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NordVPN Linux – How to use NordVPN for Enhanced Security

Last updated: November 27, 2023
William Sams
William Sams
Is NordVPN Linux a good idea? You can easily use NordVPN with Ubuntu, Kali, Fedora, and more. Read on to know the findings in my NordVPN Linux guide!

NordVPN is one of the best and most secure VPNs for the Linux operating system. It even offers a native application for Linux devices that gives access to its advanced security features like CyberSec, Autoconnect, a Kill Switch, and Smart DNS on multiple Linux systems. You can get NordVPN Linux , which is compatible with all Linux operating systems.

It adds authentication to make the protocol more secure, encrypts internet traffic, and hides your IP addresses from prying eyes. The best VPN for USA allows you to access its sophisticated cybersecurity tools on multiple systems, such as Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and OpenSUSE.

Linux users often face challenges when trying to get some software to work on their platform. They might encounter a risk of potential security breaches and restrictions on accessing geo-blocked content. NordVPN is the safest VPN for Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, Debian, Linux Mint, Open SUSE, and other Linux distributions.

Let’s discover our step-by-step instructions on how to install and use NordVPN Linux for enhanced security. You can also read our NordVPN review USA to know more about this risk-free VPN.

How to Set Up NordVPN Linux

There are multiple ways to set up NordVPN Linux to establish a secure connection and encrypt your internet traffic. Here is the step-by-step guide, which is the recommended method for setting up NordVPN Linux .

1. Install NordVPN Linux Using the Native App in 3 Easy Steps

NordVPN Linux supports a native application for Linux devices. It is the go-to service for Linux because it introduced its native client support app with NordVPN Split tunneling and advanced security features such as Kill Switch, Auto-connect, and CyberSec.

However, it offers .deb and. rpm packages, which are compatible with various Debian-based and RHEL-based systems. It also supports distros such as Ubuntu, CentOS, QubesOS, OpenSUSE, and Linux Mint, allowing you to optimize your connections with strong encryption protocols.

The NordVPN Linux application does not have Linux GUI, instead the CLI app can be used by entering commands with the Linux terminal window and installing NordVPN Linux.

Below are the steps you should follow to set up the NordVPN Linux commands and install the app on Linux.

Step 1: Download and install the NordVPN Native Application

  • First, visit the NordVPN website and click on download to get the correct package for your distro.

download-nordvpn

  • Then, you can get the NordVPN repo set up to run a terminal command below and download the NordVPN Linux: “sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)”
Note: you can also use this command if the above does not work and if you do not have a curl package.

sh <(wget -qO – https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)

Additionally, if you get the error “Whoops! Permission denied accessing /run/nordvpn/nordvpnd.sock” then you need to run the following command and reboot your device: “sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER”

  • Now, open the terminal and run the following command: “sudo apt-get install /PathToFile/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb”

Make sure to replace the “PathToFile” with the actual path to the download folder in your system.

enter-code-nordvpn

When prompted response, enter your root password and wait for the package installation to download NordVPN Linux.

install-nordvpn-linux

Note: NordVPN .deb package only adds the repository to apt.

However, you’ll need to install an executable. Type the command “sudo apt-get update (or sudo apt update)” to update the package list and get NordVPN Linux installed with the below command “sudo apt-get install nordvpn (or sudo apt install nordvpn)”

nordvpn-for-linux-installation

  • Once you installed NordVPN Linux, you’ll prompted with the following message: “NordVPN Linux successfully installed!”

Step 2: Log into Your NordVPN Account

  • Type “NordVPN login! Then, sign into your NordVPN account with your credentials and enter your NordVPN account details.

download-nordvpn-with-commands

Step 3: Connect to a NordVPN Server

login-nordvpn

Note: The “NordVPN Connect” command will connect you to your desired server. If you want to connect a specific server, you’ll need to include the exact server hostname in your command: For example, nordVPN connect us103! You can also disconnect the server, and enter the command – nordvpn disconnect.

2. Set Up NordVPN Linux Via Network Manager

You can set up NordVPN Linux  distro using the Network Manager manually. However, set up a VPN on Linux with OpenVPN protocol with a quick walkthrough:

  • Download the OpenVPN configuration file package and extract all files into a new folder.
  • Then click on “Network selection” in the upper-right corner and press VPN off. Select VPN settings from the drop-down menu.

vpn-settings-for-linux

  • You’ll be prompted with a configuration window. Click on the (+) icon next to VPN to add VPN configuration.

on-vpn-settings-nordvpn

  • A prompt will appear and show “Choose a connection type”. Click “Import from file”

import-files-nordvpn

  • You will be asked to select a folder you would like to import. Click on the configuration files you need to extract and select one from the list, Click “Open”.

extract-files

  • You will see a pop-up window, enter your NordVPN account credentials including your username and password, then click Add.

add-nordvpn-username

  • Click on the toggle switch under the VPN button and connect with a NordVPN server.

toggle-on-nordvpn

  • Once you connect a VPN successfully, the toggle switch will turn green.
  • To disconnect a VPN, you need to toggle off the button.

Even though, it is much easier to install and operate the NordVPN Linux native application than the above methods. Many users rely on the Network Manager and Terminal method to connect a NordVPN Linux .

If you encounter any connectivity issues with NordVPN, you can contact NordVPN customer support and resolve your issues quickly via its 24/7 live chat or email option.

3. Connect to NordVPN Using Linux Terminal

If you’re having technical issues with NordVPN’s native app, just follow the below steps to set up a VPN using Linux Terminal and OpenVPN. With these easy steps, you can set up a manual NordVPN Linux .

  • Press [ctrl + Alt + T] to open the Terminal window.
  • Disable IPv6 and type the command: “sudo apt-get install openvpn” to establish an OpenVPN client.

install-nordvpn-settings

  • Pilot to the OpenVPN configuration by typing the command: cd /etc/openvpn

nordvpn-settings-for-linux

  • To download the OpenVPN configuration files, type the command: sudo wget https://downloads.nordcdn.com/configs/archives/servers/ovpn.zip

nordvpn-linux

Note: In case you get an error like: “The certificate of ‘nordvpn.com’ is not trusted, you need to enter this command: sudo apt-get install ca-certificates.

To extract the.ovpn files from the ovpn.zip you downloaded earlier, type the command: sudo unzip ovpn.zip

Note: If you don’t have the unzip package installed, you can install and download it by typing the command: sudo apt-get install unzip

install-linux-vpn

Go to the server configuration files you extracted earlier. Check the folders that are labeled ovpn_udp and ovpn_tcp: cd /etc/openvpn/ovpn_udp/ cd /etc/openvpn/ovpn_tcp/

  • Type the command: ls -al and view the servers list.
  • Choose the desired server to connect to a VPN.

select-server-on-nordvpn

  • Run OpenVPN with the following commands:
    sudo openvpn [file name]
    sudo openvpn us9348.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn
    sudo openvpn /etc/openvpn/ovpn_udp/us9348.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn

Then, enter your NordVPN credentials with your username and password. Voila! You’ll be now successfully connecting to NordVPN on your Linux.

Note: You can also use this best VPN on multiple Android devices and download NordVPN for iPhone as well. However, you can configure NordVPN on your router to use its SmartDNS and Double VPN features on Roku.

Why You Should Use NordVPN Linux

NordVPN is the world’s fastest VPN service that gives an extra layer of protection with its advanced security protocols. It offers online security for all major Linux distros including Ubuntu, Debian, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, Fedora, etc.

It offers state-of-the-art security and encryption techniques with AES 256-bit encryption standard, obfuscated servers, a strict no-log policy, a double protection feature, and a NordVPN Kill Switch to stop snoops from monitoring the activities you perform.

Additionally, it offers 6000 servers in 61 countries to make sure that you get complete access to unlimited websites all around the globe. With the NordVPN Linux app, you can easily hide your IP address and keep your internet traffic private with its DNS leak protection.

This VPN is fast enough for torrenting and for users who care about more than just download speeds on multiple operating systems. NordVPN torrent is a good choice even for streaming in HD. The best part is, that you can install NordVPN for Windows to stay safe online while you browse or stream on your PC.

Not sure if you’ll like NordVPN Linux ? Try NordVPN’s free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee and shield your devices from online threats. If you need help with Linux NordVPN installation, you can contact its 24/7 live chat support team.

How can I connect to a VPN using Linux Network Manager?

You can connect to NordVPN using Linux Network Manager with the easy steps below. However, you need to download and install the NordVPN client app to follow the instructions:

To set up a VPN with Linux:

  • Open the Activities and type Network.
  • Open the panel and click on Network.
  • Click on the (+) button and add a new connection.
  • Select your VPN connection and log in with your credentials.
  • Press Add and open the system menu.
  • Click the VPN connection and select Connect.
  • Now double-check the VPN settings and create a connection.

Best NordVPN Linux Alternatives

The best NordVPN Linux alternative is the one that’s best for your online security and business safety requirements. To find a reliable VPN for Linux, consider the device compatibility, VPN price, server count, and security protocols.

We have listed the top-rated NordVPN alternatives that best suit your needs:

  • ExpressVPN: The best VPN for Linux that secures your online activities with its own Wi-Fi router. It offers a risk-free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The budget-friendly VPN for Linux that comes with advanced security protocols like AES 256-bit encryption and a network kill switch.
  • CyberGhost: The best VPN that offers multiple servers and ultra-fast speed for your internet connection. It also provides aes 256-bit encryption and advanced security measures for Linux systems.
  • Proton VPN: The best free VPN that offers a free plan with 10 GB of data per month. It offers NetShield Adblocker, Kill Switch, VPN Accelerator, and Moderate NAT to secure online connections.
  • PureVPN: It offers easy-to-use GUI and CLI apps with lightning-fast speedy servers. It also offers a 7-day free trial with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs: NordVPN Linux

No, there isn’t any NordVPN Linux GUI for the graphical user interface in USA. However, the application can be used with the commands via the Linux terminal window.

To log into NordVPN Linux without GUI in USA, you need to run the following commands:

  • nordvpn login command with the –token flag
  • nordvpn login command with the –callback flag

Follow these steps for the token flag:

  • Log in NordVPN account.
  • Find NordVPN in the service menu.
  • Locate the Access token and click on Generate a new token.
  • Click copy and close.
  • Then run the command: nordvpn login –token <your_token> and replace <your_token> with the copied token.

And for callback login method:

  • Run the command: nordvpn login.
  • You’ll get a URL, open it on your device, and log in.
  • Right-click on the continue button and copy the link.
  • Run the command: “nordvpn login –callback “<URL>” and replace <URL> with the copied link address.

NordVPN 3.12.0 is the updated version for Linux in USA. It can unify all services and eliminates the need for multiple accounts and passwords. You need to update NordVPN which adds an extra layer of security to your account with multi-factor authentication.

NordVPN supports all Linux distros except for TempleOS, Arch, and TailOS.

Wrapping Things Up

Linux is an excellent open-source software, but it can be troublesome to run multiple applications on this platform. If you are wondering about how to install NordVPN Linux , you are in luck! This guide will help to install NordVPN Linux securely.

NordVPN stands out as a robust and reliable choice for securing your online activities on Linux systems. With its user-friendly interface, strong encryption protocols, and a vast network of servers across the globe, NordVPN ensures a seamless and private browsing experience.

However, you can also install NordVPN by following the Terminal and Network Manager’s steps. So, let’s go and buy a subscription to avail budget-friendly NordVPN deals and run it on Linux.

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