How to Set Up NordVPN on Raspberry Pi (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Oct 28th,2025

What Is NordVPN?

If you're looking to protect your Raspberry Pi with a reliable VPN, this Raspberry Pi NordVPN guide will walk you through everything you need to know.A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure remote server. This hides your real IP address, prevents tracking, and protects your data from interception on public or private networks.VPNs are widely used to secure communications, access region-restricted content, and ensure online privacy — especially when paired with the blog post “Raspberry Pi Ubuntu Setup: Installation, Configuration, and Best Use Cases

NordVPN is one of the most recognized providers in this field. Founded in 2012 and based in Panama, the company has built a reputation for its fast, secure, and privacy-focused VPN service, as explained in detail in the official NordVPN Blog on Online Privacy.It offers more than 6,000 servers across 60+ countries, uses strong AES-256 encryption, supports multiple protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard (NordLynx), and provides features like Threat Protection, Meshnet, and automatic Kill Switch. NordVPN's emphasis on no-logs policy and security audits makes it a trusted choice for both personal and professional users.

Why Use NordVPN on a Raspberry Pi?

Running NordVPN on a Raspberry Pi, often referred to as NordVPN on Raspberry Pi, offers unique advantages for both hobbyists and professionals in IoT and networking.
Common use cases include:
•Creating a home VPN gateway that routes all traffic through encrypted tunnels.
•Protecting IoT devices—sensors, cameras, and automation systems—that lack built-in security features.
•Bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming services on devices like Kodi or Plex servers.
•Enabling secure remote access to your local network from anywhere.

Why Raspberry Pi?

•Low power consumption: a Pi typically draws less than 5 W, perfect for continuous operation.
•Affordability and availability: a complete setup costs under $100.
•Compact and silent: no fans or noise, ideal for home or office use.
•Linux-based system: easily supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and NordVPN CLI tools.

Limitations:
Performance is bounded by CPU and network throughput—VPN encryption consumes processing power, so older Pi models (e.g., Pi 3) may not reach full broadband speed, as discussed in our blog 'The Ultimate Guide to Building a Raspberry Pi Gaming Emulator', Also, as a shared VPN gateway, misconfigurations in routing or DNS can affect connected devices. However, for most home and small-office setups, these trade-offs are minor, and NordVPN remains one of the best choices when configuring a VPN for Raspberry Pi 4 or newer models.

Benefits of Using NordVPN on Raspberry Pi

1.Privacy and Encryption:
All traffic is encrypted using strong ciphers, preventing ISPs, attackers, or even public Wi-Fi providers from monitoring your activity.
2.IP Masking and Content Access:
Connecting through servers in other regions lets you access geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms.
3.IoT Device Protection:
Many IoT devices don't support VPN clients. Routing them through a VPN-enabled Raspberry Pi secures their communications and strengthens overall Raspberry Pi network security against potential attacks.
4.Network-Wide VPN Sharing:
By configuring the Pi as a gateway or router, every device in your network benefits from VPN encryption—without extra subscriptions or device limits, as demonstrated in our 'Ultimate Guide to Transforming Your Raspberry Pi into a Powerful Router’
5.Always-On Operation:
The Pi can run 24/7 as a secure VPN node, automatically reconnecting after reboots or connection drops, making it ideal for anyone planning a Raspberry Pi VPN setup at home or in the office.

Prerequisites

Hardware Requirements:
•Raspberry Pi 3, 4, or 5 (or Zero 2 W).
•MicroSD card (16 GB or higher).
•Reliable power supply (≥ 2.5 A).
•Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection.

Operating System:
•Raspberry Pi OS (Lite or Full, 32-bit or 64-bit)
•NordVPN subscription and account credentials. NordVPN is not free. It's a paid VPN service that requires an active subscription to connect to its servers.

Installing NordVPN on Raspberry Pi

To install NordVPN on Raspberry Pi, follow these simple steps to ensure a secure and efficient setup process.
Method 1: Using the NordVPN Linux App
Using the NordVPN Linux CLI makes managing your VPN connection simple and efficient, especially for Raspberry Pi users who prefer command-line control.
1.Install the NordVPN app:
sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)

After installation, reboot.
2.Log in:
nordvpn login
A browser window will open for authentication.

3.Connect to a server:
nordvpn connect
To connect to a specific country:
nordvpn connect us
Common Commands:
nordvpn status   # Check connection status

nordvpn disconnect   # Disconnect from the VPN
nordvpn countries   # List available regions

Configuration Options:
nordvpn set autoconnect on
nordvpn set killswitch on
nordvpn set technology nordlynx

Notes:
The CLI automatically handles system services, DNS, and routing. If you encounter permission issues, ensure your user belongs to the nordvpn group. For additional troubleshooting steps, see the NordVPN Linux App FAQ

Method 2: Manual OpenVPN Configuration
This section explains how to perform a NordVPN OpenVPN configuration on your Raspberry Pi if you prefer manual setup or use a minimal OS without the NordVPN app.
1.Download configuration files:
wget https://downloads.nordcdn.com/configs/archives/servers/ovpn.zip
unzip ovpn.zip -d ~/nordvpn
2.Authenticate:
Create a file /etc/openvpn/auth.txt containing:
your_nordvpn_username
your_nordvpn_password
3.Start VPN manually:
sudo openvpn --config ~/nordvpn/us1234.nordvpn.com.udp.ovpn --auth-user-pass /etc/openvpn/auth.txt
4.Auto-start on boot:
Copy your chosen .ovpn file to /etc/openvpn/client.conf and enable the service:
sudo systemctl enable openvpn@client
sudo systemctl start openvpn@client
√Pros: full control, compatible with custom routing.
×Cons: requires manual updates and troubleshooting.

Verifying the VPN Connection

After establishing your Raspberry Pi VPN connection, verify that all network traffic is properly routed through NordVPN to ensure complete security and anonymity.
1.Check external IP:
curl ifconfig.me
It should display a NordVPN server address.
2.To confirm your Raspberry Pi DNS leak test, visit dnsleaktest.com and verify that all queries are handled by NordVPN's secure DNS servers.
3.Check routing table:
ip route
Default route should point to tun0.
4.Speed test:
Use speedtest-cli to measure performance.

Troubleshooting

Common issues:
This NordVPN troubleshooting Raspberry Pi guide covers the most common issues you might encounter when connecting or managing your VPN service.
•Login fails: clear cache and re-authenticate (nordvpn logout && nordvpn login).
•CLI opens browser errors: run nordvpn login --legacy.
•Traffic not routing: restart the nordvpnd service.
•Slow speed: switch to a closer server or NordLynx protocol.
Community tips:
NordVPN's Linux subreddit and official forums often suggest adding:
For better performance, many users recommend the command nordvpn set dns 103.86.96.100 103.86.99.100, which is a common NordVPN set DNS Raspberry Pi fix to avoid DNS leaks.
nordvpn set dns 103.86.96.100 103.86.99.100
to solve DNS leaks.

Security and Optimization Tips

Enable the Kill Switch:
Ensures no traffic leaks if the VPN disconnects.
nordvpn set killswitch on
Enabling NordLynx on Raspberry Pi
Provides better speed and lower CPU usage, making Raspberry Pi WireGuard NordVPN setups an excellent choice for users who value both performance and privacy.
sudo nordvpn set technology nordlynx
sudo nordvpn connect
To confirm it’s active:
nordvpn status
You should see:
Technology: NordLynx
Status: Connected
You can also revert to OpenVPN anytime:
sudo nordvpn set technology openvpn
Regular Updates:
Keep Raspberry Pi OS and NordVPN client updated to patch vulnerabilities. For more information on maintaining online security, check out the NordVPN Blog on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Advanced: Meshnet or Gateway Mode:
Meshnet lets you securely link multiple devices, while gateway mode turns your Raspberry Pi into a powerful Raspberry Pi VPN gateway that routes your entire LAN through the VPN.
Performance Optimization:
To enhance Raspberry Pi VPN performance, choose nearby servers, disable unnecessary services, and limit background tasks to free CPU cycles.
Legal and Terms-of-Service Considerations
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but some regions restrict or monitor VPN usage. Always comply with local laws and service terms. Avoid using VPNs for illegal activities or copyright circumvention. NordVPN prohibits misuse and reserves the right to suspend accounts engaged in unlawful behavior.

Conclusion

A Raspberry Pi NordVPN setup is one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect your entire home or office network with minimal power usage.Whether you choose the simple NordVPN Linux app or a manual OpenVPN setup, your Raspberry Pi can serve as a reliable always-on VPN node that encrypts traffic, hides your IP, and keeps your devices secure. Once configured, you'll enjoy the benefits of NordVPN's fast servers, privacy-focused features like Kill Switch and Meshnet, and the flexibility to expand your setup — for example, by integrating Pi-hole for ad blocking or turning your Pi into a full VPN gateway. With just a few commands, your Raspberry Pi transforms into a compact yet powerful shield for online privacy.