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How to install NordVPN on a router?

Install NordVPN on Router

Many of us have indulged in the benefits of a VPN. Thus, we know why VPNs matter and which providers are the cream of the crop. This brings us to NordVPN, which we reviewed. For those who have yet to try a VPN, you must have heard the provider’s name. However, do you know why users regard it as one of the best VPN services around the globe? Is it because of the numerous servers it offers for the VPN network? Or, perhaps, its ability to seamlessly integrate features above and beyond the known realm of virtual private networks?

No! The VPN is a well-known, almost decade-old name in this field, but customers view it as one of the best because of its ability to integrate into revolving technology, such as a router. Hence, this article is dedicated to how you can install NordVPN on a router.

Disclaimer — Before we delve further into the topic, we would like to remind and advise our readers not to be hasty with their routers. Manually customizing a router runs several risks. It can void your warranty and leave the device bricked. We cannot be responsible for such events. Thus, user discretion is advised, as this write-up is merely an informative guide.

What is a VPN router?

We know that when we run a VPN on a router, it is known as a VPN router. However, that is a simple interpretation. Formally, a VPN router is a device that can be both virtual and physical that can aid the network communication within a virtual environment. However, it primarily connects multiple VPN end devices in different locations. Since it can route data packets within a network, a VPN router can provide encryption to the whole network at once. But that is not all. You can learn more about VPN routers and their functions. Please check the article out before continuing.

Why do you need NordVPN on a router?

You can use NordVPN on a router for different reasons, such as:

  1. Unlimited connections — With a router, users are no longer limited to a specific device count. Depending on how powerful a router you employ, you can have several devices running NordVPN at once. A router allows users to circumvent the limitation on a subscription per device. It also renders additional VPN clients moot. All you need is a single ID and password to ensure the safety of your devices.
  2. VPN for IoT devices — You can use NordVPN on most internet-enabled devices. The provider is versatile and has access to numerous platforms. However, there may be some devices for which NordVPN does not offer exclusive clients. With a router, you can use VPN services on such hardware. All you require is a NordVPN subscription and an active wired or wireless Internet connection.
  3. Network protection — A router provides network-wide level one protection. With a router, your whole network will have the attributes of privacy and encryption.
  4. Cost efficiency — Since there is no limit on devices, you do not have to buy multiple subscription plans to accommodate your various machines. You only require a single subscription for a router. Thus, it saves you money.
  5. Double VPN (VPN over VPN) — You can enjoy the added security of a Double VPN on a VPN router. If you run an individual VPN on a device connected to a VPN router, you will get twice the protection.

Can you install NordVPN on a pre-flashed router?

All pre-flashed routers come with an exclusive VPN installed on them out of the box. In the case of NordVPN, you can find different pre-flashed routers on FlashRouters.com. You do not have to worry about firmware or installing NordVPN. With FlashRouters providing NordVPN exclusive routers, all you need to do is buy one and use it as is. However, remember that pre-flashed routers cost a premium. The following routers come with exclusive NordVPN pre-installed:

What routers are compatible with NordVPN?

NordVPN recommends using an Asus router for VPN, as they come with native OpenVPN router support. NordVPN can also run on incompatible routers, but we (and NordVPN) strongly recommend using the supported routers. The list of supported routers is as follows:

  • ASUS WRT (native firmware)
  • ASUS Merlin
  • Gl.iNET
  • Mikrotik
  • NetDUMA
  • Sabai
  • EdgeRouter

Note — Since December 1st, 2018, NordVPN no longer supports L2TP/IPsec and PPTP connections. Also, note that most ISP-issued routers do not support VPN configurations. Additionally, if the router lists a protocol supported in the pass-through mode, it will likely not work. Pass-through means that the router does not block VPN connections from devices connected to it. However, that does not say whether you can configure the router itself.

What can you do to install NordVPN on incompatible routers?

The following routers are mostly ISP-provided, and thus their native firmware does not allow VPNs. However, you can still use a VPN on them if you want. Users can install custom firmware on their routers to support VPN access. Beware, though, it is not recommended for casual users as it requires a certain depth of technical knowledge.

The list of routers incompatible with NordVPN is as follows:

  • Arris
  • Belkin
  • Cisco
  • D-Link
  • Huawei
  • Linksys (except WRT32X/WRT32XB AC3200)
  • Netgear
  • TP-Link
  • TRENDnet
  • Tenda
  • TotoLink
  • Ubee
  • Most ISP-provided routers mentioned above

How to install NordVPN on a router?

Installing NordVPN on a supported router is a simple job you can do in three steps:

  1. Log into your router
  2. Configure your router
  3. Test it

But, these steps apply in the case of a router that supports NordVPN. For incompatible routers, you will need to flash them with relative firmware.

Note — We neither recommend nor condone the manual flashing of routers. Beware that it can lead to a void warranty, and you can potentially brick your device. Thus, as per our understanding, we recommend using a supported/compatible router to avoid unnecessary unpleasantries.

NordVPN has specific guides for different routers, which you can find on their support page. However, for the sake of this article, we will demonstrate how to install NordVPN on an Asus router.

  1. First, log in to your Asus router control panel.
  2. To do so, enter 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of a browser.
  3. Now, you will get prompted for your username and password. Enter your router credentials.
  4. After that, go to the left side of the screen and find VPN.
  5. Click on it, and a new screen will load.
  6. Now select VPN client on the top of the menu.
  7. However, before that, make sure you are on an OpenVPN server instead of a PPTP one.
  8. Then click on the Add profile tab at the bottom of the menu.
  9. Now a popup menu will load.
  10. Fill out the following fields after clicking on the OpenVPN tab.
    1. Description: Give the connection any name you like
    2. Username: Your NordVPN username
    3. Password: Your NordVPN password
    4. Auto reconnection: Yes
  11. Now download an OpenVPN configuration (.ovpn) file from the official NordVPN website.
    1. Login to your NordVPN account.
    2. Navigate the Dashboard and go to Downloads.
    3. Click on OpenVPN and download a configuration file.
  12. Upload the configuration file to the router menu below the details.
  13. Then, leave the box next to “Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually” unchecked and click OK.
  14. Now go back to the VPN client menu on your router and click the Activate button next to your profile.
  15. The blue tick will glow once the connection is active.
  16. Lastly, close the menu and enjoy NordVPN on your router.