How does NordVPN work? (simple and comprehensive explanation)

NordVPN is a VPN: a tool that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. Specifically, it encrypts your traffic, hides your IP address, and routes your data through a remote server, which limits surveillance (public Wi-Fi, ISPs, trackers) and improves your privacy.

In this guide, we will look at:

• How NordVPN "hides" your IP address and encrypts your data;
• what technically happens when you log in;
• features that really change your security (Kill Switch, Threat Protection, etc.);
• how to configure it correctly according to your usage (streaming, teleworking, travel, public Wi-Fi).

1) What exactly is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service accessible via an application (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, TV, etc.). Once connected, your device no longer sends your data directly to websites and services: it first passes through an encrypted "tunnel" to a NordVPN VPN server.

Result:

• your public IP address visible to websites becomes that of the VPN server;
• Your traffic is encrypted between your device and the VPN server.
• On public Wi-Fi, third parties can no longer easily read your data (even if the network is poorly secured).

2) How NordVPN works, step by step

2.1. Before connection: “unencrypted” (or almost) traffic

Without a VPN, your device connects to the website or service directly. Much of the web is now HTTPS, so the content is already encrypted, but:

• Your ISP generally sees that you are connecting to a particular service (and can deduce your habits from this).
• A public Wi-Fi network may expose more metadata, and certain pitfalls exist (captive portals, "twin" networks, etc.).
• Depending on your configuration, DNS leaks or poor network hygiene can compromise information.

2.2. NordVPN connection: creating an encrypted tunnel

When you activate NordVPN:

1. The application selects a server (automatically or based on the country/city you select).
2. it negotiates a secure connection via a VPN protocol (often NordLynx, based on WireGuard, or OpenVPN/IKEv2 depending on the platforms and settings);
3. An encrypted tunnel is established between your device and the VPN server.

From there, all your Internet data passes through this tunnel.

2.3. After connection: Hidden IP and encrypted traffic

Once the tunnel is active:

• The websites you visit seethe IP address of the VPN server, not yours.
• your traffic is encrypted until it reaches the VPN server (which is particularly useful on public networks);
• The VPN server then relays your traffic to the Internet and sends the response back to you via the tunnel.

3) What NordVPN protects (and what it doesn't protect)

3.1. What you gain

NordVPN primarily assists with:

• secure Internet use on public Wi-Fi (hotels, train stations, cafes);
• Limit IP-based tracking and reduce the exposure of your approximate location.
• avoid certain forms of network monitoring (ISP, corporate network, etc.);
• add an extra layer of privacy, especially if you are traveling.

3.2. What NordVPN doesn't do "magically"

A VPN does not provide total invisibility:

• If you are logged into a Google, Netflix, or social media account, these platforms recognize you through your account, not through your IP address.
• A VPN is not a substitute for antivirus software or good practices (passwords, updates, caution with links).
• It does not "make legal" what is not legal: it protects the connection, not the uses.

4) NordVPN features that truly transform the experience

4.1. Kill Switch: Prevent leaks if the VPN connection drops

The Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet access if the VPN suddenly disconnects. This is useful if you want to prevent an app (browser, torrent client, professional tool) from switching back to your normal connection without you realizing it.

4.2. DNS leak protection

A "DNS leak" can reveal your DNS queries (i.e., the domains you visit) outside the tunnel. Good VPNs include protections against this type of leak, and NordVPN also offers tests/best practices to check for them.

4.3. Threat Protection / Threat Protection Pro

Depending on the offer and platform, NordVPN offers security-oriented features: tracker blocking, malicious domain filtering, and additional protection when browsing. This is particularly useful if you frequently use the web on a daily basis without a browser extension.

4.4. Split tunneling: choosing which apps go through the VPN

Split tunneling allows you to exclude certain applications from the VPN (or, conversely, to only route certain apps through the tunnel, depending on the system). Example: keep your banking app outside the VPN, but put your browser and streaming apps under the VPN.

4.5. Dedicated servers (as needed)

NordVPN also offers useful options depending on your profile:

• Double VPN: your traffic passes through two servers (more cumbersome, not useful on a daily basis, but interesting in more sensitive contexts);
• Onion Over VPN: for advanced privacy-oriented use;
• Obfuscated servers (subject to availability): for more restrictive networks.

5) How to use NordVPN properly (simple settings)

5.1. Choosing the right server

• For standard use: leave the "fastest server" (automatic selection).
• For country-specific use: select the relevant country, but avoid changing too often without reason (some platforms detect rapid IP changes).

5.2. Activate the Kill Switch if you want “zero leaks”

If you use NordVPN for purposes where disconnection would be problematic (remote work, public networks, sensitive tasks), enable the Kill Switch.

5.3. Quickly verify that everything is functioning properly

Two simple checks:

• your IP address changed after logging in;
• You do not have a DNS leak (online test).

5.4. Beware of “classic” incompatibilities

• Some websites may request additional verification (captcha, email) if the server's IP address is heavily used.
• Some applications (banking, professional services) do not always like shared IP addresses: in this case, split tunneling is often the best solution.

6) NordVPN: how many devices and how to optimize costs

A NordVPN subscription can be used on multiple devices (within the limits specified in the offer). In reality, many people pay the "full price" for NordVPN even though they don't use all the available locations.

If you use NordVPN on a daily basis (or if you have multiple digital subscriptions: VPN, streaming, music, tools, etc.), the simplest optimization is to spread the costs instead of stacking up separate subscriptions.

That's exactly how co-subscription works: you share the cost of a multi-access service with other people in a structured way, using a platform that manages connections and payments. Spliiit even has a category dedicated to VPNs and cybersecurity tools, including NordVPN, where you can join a group or offer a spot according to the terms of service.

The idea is not to "hack" the system: it's to use what you already pay for in a smarter way, while remaining consistent with the supplier's rules of use.

7) FAQ — How does NordVPN work?

Does NordVPN really hide my IP address?

Yes: once connected, websites see the IP address of the VPN server, not that of your internet connection.

Does NordVPN encrypt all my traffic?

The tunnel encrypts traffic between your device and the VPN server. Then, the connection to the site depends on the standard protocol (HTTPS, etc.). In practice, you have an extra layer of security on the network path.

Why activate the Kill Switch?

Because a VPN can disconnect (unstable network, Wi-Fi change, standby mode, etc.). The Kill Switch prevents your device from automatically switching back to the normal connection without warning you.

Does NordVPN slow down the internet?

A VPN can slightly reduce speed (server distance, load, protocol). In general, automatically selecting the fastest server greatly limits this impact.

Is NordVPN sufficient to be "anonymous"?

No. It improves network privacy, but anonymity depends mainly on your usage (connected accounts, cookies, browser fingerprint, behavior).

Key points to remember

• NordVPN works by creating an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server, which masks your IP address and protects your traffic, especially on public networks.
• The options that are really worth it: Kill Switch, leak protection, Threat Protection, and sometimes split tunneling, depending on your needs.
• A VPN is not a substitute for best practices (passwords, updates, vigilance), but it is a real building block of everyday security.
• If NordVPN is one of your "essential" subscriptions, co-subscribing via Spliiit can be a good way to reduce the cost without sacrificing convenience.

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