN or MediaStreamer DNS support. To use a VPN with them, move the VPN from the streaming device to the network. Choose one of the following:
- Connect the device to a VPN-enabled router, so the entire network - including the Chromecast or AirPlay target - shares the VPN connection.
- Share the VPN connection from a Windows PC to the casting device.
Casting from an Android phone to an Android TV
A VPN can hide the two devices from each other on the local network. To prevent this:
- Follow the steps above to enable Local network discovery on both Android devices.
- Confirm that both devices use the same Wi-Fi network.
- Start casting from the Android phone to the Android TV.
This setup is uncommon, but it helps when a streaming service supports your mobile device but not your Android TV.
Additional tips
- If you want the most reliable result with the least setup, use an HDMI cable - it works with the VPN on and requires no network changes.
- When you troubleshoot a wireless casting issue, first identify how you set up casting. If you used a VPN-enabled router or shared the connection from Windows, check that router or Windows sharing configuration. If you cast from an Android phone to an Android TV, troubleshoot the streaming service on the mobile device.
- Every configuration behaves differently and depends on factors such as your location and any interfering services, so treat each case on its own rather than following the steps blindly.
