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How to activate NordVPN?

Activate NordVPN

VPNs have grown more and more popular in recent times. With the advancements in technology, aided with high-level tools like VPN kill switches, this service has worked tirelessly to expand its sphere of influence. While there are alternates, such as proxies, Tor, and SOCKS5 available to this privacy-centric product, nothing else comes close to the level of effectiveness a VPN brings on board. As such, it is of no surprise that more netizens have turned towards the virtual private network in hopes of finding solutions to their online privacy concerns. A VPN provides an easy method to ensure online safety by allowing users remote access to the Internet via a VPN server. It works on security protocols by creating a tunnel. Now, let’s look at one such VPN provider, undoubtedly one of the market leaders, and figure out exactly how to activate NordVPN for use.

What is NordVPN?

Before we discuss ways to activate NordVPN, let us do a quick recap of this provider. We have a detailed review of NordVPN available on our websites for anyone interested. Trusted by over 8 million users, NordVPN is a behemoth in the VPN business. Based out of Panama, it is known for its speed, owing to its 6000+ servers diverted across the globe. Another point that works in favor of NordVPN is the military-grade 256-bit AES encryption it employs. It is one of those few VPNs that boasts a strict no-logs policy; and has the latest WireGuard protocol. Starting in 2012, it has dominated the VPN field one step at a time with advanced tools and unique features. It is a high-quality jack-of-all-trades. Be it privacy laws or leak protection, covering everything that is potentially worrying.

Pros and cons of NordVPN

A concise list consisting of the various Pros and Cons of the NordVPN is available below: For a more comprehensive list, check out of detailed NordVPN review.

ProsCons
It has a strict no-logs policy. It is much more costly than the competition.
6000+ ServersIssues with bypassing Netflix
It offers the best speeds for downloads.A somewhat laggy interface on some platforms
6 simultaneous connections Not great with torrents
Military-grade encryptionManual configuration can be a challenge
State of the art protocol support
Unique and latest advanced tools: Double VPN (Multi-Hop), split tunneling, and internet kill switch

Reasons to activate NordVPN

Some fundamental reasons to opt for NordVPN:

  • Obfuscated Servers — NordVPN provides obfuscated servers in an attempt to circumvent VPN blocking. These servers can effectively mask your VPN traffic and prevent blocking.
  • Simultaneous connections — Users can utilize NordVPN service on multiple devices at once, thus not forgoing installing a separate VPN for routers.
  • Split tunneling — Lets users select which traffic to secure i.e., routes one or more application through the VPN tunnel while leaving others outside.
  • Automatic kill switch — The passive VPN kill switch employed by NordVPN doesn’t require input from users to act. As soon as it detects changes in the IP address of the VPN server, it drops the internet connection across the whole network.
  • CyberSec — This technology NordVPN deploys deals with malware, trackers, and irritating ads. It also provides respite in the event of a DDoS attack.
  • Payments via cryptocurrencies — VPNs cater to privacy over anonymity. However, with crypto payments this VPN provider supports, users can ensure a modicum of anonymity.
  • Double VPN — Tor is renowned for relaying communication via at least three servers. NordVPN comes close with two simultaneous servers.
  • Dedicated IP — In the event of VPN blocking by IP address tracking, NordVPN can supply dedicated VPN IP address to ensure uninterrupted service.
  • Onion over VPN — NordVPN comes with built-in Tor support. When enabled, it protects your data from the provider itself.

1. Sign up for NordVPN

Follow these steps to purchase and later successfully activate NordVPN on your device:

  1. First, visit the NordVPN official website.
    • Although you can purchase NordVPN via authorized resellers and physical stores, we recommend using the official website.
  2. On the webpage, locate the Pricing tab on the top and click on it.
  3. After you click on the tab, it will redirect you to a page displaying the several pricing tiers and subscriptions. It ranges from monthly to quarterly and annually.
  4. Now, choose a plan that is suitable for you.
  5. Then, on the new page, you will have to enter an email.
    • Use a valid email as you will need it further down the process.
  6. After that, continue scrolling further until you reach the Payment button. Click on it.
  7. You can choose from a myriad of payments options:
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • PayPal
    • Alipay
    • Yandex
    • Webmoney
    • Cryptocurrencies
    • Google/Apple/Amazon pay
  8. Now, fill in your details according to the payment method you selected.
  9. Continue scrolling further to find the “Continue” button.
  10. NordVPN will now email you to confirm your email and initiate the password creation.
  11. After you have confirmed your email, go back to the NordVPN website.
  12. Use your credentials to log into the NordVPN account.

To use NordVPN on their device, users need to download the client from the official website according to the platform/OS.

2. Install NordVPN to activate it:

The next step is installation. It is easy to install and use NordVPN on any platform. However, for this article, we will only cover a few popular operating systems. Additionally, users can manually configure NordVPN but that won’t be covered here.

On Windows

Installing NordVPN on Windows works like this:

  1. After you have confirmed your email, visit the official website once again.
  2. Now, go to the home page and click on the Download VPN tab.
  3. Scroll down and find Windows and click on it.
    • Remember that NordVPN doesn’t support any Windows versions older than Windows 7.
  4. After the download completes, click on the file to initiate installation.
  5. Then, click on the installed app to run the NordVPN on your PC.
  6. When the application boots up, enter your login credentials.
  7. Now, click on the Auto-connect option to enjoy NordVPN.

On Mac

Do this to install NordVPN for Mac computers:

  1. First, click on the Download VPN tab on the home page.
  2. Then, scroll and find the macOS tab and click it.
  3. Although there are a few differences, you can choose either of the two versions NordVPN offers for Mac:
    1. The OpenVPN one is downloadable via the official website.
    2. Meanwhile, the IKEv2 version is available on the official Apple Mac App Store.
  4. Confirm the download and install the app on your Mac.
  5. Then, click on the app to run NordVPN.
  6. Lastly, use your credentials to log in and then click Auto-connect.

On Android

Follow these steps to activate NordVPN on Android after installation:

  1. You can download the NordVPN Android app from either the official website or the Google Play Store.
  2. Install the app on your Android device.
  3. Touch the NordVPN app icon to launch it and use your credentials to log in.
  4. Lastly, touch the Connect button to start using the VPN service on your device.

On iOS

Do the following to start using NordVPN on iOS:

  1. Just like Mac, you can use the website or the App Store to download the iOS app for NordVPN.
  2. Install it on your iOS device.
  3. Then, use credentials to log in.
  4. Lastly, click on Connect to run NordVPN.