Does NordVPN work with Linux Mint? (Complete setup guide 2026)
🔍 Quick answer:
Yes, NordVPN works perfectly with Linux Mint. You can install it via the official NordVPN Linux app (command-line interface) or manually configure OpenVPN. Works on Mint 20, 21, and 22 (Ubuntu-based).
Installing NordVPN on Linux Mint
There are two ways to use NordVPN on Linux Mint: the official CLI app (recommended) or manual OpenVPN configuration.
Method 1: Official NordVPN Linux app (CLI)
Open terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run these commands:
# Download the installation script sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh) # Follow the prompts (enter password when asked) # Log in to your NordVPN account nordvpn login # Connect to a server nordvpn connect # Check connection status nordvpn status
Basic NordVPN commands for Mint
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
| nordvpn connect | Connect to fastest server |
| nordvpn connect Australia | Connect to Australia |
| nordvpn disconnect | Disconnect VPN |
| nordvpn set technology nordlynx | Switch to WireGuard (faster) |
| nordvpn set killswitch on | Enable kill switch |
| nordvpn countries | List available countries |
| nordvpn settings | Show current settings |
Method 2: Manual OpenVPN configuration
If you prefer OpenVPN:
# Install OpenVPN and wget sudo apt update sudo apt install openvpn wget # Download NordVPN OpenVPN files wget https://downloads.nordcdn.com/configs/archives/servers/ovpn.zip unzip ovpn.zip -d nordvpn-configs # Connect using username/password sudo openvpn --config nordvpn-configs/ovpn_tcp/au499.nordvpn.com.tcp.ovpn
🐧 Linux Mint compatibility
- Mint 20.x (Ulyana, Ulyssa, Uma) – Works perfectly
- Mint 21.x (Vanessa, Vera, Victoria) – Works perfectly
- Mint 22 (Wilma) – Works perfectly (Ubuntu 24.04 base)
- Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) – May need additional dependencies
🔧 Troubleshooting common issues
Issue: "Command not found" after installation
Solution: Log out and log back in, or run source ~/.bashrc
Issue: Can't connect to NordVPN servers
Solution: Try changing protocol – nordvpn set technology openvpn or nordvpn set technology nordlynx
Issue: Kill switch blocks internet after disconnect
Solution: nordvpn set killswitch off then reconnect
Issue: DNS leaks
Solution: Enable custom DNS – nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 9.9.9.9 (Quad9)
📊 Performance on Linux Mint
NordVPN on Linux Mint typically achieves:
- NordLynx (WireGuard): 250-400 Mbps (depending on hardware)
- OpenVPN UDP: 150-250 Mbps
- OpenVPN TCP: 80-150 Mbps
✅ Pro tip: Use NordLynx protocol for best speed. It's WireGuard-based and uses less CPU than OpenVPN.
🖥️ GUI alternative: Network Manager
If you prefer a graphical interface, you can configure NordVPN through Network Manager:
- Download OpenVPN configuration files from NordVPN
- Install network-manager-openvpn:
sudo apt install network-manager-openvpn - Go to Settings → Network → VPN → Add
- Import the .ovpn file and enter your NordVPN credentials
On this page
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Terms you'll meet
- IP address
- Your device's public ID online.
- Encryption
- Scrambling data so only you can read it.
- No‑logs policy
- VPN doesn't store your activity.