Why Is My NordVPN Slow and How to Speed It Up

Slow speeds can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to stream your favorite shows or work remotely. NordVPN can slow down due to server overload, which can happen when too many users are connected to the same server.

This is because NordVPN uses a shared IP system, where multiple users share the same IP address. In our article section "How Does NordVPN Work?", we explained that this system can lead to slower speeds.

Using a VPN can also slow down your internet speeds due to the encryption process, which adds an extra layer of security to your online activity. According to our article section "How Does Encryption Work?", encryption can slow down your speeds by up to 10%.

However, NordVPN's encryption is designed to be fast and efficient, using the OpenVPN protocol to minimize speed losses.

Additional reading: Is Nordvpn down

If you're experiencing slow speeds with NordVPN, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. Check your connection speed on speedtest.net after each step to see if it improves.

First, try manually selecting and connecting to countries closest to your physical location instead of using the "Quick Connect" button. This can help reduce latency and improve speeds.

Check if you're using the latest version of the NordVPN app, as outdated versions can cause connectivity issues. If you're using an antivirus, ensure NordVPN is on the exclusions list to prevent interference.

If you're using Threat Protection Pro, pause "Advanced Browsing Protection" in the settings to see if it improves your speeds. You can also try changing the VPN protocol, but keep in mind that NordWhisper is incompatible with certain servers.

On macOS, try reapplying the VPN configuration settings if you downloaded the app from the App Store. If you downloaded the app from the website, you can try disabling custom DNS.

Here are the troubleshooting steps summarized:

Resetting your network settings can also help, but be aware that it will reset Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN or APN settings you've used before.

If you're suffering slow speeds with NordVPN, chances are that one of the following solutions will fix the problem.

The first solution is to try a different VPN server. Chances are that the server you're connected to is just too busy or distant, and switching to a different one will give you a speed boost.

Another solution is to check your internet connection speed when not connected to NordVPN. This will help you determine if the slow speeds are caused by your internet service provider or NordVPN itself.

If you're connected to a VPN server on NordVPN's macOS app and your internet connection is slow, try restarting your router. This simple step can often resolve connectivity issues and improve speeds.

It's also worth noting that NordVPN has a built-in speed test feature that can help you identify the fastest VPN server for your location.

Worth a look: Slow Internet Performance

If you're experiencing slow speeds with NordVPN, it's a good idea to contact their customer support for personalized advice.

NordVPN's customer support team should be able to help you resolve the issue quickly. They can provide guidance on the best servers and protocol to use, likely recommending NordLynx.

Having your account details, device information, and a clear explanation of the issue will help speed up the process. This information will allow the support team to better understand and address your problem.

Providing detailed information about your issue will also help the support team identify any infrastructure-related issues, such as server overload or network congestion.