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When it comes to protecting your online privacy and security, NordVPN has proven to be reliable, making it the number one choice for many internet-savvy users. However, many users often get the error message โNordVPN not working,โ leaving them frustrated and vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
And just so you know, there are several reasons why you may be getting the error message โNordVPN not working.โ Whether itโs an issue with your firewalls, outdated software, blocked ports, or a defective router, many issues could cause your VPN to not work properly. Read on as we go over some possible fixes for this problem.
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How to fix NordVPN not working?
If your NordVPN isnโt working, there are several things you can do to get it working. You first want to check the network settings, followed by changing servers. Also, you want to double-check and ensure that the right ports are opened.
If you often use a firewall, we suggest turning that off and checking again to see if the connection has been restored. If you have tried all of the above suggestions and youโre still struggling to get your NordVPN to work properly, you can simply try reinstalling the app. Several people have had success with this option.
If nothing seems to work after trying these fixes, we strongly suggest you contact NordVPN customer service for further assistance.
That said, our suggested fixes for resolving NordVPN not working are just the tip of the iceberg. Read on as we get into more specifics on how you can fix NordVPN not working.
Confirm if your internet connection is working correctly
If you keep getting the error message โNordVPNโ not working, the issue could be because your internet connection isnโt working correctly. More so, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data can cause connectivity issues with NordVPN.
Here are four things you can do to restore your internet connection. Doing this should get your internet working again;
- Try to disconnect and reconnect your Wi-Fi network
- If you use a router, try restarting it.
- Sometimes, you want to double-check and ensure that the ethernet cable connected to your router is properly connected.
- Reach out to your internet service provider if the issue persists. They will help to restore your internet connection.
Investigate your credentials
If you use VPN software with your router, you want to ensure you are using the right credentials. Keep in mind that it is separate from your VPN account. Using an incorrect credential with NordVPN will cause it not to work properly, as you wonโt be able to connect to the VPN server.
You can check your credentials directly from the user control panel. On the control panel, scroll down until you find Advanced configuration. Here, youโll find your username alongside the password.
Also, you want to check whether the platform you downloaded NordVPN from is legitimate, as there are many dubious websites out there looking to steal your personal information.
Investigate whether the VPN server is working
If you keep getting the error message โNordVPN not working,โ the issue could be because of a malfunctioning VPN server.
To know whether the issue is with your preferred VPN server, try connecting to the server and wait for a few seconds to see the response youโre getting. Also, keep in mind that when a server is overloaded, it could cause the VPN not to work properly.
And since you can connect to different servers, try connecting to a new server to see if the issue persists. Letโs assume, for instance, you are finding it hard to connect to your preferred VPN server in the UK; try disconnecting from that server and reconnecting to another server in the UK. If the issue is with a VPN server, this fix should resolve any connection issues you are having.
Double-check your ports
More often than not, your VPN provider could block traffic to a specific port. To this end, you want to change your default port settings. By tweaking it, you should be able to figure out if the right port is open for a VPN.
If youโre using NordVPN, you want to ensure that the 443 TCP and 1194 UDP ports are opened. Again, your router or firewall must be configured to allow VPN to pass through.
Keep in mind that NordVPN doesnโt currently offer port forwarding. To this end, itโs very common for the VPN app to blacklist all ports except the one the software needs to operate smoothly. The NordVPN team does this to ensure your safety at all times.
Check for VPN software updates
Like every other software, your NordVPN software may sometimes encounter glitches and bugs that prevent it from working properly. That is why updating your software to the latest version is always recommended.
With a premium VPN provider like NordVPN, you may not encounter too many glitches and bugs, and thatโs because the NordVPN team always works around the clock to find bugs and resolve them as soon as possible.
If you still have issues getting it to work properly after updating your software, you can try resetting or reinstalling it. Another good old trick to getting your NordVPN working again is to close some background apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could my firewall prevent NordVPN from working?
If your firewall is configured to block VPN connections, you may have difficulty getting NordVPN to work properly. To enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience, we strongly recommend tweaking your firewall settings and adding NordVPN to the list of exceptions.
Why is NordVPN connected but not working?
If your NordVPN is connected and not working properly, the issue could be with your network settings. And should that be the case, we suggest changing your current server to something else. You also want to ensure that the correct ports are opened. If youโre using a firewall, we recommend disabling it.
How am I sure NordVPN is working?
Knowing whether NordVPN is working is pretty simple. Simply visit nordvpn.com. If everything is working as it should, you should notice the bar at the top of the page show that your status is protected. Also, you can check your IP address to see if your preferred server is working correctly.
