---
title: "Unable to connect to NordLayer service on Linux"
slug: "unable-to-connect-to-nordlayer-service-on-linux"
description: "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."
updated: 2026-09-08T13:47:08Z
published: 2026-09-08T13:47:08Z
canonical: "help.nordlayer.com/unable-to-connect-to-nordlayer-service-on-linux"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.nordlayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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 problem can be resolved in a few simple steps. However, since work and home networks differ greatly, some may have specific restrictions that block the VPN connection.

## Possible solutions

- Run the diagnostic tool
- 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

### Run the diagnostic tool

Running the Linux Diagnostic Tool (`nordlayer-diagtool run`) right after the issue occurs collects the logs, status, and settings our support team needs, which speeds up troubleshooting.

### Update to the latest NordLayer application version

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

### Change the server

Check whether you can connect to different locations. For example, if connecting to the United States fails, try Germany or another country. If a particular location is unreachable, let our 24/7 customer support team know which one, and the team will take action.

### Change the connection protocol

Different VPN protocols use different network ports, and a specific port may be blocked on your network. Test all available protocols on Linux — NordLynx, OpenVPN (UDP), and OpenVPN (TCP).

### Make sure DNS works as expected

The NordLayer application will have issues if DNS requests are not working as expected. See the [DNS guide](https://help.nordlayer.com/docs/how-to-change-dns-on-linux) to verify everything is in order.

### Disable potentially interfering applications

If you have another VPN application installed, try uninstalling it. Antivirus software can also interfere with the VPN connection and refuse to let it through — try disabling it for a few minutes to see whether it affects the NordLayer connection. Because the application modifies your connection settings, some antivirus software may consider it a threat and block the connection attempt.

### Reset network settings

As a last resort, reset your device's network settings. This clears cached routing, cached DNS records, saved Wi-Fi connections, and settings made by networking programs. See [How to reset network settings on Linux](https://help.nordlayer.com/docs/how-to-reset-network-settings-on-linux).

### Check network performance

Sometimes the issue is poor network performance — low bandwidth, high latency, or packet loss. Run a [speed test](https://www.speedtest.net/) for a quick overview. For a more in-depth view, use My traceroute:

```
mtr nordlayer.com
```

While not connected to a VPN, latency should be well below 100 ms and packet loss should not exceed 0.1%.

---

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