How to Install and Configure NordVPN on Mac

Use NordVPN’s current documentation to choose between its website and App Store versions, then verify protection instead of assuming every feature is available in every build.

Feature availability varies

NordVPN documents two Mac app versions. Kill-switch behavior, custom DNS, Threat Protection features, and plan requirements differ. Check the current product page before relying on a feature.

Choose the supported Mac app

NordVPN’s current support page lists macOS 12 or later. The website download and Mac App Store version share core VPN functions, including NordLynx and automated kill-switch support, but expose different controls.

Version	Choose it when	Check before relying on
Website download	You want NordVPN’s directly distributed build and its documented custom DNS or per-app controls	System permissions, plan-dependent Threat Protection Pro, and the exact kill-switch mode
Mac App Store	You prefer App Store distribution and updates	The all-network kill switch and which Threat Protection functions are present

Install, approve, and connect

Download from NordVPN’s official website or Apple’s Mac App Store. Do not use third-party installers.
Open the app, sign in through the official flow, and approve only the macOS network configuration requested by the app.
Use Quick Connect or select a country. Confirm the app reports a connected state.
Check the public IP shown by a separate browser page before and after connecting. The exit location should match the selected region.
Disconnect once and confirm the Mac returns to its normal connection.

Configure for the activity

Settings to review

Choose when auto-connect should run, especially on untrusted Wi-Fi
Read and test the kill-switch behavior available in this app version
Keep the recommended protocol unless troubleshooting requires a controlled change
Confirm whether Threat Protection is enabled, supported, and included in the plan
Review granted macOS permissions and remove anything no longer needed

Troubleshoot one variable at a time

Update the app, reconnect, try another nearby server, and then test another protocol. Temporarily disable another VPN, proxy, custom DNS tool, or network filter only long enough to identify a conflict, then restore protection. If the problem persists, collect the app version, macOS version, time, server, and error before contacting support.

Official sources

Reviewed against the linked first-party documentation on 6 August 2026. Product features and service rules can change.

Installing NordVPN on macOS: choose an app version — NordVPN
Install the NordVPN app on macOS — NordVPN
What is NordLynx? — NordVPN
Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro — NordVPN