NordVPN is one of the most popular virtual private network (VPN) services available today. With over 5200 servers in 60 countries, robust encryption, and a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN allows you to browse the internet privately and access restricted content. In this article we talk about How to Activate Your NordVPN Subscription for Secure Browsing In 2024.
Once you purchase a NordVPN subscription, you need to activate it to start using the service. Activating your NordVPN account is a simple process that usually takes just a few minutes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire NordVPN activation process step-by-step. So read on to learn how to get your NordVPN up and running for secure web browsing.
Prerequisites
Before activating your NordVPN subscription, make sure that you have:
- Purchased a NordVPN subscription plan. You can choose from monthly, 1-year, 2-year or 3-year plans.
- Downloaded the NordVPN app on your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers etc.) from the official NordVPN website.
- Your NordVPN credentials handy – username and password. You must have received these in the welcome email after purchasing the NordVPN subscription.
Step 1: Log In to Your NordVPN Account
Once you install the NordVPN app on your device, open the app and you’ll see the login screen.
To log in, enter the NordVPN username and password that you received through email after purchasing your NordVPN subscription. Make sure to use the credentials for the account you want to activate.
If you don’t have the login info handy, you can use the “Forgot your password?” option to reset your password.
Step 2: Enter the Activation Code
After entering your username and password to log in, you’ll be asked to enter an activation code on the next screen.
The NordVPN activation code is sent to your email address when you purchase a paid NordVPN subscription.
Copy and enter this unique, one-time activation code to verify your subscription purchase. The activation code box is pre-filled for faster input. Hit ‘Continue’ once you’ve entered the code accurately.
Important: Make sure to enter the activation code within 30 days of getting your NordVPN subscription. Otherwise, the code will expire, and you’ll have to contact NordVPN Support to issue a new one.
Step 3: Set Up NordVPN on Your Router (Optional)
If you want to encrypt all the internet traffic in your home or office Wi-Fi network, you can install NordVPN on your router.
Setting up NordVPN on the router allows any device connected to that network to access the web through the encrypted NordVPN tunnel.
To set up NordVPN on your router:
- Log in to your router admin page.
- Download and install the NordVPN router app file from the Apps section of your NordVPN account dashboard.
- Import the OpenVPN configuration file from the Servers section of your NordVPN account.
That’s it! NordVPN will now work on every device that connects to your router.
Step 4: Download NordVPN Browser Extensions (Optional)
Additionally, you can also download and install the NordVPN browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox for added security while browsing.
These free extensions are easy to set up and provide a quick shortcut to connect to NordVPN servers right within your web browser. This saves you from launching the desktop app every time.
Here’s how to download the NordVPN extensions:
For Chrome
- Open Chrome and visit the Chrome Web Store
- Search for “NordVPN”
- Click ‘Add to Chrome’ to install the NordVPN extension
- A new NordVPN icon will appear on the toolbar – click it to connect
For Firefox
- Open Firefox browser and visit the Firefox Add-ons site
- Search for “NordVPN”
- Click ‘Add to Firefox’ to install the extension
- The NordVPN menu will now show up in the Firefox toolbar
And that’s it! With the extensions installed, you can now easily connect to NordVPN through Chrome or Firefox with one click.
Step 5: Connect to a NordVPN Server
Your NordVPN subscription is now successfully activated and ready to provide you a private, encrypted connection!
The final step is selecting and connecting to a VPN server located in your preferred country:
- Launch the NordVPN app
- Click ‘Quick Connect’ or search for a country in the menu to connect to the fastest server there
- Once connected, the Status will change from ‘Disconnected’ to ‘Connected’
- The IP Address will also change to match the server location
Important: Make sure the ‘VPN Status’ shows as ‘Connected’ before browsing the web. This confirms that your internet traffic is being routed through the secure NordVPN tunnel.
If you cannot connect, try changing the VPN protocol in Settings or get in touch with NordVPN Support.
Advanced Features
Your NordVPN subscription unlocks access to a ton of advanced features for enhanced privacy and security:
- CyberSec: Blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites
- Double VPN: Routes traffic through two VPN servers
- Obfuscated Servers: Evades VPN blocks and censorship
- Dedicated IP: Gets you a unique IP for your use only
- Onion over VPN: Accesses .onion sites on the Tor network
- Split Tunneling: Choose apps to exclude from the VPN tunnel
Be sure to experiment with these features to see which ones you find most useful!
And that’s a wrap! In just a few easy steps, you can activate your NordVPN account, connect to fast servers worldwide, and secure your internet activity. As long as the VPN status shows ‘Connected’, you can browse, stream and download content privately and safely.
Conclusion
Activating your NordVPN subscription unlocks access to thousands of its blazing-fast servers worldwide. Simply log in with your account credentials, enter the activation code, connect to a VPN server – and you’re all set!
With your NordVPN account activated, you can enjoy complete online privacy, block intrusive ads & trackers, securely access blocked content, share Wi-Fi without worries, and maintain anonymity online. I sincerely hope you find this “How to Activate Your NordVPN Subscription for Secure Browsing In 2024” article helpful.