NordVPN won't connect or is slow: step-by-step fixes

Try these in order. Most problems are solved in the first three steps.

1. Check your connection without the VPN

Disconnect from the VPN and open a page. If you have no internet even then, the problem is your network or router. If Internet Kill Switch is on, turn it off for the test.

2. Try another server

Connect to a different country, or to a country closer to you. Nearby servers are usually the fastest.

3. Change the protocol

Switch between NordLynx, OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP in the app settings. NordLynx is usually the fastest; OpenVPN TCP gets through strict networks more easily. On Linux, see the protocol switching guide.

4. Networks that block VPNs

Work, school and hotel networks, and some countries, may block VPNs. Use OpenVPN with obfuscated servers. On Linux: nordvpn set technology OpenVPN, then nordvpn set obfuscate on. See also local network restrictions.

5. Update or reinstall the app

Update the app and your operating system. If that doesn't help, uninstall NordVPN, restart, and install the latest version from the official site or your app store.

6. Linux specifics

• Check what's happening with nordvpn status and nordvpn settings.
• If you see a permission error, see the socket permission error.
• Restart the service: sudo systemctl restart nordvpnd

7. I can't log in to my account

• Make sure you activated your account from the "Activate your account" email (see Getting started with NordVPN).
• Check in the Blue Mint client area that the service is active and hasn't expired. On Linux: nordvpn account.

Still stuck?

• Activation, payment or renewal: open a ticket with Blue Mint from the client area.
• Technical questions about the app: 24/7 live chat at support.nordvpn.com. On Windows the app can collect diagnostic files for support.