How to Install NordVPN on Linux in 2024 — Step-By-Step Guide

Q: What Linux distributions does NordVPN work on?

NordVPN works on nearly every Linux distribution. The only Linux distributions you can’t use it on are Arch, Tails OS, and Temple OS.

Q: Is NordVPN safe to use on Linux?

Yes, NordVPN is a safe and reliable VPN that you can easily use on Linux. It encrypts your connection to keep your activity private and includes a kill switch to add an extra layer of security.

Q: Does NordVPN have a GUI on Linux?

No, NordVPN only works on Linux via the command line (terminal). Thankfully, alternatives like PIA have proper GUIs in their Linux apps, making them worth considering if you want something easier to use.

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Posted on December 26, 2024

Written by Osama Zahid Cybersecurity Specialist
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor

NordVPN provides native apps for many platforms, including most Linux distributions. It may seem complicated to install on Linux because you have to use terminal commands, but it’s really easy to get NordVPN on Linux and start using it.

In this article, I’ll explain how you can quickly and easily install NordVPN on Linux to secure your online activity. Plus, I’ll highlight several useful terminal commands that’ll help you make the most of this VPN when using it on a Linux distribution. 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 Summary: Installing NordVPN on Linux

Subscribe to NordVPN. Access the NordVPN website and get a subscription that suits you.
Install NordVPN on Linux. Open your Linux device’s terminal, run the command to install NordVPN, and grant it all the necessary permissions to run once installed.
Use NordVPN. Log into your NordVPN account using a terminal, connect to a server, and safeguard your online activity with NordVPN.

Try NordVPN for Linux

How to Install and Use NordVPN on Linux: Complete Guide

I learned during tests that you can easily install and use NordVPN on almost all Linux distributions. It works on Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, and many others. The only Linux distributions NordVPN doesn’t support are TempleOS, TailsOS, and Arch.

Step 1: Access the Terminal and Install NordVPN

Log into your Linux device and open the terminal.

Screenshot showing how to access the terminal on Ubuntu

Enter the following command in the terminal to install NordVPN on your Linux device:
sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)

Screenshot showing how to install NordVPN using a Linux terminal command

Confirm your Linux administrator password to continue with the installation.

Screenshot of the terminal asking for password confirmation before installing NordVPN

After confirming your password, wait for the terminal to download the necessary packages and install NordVPN on your Linux device.

Screenshot of the Linux terminal downloading and installing NordVPN

Enter the following command to give NordVPN the necessary permissions and ensure it works without issues:
sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER

Screenshot showing how to give NordVPN the necessary permissions to run properly on Linux

Step 2: Get Your Access Token to Log Into NordVPN on Linux

Log into the Nord Account Web Portal and access the NordVPN section from the menu on the left-hand side.

Screenshot showing the NordVPN web portal

Navigate to the bottom of the NordVPN menu and open the access token section.

Screenshot showing the access token section of NordVPN's web portal

Click on “Generate new token” to create a new access token that you’ll use to log into NordVPN on Linux.

Screenshot showing how to generate a new access token using NordVPN's web portal

Copy the access token generated on NordVPN’s web portal. Note that you can generate an access portal that lasts for up to 30 days or one that lasts indefinitely.

Screenshot showing how to copy a new access token from NordVPN's web portal

Step 3: Login and Connect to NordVPN

Log into NordPVN on Linux using the following command (replace ‘access token’ with the token you copied from the NordVPN web portal):
nordvpn login ‘access token’

Screenshot showing how to log into NordVPN on Linux using the access token

Use the ‘nordvpn connect’ command to connect to NordVPN and safeguard your connection on Linux.

Screenshot showing how to connect to NordVPN on Linux after logging in

Manual Server Selection on NordVPN for Linux

Note that the default ‘nordvpn connect’ command will always connect you to the fastest nearby NordVPN server. However, you can also specify exactly which server location you want to connect to.

See the server list. Use the ‘nordvpn countries’ command to see a list of all the countries where NordVPN has servers. The locations highlighted in blue have virtual servers.
Connect to your preferred location. Use the ‘nordvpn connect’ or ‘nordvpn c’ command followed by the country name to connect to your preferred location.

Helpful NordVPN Terminal Commands on Linux

Since NordVPN doesn’t offer a GUI on Linux, you must rely on terminal commands to use it. The following table includes important terminal commands you’ll need to utilize NordVPN on Linux:

Command	Function
nordvpn c / nordvpn connect	Automatically connects you to the fastest nearby server (Can be followed by country or server number to specify the exact server)
nordvpn countries	Shows a list of countries where NordVPN has servers
nordvpn c double_vpn	Connects you to a nearby double VPN server
nordvpn c p2p	Connects you to the fastest nearby P2P server
nordvpn d / nordvpn disconnect	Disconnects you from NordVPN
nordvpn login	Logs you into your NordVPN account (must be followed by an access token)
nordvpn logout	Logs you out of your NordVPN account
nordvpn account	Shows your NordVPN account information
nordvpn register	Lets you register for a new NordVPN account
nordvpn settings	Shows your current NordVPN settings
nordvpn status	Shows the current NordVPN connection status
nordvpn set killswitch on / off	Enables or disables the kill switch feature

The above commands are among the few you’ll need to make the most of NordVPN on Linux. Also, you can use the ‘man nordvpn’ or ‘nordvpn help’ commands to bring up an extensive list of commands and other information.

Screenshot showing the various terminal commands available in NordVPN for Linux

Use ‘nordvpn help’ to see various helpful commands

Is NordVPN Good on Linux?

NordVPN is good on Linux, but it isn’t the best. While it has all the necessary features, NordVPN’s Linux version is command-line based, meaning it isn’t the most beginner-friendly option. You’ll have to get the hang of various commands if you want to use NordVPN properly on Linux.

Thankfully, there are other easier-to-use VPN alternatives on Linux. In my tests, I found that PIA offers a full GUI with its Linux app, making it much simpler to use.

PIA has an easy-to-use app for Linux

PIA’s Linux app is similar to its other desktop versions. You can easily connect to a server or adjust the configuration. Plus, PIA’s Linux app also includes useful tools like MACE to block annoying ads and trackers while surfing the web.

There are also other reliable VPNs for Linux you can consider if you’re looking for alternatives to NordVPN or PIA.

FAQs: NordVPN on Linux

What Linux distributions does NordVPN work on?

NordVPN works on nearly every Linux distribution. The only Linux distributions you can’t use it on are Arch, Tails OS, and Temple OS.

Is NordVPN safe to use on Linux?

Yes, NordVPN is a safe and reliable VPN that you can easily use on Linux. It encrypts your connection to keep your activity private and includes a kill switch to add an extra layer of security.

Does NordVPN have a GUI on Linux?

No, NordVPN only works on Linux via the command line (terminal). Thankfully, alternatives like PIA have proper GUIs in their Linux apps, making them worth considering if you want something easier to use.

Secure Your Activity on Linux Using NordVPN

In conclusion, NordVPN is a solid choice for ensuring online security while using a Linux device. Its Linux app provides the same security as other versions and includes useful tools like the Double VPN feature, kill switch, and more.

Additionally, NordVPN isn’t that hard to install and use on Linux. It may initially seem a bit technical because there’s no GUI, but most of the commands are easy to use. Plus, you can always enter the ‘nordvpn help’ command to get more information regarding using the app on Linux.