How to Change Settings on NordVPN for Torrenting

NordVPN is undoubtedly the most popular VPN service among streaming enthusiasts because of its impressive array of features and its extremely low prices. But if you’re looking to use the platform for BitTorrenting, you’ll soon discover that the service is a bit more tricky to use for that purpose.

As the name would suggest, NordVPN is primarily aimed at users who want to keep their internet activities private. But the company doesn’t just offer a secure connection to protect your data while you browse the web; it also provides users with a feature-packed dashboard that makes sharing and torrenting files a delight.

Whether you’re a frequent downloader or an established torrent client, you’ll likely discover that using NordVPN for BitTorrenting isn’t as straightforward as connecting to a VPN and entering a few simple text credentials. Instead, you’ll need to set some configuration options on the app to make sure that it functions as intended. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your NordVPN subscription when you’re torrenting.

Update Your Device

NordVPN doesn’t require any special software or a dedicated server to function. The company’s own iOS and Android apps are compatible with all the major operating systems, including Windows and macOS. As long as you have a device with a secure element and a WiFi connection, you can use the app without any problems.

If you’re planning on using a desktop device for torrenting, you’ll need to ensure that it’s updated to the latest firmware. Most devices sold in 2019 come with built-in VPNs that can be accessed by double-clicking the WiFi icon on your keyboard. But these VPNs aren’t very secure and can be trivially bypassed if you know how to (the technology exists for VPN researchers to reverse engineer these connections and intercept your data).

An updated device will also make using NordVPN on your desktop much smoother. Double-clicking the WiFi icon on your keyboard to access the VPN will no longer cause your computer to freeze up or unexpectedly log you out. You won’t need to worry about app crashes or unexpected connection drops because your device is up-to-date and the server is also on the same network.

Change Your Proxy

One of the key aspects of using a VPN is changing your proxies. A proxy is a device or a server that performs the task of relaying or translating web requests into action on the network. So if you have a VPN set up on your home network, changing your proxies will ensure that all of your internet activity while using the service goes undetected and is not impinged upon by your VPN provider.

Your VPN provider will assign you a certain number of proxies that you can use. When you make a request to a website, your internet service provider (ISP) will hand it off to one of these proxies. The proxy will then connect to the destination and give your information back to the website so that it can deliver your data to you. When you use a VPN, all of your internet activity is routed through the VPN. As a result, your ISP won’t know the difference.

There are three primary ways to change your proxies. The first and most convenient option is from the NordVPN app itself. From the app’s home screen, swipe right to access the menu and select Settings. Then select Change Proxies.

You’ll see a screen similar to the one below. Simply enter your desired proxies in the text boxes, as shown below, and click on the Save button.

You can also visit the NordVPN website and select the Change Proxies link from the menu. In this case, you’ll be presented with a list of all the proxies assigned to you by the VPN service. Simply check the ones you want to use and click on the Save button at the bottom of the page.

Use a VPN for BitTorrenting

Now that you’ve updated your device and changed your proxies, you’re ready to use the VPN for BitTorrenting. But first, you’ll need to download the proper client for your platform. For macOS users, this will be Transmission, which you can find here. Android users will want to use the Google Play Store to download the dedicated BitTorrent client called Bleeple. (This is the official BitTorrent client for Android and is entirely free from both ads and monetization. You’ll also need to download the optional Privacy Guard addon from the Play Store to ensure that your personal data is protected while using the app.)

Once you’ve downloaded the proper client, you can begin using the VPN for your BitTorrent needs. Again, from the app’s home screen, swipe right to access the menu and select Settings.

You’ll see a screen similar to the one below. As with most other VPNs, you’ll need to click on the Connect button to make sure that your device is connected to the VPN and that all the settings are as intended. You can also visit the NordVPN website to make changes from any computer. Simply log in with your credentials and click on the OK button to save your changes.

You can now return to your BitTorrent client and begin downloading files using the VPN. Since your app and the server are now both using the same proxy settings as discussed above, all of your internet activity while using the service will pass undetected.

Consider Alternative VPN Services

While NordVPN is a great option for BitTorrenting users, it’s important to remember that not every VPN is made equal. Some companies have made it a point to specialize in secure connections for BitTorrenting while also providing more traditional (and often much slower) VPN services.

This can make a significant difference in terms of how users experience the service. If you’re looking for a fast VPN for BitTorrenting, try out IP Vanish or Pure VPN instead.