“I want to enhance my internet security.”
In such cases, a VPN is essential for encrypting your internet traffic.
NordVPN, the world’s No.1 VPN provider, uses the AES-256 encryption standard, which is also recommended by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA).
This ensures safe browsing even on public Wi-Fi networks in cafés, restaurants, and public facilities.
However, forgetting to connect to a VPN defeats its purpose.
In this article, we will explain how to set up NordVPN to automatically connect and disconnect on your PC or smartphone when the device starts.
目次
What is NordVPN Auto-Connect?
NordVPN Auto-Connect is a feature that automatically connects your device to a VPN server without manual input.
By enabling Auto-Connect, you can avoid the hassle of manually tapping the VPN connect button every time.
Additionally, it helps prevent connection lapses when using unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi.
With this feature, you can protect yourself from:
- Credit card fraud
- Social media account hijacking
- Leaking of confidential information sent via email
Auto-Connect enhances your online security by ensuring you are always connected to a secure VPN server.
Configurable for Each Network
NordVPN’s Auto-Connect feature allows you to set different preferences for each network.
For example, you can enable Auto-Connect only when connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
The available network options for Auto-Connect are as follows:
| PC | Wi-Fi Network, Ethernet (Wired LAN), Mobile Network |
| Smartphone | Wi-Fi Network Only |
How to Enable Auto-Connect in NordVPN
Now, let’s go over how to turn on Auto-Connect in NordVPN.
PC
Here’s how to enable Auto-Connect in the NordVPN app for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Open the NordVPN App Settings
Launch the NordVPN app and click the gear icon in the bottom left corner to open the settings menu.
Go to the Connection Page
Once the NordVPN settings menu opens, click on “Connection.”
Enable Auto-Connect
Click on “Never” under the Auto-Connect option.
If you want VPN to always connect automatically, check all the options:
- Wi-Fi Network (Wireless LAN)
- Ethernet (Wired LAN)
- Mobile Network (Cellular Data)
Specify the Auto-Connect Destination
Click the “∨” next to the Auto-Connect option to manually select a connection destination.
- Fastest Server (Quick Connect) → Automatically connects to the fastest VPN server closest to your current location.
- Custom → Allows you to choose a specific specialized server or select a country/region for auto-connection.
Enable VPN Only When Using Free Wi-Fi
You can configure NordVPN to automatically connect only when using public Wi-Fi (free Wi-Fi networks) on your laptop or Surface device.
If you enable only “Wi-Fi Network” in the Auto-Connect settings, NordVPN will not activate when using wired LAN or mobile data (Docomo, au, SoftBank, etc.).
Additionally, when connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can access the settings menu and select “Trusted Wi-Fi Networks.”
By adding your home Wi-Fi as a trusted network, NordVPN will not connect automatically while at home.
Smartphone
How to Enable Auto-Connect in the NordVPN App on Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
Go to the NordVPN App Settings
Tap the “Profile Icon” in the bottom menu, then select the “Gear Icon” to open the settings.
Tap Auto-Connect
In the settings menu, tap “Auto-Connect” to proceed.
Enable Auto-Connect
Switch Auto-Connect from “Off” to “Always On” to keep the VPN connection active at all times.
Specify the Country/Region for Auto-Connect
Tap “Fastest Server” under the Auto-Connect destination settings to select a specific country or region for automatic connection.
For example, if you are traveling abroad and always want to connect to a U.S. VPN server, set it to “United States.”
Enable VPN Only When Using Free Wi-Fi
You can configure NordVPN to automatically connect only when using public Wi-Fi (free Wi-Fi networks) on your iPhone.
If you enable “Wi-Fi Network Only”, NordVPN will not activate when using mobile data (Docomo, au, SoftBank, etc.).
Additionally, when connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can access the settings menu and select “Trusted Wi-Fi Networks.”
By adding your home Wi-Fi as a trusted network, NordVPN will not connect automatically while at home.
How to Disable Auto-Connect in NordVPN
Here’s how to disable Auto-Connect in NordVPN.
The steps are almost the same as enabling Auto-Connect, up until the final step.
PC
Here’s how to disable Auto-Connect in the NordVPN app for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Go to the “Connection” Settings in the NordVPN App
Launch the NordVPN app, then click the gear icon in the bottom left corner, followed by “Connection.”
Disable Auto-Connect
Uncheck all options under Auto-Connect, including:
- Wi-Fi Network
- Ethernet (Wired LAN)
- Mobile Network
This will completely disable Auto-Connect in NordVPN.
Confirm Auto-Connect is Disabled
Check that the Auto-Connect setting now displays “Never”.
Once confirmed, Auto-Connect has been successfully disabled.
Smartphone
Here’s how to disable Auto-Connect in the NordVPN app for iPhone and Android.
Go to “Auto-Connect” in NordVPN Settings
Tap the “Profile Icon” in the bottom menu, then select the “Gear Icon” and go to “Auto-Connect.”
Turn Off Auto-Connect
Switch Auto-Connect to “Off” to complete the deactivation.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explained NordVPN’s Auto-Connect feature in detail.
Using a VPN is essential for protecting yourself from online security threats when browsing on PCs and smartphones.
However, even if you subscribe to NordVPN, forgetting to enable VPN protection at crucial moments defeats its purpose.
By turning on Auto-Connect, your device will automatically establish a VPN connection when connecting to public Wi-Fi, ensuring continuous protection.
Additional Security Features in NordVPN
NordVPN offers various security features, including:
- Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops for any reason, it automatically disconnects your internet to prevent data leaks.
- This ensures there is never even a second of unprotected internet activity.
Enabling Auto-Connect and other security features will help you stay protected online at all times.
It is recommended to configure this setting along with Auto-Connect for enhanced security.
特殊サーバーは「標準的なVPN」「Double VPN」「難読化サーバー」「Onion Over VPN」「P2P」から選択可能です。