How to enable obfuscated servers on NordVPN

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Obfuscated servers hide VPN traffic to bypass restrictions and censorship. Enable them through NordVPN's app settings by turning on the obfuscated servers option and selecting servers with obfuscation capabilities.

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Prerequisites

Active NordVPN subscription
NordVPN app installed on your device
Administrative privileges on your device
Internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open NordVPN Application

Launch the NordVPN app on your device. If you're not already logged in, enter your NordVPN credentials to access your account. Ensure you're using the latest version of the app for the most up-to-date features.

Update the app if prompted to ensure access to all obfuscated server features.

Access App Settings

Click on the Settings icon (gear symbol) located in the top-right corner of the app interface. On mobile devices, this may be in the menu or hamburger icon. The settings menu will open with various configuration options.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

In the settings menu, look for the Advanced section or Connection settings. This section contains specialized features including obfuscated servers. Some versions may label this as Specialty Servers or Advanced Features.

The exact location may vary slightly between desktop and mobile versions of the app.

Enable Obfuscated Servers

Find the Obfuscated servers toggle switch and turn it ON. You may see a brief explanation about what obfuscated servers do. Confirm any prompts that appear asking if you want to enable this feature.

This feature may require reconnecting to apply the changes properly.

Select Server Protocol

Ensure your protocol is set to OpenVPN in the protocol settings, as obfuscation typically works with OpenVPN connections. Navigate to Protocol settings if needed and select OpenVPN (UDP) or OpenVPN (TCP).

UDP is generally faster, while TCP is more reliable in restrictive networks.

Choose an Obfuscated Server

Return to the main server list and look for servers marked with Obfuscated or a special icon indicating obfuscation capability. These servers will now be available for selection. Click on your preferred obfuscated server location.

Obfuscated servers may have slightly slower speeds due to the additional encryption layer.

Connect and Verify

Click the Connect button to establish a connection to the obfuscated server. Wait for the connection to be established, which may take slightly longer than regular servers. Verify your connection status shows as connected with obfuscation active.

Test your connection by browsing to ensure everything works properly with the obfuscated server.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Obfuscated servers option not visible in settings

Update your NordVPN app to the latest version. Some older versions don't support this feature. If still unavailable, contact NordVPN support as your subscription plan may not include obfuscated servers.

Cannot connect to obfuscated servers

Try switching between OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP protocols. Restart the app and try a different obfuscated server location. Check your firewall settings aren't blocking the connection.

Slower internet speeds with obfuscated servers

This is normal due to additional encryption layers. Try connecting to obfuscated servers closer to your location for better speeds. Consider using UDP protocol instead of TCP for faster performance.

Obfuscated servers still being detected or blocked

Switch to different obfuscated server locations and try both UDP and TCP protocols. Clear your browser cache and cookies. Contact NordVPN support for alternative server recommendations in heavily restricted regions.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official NordVPN website before purchasing.

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