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NordPass Extension Says Open the Desktop App First

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Workaround available Windows, macOS, Firefox, Chrome, Opera Updated November 14, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

The extension and desktop app must both be running and up to date. Restart the app, update both and sign in again if the extension stays locked.

Most likely fix: Restart the desktop app

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Restart the desktop app

    1. Quit NordPass completely from the system tray or menu bar
    2. Start it and unlock it before opening the browser
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Update both

    1. Update the desktop app and the browser extension to the latest versions
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Sign out and in

    1. Sign out of both the app and the extension, then sign in again
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Contact support with versions

    1. Email support with your device info and app and extension versions, as NordPass support requests
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Extension shows 'open the NordPass app first' or 'something went wrong', or stays locked while the desktop app is unlocked.

Why it happens

  • Desktop app not running or not fully started
  • Version mismatch between app and extension
  • Stale session
  • Browser-specific bugs reported on Firefox and Opera

This guide also covers

  • nordpass open the nordpass app first
  • nordpass extension locked
  • nordpass extension not connecting desktop app

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