NordVPN configuration files

What is a VPN configuration file?

A VPN configuration file, also called a config file, contains the settings a VPN client needs to connect to a VPN server. These settings can include VPN server addresses, protocols, port numbers, authentication information, and encryption settings.

Most VPN clients handle connection settings automatically, so you don’t need to configure their VPN connections manually. However, manual configuration can be useful if you want more control over your VPN connection or need to set up a VPN on a device that doesn’t support a dedicated VPN app.

Configuration files come in different formats depending on the VPN protocol. For example, OpenVPN commonly uses .ovpn files to establish encrypted connections between your device and a VPN server, while the WireGuard protocol typically uses .conf files for manual configuration. IKEv2/IPSec connections may require certificates and other connection settings, depending on the device and operating system.

Whenever you decide to use another connection method for your VPN, you can choose from two different transport protocols — TCP or UDP. They determine the encryption of your connection to a VPN server and the ways your traffic is handled. TCP typically grants more reliable connections, whereas UDP can provide you with better speeds.

Where can you find NordVPN config files?

NordVPN offers configuration files for manually setting up connections using both OpenVPN and WireGuard. OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol compatible with most major operating systems. It can also be tailored to specific network needs and security policies. You can download OpenVPN configuration files opens in a new tab for your operating system from our website.

You can also download OpenVPN config files for servers recommended by NordVPN opens in a new tab.

NordVPN also supports manual connections using IKEv2/IPSec, a protocol known for its stability and ability to reconnect when switching networks. To get the necessary setup details, log in to your Nord Account, select NordVPN, and go to “Set up NordVPN manually” under “Advanced settings.” Copy the server hostname and use it alongside your NordVPN service credentials and the required certificate to configure your connection. 

Configuration files to set up the WireGuard VPN protocol are the latest addition to NordVPN’s manual setup options. Compared to OpenVPN, WireGuard has a lighter design and is built to deliver faster connections with less overhead. You can use these files to manually configure NordVPN connections on compatible routers, Linux systems, NAS devices, and other WireGuard-compatible clients.

To download a WireGuard configuration file, log in to your Nord Account, select NordVPN, and go to “Set up NordVPN manually” under “Advanced settings.” Choose your preferred country and server, select WireGuard under “Available protocols,” and click “Download config.”

How do you manually configure NordVPN?

You may want to manually set up your NordVPN client to enjoy a higher customization level and adjust your VPN setup to your specific needs.

Most importantly, not all devices may support the latest NordVPN app version, with some app stores not allowing you to download the NordVPN app. Manual configuration lets you connect to those devices anyway.

If you decide to configure your NordVPN client manually, choose your preferred VPN protocol and follow the setup instructions for your operating system below.

For OpenVPN:

• Manual OpenVPN setup instructions for Windows
• Manual OpenVPN setup instructions for macOS
• Manual OpenVPN setup instructions for iOS
• Manual OpenVPN setup instructions for Android
• Manual OpenVPN setup instructions for Linux

For WireGuard:

• Manual WireGuard setup instructions for Windows
• Manual WireGuard setup instructions for macOS
• Manual WireGuard setup instructions for Linux
• Manual WireGuard setup instructions for Android
• Manual WireGuard setup instructions for iOS

For IKEv2/IPSec:

• Manual IKEv2/IPSec setup instructions for Windows
• Manual IKEv2/IPSec setup instructions for macOS
• Manual IKEv2/IPSec setup instructions for iOS
• Manual IKEv2/IPSec setup instructions for Android
• Manual IKEv2/IPSec setup instructions for Linux

If you have any questions about configuring your NordVPN client, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team through online chat or email.

How to change the NordVPN config file

The main reason for changing the NordVPN config file is to switch the VPN server you use when it no longer satisfies your needs. If the server is slower than you expected, or if you need an IP address from a different country, switching config files will help.

Other than that, VPN providers sometimes temporarily shut some servers down for maintenance. The possibility of changing your VPN config file gives you the flexibility to switch between servers and adapt your VPN settings exactly as you need them.

Depending on your system, you can replace config files you’ve already added by following the setup instructions above. If your software allows, you can add a second VPN profile and switch between configurations instead of replacing the file each time.

Do you need to manually configure NordVPN?

Generally, you don’t need to configure NordVPN at all — the app comes with everything set up. To set up NordVPN, you only need to download the app, and you can enjoy all VPN functionality right away. It’s the easier option because manual configuration requires technical knowledge and leaves more room for setup mistakes.