How to set up Meshnet networking on NordVPN

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

NordVPN Meshnet allows you to create a secure private network between your devices and trusted contacts. Enable Meshnet in your NordVPN app settings, invite devices or contacts, and configure permissions to establish encrypted connections.

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Prerequisites

Active NordVPN subscription
NordVPN app installed on all devices
Administrator privileges on your devices
Stable internet connection on all devices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Enable Meshnet in NordVPN app

Open the NordVPN app on your primary device. Navigate to Settings and locate the Meshnet section. Toggle the Enable Meshnet switch to the on position. You'll see a confirmation dialog - click Enable to activate the feature.

Meshnet may take a few moments to initialize after enabling it for the first time.

Configure device permissions

In the Meshnet settings, click on This Device. Configure your device settings:

Toggle Allow remote access if you want other devices to connect to this one
Enable Allow local network access to share your local network resources
Set Allow file sharing if you want to transfer files through Meshnet

Only enable the permissions you actually need for better security.

Add your other devices

Install and sign in to NordVPN on your other devices using the same account. Once logged in, enable Meshnet on each device following step 1. Your devices should automatically appear in the My Devices section of the Meshnet settings within a few minutes.

You can have up to 10 of your own devices in a single Meshnet network.

Invite external contacts

To add trusted contacts' devices, click Invite to Meshnet in the app. Enter the contact's email address and click Send Invitation. The recipient will receive an email with instructions to join your Meshnet. Once they accept, their device will appear in your External Devices list.

You can invite up to 50 external devices to join your Meshnet network.

Configure device-specific permissions

For each connected device in your Meshnet, click the settings icon next to the device name. Configure individual permissions:

Remote access - allows you to connect to that device
Local network access - grants access to the device's local network
File sharing - enables file transfers to/from the device

Permissions can be set differently for each device based on your trust level and needs.

Connect to devices via Meshnet

To connect to another device, go to the Meshnet section and click Connect next to the target device. The connection status will show as Connected when established. You can now access the remote device using its assigned Meshnet IP address shown in the device list.

Note down the Meshnet IP addresses of your devices for easy access via SSH, RDP, or other remote tools.

Test and verify connections

Test your Meshnet setup by pinging devices using their Meshnet IP addresses. Open command prompt or terminal and run ping [device-ip]. For file sharing, navigate to the File Sharing tab in Meshnet settings to browse and transfer files between connected devices.

Use the built-in connection status indicators to monitor the health of your Meshnet connections.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Devices not appearing in Meshnet

Ensure all devices are signed in to the same NordVPN account and have Meshnet enabled. Check that devices have active internet connections and try refreshing the Meshnet device list.

Cannot connect to remote device

Verify that both devices have the correct permissions enabled. Check if the target device allows remote access and that your device has permission to connect. Restart the NordVPN app on both devices if needed.

Invitation emails not received

Check spam/junk folders for the invitation email. Ensure the email address is correct and try resending the invitation. The recipient must have a NordVPN account to join Meshnet.

Slow Meshnet connection speeds

Meshnet performance depends on internet connection quality of both devices. Try connecting both devices to different VPN servers or disconnect from VPN entirely when using Meshnet for better speeds.

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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