How to Set up NordVPN on Router in Australia

To set up NordVPN on router in Australia, follow the setup process that aligns with your router’s firmware. You can simply log into your router’s admin panel and search the menus for VPN options. As one of the best VPN Services available, NordVPN provides comprehensive protection for all your devices by encrypting your entire network.

While NordVPN may not support all routers, it works perfectly on ASUS routers, making them a top choice for ensuring comprehensive protection across all your devices. If your router was provided by your ISP, it might not support VPN configurations, so you may need to switch to a compatible router like an ASUS model.

This will make the setup process much smoother and allow you to extend VPN benefits to devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as gaming consoles and streaming devices. In the following guide, I’ll walk you through each step to set up NordVPN on your router in Australia. But first, let’s explore which routers work best with NordVPN to ensure a seamless experience.

Which router should I use with NordVPN in Australia?

If your ISP provided your existing router, it most likely does not support OpenVPN. A thing to remember before knowing how to install NordVPN on router in Australia is that with standalone routers, some mesh routers also support OpenVPN as well.

If your present router is incompatible, you might need to get a new one from the brands I suggest, or you might visit FlashRouters and purchase a router with specialized software that functions with a companion app. With that app, you can control your VPN settings more conveniently than in a web browser and log in using your NordVPN credentials. Use the discount code NORDVPNROUTER at check out to receive 20% off.

Moreover, You can also use Asus routers, which come with an integrated OpenVPN client, making them perfect for NordVPN. You can also check out the best VPNs for routers other than NordVPN.

Here you can see the list of routers that NordVPN recommends.

Routers Supported by NordVPN in Australia

Now that we have gotten that out of the way let’s check out the NordVPN Asus setup. Another big advantage of setting up a VPN connection on a router is that those devices which don’t support native NordVPN applications or manual configuration, such as a few specific models of Nvidia Shield, can now easily be protected with NordVPN.

Nevertheless, if you still wish to set up NordVPN on your NVidia device, then I recommend following the steps in our Nvidia Shield steps by NordVPN article.

How to set up NordVPN on your router in Australia?

Although many router manufacturers use a similar procedure for setting up a VPN on a router, there are several distinctions to be aware of. We’ll walk you through the process of setting up NordVPN on several routers to make things simpler for you.

How to Install NordVPN on Router (ASUS)

The Asus stock firmware is easy to navigate around and change settings. To set up the NordVPN ASUS router in Australia, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Purchase a NordVPN subscription or go for free NordVPN with premium features for 30 days.

Step 2: Log in to your Asus router by using the appropriate URL in your browser (usually 192.168.1.1).

Step 3: Enter your Asus username and password when prompted to do so.

Login to Asus Router and Insert Username & Password

Step 4: Click on the VPN tab in the sidebar.

VPN Tab on Asus Interface

Step 5: Select the VPN client tab and click on Add profile 

Click on Add profile in VPN Tab on Asus Interface

Step 6: Now choose the OpenVPN tab and insert the following information

1. Description: Give a name to the connection as you like
2. Username: Enter your NordVPN username
3. Password: Enter your NordVPN password

Insert Username & Password in OpenVPN Tab

Step 7: To import the .ovpn file, you first need to download these files from NordVPN’s server utility. Choose a server, and adjust server preferences to find its configuration files. Next, click on download config.”

Download NordVPN US OpenVPN Config Files

Step 8: Now import these downloaded files after clicking on “Choose file” in the dialog box shown in step 5 and click. Make sure the “Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually” is left unchecked.

Step 9: When the upload is finished, click OK 

Step 10: Now click on WAN in the sidebar, select no in the Connect to DNS Server automatically, and enter the DNS server addresses as DNS 1 and DNS 2, respectively:

• 8.8.8.8
• 8.8.4.4

Connect to DNS server in Asus NordVPN WAN Settings

Step 11: Click on Apply.

Step 12: Go back to the VPN client tab and click on the Activate button to initiate NordVPN on your router.

Click on Activate in VPN Client Tab under VPN Servers List

Step 13: A blue tick will appear next to the Connection Status if the connection is successful.

These steps will get NordVPN working on the ASUS router. Now you’ll never have to enable NordVPN before streaming Netflix with NordVPN. But in case something goes wrong, you can check out our NordVPN not connecting guide.

Also, setting up NordVPN on the Router allows you to skip configuring NordVPN on complicated devices such as Linux. If you still wish to know how to set up NordVPN manually on Linux, I recommend checking out our guide on NordVPN’s configuration for Linux.

How to Set up NordVPN with DD-WRT in Australia

DD-WRT configuration may appear difficult at first, but don’t worry! You can quickly get it going if you follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Navigate to Setup” in the Administrative Interface and then select Basic Setup.” Set the following NordVPN DNS addresses in the section titled Network Address Server Settings (DHCP),” as mentioned in the below pic:

Follow Network Address Server Settings (DHCP)

Step 2:  Click Save” and then Apply Settings.”

Step 3: Disable the IPv6 protocol by going to the Setup” tab, then finding the IPv6” tab. Click Save” and then Apply Settings.”

Step 4: After Setup,” select VPN. Set Start OpenVPN Client” to Enable” in the OpenVPN Client” section. Set the following options as follows:

Enable Start OpenVPN Client in the OpenVPN Client

Step 5: Copy and paste the following commands into the Additional Config box:

Step 6: Open the configuration file that was downloaded in any text editor (I recommend WordPad or Notepad++). You ought to see the relevant portion of the file after opening it.

Copy the content and paste it into the CA Cert” box

Step 7: From the start of the command to the end of the certificate, copy the content and paste it into the CA Cert” box.

Step 8: To find the part, return to the configuration file and scroll down. Paste it into the TLS Auth Key field after copying its contents.

Copy the Content and Paste it into TLS Auth Key Field

Step 9: Click Apply Settings” and Save” after pasting.

Step 10: Navigate to Status,” then OpenVPN,” and search for Client: Connected Success” to confirm the connection was successful.

Search for Client: Connected Success under Status in OpenVPN Tab

Moreover, visit here to check out more VPNs for DD-WRT routers.

How to set up NordVPN with OpenWRT in Australia

Setting up NordVPN with OpenWRT in Australia is a pretty simple process. This is how you do it:

Step 1: You should connect to the OpenWRT in Australia firmware using the IP address 192.168.1.1 since it only supports the telnet protocol. Use the passwd” command to modify the root password. The router will then approve an SSH connection after that. Following that, you must install:

• opkg update
• opkg install openvpn-openssl
• opkg install ip-full

Step 2: Every time the OpenVPN router starts, the NordVPN OpenVPN settings will prompt you for your login and password. To automatically enter credentials, insert the word secret” with a space before the string auth-user-pass.
The generated string should be something like auth-user-pass” secret.

Step 3: The credentials are entered in a file called secret” that is created in the same folder. Your username for the NordVPN service is on line one, and your password is on line two.

Step 4: There are two methods for configuring OpenVPN using the configuration file:

• Change the file’s extension from.ovpn to.conf so that OpenVPN can recognize it automatically.
• Put the file name in the /etc/config/openvpn directory. You may use uci:

Step 5: Additionally, you can specify the file in the file /etc/config/openvpn by changing the file’s extension ovpn to.conf. In this scenario, OpenVPN will launch only once with this configuration file.

Step 6: New network interface creation. Remember that there are 2 alternative ways to accomplish this, and it is advised to use both simultaneously. The suggested interface approach is:

The following added strings should be present in the file as /etc/config/network:

Step 7: Add a new firewall zone and a forwarding rule from LAN to VPN:

The following appended strings must be present in the file /etc/config/firewall:

Step 8: Set up the DNS servers. The simplest method is to utilize NordVPN DNS for the router’s WAN interface. How to Add NordVPN DNS is as follows:

The section ‘wan’ of the file /etc/config/network should include the following attachments (the three bottom strings have been added):

Upon completion of these instructions, everything ought to be set up, and you ought to be effectively connected. Visit the homepage of NordVPN router setup manager and look for Protected status at the top to confirm.

How does using NordVPN on Router Impact Internet Speeds and Device Performance?

Using NordVPN on router optimizes your internet experience by balancing speed and security. With NordVPN’s advanced protocols and robust encryption, it ensures minimal speed reduction while enhancing device performance and overall network security.

Impact on Internet Speed

NordVPN’s extensive network of 6,400 servers in 111 countries helps minimize speed reduction. With speeds potentially dropping by 10-20%, NordVPN mitigates this impact using the NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard technology. This protocol is specifically designed to enhance speed and reduce latency while maintaining strong security.

Device Performance

NordVPN improves device performance indirectly by setting up the VPN on your router. Routers with high processing power handle the encryption load, allowing connected devices to perform optimally without additional strain. The AES-256 encryption employed by NordVPN ensures robust security while offloading heavy encryption tasks from individual devices.

Security vs. Speed

NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption for top-tier security. Although this encryption might cause a slight decrease in speed, the balance between security and performance is managed effectively through OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols. AES-256 provides high-level data protection, while NordLynx optimizes connection speeds and reduces latency.

Importance of a Powerful Router

For optimal performance with NordVPN, using a powerful router like ASUS is crucial. ASUS routers that support OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols handle encryption efficiently. These routers ensure minimal speed loss and smooth performance. Investing in a high-performance ASUS router ensures you fully leverage NordVPN’s capabilities while keeping internet speeds at their best.

Comprehensive Network Protection

NordVPN offers network-wide protection by securing all devices connected to your router. With 6,400 servers and support for the NordLynx protocol, NordVPN covers devices that lack native VPN support, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. This setup ensures that every device in your home benefits from NordVPN’s extensive server network, providing consistent privacy and security.

For more on how installing NordVPN directly on your router can enhance your security, continue reading to explore the added security benefits this setup offers.

What Added Security Benefits Does Installing NordVPN Directly on the Router Offer?

Installing NordVPN directly on your router provides several key security enhancements that extend across your entire network. These benefits help safeguard your online activities and simplify management. Here’s how using NordVPN on your router enhances security:

Network-wide Protection

With NordVPN installed on your router, I can ensure that every device connected to my network is protected by the VPN’s encryption and privacy features.

By setting up NordVPN on my router, all my devices—like smart TVs, gaming consoles—benefit from enhanced security without needing individual VPN installations.

Enhanced Privacy

NordVPN encrypts all network traffic, preventing ISPs from monitoring my online activities.

While I am streaming a show on my smart TV or browsing on my tablet, NordVPN shields my internet activity from my ISP, ensuring that my viewing habits and personal data stay private.

Simplified Management

A single configuration on my router simplifies VPN management for all connected devices.

Instead of configuring VPN settings on each device separately, I only need to set up NordVPN once on my router. This streamlined approach makes it easier to maintain consistent security across all devices.

Avoiding Device Limitations

Using NordVPN on my router helps bypass limitations on simultaneous VPN connections that some devices have.

Many devices, like older gaming consoles, can’t handle multiple VPN connections at once. By configuring NordVPN on my router, I avoid these limitations and ensure that all my devices are securely connected.

Improved Security for IoT Devices

NordVPN adds an extra layer of protection for IoT devices that often lack strong security features.

Smart home devices such as thermostats or cameras can be vulnerable to attacks. With NordVPN protecting my router, these devices receive additional encryption, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

These enhanced security benefits show how NordVPN on a router can improve protection and convenience for my entire network. For a closer look at the practical applications, let’s explore the primary use cases for NordVPN on a router.

What are the Primary Use Cases for NordVPN on a Router?

Using NordVPN on a router offers versatile benefits for privacy, security, and convenience across multiple devices and networks. Here are the primary use cases:

1. Enhanced Privacy for Large Households

In my large household, where multiple devices connect simultaneously, I use NordVPN on my router to ensure that every device benefits from the privacy and security features of the VPN. This setup simplifies managing privacy settings for everyone in the home.

2. Secure Remote Work for Businesses

For my business, particularly with remote employees or multiple branch offices, installing NordVPN on the router helps secure connections for all employees. This protects sensitive business data and ensures secure communication between locations.

3. Consistent Access to Geo-Restricted Content

When streaming content from different regions or accessing websites that might be blocked in my area, NordVPN on the router allows all connected devices to bypass geo-restrictions consistently. This setup ensures that my entire network can access the desired content without additional configuration.

4. Simplified VPN Management

By using NordVPN on my router, I can centralize VPN management, making it easier to control settings, monitor activity, and update configurations. This is particularly beneficial when many devices require VPN protection, reducing the need for individual app installations.

What to Do if NordVPN Router Is Not Connecting in Australia?

While NordVPN is widely regarded as one of the best VPNs for TP-Link routers and various other router models, there are instances where users may encounter connectivity issues post-setup. If you’ve successfully installed NordVPN on router in Australia but are experiencing difficulties connecting, consider implementing the following solutions to resolve the issue:

Check the Status of Your Router

Despite being fairly basic, users frequently fail to notice connectivity issues indicated by the router status lights. They blame NordVPN for this. So, if you’re having trouble connecting, look for any amber or off status lights on your router. This could mean that there is a problem with your internet connection.

Reset Your Router

Turning off your router if you are certain that you have installed NordVPN or have connected in the past. Turn it back on after at least 2 minutes. By refreshing your router’s setup, you can resolve any router issues that you might not be aware of while still maintaining your NordVPN settings.

Update the Firmware on Your Router

Checking for firmware updates may be beneficial if your router is one of the versions that can be used with NordVPN. Try updating the router firmware if you use an older version, then refresh your connection.

You might need to reconfigure or reinstall nordVPN to work with the updated firmware. I suggest contacting NordVPN support if you are still experiencing issues connecting. Alternatively, ask the company that made your router if they have any other recommendations.

Troubleshooting NordVPN on a Router

Encountering issues with NordVPN on your router? Troubleshooting common problems can help restore seamless and secure VPN connectivity across your network. Here’s how to address typical issues:

• Connection Issues: If I encounter problems connecting NordVPN on my router, I check if the router firmware is up-to-date, confirm VPN settings, and restart the router to resolve the issue.
• Speed and Performance: To improve slow VPN speeds on my router, I switch VPN servers, optimize router placement, and ensure the router’s hardware can handle VPN traffic.
• Device Compatibility: If devices have trouble connecting via VPN, I verify their configuration and ensure the router’s VPN settings apply across the network.

If you’re still facing issues after troubleshooting, you might need more specific guidance. Check out the next section on what to do if your NordVPN router is not connecting.

Why You Should Configure NordVPN on Router in Australia?

There are several reasons why having NordVPN on router in Australia can be quite valuable. For one, it can be super helpful if you’re in a heavily restricted country like China, where you can’t risk accidentally not connecting to a VPN. By the way, NordVPN actually works in China.

Here are some of the other reasons you should know as well:

• Always Stay Connected: You will always be connected to the VPN as soon as you hook your devices to your router’s connection. This means you’ll never forget to turn on a VPN to initiate a secure browsing/streaming/torrenting session. Speaking of torrenting, you might find this NordVPN torrenting guide useful.
• Fast speeds: Since NordVPN proved to be super fast in our speed test, if you configure it on your router, you will experience speeds like never before for streaming and everything else.
• Stream without restrictions: By configuring NordVPN on your router, you get the freedom to bypass geo-blocks without worrying about enabling your VPN every time you connect to the internet. Regarding configuring NordVPN, you might also be interested in learning how to set up NordVPN on FireStick, NordVPN on Kodi in Australia, and on Roku devices. You can also easily stream popular restricted content.
• One-time setup: Setting up a VPN on a router is only a one-time process. You will simply have to connect your device to the home Wi-Fi to automatically come under VPN protection. Literally, that’s all you need to do. This way, you can use NordVPN on Smart TV, gaming consoles, even NordVPN on LG Smart TVs, and more.
• No VPN Compatibility Issues: While no VPN can support every device, configuring NordVPN on your router eliminates compatibility issues. This simplifies using services like NordVPN on Xbox and spares the hassle of setting up NordVPN on a Raspberry Pi.
• Works with Multiple Devices: All you need to give a VPN-enabled connection to whatever device you need a VPN for is to simply turn on its Wi-Fi. You can connect as many devices to your NordVPN connection as your router can support it. For more information on how NordVPN works, read our full in-depth NordVPN review Australia.

Routers Not Compatible with NordVPN in Australia

Here is the list of following routers which are not compatible with NordVPN:

• Arris
• Belkin
• D-Link
• Netgear
• Cisco
• Huawei
• Tenda
• Linksys (excluding WRT32X/WRT32XB AC3200)
• TRENDnet
• TotoLink
• Ubee

Most of the above-mentioned routers are provided by ISPs.

If you want to know how to set up NordVPN on the router that includes one of these, then you will have first to flash the firmware and set up DD-WRT.

FAQs – NordVPN on Router

Final Thoughts

NordVPN doesn’t support many router models. Nonetheless, if you are an Asus user, then you can bring the security of all your devices under the fold of a VPN’s protective layers. By setting up a VPN on your Google Nest Router using NordVPN, you establish a secure connection to your workplace, safeguarding your sensitive data and communications.

I hope this guide has helped you enough to know how to install NordVPN on router in Australia and how you can hide your online activity and mask your original IP address to another level. You can secure multiple devices at once and never worry about turning off or on your VPN connection.