NordVPN for Linux is a command-line app with an optional graphical interface. Supported systems include Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04+, Linux Mint 21+, Raspberry Pi OS and Fedora 32+.
Install
- Open the Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
- Run the official install command:
sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)
If you don't have curl, use wget:sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh) - To install the graphical interface too, add
-p nordvpn-guito the end of the command. - Allow your user to use NordVPN, then reboot:
sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER
Without this step you get a socket permission error.
Log in
Type nordvpn login and follow the link it shows to sign in with your Nord Account.
Essential commands
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
nordvpn connect or nordvpn c | Connect to the best available server |
nordvpn c Greece | Connect to a specific country (or city, e.g. nordvpn c Germany Berlin) |
nordvpn disconnect or nordvpn d | Disconnect |
nordvpn status | Connection status, server and protocol |
nordvpn account | Account details and subscription expiry |
nordvpn settings | All current settings |
nordvpn countries, nordvpn cities Germany | List available countries and cities |
nordvpn groups | Specialty servers (Double VPN, P2P and others) |
nordvpn c double_vpn | Connect through Double VPN |
nordvpn connect --group p2p Netherlands | P2P server in a specific country |
man nordvpn | Full command documentation |
Useful settings
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
nordvpn set killswitch on | Kill Switch: cuts internet access if the VPN drops or you disconnect |
nordvpn set autoconnect on | Connect automatically at startup |
nordvpn set threatprotectionlite on | Threat Protection: blocks malicious domains and ads |
nordvpn set technology NordLynx or OpenVPN | Change connection technology |
nordvpn set protocol udp or tcp | Protocol for OpenVPN (guide) |
nordvpn set obfuscate on | Obfuscated servers for networks that block VPNs (OpenVPN only) |
nordvpn set lan-discovery enable | Reach printers and devices on your local network while connected |
nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 | Use your own DNS servers |
nordvpn whitelist add port 22 | Exclude a port from the VPN, e.g. SSH on a remote server |
nordvpn set pq on | Post-quantum protection |
nordvpn set meshnet on | Meshnet: a private network between your devices |
Careful on remote servers: before turning on the VPN or Kill Switch on a server you manage over SSH, add the SSH port to the whitelist. Otherwise you may lose access.
