How to Use the Command 'nordvpn' (with Examples)

The ’nordvpn’ command provides a command-line interface for NordVPN, one of the most well-known Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers in the world. Designed for users seeking secure, private internet browsing, it is especially popular among Linux users who prefer command-line tools for managing their systems. This utility allows you to manage your VPN connections directly from the terminal. Using this, you can perform tasks such as logging into your account, checking connection status, connecting to the best available server, or even specifying exact locations for the server connections, all of which are crucial for maintaining security and privacy while browsing the internet.

Use case 1: Interactively log into a NordVPN account

Code:

nordvpn login

Motivation for Using the Example:

Logging into your NordVPN account is the first step to unlocking the vast network of servers and security features NordVPN offers. This command prompts you to log in through an interactive process, ensuring your account credentials are securely managed through NordVPN’s systems. It’s crucial for the authentication of your account before you can access any of the VPN features.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: This initiates the NordVPN command-line interface.
• login: This argument tells the NordVPN CLI to begin the login process, prompting the user for their credentials.

Example Output:

Please enter your username and password.
Username: [Your NordVPN email]
Password: [Your NordVPN password]

Use case 2: Display the connection status

Code:

nordvpn status

Motivation for Using the Example:

Checking your VPN connection status is a vital task for ensuring your browsing activity remains secure and private. This command helps you verify if you are currently connected to a NordVPN server and, if so, provides details about the connection. Regularly checking your status will ensure your connection is encrypted, especially if you frequently change networks.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: This is the command-line tool for managing NordVPN.
• status: This argument queries the current state of your VPN connection, displaying relevant connection information along with your IP address status.

Example Output:

Status: Connected
Current server: us1234.nordvpn.com
Country: United States

Use case 3: Connect to the nearest NordVPN server

Code:

nordvpn connect

Motivation for Using the Example:

Automatically connecting to the nearest NordVPN server is often the quickest way to secure your internet browsing. This is especially useful for users who value speed and privacy but may not have a specific country preference for server location. By utilizing this feature, you can ensure a balance between speed, security, and convenience as it predicts the most optimal server based on your geographic location.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: Initiates the NordVPN CLI tool.
• connect: Tells NordVPN to establish a VPN connection automatically, choosing the nearest and often least busy server to you for optimal performance.

Example Output:

Connecting to the nearest server...
You are connected to the server us567.nordvpn.com

Use case 4: List all available countries

Code:

nordvpn countries

Motivation for Using the Example:

Knowing which countries NordVPN has servers in can help users make informed decisions on where they would like to connect. This list is beneficial for users who require access to geo-restricted content or wish to choose a server from a specific region for privacy or performance reasons.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: This command-line utility controls NordVPN functionalities.
• countries: This command lists all the countries where NordVPN has available servers, enabling users to choose desired locations for their VPN connection.

Example Output:

Available countries:
United States
Germany
Canada
Australia
France
...

Use case 5: Connect to a NordVPN server in a specific country

Code:

nordvpn connect Germany

Motivation for Using the Example:

Connecting to a server in a specific country is crucial for users who want to access content restricted to that region, or who want to route their connection through a particular country due to personal preference or perceived security benefits. By specifying the destination country, you ensure control over your internet traffic’s exit node, important for accessing region-specific content.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: Initiates the interface for controlling your NordVPN connection.
• connect: This action tells NordVPN to establish a connection.
• Germany: This argument specifies the country for the desired server connection, allowing users to connect specifically to Germany’s network.

Example Output:

Connecting to Germany...
You are connected to Germany server de789.nordvpn.com

Use case 6: Connect to a NordVPN server in a specific country and city

Code:

nordvpn connect Germany Berlin

Motivation for Using the Example:

This command is extraordinarily useful for users who need to pinpoint a connection to not only a specific country but also a specific city, potentially gaining access to even more regionally-specific content or optimizing latency and performance for connections where the city proximity matters. It’s a fantastic option for ensuring the best possible connection in terms of speed within a specific location.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: This accesses the NordVPN command-line interface.
• connect: The action to initiate a VPN connection.
• Germany: Specifies the country for the VPN server.
• Berlin: Narrowing down the connection to a server located in a specific city within your chosen country.

Example Output:

Connecting to Germany Berlin...
You are connected to server xl1234.nordvpn.com in Berlin

Use case 7: Set autoconnect option

Code:

nordvpn set autoconnect on

Motivation for Using the Example:

Enabling the autoconnect feature ensures that you are always connected to a VPN immediately upon starting your system, removing the need for manual connection every time your device boots up. It is a security-enhancing measure for users who prioritize privacy and do not want to gamble with unsecured internet connections, especially on untrusted networks.

Explanation:

• nordvpn: Command-line access for NordVPN’s multiple features.
• set: Used for changing various settings within the NordVPN CLI.
• autoconnect: This argument refers to the feature that allows automatic VPN connections at startup.
• on: This enables the autoconnect feature, ensuring a VPN connection is established soon as your system is operational.

Example Output:

Autoconnect is set to on. Your system will now automatically connect to a VPN at startup.

Conclusion:

Utilizing the NordVPN command-line interface provides a secure, seamless, and flexible means for users to take control of their internet privacy. Each command-line use case highlights different ways to harness NordVPN’s extensive network of servers, ensuring users can access global content safely and privately. By understanding these commands and their uses, Linux users, in particular, can maximize their privacy successfully while enjoying NordVPN’s robust service.