How NordVPN Meshnet Can Transform Your Streaming, File-Sharing, and Gaming

NordVPN is our pick for best overall VPN, and the virtual private network service is packed with useful features to help keep your browsing secure and private. One of the more recent additions to NordVPN's arsenal is a feature called Meshnet, which enables users to connect devices directly to create a private, encrypted virtual network.

Meshnet has numerous potential applications, ranging from file sharing to gaming. Best of all, it’s free — even if you’re not a NordVPN subscriber.

In this article, we’ll walk through what Meshnet is, how it works, and how to set it up. Then we’ll offer some example use cases for this handy free tool and explain why using NordVPN to encrypt your shared connection is key.

What is NordVPN Meshnet?

Meshnet is a feature offered by NordVPN that enables users to create their own virtual networks between devices, no matter where they are in the world. Users can connect up to 10 of their own devices and up to 50 external devices simultaneously. The network can be used for various purposes, including sharing files, remotely accessing a computer, and hosting private gaming sessions with friends.

How Meshnet works

Meshnet works by directly linking two or more devices together using the NordVPN app. The devices can then interact as if they were on the same local network. Despite using the app, users don’t need a NordVPN subscription to use Meshnet.

The connections are fully encrypted, so your activity is secure and private. Traffic doesn’t pass through any middleman servers because it’s entirely contained within the Meshnet-connected devices.

Benefits of using NordVPN with Meshnet

Meshnet is a free service and doesn’t require you to pay for NordVPN to use it. That said, there are several benefits to using both NordVPN and Meshnet together. Some of these benefits enhance security and privacy, while others enable new uses for Meshnet.

• NordVPN Threat Protection, which includes a built-in ad blocker and malware scanner, helps keep your devices secure and protected. The ad blocker also helps improve your browsing experience by minimizing intrusive ads, blocking trackers, and stopping malware.
• You can use NordVPN’s ability to mask your IP address to help unblock streaming libraries or access another region’s content.
• Similarly, you can use the ability to change your IP address to create bot lobbies for gaming sessions.

How to set up NordVPN Meshnet

Setting up Meshnet is fairly straightforward. We’ll walk you through the process step by step:

1. Install NordVPN

Although you can use Meshnet without a NordVPN subscription, it’s still managed through the app. Therefore, your first step is to download and install the NordVPN app on each device that you want to link using Meshnet.

On a PC or Mac, head to the NordVPN website and click Get NordVPN. On an Android or iOS device, install the NordVPN app from your device’s app store.

2. Log in or create an account

After installing the app, you’ll need to either log into an existing NordVPN account or create a new one. This ensures that the app can link to the NordVPN apps on other devices. Simply click the appropriate button in the top right corner of the app on each device you want to link.

3. Enable Meshnet

Third, head to the Meshnet section of the app and enable the feature. On a desktop, it’s the four circles arranged in a diamond pattern. On mobile devices, Meshnet can be found under the profile tab. Repeat this process on each device you want to connect.

4. Add external devices

Devices you’re signed into that have Meshnet enabled will automatically be linked. To add external devices (those with a different NordVPN account), click the Link external devices button. 

You can then send invitations to other users via email. Simply follow the onscreen instructions.

5. Adjust permissions for your devices

To enable or disable Meshnet’s various features, such as file sharing, remote access, and traffic routing, find your device in the menu, click the three-dot icon, and toggle each permission on or off.

Use Meshnet for password sharing

Netflix (and other streaming services) have been cracking down on individuals who try to share accounts outside their home networks. Essentially, you used to be able to share your password with a friend, allowing them to use your Netflix account; however, the company no longer permits this practice and has implemented measures to prevent it. Fortunately, Meshnet provides a handy workaround.

To use Meshnet for password sharing on Netflix, simply enable the feature on your device, then click the Link external devices button and send an invitation to the person you want to share your account with.

Once they accept the invitation, they should be able to use your Netflix account without issue. If you experience problems, make sure the traffic routing feature is enabled on the Netflix account owner’s device.

Use Meshnet for a LAN party

Local area network (LAN) parties are a fun way to enjoy multiplayer games with your friends. Before, players would take their computers to the host’s house and connect to the local network so they could play together privately.

Whether you need a dose of nostalgia or just want to avoid the mess of public online gaming, Meshnet provides a fantastic way to host a LAN party — without needing to actually lug your gaming computers over to the same physical location.

Here’s how:

1. Enable Meshnet on each device you want to use for gaming.
2. Use the Link external devices feature to invite your friends.
3. Ensure that traffic routing is enabled on the primary device.
4. Run your game in local network mode. The specific steps for this will vary from game to game. NordVPN provides instructions for setting up several popular games.

Use Meshnet for file sharing

Meshnet is an excellent way to share files between devices securely. Here’s how to set this up:

1. Install Meshnet on each device you want to share with.
2. Ensure that the file-sharing permissions are enabled on each device.
3. Click Send files and select the files you want to share.

FAQs

Bottom line

NordVPN Meshnet is a powerful feature that enables you to securely and privately connect devices. It can be used for simple file sharing, hosting a private multiplayer gaming session with friends, or getting around a streaming service’s password-sharing rules.

Although Meshnet is free, we think it’s even better when used in tandem with NordVPN, our favorite VPN service. When the two are combined, you can enjoy enhanced security with features like ad blocking, as well as open up new uses for Meshnet. Either way, we highly recommend giving Meshnet a try.