Command-line interface for NordVPN (with examples)

NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service that offers a command-line interface (CLI) for managing VPN connections. This article will provide code examples and explanations for various use cases of the nordvpn command.

Use Case 1: Interactively log into a NordVPN account

nordvpn login

Motivation: Logging into a NordVPN account allows users to access their subscription and utilize the service. By logging in, users can ensure that their connections are secure and have access to features offered by NordVPN.

Explanation: The login command is used to interactively log into a NordVPN account. Upon running this command, the user will be prompted to enter their NordVPN account credentials (username and password). Once the login is successful, the credentials will be saved for future sessions.

Example Output:

Please enter your NordVPN account username: johnDoe
Please enter your NordVPN account password: **********
Logged in as johnDoe

Use Case 2: Display the connection status

nordvpn status

Motivation: Checking the connection status helps users verify whether they are currently connected to a NordVPN server or not. It provides information on the server, IP address, and data transfer statistics, ensuring the VPN is functioning properly.

Explanation: The status command displays the status of the current NordVPN connection. It shows details such as the server name, server IP address, country, and data transfer statistics (both upload and download). If no connection is established, it will indicate that the user is not connected to any server.

Example Output:

Status: Connected
Current server: us123.nordvpn.com
Server IP: 12.34.56.78
Country: United States
Transfer: ↕ 1.23 Mbps ↓ 4.56 Mbps ↑

Use Case 3: Connect to the nearest NordVPN server

nordvpn connect

Motivation: Connecting to the nearest NordVPN server ensures users get an optimal connection with minimal latency. This can improve browsing speed, streaming quality, and overall VPN performance.

Explanation: The connect command without specifying any arguments connects the user to the nearest NordVPN server available. NordVPN automatically determines the nearest server based on the user’s location. If successful, it will connect the user to the recommended server.

Example Output:

Connecting to the nearest server...
Connected to us123.nordvpn.com, United States

Use Case 4: List all available countries

nordvpn countries

Motivation: Listing all available countries helps users see the wide range of server locations offered by NordVPN. It allows users to explore and choose a preferred country for their VPN connection.

Explanation: The countries command lists all available countries where NordVPN has servers. Each country is displayed with its corresponding two-letter country code. Users can refer to this list when specifying a country in other nordvpn commands.

Example Output:

Argentina (AR)
Australia (AU)
...
United States (US)
...

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

nordvpn connect Germany

Motivation: Connecting to a NordVPN server in a specific country provides users with IP addresses from that country, allowing them to access content and services that are restricted to that location. It also enhances privacy and security by routing the user’s traffic through the selected country’s server.

Explanation: The connect command followed by a country name (e.g., “Germany”) connects the user to a NordVPN server in the specified country. This command establishes a VPN connection to a server in the chosen country, providing the user with an IP address from that country.

Example Output:

Connecting to a server in Germany...
Connected to de123.nordvpn.com, Germany

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

nordvpn connect Germany Berlin

Motivation: Connecting to a specific city within a country allows users to optimize their VPN experience. Certain cities may offer better speeds or proximity to desired online services, enabling users to have faster connections and lower latencies.

Explanation: The connect command followed by a country name (e.g., “Germany”) and a city name (e.g., “Berlin”) connects the user to a NordVPN server in the specified city. This command establishes a VPN connection to a server in the chosen city, providing the user with an IP address from that city.

Example Output:

Connecting to a server in Berlin, Germany...
Connected to de-berlin123.nordvpn.com, Berlin

Use Case 7: Set autoconnect option

nordvpn set autoconnect on

Motivation: Enabling autoconnect allows users to automatically establish a NordVPN connection whenever their computer or device starts up. This ensures that the user’s internet traffic is always protected by NordVPN without requiring manual intervention.

Explanation: The set autoconnect command, followed by either “on” or “off”, is used to configure the autoconnect option. When set to “on”, NordVPN will automatically establish a connection whenever the computer or device starts up. This option is useful for users who want continuous VPN protection without manually connecting every time.

Example Output:

Autoconnect successfully set to ON.

By utilizing these various use cases of the nordvpn command, users have the flexibility to manage their NordVPN connections efficiently and securely from the command line.