NordVPN has many great features that help you stay safe when doing anything online. NordVPN is one of themost recommended VPNs. It has a unique feature known as Meshnet, which allows you to create your own local mesh network. This allows you to safely transfer files across your selected devices or route your network traffic using a shared IP address. There are benefits to doing this with your NordVPN account. We cover everything you need to know in the guide below.

How to set up a Nest router

Stream your favorite shows in the attic or the basement without a hitch

What can Meshnet do?

There are plenty of benefits regardingMeshnetbut also consider the downsides and limitations beforehand. We review the biggest ones to help you understand what to expect when trying the feature for the first time on your personal devices.

Meshnet benefits

Meshnet downsides or limitations

Create a local mesh network using Meshnet

The Meshnet feature allows you to create your own local private VPN that can be accessed from your personal network of devices. you may’t use a smartphone as a host device, so be sure you have a compatible computer before continuing. In the sections below, we show you how to use a computer as a host machine and then forward all NordVPN network traffic from your smartphone to the host.

Activate Meshnet on your host computer

The process is straightforward, but you must do a little setup before routing the network traffic from your smartphone. It involves installing the NordVPN app on a desktop computer as the host and a smartphone as the client. After taking care of both Meshnet devices, they are automatically linked to your NordVPN account.

To forward your smartphone network traffic, do the following:

Activate Meshnet on your smartphone

Now that Meshnet is active on your host computer, add a client device to your NordVPN account. It’s a similar process, but you must download the NordVPN app on your phone and turn on the feature before linking the two devices.

To get Meshnet working on your phone, check out these steps:

A Google Nest Wifi router sitting on a wooden desk with a lamp.

Each Meshnet device added to your account has a unique name, making it easier to identify your devices.

Grant the proper device permissions

With the Meshnet host device and client added to your account, it’s time to bring it together. You’ll need to give your phone the required network routing permissions for Meshnet so that you’re able to forward its traffic to the host computer. It’s as simple as flipping a switch, and we show you where to go to accomplish this.

To grant the necessary Meshnet smartphone routing permissions, do the following:

Turning on the Meshnet feature in the NordVPN Windows app.

Route your smartphone network traffic to your host computer

Now that your devices are set up with Meshnet and have the proper permissions, you can redirect your smartphone network traffic to the host computer. When you’re done, test your connection and see how it performs.

To send your smartphone network traffic to the host computer, check out these steps:

The NordVPN Android app main Meshnet screen.

When you change the NordVPN server on your host computer, your smartphone automatically follows it. To test this, change the VPN server of your host computer, then check your smartphone IP address usingNordVPN’s IP address tool. It should match, meaning your phone’s Meshnet connection is routed directly to your computer and back. To return to using a standard VPN on your phone, tap theDisconnectbutton on theHometab in the NordVPN app, then reconnect to a different VPN server.

Securely route network traffic with Meshnet

Using the Meshnet feature with your NordVPN subscription is an excellent way to create your own local mesh network quickly and easily. Doing so will give you one IP address for all devices when forwarding traffic to the host computer. This creates a situation where you have a static IP address that your devices share.

You can grant or deny up to 10 local or 50 external devices, giving you plenty of flexibility regarding who has access to your network. Routing your network traffic using Meshnet allows you to set up a local VPN without complicating the process.

This is what it looks like when you turn the Meshnet feature on in the NordVPN Android app.

You now know how to route network traffic using the NordVPN Meshnet feature. Next,learn about VPNs and how they work. We go over the basics, explain their benefits, and discuss situations where they might not be able to help you online.

Highlighting the Meshnet smartphone device for routing traffic from in the NordVPN Windows app.