In today’s digital age, privacy and security have become increasingly important, especially when it comes to online activities. With the proliferation of online data breaches and cyberattacks, individuals and businesses alike are looking for ways to safeguard their online privacy and security. Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for achieving this goal.
A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, making it difficult for anyone to intercept your online activities or steal your sensitive information.
One of NordVPN’s unique features is the ability to use obfuscated servers. Obfuscated servers use advanced encryption methods to make it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. This feature is particularly useful for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship laws. With obfuscated servers, NordVPN can bypass government censorship and give users unrestricted access to the internet.
In this article, we will explore how to turn on obfuscated servers in NordVPN and how they can help enhance your online privacy and security. We will also discuss the benefits of using obfuscated servers, how they work, and some potential downsides to keep in mind. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to use obfuscated servers to protect your online privacy and security.
What Is a NordVPN Obfuscated Server?
A NordVPN obfuscated server is a special type of server that is designed to help users bypass internet censorship and access restricted content [2]. Obfuscation is a technique used to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, making it difficult for anyone to detect or block your VPN connection.
When you connect to an obfuscated server, your internet traffic is encrypted and disguised to look like regular internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to identify that you are using a VPN. This is particularly useful for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship laws, as it allows them to access the internet without restrictions.
Obfuscated servers use advanced encryption methods to make it difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activities. This feature is particularly useful for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship laws, as it allows them to access the internet without restrictions.
Pros & Cons of NordVPN Obfuscated Servers
Pros:
- Bypasses internet censorship: NordVPN obfuscated servers can help you bypass internet censorship and access restricted content in countries with strict internet censorship laws;
- Increases online privacy and security: NordVPN obfuscated servers use advanced encryption methods to protect your online activities from prying eyes and potential cyber-attacks;
- Prevents VPN blocking: Obfuscated servers can help you avoid VPN blocking by making it difficult for websites or internet service providers to detect that you are using a VPN;
- Wide server network: NordVPN offers obfuscated servers in many different countries, giving you a range of options to choose from;
Cons:
- Slower speeds: Obfuscated servers can be slower than regular servers due to the advanced encryption methods used;
- Limited server options: Not all NordVPN servers support obfuscation, which means that your server options may be limited;
- Higher cost: NordVPN obfuscated servers are only available to users who subscribe to the more expensive NordVPN plans, which may be a drawback for some users;
- Not 100% foolproof: While obfuscated servers can help you bypass internet censorship, they are not 100% foolproof and may not work in all cases;
Why Use Obfuscated Servers?
There are several reasons why you might want to use obfuscated servers, such as those offered by NordVPN:
- Bypass Internet censorship: Obfuscated servers can help you bypass Internet censorship in countries with strict Internet laws. By disguising your internet traffic as regular traffic, obfuscated servers make it difficult for governments and ISPs to detect that you are using a VPN;
- Access geo-restricted content: Some streaming services and websites may be geo-restricted, which means that they are only available in certain countries. By connecting to an obfuscated server in the country where the content is available, you can bypass these restrictions and access the content you want;
- Protect your online privacy: Obfuscated servers use advanced encryption methods to protect your online activities from prying eyes, including hackers, government surveillance, and ISPs. This can help you maintain your online privacy and keep your personal information secure;
- Avoid VPN blocking: In some cases, websites or internet service providers may block VPN connections. Obfuscated servers can help you avoid VPN blocking by disguising your VPN connection as regular internet traffic [3];
- Increase security: Obfuscated servers provide an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data;
NordVPN’s Obfuscated Server Locations
NordVPN offers obfuscated servers in several countries around the world.
Here are some of the locations where NordVPN offers obfuscated servers [4]:
- United States;
- Canada;
- United Kingdom;
- Germany;
- France;
- Netherlands;
- Sweden;
- Switzerland;
- Italy;
- Spain;
- Australia;
- Hong Kong;
- Singapore;
- Japan;
- South Korea;
It is important to note that not all NordVPN servers support obfuscation, which means that your server options may be limited. However, NordVPN does offer a wide range of obfuscated server locations to choose from, which should provide you with a good level of flexibility in terms of accessing restricted content and bypassing internet censorship.
How to Turn On Obfuscated Servers NordVPN?
To access NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, you will need to subscribe to NordVPN’s more expensive plans. Once you have subscribed to the plan, you can toggle on the “Obfuscated Servers” option in the NordVPN settings and select a server location from the list of available obfuscated servers. NordVPN also provides a list of recommended servers to use for obfuscation, which can help you optimize your connection and speed.
Enabling obfuscated servers on NordVPN is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the NordVPN app on your device;
- Click on the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the app;
- In the Settings menu, click on the “Advanced” tab;
- Toggle on the “Obfuscated Servers” option;
- Select a server location from the list of available obfuscated servers;
- Click on the power button to connect to the obfuscated server;
Once you have enabled the obfuscated server option and selected a server location, NordVPN will automatically connect you to an obfuscated server. It is important to note that obfuscated servers may be slower than regular servers due to the advanced encryption methods used. However, they provide an extra layer of security and can help you bypass internet censorship and access restricted content.
If you encounter any issues while using NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, you can contact NordVPN’s customer support for assistance. They offer 24/7 support and can help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
How Can I Fix NordVPN’s Obfuscated Servers Not Working?
1) Switch To the OpenVPN Protocol
One of the most effective ways to fix NordVPN’s obfuscated servers not working is to switch to the OpenVPN protocol. NordVPN supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx. The OpenVPN protocol is known for its strong encryption and stability, making it an ideal choice for users who want to bypass internet restrictions.
To switch to the OpenVPN protocol, follow these steps:
- Open the NordVPN app and click on the “Settings” tab;
- Click on the “Auto-connect” tab and select “Protocol” from the drop-down menu;
- Choose “OpenVPN (TCP)” or “OpenVPN (UDP)” from the list of protocols;
- Save the changes and try connecting to a server again;
By switching to the OpenVPN protocol, you may be able to bypass internet restrictions and connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.
2) Update NordVPN
Another common solution to fix NordVPN’s obfuscated servers not working is to update the app. NordVPN regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. If you are using an outdated version of the app, you may experience issues connecting to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.
To update NordVPN, follow these steps:
- Open the NordVPN app and click on the “Settings” tab;
- Click on the “Auto-connect” tab and select “App Updates” from the drop-down menu;
- Click on the “Check for updates” button and follow the on-screen instructions;
- Once the update is complete, restart the NordVPN app and try connecting to a server again;
Updating NordVPN may resolve any issues with obfuscated servers not working and improve the app’s overall performance.
3) Restart the NordVPN Service
If you are still experiencing issues with NordVPN’s obfuscated servers not working, you may need to restart the NordVPN service. This can help clear any temporary glitches or errors that may be preventing you from connecting to obfuscated servers.
To restart the NordVPN service, follow these steps:
- Press the “Windows” key + “R” to open the Run dialog box;
- Type “services.msc” in the box and press “Enter”;
- Scroll down to “NordVPN Service” and right-click on it;
- Select “Restart from the context menu;
- Wait a few seconds for the service to restart and try connecting to a server again;
Restarting the NordVPN service may fix any issues with obfuscated servers not working and improve the app’s overall performance [5].
4) Use Another VPN
If you have tried all the above solutions and are still experiencing issues with NordVPN’s obfuscated servers not working, you may want to try another VPN service. There are many VPN providers available, and some may work better than others in bypassing internet restrictions.
When choosing another VPN, look for providers that offer obfuscated servers or have a reputation for working well in countries with internet restrictions. You may also want to read reviews and compare pricing and features before making a decision.
Connecting From Countries with Internet Restrictions
If you are trying to connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers from a country with strict internet restrictions, you may need to take additional steps. Some countries, such as China and Iran, have implemented sophisticated measures to block VPNs and other online services.
Here are some tips for connecting to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers from countries with internet restrictions:
- Use the Tor network: The Tor network is an open-source project that allows users to browse the web anonymously. It can be used in conjunction with a VPN to bypass internet restrictions. NordVPN offers a dedicated Tor over VPN server, which can help you connect to obfuscated servers from countries with strict internet restrictions;
- Use a virtual machine: A virtual machine is a software program that emulates a computer system. By running a virtual machine on your computer, you can create a secure environment for using a VPN. This can help you bypass internet restrictions and connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers;
- Use a dedicated IP address: Some VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses, which can help you bypass internet restrictions. By using a dedicated IP address, you can avoid being blocked by internet filters and connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers;
- Use a mobile hotspot: If you are unable to connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers on your home network, you may want to try using a mobile hotspot. This can help you bypass internet restrictions and connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers from anywhere [6];
Can NordVPN Obfuscated Servers Bypass the Great Firewall of China?
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are designed to help users bypass internet censorship and access restricted content in countries with strict online restrictions, such as China.
However, whether or not they can bypass the Great Firewall of China depends on several factors:
- Firstly, it’s important to note that the Great Firewall of China is constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, while NordVPN’s obfuscated servers may have been effective in the past, they may not be as effective in the present or future;
- Secondly, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers work by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it difficult for censors to detect and block. However, the Great Firewall of China has been known to use deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify and block VPN traffic. While obfuscation can make it more difficult for DPI to detect VPN traffic, it’s not foolproof;
- Lastly, it’s worth noting that even if NordVPN’s obfuscated servers can bypass the Great Firewall of China, this does not guarantee that users will have a completely unrestricted internet experience. China’s government actively monitors and censors online content, so users may still encounter restrictions and limitations even with a VPN;
Who Can Use Obfuscated Servers?
Obfuscated servers are designed to help users bypass internet censorship and access restricted content in countries with strict online restrictions. Therefore, they are primarily intended for users who live in or are traveling to countries with high levels of internet censorship, such as China, Iran, and Russia.
However, obfuscated servers can also be used by anyone who wants to improve their online privacy and security. By disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, obfuscated servers can help protect against ISP throttling, government surveillance, and other forms of online monitoring.
It’s worth noting that not all VPN providers offer obfuscated servers, and those that do may have different names or methods of obfuscation. Additionally, obfuscated servers may have slower speeds than regular VPN servers due to the extra processing required to disguise the traffic.
Are Obfuscated Servers Slower?
Obfuscated servers can be slower than regular VPN servers due to the extra processing required to disguise the VPN traffic. The obfuscation process involves adding extra layers of encryption and disguising the traffic as regular internet traffic, which can increase the processing load on both the VPN server and the client device.
However, the extent to which obfuscated servers are slower than regular servers can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the VPN provider’s network, the location of the server, and the user’s internet connection speed.
It’s worth noting that while speed is an important factor in VPN performance, it’s not the only consideration. Obfuscated servers can provide an important level of privacy and security for users who need to bypass internet censorship or access restricted content, even if they are slower than regular servers.
FAQ:
- How do I enable NordVPN obfuscated server?
To enable NordVPN obfuscated server, you will need to follow these steps:
- Open the NordVPN application on your device;
- Click on the “Settings” button located at the top-right corner of the screen;
- Under the “Advanced Settings” section, toggle on the “Obfuscated Servers” option;
- Select a server location from the list of obfuscated servers available in NordVPN;
- Click on the “Connect” button to establish a secure and encrypted connection through the obfuscated server;
- How do I find obfuscated servers in NordVPN?
To find obfuscated servers in NordVPN, you will need to follow these steps:
- Open the NordVPN application on your device;
- Click on the “Settings” button located at the top-right corner of the screen;
- Under the “Advanced Settings” section, toggle on the “Obfuscated Servers” option;
- Select a server location from the list of obfuscated servers available in NordVPN;
- What is the function of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers?
The function of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers is to help users bypass internet censorship and access restricted content. Obfuscated servers use advanced encryption methods to make it difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activities. This feature is particularly useful for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship laws, as it allows them to access the internet without restrictions.
- What is the difference between NordVPN obfuscated and double VPN?
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers and double VPN feature are designed to provide users with enhanced privacy and security. However, there are some differences between the two features. Obfuscated servers are specifically designed to help users bypass internet censorship and access restricted content, while double VPN creates an extra layer of encryption by routing your Internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. Double VPN is designed to provide additional security and privacy protection for users who require it.
- Did NordVPN remove obfuscated servers?
No, NordVPN has not removed obfuscated servers. The obfuscated servers feature is still available in the NordVPN application and can be accessed by following the steps outlined in the first two questions.
- Does NordVPN mask your IP?
Yes, NordVPN masks your IP address by assigning you a new IP address from the server you connect to. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities or identify your location.
- Does NordVPN mask location?
Yes, NordVPN masks your location by assigning you a new IP address from the server you connect to. This makes it appear as though you are located in a different country or region, allowing you to access geo-restricted content and websites.
- Does NordVPN hide illegal activity?
No, NordVPN does not condone or support illegal activity. While NordVPN’s encryption and security features can help protect your online privacy, it is important to note that using NordVPN to engage in illegal activities is not allowed and can result in legal consequences.
- What is the punishment for using VPN in China?
The use of VPNs in China is heavily restricted, and those caught using a VPN without permission may face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the punishment can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
- Does NordVPN sell your data?
No, NordVPN does not sell your data. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any information about your online activities or personal information that could be used to identify you.
- Is Tor better than NordVPN?
Tor and NordVPN are both designed to provide users with enhanced privacy and security, but they have different approaches.
Tor is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the internet anonymously by routing their traffic through a network of servers run by volunteers. NordVPN, on the other hand, is a paid VPN service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through its network of servers.
While Tor provides excellent anonymity, it can be slower than a VPN due to the number of servers it has to go through. Additionally, Tor does not offer the same level of security as NordVPN, as it is vulnerable to attacks such as exit node attacks.
NordVPN, on the other hand, offers faster speeds and a higher level of security, as all traffic is encrypted and protected by NordVPN’s robust security protocols. Additionally, NordVPN has a large server network, making it easier to find a fast and reliable connection.
Useful Video: Obfuscated servers and why you need them | NordVPN
References:
- https://support.nordvpn.com/Connectivity/1530940912/How-to-enable-or-disable-Obfuscated-servers.htm
- https://www.fastestvpnguide.com/nordvpn-obfuscated-servers/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/nordvpn/comments/j4y01k/cant_enable_obfuscated_servers_win_8/
- https://www.wiredtitan.com/how-to-turn-on-obfuscated-servers-nordvpn/
- https://windowsreport.com/nordvpn-obfuscated-servers-not-working
- https://vpnalert.com/guides/nordvpn-obfuscated-servers/
- https://cybersynchs.com/nordvpn-obfuscated-servers/