Trying to get your internet traffic routed exactly how you want it with NordVPN can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle, right? Whether you’re looking to share your secure connection with other devices, manage how certain apps use your VPN, or simply ensure all your online activity is protected, understanding traffic routing is key. This guide is all about simplifying that for you, making sure your digital life stays private and flexible.

We’re going to break down how NordVPN’s Meshnet feature makes routing traffic incredibly easy, especially when you want to use one of your devices as a secure gateway for others. We’ll also tackle common hurdles like firewall settings and what to do if it feels like your VPN isn’t doing its job and routing all your traffic. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and make sure your NordVPN setup is working perfectly for you!

Table of Contents

Understanding Traffic Routing with NordVPN

When we talk about “traffic routing” with NordVPN, especially in the context of recent updates, we’re really focusing on a super cool feature called Meshnet. Think of Meshnet as your own private, secure network that connects your devices and even your friends’ devices, no matter where they are in the world. And within Meshnet, “traffic routing” lets one of these connected devices act as a VPN server for the others. This means you can essentially “borrow” the internet connection and IP address of another device in your Meshnet.

For example, let’s say you’re traveling, but you need to access a service that’s only available from your home country. If you have your home computer set up in your Meshnet with traffic routing enabled, you can route your mobile device’s internet traffic through that home computer. Suddenly, it looks like you’re browsing from home, even if you’re thousands of miles away! This isn’t just about bypassing geo-restrictions. it’s also fantastic for securely accessing local network devices like printers or IP cameras on your home network while you’re out.

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Now, it’s important to understand a distinction here. While NordVPN’s Meshnet offers incredible flexibility for routing traffic between your own trusted devices or those you link to your Meshnet, it’s generally not about routing all your traffic through a commercial NordVPN server in the traditional sense. When you simply connect to NordVPN, all your internet traffic is already routed through their secure servers by default. The “allow traffic routing” specifically refers to this peer-to-peer routing capability within Meshnet.

Why Meshnet Traffic Routing Rocks

Custom VPN Server: You get to create your own “homebrew” VPN service using your existing devices. This is a fantastic way to access your home network securely from anywhere.
Access Local Network Resources: Need to print a document on your home printer while at a cafe? Or check your IP security cameras from work? Meshnet’s traffic routing, combined with local network access permissions, makes it possible.
Enhanced Privacy and Security: The connections within Meshnet are encrypted, so your traffic is secure even when routing it through another device.
Simpler Remote Access: Unlike some other remote access solutions, Meshnet traffic routing doesn’t require NordVPN to be installed on all devices on the target network, only the one acting as the gateway.

However, a quick heads-up: always limit access to your devices to users you know and trust. Routing traffic through a device means that device can potentially monitor your browsing activity, so be smart about who you grant permissions to. By default, traffic routing permissions are usually disabled in Meshnet, which is a good security measure.

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How to Enable Traffic Routing Permissions in NordVPN Meshnet

let’s get practical. Enabling traffic routing within NordVPN’s Meshnet is pretty straightforward, but the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your operating system. Remember, this feature is available on Windows, macOS direct download version, and Linux. Mobile devices can be clients, but they generally can’t act as routing hosts.

On Windows

Open the NordVPN app. Make sure you’re logged in.
Go to the Meshnet tab. You’ll usually find this on the left-side menu.
Find the device you want to route traffic through. This is the device that will act as your VPN server.
Click the “More” button three dots next to that device.
Select “Manage device.”
Under “Traffic routing permissions,” toggle on “Traffic routing through your device.”

Once that permission is granted on the host device, you can then connect from your client device:

On your client Windows device, open the NordVPN app and go to the Meshnet tab.
Under the “Devices” tab, find the host device you just enabled for routing.
Click on the device you want to route traffic through. You should see an option like “Route all traffic.”

You’ll see a green indicator when the connection is established. If you see “No permission,” double-check that you’ve enabled the permission on the host device.

On macOS

The process on macOS is very similar to Windows, but remember, you need the direct download version of NordVPN, not the App Store version, for your Mac to act as a traffic routing host.

Open the NordVPN app.
Select the Meshnet tab.
Locate the device you want to use as the host the one you’ll route traffic through.
Click the “More” button three dots or “Manage device” next to it to adjust its permissions.
Enable “Traffic routing through your device.”

To initiate routing from your macOS client: How NordVPN Fares on Reddit: An Honest Look at What Users Really Think

Open NordVPN and go to the Meshnet tab.
Find the host device and click “Route all traffic.”
Alternatively, from the main screen, you can find the “Devices in Meshnet” section, click “More” next to “Your devices” or “External devices,” and select the device you want to route traffic through.

On Linux

For Linux users, enabling traffic routing and connecting involves a few command-line steps:

Open your Terminal.
To list your Meshnet peer devices and find the host you want to use, run:
nordvpn meshnet peer list
Note the Nord name or Meshnet IP of the host device.
To enable traffic routing through your Linux device making it a host, you’ll need to use a command similar to managing permissions through the GUI on other OS. Typically, this is done on the host itself.
To route your traffic from your Linux device as a client through another Meshnet peer, run:
nordvpn meshnet peer connect <device> replace <device> with the host’s Nord name or Meshnet IP.

Just like with other platforms, make sure the NordVPN app is running on both devices, you’re logged into the same account, and the host device has granted permission for traffic routing.

Dealing with Firewalls: Allowing NordVPN Traffic

Sometimes, even with Meshnet permissions set, your traffic might not route properly because of a firewall. Firewalls are essential for security, but they can occasionally be a bit overzezealous and block legitimate VPN traffic. Let’s look at how to tell your firewall to play nice with NordVPN.

Windows Firewall

The Windows Defender Firewall is often the first culprit to check. Here’s how you can make sure NordVPN has the green light: Does NordVPN Actually Work? Let’s Break It Down

Open Control Panel: Head to “System and Security,” then “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Advanced Settings: On the left, click “Advanced settings” to open “Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.”
Create New Rules:
- Click “Inbound Rules” on the left, then “New Rule” on the right.
- Choose “Program” and click “Next.” Browse and select the NordVPN executable file it’s usually in C:\Program Files x86\NordVPN.
- Select “Allow the connection” and click “Next.”
- Choose when the rule applies Domain, Private, Public – for most home users, “Private” and “Public” are usually sufficient, but enabling all three ensures maximum compatibility. Click “Next.”
- Give it a name like “NordVPN Inbound Rule” and click “Finish.”
- Repeat these steps for “Outbound Rules” as well.
- You might also need to add exceptions for nordvpn.exe, nordvpn-service.exe, and openvpn-service.exe or openvpn-nordvpn.exe if you’re experiencing issues with OpenVPN protocol.

If you’re still having trouble, sometimes a simple restart after making these changes can help things click into place.

macOS Firewall

For Mac users, the process is quite similar:

Open System Settings/Preferences: Go to “Security & Privacy,” then click the “Firewall” tab.
Firewall Options: Click “Firewall Options.” You might need to click the lock icon and enter your password first.
Add NordVPN: Click the “+” sign, find and select the NordVPN app, and choose “Allow incoming connections.”
Save: Click “OK” to save.

Third-Party Firewalls

If you’re using a different firewall application, like one that comes with your antivirus software, the steps will vary a bit. However, the general idea remains the same:

Access Settings: Open your firewall application and look for its settings or preferences.
Program Exceptions/Whitelist: Find a section where you can add exceptions or whitelist specific applications.
Add NordVPN: Locate the NordVPN executable and add it to the allowed list, making sure it has full internet access.

Router Firewalls

This one can be a bit trickier because every router interface is different. Your router’s firewall might be blocking VPN traffic, especially if you’re trying to set up NordVPN directly on your router or if you’re using Meshnet with a device behind a strict router firewall.

VPN Pass-Through: Many routers have “VPN pass-through” options for protocols like PPTP or IPSec. If NordVPN uses these though NordLynx and OpenVPN are more common now, enabling these settings might help. For PPTP, you’d typically need TCP port 1723 open, and for IPSec, UDP port 500.
Port Forwarding: If you’re setting up NordVPN manually on a router like pfSense, you might need to forward specific ports that NordVPN uses. For OpenVPN, these are commonly UDP ports 1194 or TCP 443.
Access Control Lists ACLs: Some advanced routers use ACLs to manage traffic. You’d need to ensure these lists aren’t blocking NordVPN’s connections.
Firmware Configuration: If you’re running custom firmware like pfSense, you’ll need to configure your firewall rules to route traffic from specific VLANs or interfaces through the VPN gateway. It’s a bit more involved, often requiring you to ensure your OpenVPN client is correctly configured and “pulling routes.” NordVPN usually provides guides for specific router firmwares on their support pages.

The key takeaway for router firewalls is that you might need to consult your router’s manual or NordVPN’s support guides for your specific router model and firmware to ensure proper configuration. How Much Is NordVPN After the First 2 Years?

Routing All Traffic Through NordVPN: Ensuring a Full Tunnel

One of the main reasons we use a VPN is to make sure all our internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. This is often referred to as a “full tunnel” VPN. While NordVPN’s app generally handles this by default, sometimes you might want to double-check or troubleshoot if you suspect some traffic is bypassing the VPN. This is especially true if you’re doing manual configurations or experiencing issues.

When you connect to NordVPN’s app on Windows, it automatically configures your system to route all traffic through the VPN. However, if you’re experiencing “leaks” or believe some traffic isn’t going through, here’s what to check:

Kill Switch: NordVPN has a built-in “Kill Switch” feature. This is a critical security measure that automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any data from leaking outside the secure tunnel. Always make sure this is enabled in your NordVPN app settings.
Split Tunneling: NordVPN offers split tunneling on Windows and Android/Android TV. This feature allows you to choose which apps send their traffic through the VPN and which access the internet directly. If you have split tunneling enabled, make sure that the apps you want to be protected by the VPN are not excluded. You can find this in NordVPN’s settings, usually under “Split tunneling” or “Trusted apps.”
“Use default gateway on remote network”: For manual VPN setups in Windows, you’d typically check this option in the IPv4 properties of your VPN connection to ensure all traffic goes through. However, with the NordVPN app, this is managed internally.
DNS Settings: NordVPN automatically uses its own DNS servers like 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100 to prevent DNS leaks and ensure efficient query processing when you’re connected. If you’ve manually changed your network adapter’s DNS settings, these might conflict. Reverting to automatic DNS or using NordVPN’s specified DNS addresses can help.
Flush Network Stack: Sometimes, network issues can be resolved by flushing your network stack. This involves resetting network configurations and can be done via Command Prompt. NordVPN’s support often recommends this for connection issues.

Just like Windows, the NordVPN app for macOS aims to route all your traffic through the VPN by default.

Kill Switch: The Kill Switch feature is also available on macOS and should be enabled for maximum protection.
Network Service Order: A common issue where traffic might bypass the VPN on macOS can be related to the network service order. If your VPN connection isn’t at the top of the list in your network settings, some traffic might use your regular internet connection.
1. Go to “System Settings” or “System Preferences” > “Network.”
2. Click the gear icon in the bottom-left and choose “Set Service Order” or similar.
3. Drag your NordVPN connection to the top of the list.
4. Click “OK” and “Apply.”
App Store vs. Direct Download: NordVPN recommends downloading their app directly from their website rather than the Apple App Store, as the direct download version often has more features and better protocol support like custom DNS. The App Store version of the macOS NordVPN app, for example, doesn’t support acting as a traffic routing host for Meshnet.
No Split Tunneling typically: Unlike Windows and Android, the macOS NordVPN app generally doesn’t offer split tunneling. This means by default, all traffic will go through the VPN when connected.

For Linux users, especially if you’re using the command-line client or manual OpenVPN setups, ensuring all traffic routes through NordVPN requires a bit more attention to routing tables and potentially firewall rules. When you connect to NordVPN, it typically creates a new network interface like norlynx for NordLynx protocol and directs traffic through it. How NordVPN Works: The Tech Behind Your Digital Shield

Check Routing Tables: You can inspect your routing table using commands like ip route list or route -n. When connected to NordVPN, you should see a new default route pointing to the VPN’s interface, overriding your local network’s default gateway.
Firewall Configuration iptables/ufw: If you’re using a firewall like ufw or iptables, ensure that they are not blocking VPN traffic or overriding NordVPN’s routing rules. NordVPN’s package might disable your ufw firewall and set its own iptables rules when active. You might need to add specific rules to allow traffic through the VPN interface e.g., tun0 for OpenVPN.
Don't pull routes for manual OpenVPN: If you’re setting up OpenVPN manually on a router like pfSense, sometimes checking “Don’t pull routes” in the OpenVPN client settings is necessary to avoid routing conflicts, but this can also prevent traffic from routing correctly if not managed with other rules. This is a more advanced scenario.

General Tip for All OS: After making any changes to your network settings, firewall rules, or VPN configuration, it’s often a good idea to restart your device to ensure all changes are properly applied. Also, always verify your public IP address before and after connecting to NordVPN using a reliable online tool to confirm your traffic is indeed routing through the VPN.

Troubleshooting Common Traffic Routing Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are some common problems you might encounter with traffic routing and how to tackle them.

“Traffic Routing Not Allowed” in Meshnet

If you see a “Not allowed” message for traffic routing in NordVPN’s Meshnet, particularly on a Windows 10 or 11 device, it usually means the host device hasn’t granted permission, or there’s a specific system-level block.

Check Host Device Permissions: Revisit the steps above for enabling traffic routing permissions on the host device. Remember, the permission has to be explicitly granted on the device you want to route through.
Firewall Interference: As discussed, your device’s firewall Windows Defender, macOS Firewall, or a third-party firewall might be blocking the necessary connections for Meshnet. Ensure NordVPN is whitelisted for incoming and outgoing connections.
NordVPN App Version: Make sure you’re using the direct download version of NordVPN on macOS if you intend for it to be a host device. The App Store version has limitations.
Device Compatibility: Remember that only Windows, macOS direct download, and Linux devices can act as Meshnet traffic routing hosts. Mobile devices can only be clients.
Active Connection: Ensure both the client and host devices have the NordVPN app running and Meshnet enabled and connected.

OpenVPN Not Routing Traffic General

If you’re using NordVPN’s OpenVPN protocol, either through their app or a manual setup, and find that traffic isn’t routing, consider these points: How Much Does NordVPN Pay Affiliates? Unpacking the Money-Making Machine

OpenVPN Client Configuration: If you’re doing a manual OpenVPN setup e.g., on a router like pfSense, ensure your OpenVPN client configuration file OVPN file is correct. Incorrect server addresses, authentication details, or cipher settings can prevent the tunnel from forming or traffic from passing.
DNS Issues: Incorrect DNS settings can make it seem like traffic isn’t routing. Ensure your system is using NordVPN’s DNS servers or reliable public DNS servers. You can often specify these in your OpenVPN client configuration.
Firewall Rules: Again, firewalls are a common cause. For OpenVPN, default ports are usually UDP 1194 or TCP 443. Make sure these ports are open on any firewalls between your device and the internet, including your router.
Routing Table Conflicts: In advanced setups, especially on Linux or custom router firmwares, other routing rules might be interfering. Check your device’s routing table e.g., ip route on Linux to ensure the VPN interface has the highest priority for default traffic.
TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter v9: On Windows, sometimes issues with the TAP adapter can cause routing problems. NordVPN’s support might guide you to check its properties or reinstall it.
Antivirus Interference: Some overly protective antivirus software can interfere with VPN connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if it resolves the routing issue and re-enable it quickly!. Adding NordVPN to your antivirus’s whitelist is a more permanent solution.

Traffic Going Out WAN Interface Instead of VPN Gateway

This is a classic “VPN leak” scenario, often seen in custom router setups where a VLAN is intended to route all traffic through a VPN, but it falls back to the WAN.

Gateway Configuration: On routers, explicitly set the default gateway for the specific VLAN or interface to be the VPN gateway, not the WAN interface.
Kill Switch on Router: Many advanced routers with VPN client capabilities offer a “kill switch” function. This ensures that if the VPN tunnel drops, no traffic from the designated interface leaves via the WAN.
NAT Outbound Rules: Ensure your Network Address Translation NAT rules are correctly configured to use the VPN interface for outbound traffic from the VPN-protected VLANs.
“Don’t Pull Routes”: If you’ve checked “Don’t pull routes” in an OpenVPN client setup on a router, be absolutely sure you’ve manually configured all necessary routes to point through the VPN. Otherwise, traffic will default to the WAN.

By systematically checking these areas, you should be able to identify and resolve most traffic routing issues with NordVPN. Don’t hesitate to reach out to NordVPN’s customer support if you’re stuck, as they can provide tailored assistance for your specific setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NordVPN Meshnet, and how does it relate to traffic routing?

NordVPN Meshnet is a feature that creates a secure, private network between your devices, and even trusted external devices, regardless of their physical location. It’s like building your own encrypted internet within NordVPN. Traffic routing within Meshnet specifically allows one device the host to act as a VPN server for other devices clients connected to your Meshnet. This means the client device routes its internet traffic through the host device, essentially borrowing the host’s IP address and internet connection. This is super useful for securely accessing home network resources or appearing to browse from a specific location when you’re traveling.

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Can I route all my internet traffic through a NordVPN server without using Meshnet?

Yes, absolutely! When you simply open the NordVPN app and connect to any of their standard VPN servers, all your internet traffic is automatically routed through that encrypted VPN tunnel by default. Meshnet’s traffic routing is a separate, additional feature that gives you more control by letting you use your own devices as routing points, rather than one of NordVPN’s commercial servers. Think of it as an extra layer of customization for specific scenarios.

Why might NordVPN’s traffic routing appear “not allowed” in Meshnet?

If you see “Traffic routing not allowed” in Meshnet, it usually means the device you’re trying to route through the host device hasn’t explicitly granted permission for this feature. You need to go into the NordVPN app settings on that specific host device and enable “Traffic routing through your device” in the Meshnet section. Other potential reasons include firewall interference on the host, using an incompatible NordVPN app version like the App Store macOS app for hosting, or the host device simply not being a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine, as mobile devices can’t act as routing hosts.

How do I ensure my system firewall isn’t blocking NordVPN’s traffic?

To make sure your firewall isn’t causing issues, you typically need to create exceptions or “whitelist” the NordVPN application. For Windows, you’ll go into “Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security” and create inbound and outbound rules to allow the NordVPN executable files like nordvpn.exe and nordvpn-service.exe to communicate. On macOS, you’d head to “Security & Privacy” in System Settings, go to the “Firewall” tab, and add NordVPN to allow incoming connections. If you use a third-party firewall, you’ll need to find its program exceptions section and add NordVPN there.

What is split tunneling, and how does it relate to traffic routing?

Split tunneling is a NordVPN feature available on Windows, Android, and Android TV that lets you decide which applications’ traffic goes through the VPN and which bypasses it to use your regular internet connection. It’s a form of selective traffic routing. For instance, you could route your browser traffic through the VPN for privacy while allowing a streaming app to connect directly to the internet for potentially better speeds, bypassing the VPN. This is different from Meshnet’s traffic routing, which is about routing all traffic of a client device through another Meshnet peer as a VPN server.

Why would my internet traffic still go through my regular connection even when NordVPN is connected?

This usually indicates a “VPN leak” or a misconfiguration. First, check if NordVPN’s Kill Switch feature is enabled. this is your primary defense against accidental leaks if the VPN drops. If you’re using split tunneling, ensure the apps you want protected aren’t excluded. On macOS, check your network service order to make sure the VPN connection is prioritized. Firewall rules, both on your device and your router, can also block VPN traffic, causing it to fall back to your regular connection. In more complex setups like on routers with OpenVPN, incorrect routing tables or NAT rules could be the culprit. Always verify your public IP address after connecting to confirm the VPN is active. How to Watch Sky Go Abroad with NordVPN (The Ultimate Guide)

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