If the extension is in an error state, first check via the command line that nordvpn is functioning correctly (nordvpn status), if the service is unavailable or not installed then the extension will not work properly.
When disconnected, the top bar will show a red button reading UNPROTECTED--as a reminder that there is no connection to the VPN. When connecting or disconnecting the button turns amber, and once connected it will turn green showing the country and server number of the connection, e.g. UNITED KINGDOM #813. Clicking the button will show the full command-line output of the command nordvpn status in the menu. Undearneath the status is a button to connect / disconnect. Below that is a menu for selecting the Country.
When updates are available a message will display in the menu.
gNordVPN-Local is a fork of NordVPN-Local. That extension is loosely based on Quadipedia's NordVPN Status extension (found on the Gnome extensions site), kudos to them for creating the original. Their version works by reading the server list from NordVPN's API and comparing the computer's public IP against this list. It was found to often not pick up active connections, possibly due to incorrect API data.
This version uses the NordVPN command-line tools to determine the status. It updates on connect / disconnect, and it refreshes every 30 seconds in case you change your connection external to the plugin.
Note that due to using the local command-line tools, this only works when using NordVPN locally (hence the title). If the VPN connection is established outside of the computer, e.g. on your router, then this plugin will not detect the VPN connection. Use Quasipedia's version instead, which will detect that, if it finds your public IP in the NordVPN server list.
This extension uses the NordVPN command line client, which can be set up as follows.
- Install NordVPN with
sudo apt install nordvpn. - Configure your credentials with
nordvpn login, following the prompts. - Check NordVPN is set up with
nordvpn c, if it connects successfully then you're good to go.
Install the extension Easiest way: enable on gnome-extensions at gNordVPN Local on gnome extensions
Manual install:
- Create a folder for the extension with
mkdir ~/.local/share/gnome-shell/extensions/gnordvpn-local@isopolito - Copy the files from this repo into that folder
- Enable the extension using
Tweaks(if you don't have it, install viasudo apt install gnome-tweaks)
Contributions welcome! If you find any issues or think of any cool features, check it's not already been raised under Issues and raise it.
Thanks TheRobVK for creating the original version of this extension. Also thanks to all who have contributed, it's much appreciated!