Security

How to Download, Set Up, and Use NordVPN on Linux

By Srijani Ghosh / July 22, 2023

Just like other VPNs, you can install NordVPN on Linux using a couple of commands. This VPN offers a command-line application that works on various distributions, including (but not limited to) Ubuntu, Debian, Elementary OS, Linux Mint, RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, and more.

Also, know that NordVPN on Linux supports the following architectures: aarch64, armv5, armv7, i386, and x86_64. The supported minimal kernel version is 3.7.0 for aarch64 and 3.2.0 for other architectures. In simple words, NordVPN should work fine even with dated Linux devices.

How to Set Up NordVPN on Linux

To set up NordVPN on Linux, you need to download its DEB file, install that file, log in to your account, and you'll get unlimited access to the VPN. Follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to NordVPN using your Linux machine and any Web browser.

2. Use your Web browser to check the latest available NordVPN version by going to this URL: https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/. Then, download the latest file available using the following command (be mindful of the file version):

cd Downloads
wget https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb

3. Next, install the NordVPN repository that you just downloaded:

sudo apt-get install /home/YourUsername/Downloads/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb

4. To ensure you have the newest components, update the repository:

sudo apt-get update -y

5. It's time to install NordVPN on Linux, which you can do with the following command:

sudo apt-get install nordvpn -y

6. Before you start connecting to servers, log in to NordVPN using this command:

nordvpn login

7. Use the following command to connect to the nearest VPN server available:

nordvpn connect

8. To disconnect from the server, use this command:

nordvpn disconnect

9. Finally, to fine-tune NordVPN on Linux, go with this command:

nordvpn settings

That's it! Using the commands listed above, you can set up NordVPN on Linux, access your account, and then connect and disconnect from servers. However, there's more you can do.

Below, we're listing the most useful commands for controlling the NordVPN Linux app, letting you fine-tune its selection of servers, enable various features, and more. Take a look:

Command Action
nordvpn c double_vpn Set up a connection to the closest Double VPN server.
nordvpn connect P2P Connect to any P2P server.
nordvpn connect The_Americas Connect to servers placed in the Americas.
nordvpn connect Dedicated_IP Connect to a NordVPN server with Dedicated IP.
nordvpn set or nordvpn s Set a configuration.
nordvpn set killswitch on or off Enable/Disable kill switch.
nordvpn set autoconnect on or off Enable/Disable auto-connect.
nordvpn set notify on or off Enable/Disable the kill switch.
nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 Set a custom DNS.
nordvpn set protocol udp or tcp Switch between the UDP and TCP protocols.
nordvpn set obfuscate on or off Enable/Disable the obfuscated servers.
nordvpn set technology Set the connection technology (OpenVPN or NordLynx).
nordvpn whitelist add port 22 Add a rule to the whitelist, a specified incoming port.
nordvpn whitelist remove port 22 Remove the rule in order to whitelist a specified port.
nordvpn account See your account information.
nordvpn status Check the connection status.
nordvpn countries Check the country list.
nordvpn cities Check the city list, e.g., nordvpn cities united_states.
nordvpn groups Check the list of available server groups.
nordvpn logout Log out from NordVPN.
nordvpn help or nordvpn h See the complete list of available commands.

Final Thoughts

Setting up NordVPN on Linux is a relatively streamlined process as long as you're comfortable using a series of commands. However, even though its app doesn't have a GUI, you won't be missing out on anything - as long as you carefully inspect the commands listed above.

Of course, NordVPN works on more than Linux. It works on computers, phones, tablets, media streaming devices, and even VPN-ready routers. To learn how to protect your privacy on other devices as well, here's our central guide on how to set up NordVPN.

FAQ

Does NordVPN Work with Linux?

Yes, NordVPN works on Linux. It comes as a command-line application, which means you'll use a series of commands to connect and disconnect from servers, as well as optimize your VPN connection and tunnel.

Is NordVPN Available for Ubuntu?

Yes, NordVPN is available for Ubuntu. It comes with specific commands that support Ubuntu and offers a command-line application for that Linux flavor.

Is NordVPN Free on Linux?

Yes, it's free to download NordVPN on Linux. However, you'll need an active subscription before you can start using its servers. It's a premium-priced VPN.

That’s all! Now you know how to download, set up, and use NordVPN on Linux. If you have further queries, drop us a comment through the button below. Thanks for reading!



For a better user experience we recommend using a more modern browser. We support the latest version of the following browsers: For a better user experience we recommend using the latest version of the following browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari