How to uninstall NordVPN on Mac completely
NordVPN adds more to a Mac than the app: a VPN configuration in System Settings, a background helper that runs with administrator rights, settings, caches and logs. Here is how to remove all of it. Your subscription is not affected: it stays in your Nord Account.
- Open MacWashing and choose Uninstaller in the sidebar.
- Click Show Apps and check NordVPN in the list.
- Click Remove and confirm. Files that may be yours are listed as Possible and stay unchecked.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Delete NordVPN in Finder
NordVPN has no uninstaller of its own: its support site points to Apple’s standard way of removing apps.
- Disconnect from the VPN and quit NordVPN, in the Dock and in the menu bar if it has an icon there.
- Open Finder › Applications and drag NordVPN to the Trash.
- Enter your administrator password if macOS asks for it.
Remove the VPN configuration
The VPN entry in System Settings can stay after the app is gone. Check it:
- Open Apple menu › System Settings and click VPN in the sidebar.
- If NordVPN is listed, click the Info button next to it.
- Click Remove Configuration and confirm.
Then open System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions (in macOS Sonoma: Login Items) and make sure nothing from NordVPN is left there.
What NordVPN leaves behind
Check these places. The first two are system folders. The rest are in the Library folder inside your home folder:
/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.nordvpn.macos.helper.plistand/Library/PrivilegedHelperTools/com.nordvpn.macos.helper— the background helper that runs with administrator rights.~/Library/Application Support/com.nordvpn.macos— app data.~/Library/Group Containers/W5W395V82Y.com.nordvpn.macos.AppGroup— data shared between the app and its components.~/Library/Caches/com.nordvpn.macos— the cache.~/Library/HTTPStorages/com.nordvpn.macos— stored web data.~/Library/Preferences/com.nordvpn.macos.plist— settings.~/Library/Logs/NordVPN— logs.
Remove the leftovers by hand
- In Finder, choose Go › Go to Folder (Shift-Command-G), type a path from the list above and press Return.
- Move the folder or file to the Trash. Files in
/Libraryneed your administrator password. - Repeat for the other paths.
- Restart your Mac, so the background helper is no longer running, then empty the Trash.
NordVPN isn’t the only app that leaves files behind: see how to uninstall apps on Mac completely.
With MacWashing, it’s one click
The Uninstaller in MacWashing knows the files NordVPN creates — in your Library folder and in the system folders — and removes them together with the app, background helper included.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Will MacWashing delete my own files when it removes NordVPN?
No. The Uninstaller checks only what belongs to the app: its settings, caches, logs and background items. Folders that may hold your own files are listed as Possible and stay unchecked until you check them yourself, and apps go to the Trash by default, so you can put them back.
What if NordVPN is still running?
MacWashing waits for it to quit, or quits it at your request, and only then removes its files.
Is it free to uninstall NordVPN with MacWashing?
Yes, within the free trial: System Junk and the Uninstaller free up to 25 GB in total, with no account or card needed.
Does uninstalling NordVPN cancel my subscription?
No. The subscription belongs to your Nord Account, not to the app. Cancel it in your Nord Account, or in your App Store subscriptions if you bought it there.
Why is NordVPN still listed in the VPN settings?
macOS keeps a VPN configuration separately from the app. Remove it in System Settings › VPN: click the Info button next to NordVPN, then Remove Configuration.
Can I reinstall NordVPN later?
Yes. Download it again and sign in to your Nord Account. Your subscription is still there. The app asks again for the permissions it needs.