Unable to connect to NordLayer service on Linux

In this guide, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your Linux device.

Usually, this particular problem can be resolved in a few easy steps. However, since all of our work or home networks are very different from each other, some of them may have specific restrictions that may block the VPN connection.

Possible solutions:

• Update to the latest NordLayer application version
• Change the server
• Change the connection protocol
• Make sure DNS works as expected
• Disable potentially interfering applications
• Reset network settings
• Check network performance

Update to the latest NordLayer application version

Make sure that you are using an up-to-date NordLayer application version for your Linux machine.

Change the server

Double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to United States, try Germany or any other country.

You might be unable to connect to one particular server as it could be experiencing some issues. If so, please let our 24/7 customer support team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.

Change the connection protocol

Different VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That being said, you might have a specific port blocked on your work or home network. Make sure to test all of the available protocols on Linux - OpenVPN (UDP), OpenVPN (TCP), IKEv2 and NordLynx.

Make sure DNS works as expected

You will encounter issues with the NordLayer application if DNS requests are not working as expected. To make sure that everything is in order, please check out a separate guide.

Disable potentially interfering applications

In case you have another VPN application installed and have issues with NordLayer application, please try uninstalling the other VPN service. What is more, your antivirus program is another thing that can interfere with the VPN connection and typically refuses to let it through. You may want to try disabling it for a few minutes to see if that is affecting NordLayer service.

Since our application modifies your connection settings by a tiny bit, it can be considered a threat to your device by most antivirus software, therefore blocking the attempt to connect to the VPN server.

Reset network settings

As a last resort, we suggest resetting your device's network settings. This clears cached routing, cached DNS records, saved WiFi connections and settings made by networking programs like web browsers, email clients, and VPNs. In order to do that on a Linux device, you can follow our separate guide.

Check network performance

Sometimes - especially when it is a temporary problem - the issue might be poor network performance, e.g. low bandwidth, high latency or even packet loss. You can run a speedtest for a quick overview. For a more in-depth approach, you can also utilize a My traceroute:

mtr nordlayer.com

While not connected to a VPN, latencies should be far below 100ms and packet loss should not exceed 0.1%

Note: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support team.