NordVPN is a VPN service provider that has been in the industry for a decade now. It is one of the most popular and influential vendors out there. Thus, it is no surprise that Nord caters to numerous platforms. From Windows to niche Linux, users can enjoy the service on multiple devices. Moreover, the company has tried to make the Linux iteration simpler with an exclusive GUI and Network manager. However, you can still enjoy it the traditional way, with a list of commands, although using NordVPN with a Linux terminal can be a chore.
Linux terminal is a code-based operator. Also, it is a tool that utilizes the text-based interface for Linux to control the device. Although a bit troublesome for beginners, it is widely acclaimed as one of the most efficient operating methods available. Thus, here we are, trying to help our Linux readers by aggregating all the conventional and critical commands necessary for NordVPN in a single article. Unsurprisingly, users can also refer to the official NordVPN website for even more Linux commands.
Reasons to use NordVPN for Linux
NordVPN is a software company located in Panama that manages and provides a virtual and private network to individuals. Founded back in 2012, the company has grown into one of the largest VPN networks with over 14 million satisfied customers. The consumer VPN provider maintains a network of over 5100+ VPN servers spread globally. However, the best thing about the service is that it is versatile and can operate at a multiplatform level.
Users can enjoy NordVPN on multiple devices, irrespective of the platform. Be it Windows, iOS, macOS, or Android, NordVPN has exclusive VPN clients for them. The vendor also focuses on Linux, despite it having a niche following. The customer service is top-notch and available 24/7 for users, and there is also a ton of relevant material on the support page. However, despite trying, we couldn’t find a comprehensive command guide for Linux. While NordVPN offers a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for Linux, most users rely on the conventional terminal-based operation. Thus, NordVPN must provide a detailed command list for Linux shortly.
Yes, the provider does have a few articles with a short commands list. Yet, readers will find it inadequate. Thus, we have tried to compile a list of Linux commands, classified by usage, to help our Nord lovers.
Docket of NordVPN Linux commands
Given below are several noteworthy commands a user can master to enhance their NordVPN experience on Linux.
Installation
These commands relate to the installation process of the VPN. These are crucial to the VPN service.
| Description | Command |
|---|---|
| Install required utilities | sudo apt install wget apt-transport-https |
| Download NordVPN repository configuration | wget --directory-prefix /tmp https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb |
| Install NordVPN repository configuration | sudo apt install /tmp/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb |
| Update package index | sudo apt update |
| Install NordVPN utilities | sudo apt install nordvpn |
Connection, configuration, and settings
These codes correlate to the VPN connection and configuration. You can expect to use them daily.
| Description | Command |
|---|---|
| Login | nordvpn login |
| Logout | nordvpn logout |
| Connect | nordvpn connect |
| Disconnect | nordvpn disconnect |
| Show status | nordvpn status |
| Open help page | nordvpn help |
The following commands allow users to control settings, including advanced features for a VPN like kill switches and obfuscated servers.
| Description | Command |
|---|---|
| Display setting help | nordvpn set help |
| Display setting status | sudo nordvpn setting |
| Change OpenVPN protocol to UDP | sudo nordvpn set protocol udp |
| Change OpenVPN protocol to TCP | sudo nordvpn set protocol tcp |
| Enable Nordlynx protocol | nordvpn set technology nordlynx |
| View other technology | nordvpn set technology --help |
| Enable kill switch | sudo nordvpn set kill switch enable |
| Disable kill switch | sudo nordvpn set kill switch disable |
| Enable CyberSec | sudo nordvpn set cybersec enable |
| Disable CyberSec | sudo nordvpn set cybersec disable |
| Enable Obfuscated servers | sudo nordvpn set obfuscated [server address] |
| Disable Obfuscated servers | sudo nordvpn set obfuscated disable |
| Enable Auto-connect on startup | sudo nordvpn set autoconnect enable |
| Disable Auto-connect on startup | sudo nordvpn set autoconnect disable |
| Set specific DNS server | sudo nordvpn set dns [server address] |
| Disable DNS server | sudo nordvpn set dns disable |
| Open port on Firewall | sudo nordvpn whitelist add port 22 protocol TCP |
| Close port on Firewall | sudo nordvpn whitelist remove port 80 protocol TCP |
Information display
These settings will allow you access to numerous information regarding your VPN service.
| Description | Command |
|---|---|
| Display available countries | sudo nordvpn countries |
| Display cities in a specific country | sudo nordvpn cities [country name] |
| Connect to a specific location | sudo nordvpn connect [country] [city] |
| Display Firewall configuration | sudo iptables -L -v -n |
| Show service configuration | cat ~/.config/nordvpn/nordvpn.conf |
| Display DNS configuration | cat /etc/resolv.conf |
| View service status | systemctl status nordvpnd |