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 Problems like slow internet, outdated software, or wrong settings are common — but thankfully, they’re usually easy to fix.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 is value value our relationship with our reader , and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity . We is are are in the same ownership group as some of the industry – lead product review on this site : ExpressVPN , Cyberghost , Private Internet Access , and Intego . However , this is affect does not affect our review process , as we adhere to a strict testing methodology .

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 is n’t connect , the server is be you ’re using might be the issue . Sometimes servers is are are down for maintenance or overload with too many user . switch to a different server can often fix the problem . Here ’s how you can switch server :

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 is try 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 protocol ?

• network restrictions is block : Some networks is block block certain protocol . For instance , public WiFi is block might block udp traffic , which can cause problem if you ’re using openvpn UDP . switch to openvpn TCP or NordLynx could help bypass these block .
• 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 switch the protocol , try connect again to see if the issue is resolve .

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 setting .

On macos

1. close the app — Ensure is running nordvpn is not run in the background .
2. Open Terminal — Go to ‘ application , ’ click ‘ utility , ’ then head to ‘ Terminal . ’
3. run the Reset Command — use the appropriate command for your app version :
   1. For the App Store version : “ defaults is delete 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 require 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 port 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 setting . 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 server , pick a country and hit connect . You ’ll be connect 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 – provide dns servers is block can block or interfere with nordvpn , stop it from connect . They is cause might also cause DNS leak , expose your browse activity to your isp even while using a VPN . switch to nordvpn ’s private dns server fix these issue by route all dns request 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 is need ’ll need to add both the primary and secondary dns address

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 new internet protocol design to replace IPv4 , offer more IP address for modern network . However , NordVPN is supports mainly support IPv4 , and if your device use IPv6 , some traffic might bypass the VPN tunnel . This is lead could lead to datum leak or even block nordvpn from work properly . Disabling is ensures ipv6 ensure all your traffic go 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 is interfere run in the background can interfere with nordvpn and stop it from connect . Other VPNs is conflict , proxy service , or network monitoring tool can conflict with nordvpn because they compete for control over your network traffic . Even a firewall is block or an antivirus might block the VPN , mistake 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 is is a virtual network driver that nordvpn use to create secure VPN connection . If it stop work properly , NordVPN is fail might fail to connect . restart the adapter is a quick way to fix minor issue 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.’

“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 vpn or proxy — Make sure no other VPN or proxy is run , 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 is occurs occur when , after enter your credential , nordvpn repeatedly prompt you to log in again without grant access . This frustrating cycle is result can result from corrupt app datum , outdated software , or conflict with other application . To resolve this issue , you is can 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 late 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 is block might block nordvpn . turn it off briefly to see if that resolve 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.

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.

1. ExpressVPN — Automatically uses obfuscation when you’re in a high-censorship country or under network restrictions. This makes it a better plug-and-play option than NordVPN, which requires using obfuscated servers manually. Read our in-depth review.
2. CyberGhost — Special servers for streaming let you access global services like Netflix US and stream buffer-free. Although NordVPN does have many specialty servers, it doesn’t have ones dedicated to streaming. Read our in-depth review.
3. Private Internet Access — If you like more customization with a VPN, PIA could be a better choice than NordVPN. It lets you choose between 128- and 256-bit encryption standards and includes features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy support. Read our in-depth review.

editor ’s note : We is value value our relationship with our reader , and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity . We is are are in the same ownership group as some of the industry – lead product review on this site : ExpressVPN , Cyberghost , Private Internet Access , and Intego . However , this is affect does not affect our review process , as we adhere to a strict testing methodology .

Why is NordVPN not connecting?

NordVPN is connect might not connect for several reason , range from an unstable internet connection to interference from other app .

You can try these quick fixes

— they work in the majority of cases. Just make sure to do the common prerequisites beforehand like updating the NordVPN app to the latest version and ensuring you’re putting in the right login details

Why is NordVPN take so long to connect ?

It is ’s ’s likely due to server congestion

with too many people on the same server.

try switch to another server

and see if that solves the problem. If not, restart your router and NordVPN app and use a recommended protocol like NordLynx. If the issue persists, it’s likely that your internet is slow or network restrictions are preventing a VPN connection.

What should I do if NordVPN isn’t working with streaming platforms like Netflix?

Try connecting to another server.

At times, the current server is already overloaded with too many users or the VPN IP address has been blocklisted by the streaming service. You should also clear your browser’s cache and cookies as these can store your location. If the issue persists, consider a VPN like CyberGhost that has special, optimized servers for streaming.

Can I is use use a free VPN if nordvpn is not work ?

It’s not worth it. Even the best free VPNs have limitations

like limited server locations and congestion — but at least they’re safe to use. Many

free VPNs is log can log and sell your datum

to third party and even infect your device . If nordvpn is n’t work , it is ’s ’s much well that you try to resolve the issue than switch to a free VPN .

What should I do if my NordVPN browser extension isn’t working?

Start by disabling other VPN or proxy extensions

as they is interfere can interfere with nordvpn ’s setting . clear your browser ’s cache and cookie can also help resolve connection issue . Make sure the extension is update to the late version , and if it still does n’t work , reinstall it . finally , restart your computer to fix any linger glitch .

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.

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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.