Club Benefits
NordVPN, which sits at the top of our guide to the best VPNs, has announced a redesign of its mobile apps, introducing a refreshed interface aimed at improving usability without sacrificing control. The company says the update is designed to "create a clearer, more elegant look while maintaining efficiency and functionality," while also laying the groundwork for future improvements.
The overhaul touches core areas of the app, including connection controls, search, the map interface, and user statistics. NordVPN says the redesign is based on research into how people use the app day to day, with changes intended to make navigation simpler for new users while preserving the flexibility that long-time customers expect.
Why is NordVPN redesigning its mobile apps?
NordVPN says the redesign is rooted in research into how people actually use the app. Through ongoing research and user interviews, the company built what it describes as a detailed picture of how the service fits into users' everyday routines and concluded that more substantial changes were needed to keep pace with shifting expectations around mobile design.
According to NordVPN, the results showed the need for an app that would be easy to navigate for first-time users without undermining the experience for seasoned customers who prefer to customize features. In other words, the goal was simplification without restriction.
With that balance in mind, NordVPN has focused on streamlining the interface while maintaining access to advanced options. The redesign also aims to create a stronger foundation for future updates and a more consistent experience across platforms, suggesting this visual refresh is part of a broader long-term plan rather than a one-off tweak.
How have NordVPN's mobile apps changed?
The most noticeable change is a cleaner, more intuitive user interface. NordVPN says it has simplified layouts and reduced visual distractions to help users focus on core tasks such as connecting, searching, and managing their profile. Key areas including the connection screen, search, profile, and recent connections have all been refined.
Connection controls have also been adjusted. When opening the app, a suggested location still appears immediately, but city names are now shown alongside countries for clearer context. Users who set a preferred server during setup will continue to see it as their default, and security status and key connection actions remain visible on launch. A "Show connection details" option in the menu now surfaces information such as the current IP address, server number, and connection time, alongside quick access to reconnect, switch locations, settings, and help.
The map interface has been redesigned to offer a more compact default view that highlights the current server location, with the option to expand to full screen for easier browsing. Available locations are displayed as pins, giving users a clearer overview of server options.
Search has also been unified into a single interface that brings together countries, server types, and Meshnet devices. Users can browse via the "All locations" list, filter by category, or type in a specific server number.
Finally, the statistics section has been updated to show averages and week-to-week comparisons, while keeping data stored locally on the user's device. On Android, Call Protection statistics display how often unwanted calls have been blocked, and NordVPN says future updates will expand Threat Protection insights to show ads, trackers, and malicious sites blocked over time.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
