Enable the Kill Switch
This critical feature blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, ensuring your real IP address is never exposed. Available on desktop and mobile apps.
Privacy Toolkit · Step 5
Browse without being watched.
Proton VPN is a secure, no‑logs VPN service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. It protects your privacy on public Wi‑Fi, bypasses censorship, and prevents your internet provider from tracking your activity—all backed by Swiss privacy laws.
Why use Proton VPN?
Your online activity shouldn't be for sale.
Every time you connect to the internet, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), advertisers, and even governments can see which websites you visit, what you search for, and who you communicate with. On public Wi‑Fi, your data is even more exposed to hackers.
Proton VPN puts you back in control of your online privacy. It routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to remote servers, masking your IP address and making your activity unreadable to anyone trying to spy on you—including your ISP, network administrators, and advertisers.
What sets Proton VPN apart:
- Strict no‑logs policy — Proton VPN never tracks or stores your browsing activity. They have even been independently audited to verify this.
- Swiss jurisdiction — Based in Switzerland, one of the strongest privacy jurisdictions in the world, outside of 14‑eyes surveillance alliances.
- Open source and audited — All apps are open source and have been reviewed by independent security experts.
- Secure Core — Advanced protection that routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy‑friendly countries, protecting against network‑based attacks.
- NetShield — Built‑in ad‑blocker and malware protection that blocks trackers and malicious sites before they load.
Proton VPN is operated by the same independent nonprofit behind Proton Mail, funded by users rather than advertising or selling your data.
How to set up Proton VPN
Install on any device.
Proton VPN works across all major platforms—Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also use it as a browser extension for quick protection.
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1
Sign up for Proton VPN
If you already have a Proton account (from Mail, Pass, or Drive), you can use it. Otherwise, create a free Proton account at the Proton VPN website.
Create your Proton VPN account → -
2
Download and install the app
Download the Proton VPN app for your device from the official website or your device's app store.
- Windows, Mac, Linux: Download from proton.me/vpn/download
- Android: Google Play Store
- iOS: Apple App Store
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3
Log in and choose a server
Open the app and log in with your Proton account credentials. You can then choose a server location from the list—or simply click Quick Connect to let Proton VPN choose the fastest available server.
Free users have access to servers in several countries, while paid plans unlock more locations and higher speeds.
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4
Enable the VPN connection
Click the Connect button. Once connected, your IP address is hidden and all your traffic is encrypted. You can verify this by visiting a site like ipleak.net to check your new IP address.
For maximum protection, consider enabling the Kill Switch feature—this automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, preventing accidental data leaks.
Our recommended starting settings
Stay protected everywhere.
Proton VPN is secure out of the box, but a few settings can make your experience safer and more seamless.
Turn on NetShield
NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains before they load. It's like having an ad‑blocker built right into your VPN—faster browsing and better privacy in one switch.
Use Secure Core for sensitive activities
For extra protection, route your traffic through Secure Core servers. This sends your connection through multiple layers of encryption across different countries, protecting against advanced surveillance.
Enable auto‑connect on untrusted networks
Set Proton VPN to automatically connect whenever you join an untrusted Wi‑Fi network (like coffee shops, airports, or hotels). This ensures you're always protected without having to remember to turn it on.
Choose the right protocol
Proton VPN supports several VPN protocols. For most users, WireGuard offers the best balance of speed and security. If you're in a country with heavy censorship, try Stealth protocol, which disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic.