If you want to encrypt all the traffic that passes through your router, then installing NordVPN on your router is a good idea.
In this article, we tell you how to install NordVPN on a router with easy steps. You can use these steps to configure NordVPN on Asus routers.
Unfortunately, NordVPN is not compatible with other routers unless you flash them first with supported firmware.
The main benefit of installing NordVPN on your router is that it will encrypt all your internet traffic with a VPN that passes through your router. This includes traffic from devices such as laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles.
Setting up NordVPN on your router can be a little tech-savvy, but not to worry. We have simplified the installation method so you can easily cover all the devices of your household with your Wi-Fi connection.
So keep on reading to know the step-by-step process on how you can install NordVPN on your router.
Short on time? Here’s a Short Summary of How to Install NordVPN On A Router.
- Log in to your ASUS router’s admin panel.
- Go to the VPN tab and head to the VPN client.
- Enter the required information like Description, Username, and Password.
- Import the .ovpn file and activate the NordVPN server on your router.
For a detailed NordVPN review, visit our guide: How Does NordVPN Work
How to Install NordVPN On A Router?
If you’re looking for a way to secure all of your devices with a single VPN connection, installing NordVPN on your router is the way to go. This process is straightforward, even if your technical ability is limited.
Unfortunately, NordVPN only works with Asus routers. But if you have a different router, you can make it work by flashing it first. Just make sure that your router supports third-party firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato.
Once you’re done with flashing your router, you can install FlashRouters Privacy App and install NordVPN on your router following easy steps.
For more information, keep on reading.
How to Install NordVPN On A Router (ASUS)
If you have an ASUS router, the process of installing NordVPN is easy. Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Get a VPN subscription from NordVPN.
Step 2: Log into your router’s admin panel by entering (192.168.0.1) or (192.168.1.1).
Step 3: Click on the VPN tab on the left panel.
Step 4: You’ll see VPN Server and VPN Client on the right panel. Click on VPN Client.
Step 5: Now click on Add profile.
Step 6: Select the OpenVPN tab.
Step 7: Enter a name for your VPN in Description. Type in your NordVPN credentials in Username and Password.
Step 8: Now you need a .ovpn file to import. Go to NordVPN’s server tool to choose the best server for you.
Step 9: Choose a country from the drop-down menu that says “Adjust server preferences” and download the file.
Step 10: Import the .ovpn file in Step 7’s dialog box by selecting the file you just downloaded. Then click on Upload.
Step 11: When the uploading process finishes, click on OK.
Step 12: Click on the WAN tab in the left panel.
Step 13: Under WAN DNS Settings, select “No” in Connect to DNS Server Automatically.
Step 14: Enter the following DNS servers in DNS server 1 and DNS server 2:
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
Step 15: Click on Apply.
Step 16: Click on the VPN tab again and navigate to the VPN client. Click on Activate to start your NordVPN connection on your Asus router.
Step 17: A blue tick will appear when your connection is successfully established.
How to Install NordVPN On A Router (Netgear)
The Netgear routers are a good alternative to the Asus routers. However you wouldn’t be able to use the OpenVPN protocol, so you’ll need to use DD-WRT firmware to connect.
Flash your Netgear Router’s firmware with DD-WRT and then we’ll use FlashRouters Privacy App to install NordVPN on the router.
You can use the FlashRouters Privacy App on the following Netgear routers.
- Netgear R6300v2
- Netgear R6400v2
- Netgear R7000
- Netgear R7800
- Netgear R8000
- Netgear R8500
- Netgear R9000
Here’s how you can install FlashRouters Privacy App:
Step 1: Turn on your router and connect to the internet.
Step 2: Go to the admin page of your DD-WRT router and log in with your device’s IP address.
Step 3: Go to Administration and then head to the Commands tab.
Step 4: Enter the command: curl –silent –retry 3 https://api.flashroutersapp.com/api/v1.0/ddwrt/group/privacy/provider/NordVPN/install | sh and then click on Run Command. You will see a message saying “Installation Successful“.
Step 5: On the main page of your DD-WRT admin panel, go to Status and then head to My Page to access the FlashRouters Privacy App.
Step 6: Access the connect page of FlashRouters Privacy App.
Step 7: Sign in with your NordVPN email and password.
Step 8: Click on the drop-down menu and select a NordVPN server.
Step 9: Click on Connect. On a successful connection, a message should appear below that says “Connected“.
Step 10: Now check if your VPN is working or not by going to the NordVPN website or accessing whatismyipaddress.com.
Routers and Firmwares Compatible With NordVPN
Asus routers with native firmware only are supported by NordVPN. Unfortunately, no other routers like Linksys or TP-Link are compatible. If you wish to use NordVPN on other routers, flash it with compatible third-party firmware like DD-WRT.
Here are some routers and firmware that work with NordVPN:
- Asus WRT
- Asus Merlin
- Sabai
- DrayTek
- OpenWRT
- OPNsense
- DD-WRT
- Tomato
- EdgeRouter
- Gl.iNET
- pfSense
- Mikrotik
- Padavan
- NetDUMA
Routers That Are Not Compatible With NordVPN
Here is the list of routers that are not compatible with NordVPN.
- Cisco
- Huawei
- Netgear
- Tenda
- Ubee
- Arris
- Belkin
- TotoLink
- TRENDnet
- D-Link
- TP-Link
- Linksys
These routers will not work with their native firmware. However, some of them support third-party firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, Padavan, or OpenWRT.
So in order to use NordVPN on these routers, check if your router supports an open-source firmware and then flash it.
Why You Should Install NordVPN On Your Router?
The main reason to install NordVPN on your router is to encrypt all the internet traffic that passes through the connection. However, there are some other benefits as well:
Set NordVPN One Time.
If you set up NordVPN on your router, you won’t have to set it up again on each device. Every time you connect to your Wi-Fi, you’re protected with a VPN connection.
And all the devices that connect to the internet (even the ones that don’t support VPN configuration) through the router will be automatically protected by NordVPN.
Maximized Security.
Your devices are only as safe as the weakest link in your security chain.
If you have a device that’s not protected, and it connects to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, then your data is vulnerable to theft.
By installing NordVPN on your router, you’re ensuring that all traffic passing through the router will be encrypted and secure.
Unlimited Bandwidth And Speed.
If you have a data-heavy activity like gaming or streaming, you may find that your speeds are slowed down when using a VPN on your device.
This is because most VPNs limit the amount of bandwidth you can use.
However, when you install NordVPN on your router, you’re using the VPN’s unlimited bandwidth, so you can enjoy high-speed gaming and streaming without any restrictions.
More Than Six Simultaneous Connections.
NordVPN offers six simultaneous connections if you’re using their VPN app on each device.
But with NordVPN installed on your router, you can protect more than six devices at once. This is because NordVPN will encrypt the traffic of all devices that are connected to the router.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions On Streaming Services.
If you want to watch geo-restricted content on Netflix or other streaming services, NordVPN can help.
Bypassing these restrictions is as easy as connecting to a server in the country where the content is available. And since NordVPN encrypts your traffic, your ISP won’t be able to throttle your speeds.
You can easily change your Netflix region or bypass restrictions on Kodi with NordVPN installed on your router.
Covering Devices With No VPN Support.
Some devices including your Samsung smart TV and game consoles like Xbox and PS4, don’t support VPN configuration.
However, you can still use a VPN on these devices by installing NordVPN on your router.
This will encrypt all traffic passing through the router, so your device will be protected even if it doesn’t have VPN support.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Is it safe to install NordVPN on my router?
Can I use NordVPN on my router if it's not listed as compatible?
Can I use NordVPN on more than six devices at once?
Do I need a special router to use NordVPN?
How do I change my Netflix region with NordVPN installed on my router?
Do I need to install NordVPN on every device I want to protect?
Conclusion
By now you should know how to install NordVPN on a router with ease.
Installing NordVPN on your router is a great way to keep all of your devices safe and secure when they’re online. It’s an easy process, even if you don’t have any technical ability, and it comes with a variety of benefits.
So if you’re looking for a way to encrypt all of your traffic and bypass geo-restrictions, installing NordVPN on your router is the way to go.