NordVPN Not Connecting? How to Fix Common Problems 2024

NordVPN is one of the top VPNs out there, known for its speed and strong security. But even the best tools can hit a snag. If NordVPN isn’t connecting, it can be a real hassle. Problems like slow internet, outdated software, or wrong settings are common — but thankfully, they’re usually easy to fix.

This guide will help you get NordVPN working again with simple, step-by-step solutions. Whether the issue is your connection, app settings, or something else, you’ll know exactly what to do. By the end, your VPN will be back up and running, keeping you secure and stress-free. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Quick Fixes to NordVPN Not Working

Check Your Internet Connection

Before fixing NordVPN, make sure your internet connection is stable. If your connection isn’t working properly, the VPN won’t either. Connection issues can sometimes also result from limited bandwidth. Here are a few simple steps to check and improve your connection:

• Test your connection — Disconnect NordVPN and try loading a website. If pages are slow or don’t load, your internet may be the problem.
• Restart your router — Turn your router and modem off for 30 seconds, then turn them back on. This can fix small glitches and improve your connection.
• Avoid interference — Make sure your device is close to the router and that nothing is blocking the signal, like walls or other electronic devices.
• Update network drivers — Old drivers can cause connection issues. Visit your device maker’s website to download and install the latest updates.
• Contact your ISP — If nothing works, reach out to your internet service provider. They can check for outages or other issues affecting your connection.

Switch Servers

If NordVPN isn’t connecting, the server you’re using might be the issue. Sometimes servers are down for maintenance or overloaded with too many users. Switching to a different server can often fix the problem. Here’s how you can switch servers:

1. Open the NordVPN app — Start the app on your device to access the list of servers.
2. Find a new server — Use the country list or the map to pick a different server. You can try a server in another location or even another one in the same country.
3. Connect to a new server — Click to connect, then wait for confirmation that it’s working.

Try Another Protocol

A protocol is the technology that decides how your data moves between your device and the VPN server. NordVPN has many protocols like NordLynx and OpenVPN (UDP or TCP). Switching protocols can fix connection issues.

Why switch protocols?

• Network restrictions: Some networks block certain protocols. For instance, public WiFi might block UDP traffic, which can cause problems if you’re using OpenVPN UDP. Switching to OpenVPN TCP or NordLynx could help bypass these blocks.
• Stability and speed: Each protocol offers a different balance of speed and reliability. If your VPN keeps disconnecting or feels slow, trying another protocol can improve the experience.

How to change NordVPN’s protocol

1. Open the NordVPN app — Open the app on your device to access the settings.
2. Go to the Settings menu — Click on the gear icon and navigate to the ‘General’ tab.
3. Choose a protocol — Click the dropdown menu for ‘VPN Protocol’ and pick a protocol.
   
   Your current protocol will be marked with a tick
4. Reconnect to the VPN — After switching the protocol, try connecting again to see if the issue is resolved.

Restart the App

Sometimes, connection issues with NordVPN are caused by minor glitches or misconfigurations in the app. A quick restart can often clear temporary bugs, while a full reset restores default settings to resolve deeper issues.

You might already know how to restart an app. Close the app, go to the Task Manager or Terminal if you’re using a Mac, and make sure NordVPN is not running anymore. On mobile devices, swipe up or use the app switcher to close the app. Wait a moment, relaunch the NordVPN app, and try connecting to a server.

When a restart doesn’t work, resetting the app can help fix misconfigured settings or lingering issues. Here’s how:

On Windows

1. Open the Diagnostics tool — Press the Windows key, type “NordVPN Diagnostics,” and press Enter.
2. Click Reset App — Use the option in the diagnostic window to reset the app to its default settings.

On macOS

1. Close the app — Ensure NordVPN is not running in the background.
2. Open Terminal — Go to ‘Applications,’ click ‘Utilities,’ then head to ‘Terminal.’
3. Run the Reset Command — Use the appropriate command for your app version:
   1. For the App Store version: “defaults delete com.nordvpn.osx-apple”
   2. For the website version: “defaults delete com.nordvpn.macos”
4. Reopen NordVPN — Launch the app again and check if the connection works.

Open VPN-Specific Ports

Sometimes, NordVPN can’t connect because your network is blocking the ports it needs. Ports are doorways that allow data to travel between your device and the VPN server. If these are closed, your VPN connection won’t work even if it’s allowed through the firewall. Opening the required ports can solve the issue.

What ports does NordVPN use?

NordVPN relies on the following ports to work properly: OpenVPN UDP uses port 1194, and OpenVPN TCP uses port 443. If these ports are blocked by your network or firewall, NordVPN may fail to connect.

How to open ports on Windows

1. Access firewall settings — Open the Control Panel, navigate to ‘System and Security’ and click ‘Windows Defender Firewall.’ Click ‘Advanced Settings’ in the left menu.
2. Create a new rule — Select ‘Inbound Rules’ and click ‘New Rule’ on the right. Choose ‘Port’ and click ‘Next.’
3. Add the required port — Enter the port number (e.g., 1194 for OpenVPN UDP). Select UDP or TCP as the protocol and click ‘Next.’
4. Allow the connection — Choose ‘Allow the Connection’ and complete the setup.
5. Repeat for other ports — If needed, repeat these steps for any additional ports.

How to open ports on macOS

Note that macOS doesn’t allow direct port management through its built-in firewall, but you can allow apps like NordVPN that use specific ports. Here’s how:

1. Open System Preferences — Go to System Preferences and search “firewall” to open the Network page.
   
2. Open Firewall settings — Click Firewall, then ‘Options.’ You will see a pop-up window with various apps. Click the ‘+’ icon beneath and add NordVPN to the list of programs.
   
3. Save changes — Click OK to save changes.

Use Obfuscated Servers

Obfuscated servers are helpful when NordVPN isn’t working due to network restrictions or blocks. They hide your VPN data and make it look like regular traffic. This can help you bypass strict censorship in high-censorship countries or networks that actively block VPNs, like at work or school. Here’s how you can use NordVPN’s obfuscated servers:

1. Select OpenVPN as your protocol — Launch the NordVPN app and click the gearbox icon to open settings. In the ‘General’ tab, click the dropdown menu for ‘VPN Protocol,’ and select ‘OpenVPN UDP.’
   
   Without OpenVPN, obfuscated servers won’t be available
2. Use an obfuscated server — Click the globe icon to return to the home screen, scroll down to the ‘Specialty Servers’ tab, and click ‘Obfuscated Servers.
   
   NordVPN has obfuscated servers in 16 countries
3. Connect to a server — From the list of obfuscated servers, pick a country and hit connect. You’ll be connected to an obfuscated server in that country.

Disable Firewall

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus might block NordVPN and stop it from connecting. Firewalls monitor your internet traffic and can mistakenly block the ports or protocols NordVPN uses. Antivirus programs might flag the VPN traffic as suspicious, even though it’s safe. Temporarily turning these tools off can help you figure out if they’re causing the issue.

If disabling the firewall fixes the problem, you’ll need to add NordVPN to its list of allowed apps so it works properly moving forward. If your antivirus software is the problem, find the ‘Exceptions’ or ‘Trusted Applications’ tabs, where you can add NordVPN as a trusted app. This will prevent your antivirus from blocking it or flagging it as suspicious.

Use a Different DNS Address

DNS, or Domain Name System, acts like a translator for the internet. When you type a website name, like www.example.com into your browser, DNS converts it into the numerical IP address that computers and servers use to find each other. Without DNS, your browser wouldn’t know where to go to load a website.

ISP-provided DNS servers can block or interfere with NordVPN, stopping it from connecting. They might also cause DNS leaks, exposing your browsing activity to your ISP even while using a VPN. Switching to NordVPN’s private DNS servers fixes these issues by routing all DNS requests securely through the VPN tunnel. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open NordVPN’s settings — Launch the NordVPN app and click the gear icon to open settings. Click the ‘DNS’ tab.
   
   You’ll need to add both the primary and secondary DNS addresses
2. Change DNS servers — Click ‘Add new DNS’ and enter NordVPN’s DNS server addresses, which are 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100. You can also use NordVPN’s SmartDNS addresses — these are especially good for streaming.

Turn Off IPv6 and Other Apps

IPv6 is a newer internet protocol designed to replace IPv4, offering more IP addresses for modern networks. However, NordVPN mainly supports IPv4, and if your device uses IPv6, some traffic might bypass the VPN tunnel. This could lead to data leaks or even block NordVPN from working properly. Disabling IPv6 ensures all your traffic goes securely through the VPN.

1. Go to Network Settings — Go to System Preferences, click ‘Network,’ then ‘Wi-Fi.’ Next, click the ‘Details’ tab right beside your home network.
2. Disable IPv6 — In the window that pops up, select the ‘TCP/IP’ tab and locate the ‘Configure IPv6’ option. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Link-Local Only.’
   
   Normally, this setting is set to ‘Automatically’

If you’re using Windows, you can right-click your network from ‘Network Connections,’ click ‘Properties,’ and uncheck the ‘Internet Protocol Version 6’ box that shows up in the ‘Network’ tab of the Properties window.

Close Apps That Might Interfere With NordVPN

Some apps running in the background can interfere with NordVPN and stop it from connecting. Other VPNs, proxy services, or network monitoring tools can conflict with NordVPN because they compete for control over your network traffic. Even a firewall or an antivirus might block the VPN, mistaking its traffic for a security risk.

To fix this, check for any conflicting programs running on your device. Close other VPN or proxy apps and disable tools like network managers or traffic analyzers temporarily. If you use antivirus or firewall software, make sure to add NordVPN to the list of exceptions. Once you’ve closed or adjusted these apps, restart NordVPN and try connecting again.

Restart the TAP Adapter on Windows

The TAP adapter is a virtual network driver that NordVPN uses to create secure VPN connections. If it stops working properly, NordVPN might fail to connect. Restarting the adapter is a quick way to fix minor issues and get your VPN back on track. Here’s how you can restart it:

1. Open Network Connections — Right-click the network icon in your system tray at the bottom right and select ‘Open Network & Internet Settings.’ Scroll down and click ‘Change adapter options’ under ‘Advanced network settings.’
2. Find the TAP adapter — In the list of network connections, look for TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter V9.
3. Restart the adapter — Right-click the TAP adapter, select ‘Disable,’ wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and select ‘Enable.’

Other Common NordVPN Issues & How to Fix Them

“429: Too Many Requests” Error

The “429: Too Many Requests” error happens when there are too many login attempts in a short period. It’s NordVPN’s way of protecting your account from unauthorized access by temporarily blocking additional login attempts. While this can be frustrating, it’s easy to resolve.

• Reset your password — Go to the NordVPN website and reset your password. This ensures you’re using the correct login credentials.
• Wait before trying again — After resetting your password, wait 15–30 minutes before logging in to let the temporary block lift.
• Disable other VPNs or proxies — Make sure no other VPN or proxy is running, as they can interfere with NordVPN’s login process.
• Try a different network — If you’re still having issues, switch to a different network, like a mobile hotspot, to rule out network-related problems.

Login Loops

A login loop occurs when, after entering your credentials, NordVPN repeatedly prompts you to log in again without granting access. This frustrating cycle can result from corrupted app data, outdated software, or conflicts with other applications. To resolve this issue, you can:

• Reset app preferences — Open the NordVPN app, navigate to Settings, and select ‘Reset to Default.’ This clears any misconfigurations that might be causing the loop.
• Reinstall NordVPN — Uninstall the current version of NordVPN from your device and reinstall its latest version from the official site or the app store.
• Check for conflicting applications — Make sure other VPNs, proxy tools, or network management apps aren’t running, as these can interfere with NordVPN.
• Disable antivirus and firewall temporarily — Your security software might block NordVPN. Turn it off briefly to see if that resolves the issue.

Automatic Logouts

If NordVPN keeps logging you out unexpectedly, it can be because of the following reasons:

• Too many device connections — NordVPN limits the number of devices that can connect at once. If you’ve reached the limit, the service might log out one device to make room for another. Check how many devices are connected and disconnect any you’re not actively using.
• Account security measures — If NordVPN detects unusual activity, like multiple logins from different locations in a short time, it might log you out to protect your account. To prevent this, enable two-factor authentication and update your password regularly.
• App or system glitches — Outdated software or corrupted app data can also cause logouts. Make sure your NordVPN app is updated to the latest version. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the app for a fresh start.

Best Alternatives to NordVPN in 2024

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market, but it’s not perfect for every situation. Depending on your needs, there are alternatives that might suit you better. Here are the top options to consider.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQs on NordVPN Not Working

Get NordVPN Working Again

If NordVPN isn’t connecting, it’s usually due to a few common issues. Fixing it is simple if you can identify the problem using the quick fixes above. Often, an unstable internet connection is the main culprit. If you’re in a country with VPN restrictions, NordVPN may not work on regular servers, so you’ll need to switch to an obfuscated server.

Sometimes the problem isn’t with NordVPN but with your device or network settings. Issues like outdated app versions, incorrect DNS configurations, or conflicts from other VPN or proxy apps running at the same time can block the connection. These conflicts are easy to fix with a few adjustments.

Best Alternatives to NordVPN in 2024

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.