Complete Guide to Connecting Proton VPN

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Connecting to Proton VPN is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.

First, download and install the Proton VPN app from the official website or from the app store on your device.

To get started, you'll need to create a Proton VPN account if you haven't already.

Proton VPN offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and connect to a VPN server.

With Proton VPN, you can choose from over 1,800 servers in more than 60 countries to find the best connection for your needs.

Installation

To install Proton VPN, you'll first need to allow apps to be installed from other sources on your Windows device. This is because Windows 10 and 11 only allow apps from the Microsoft Store by default.

Open Windows Settings and navigate to Apps & features, then select Anywhere from the dropdown menu under Choose where to get apps. This will give you the freedom to install apps from other sources, including the Proton VPN website.

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To download the Proton VPN app, visit the Proton VPN for Windows page and click the Download for Windows button. If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows or using an ARM device, you may need to click on the V button and select the correct version from the dropdown menu.

Double-click on the downloaded EXE file to open it, and click Yes when asked if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device. This will begin the installation process.

Here are the steps to follow during the installation process:

  • Choose the language you'd like to use from the dropdown menu and click OK.
  • Click Next to use the default Windows Start menu folder for Proton VPN, or browse to select a different folder.
  • You can automatically install other Proton apps included in your plan by selecting or deselecting the apps you want to install.
  • Review your choices and select Install to continue with the installation.
  • Once the app is installed, the setup wizard will close and the Proton VPN app will start, allowing you to sign in to your Proton Account.

Connection

Connecting to Proton VPN is a breeze, but you do have some options to consider. You can choose from a variety of protocols to suit your needs.

The Connection settings allow you to customize your VPN experience. You can select from a range of options, including protocol, NetShield Ad-blocker, kill switch, and port forwarding.

Here are some of the key Connection settings you can adjust:

  • Protocol: This determines how your data is encrypted and transmitted.
  • NetShield Ad-blocker: This feature blocks ads and trackers to improve your online security and speed.
  • Kill switch and advanced kill switch: These features disconnect your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your data remains secure.
  • Port forwarding: This allows you to forward specific ports to access services like gaming servers or remote desktops.
  • Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don't.
  • VPN Accelerator: This feature optimizes your VPN connection for faster speeds.

You can also adjust some advanced settings, including custom DNS servers, NAT type, and OpenVPN network driver. However, be careful when making changes to these settings, as they can affect your VPN performance.

Settings and Configuration

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To access Proton VPN's advanced settings and features, select the ⚙Settings tab in the app for Windows or iOS and iPadOS. This will give you more control over the app's settings.

You can configure the Proton VPN app's settings and advanced features, including shortcuts to some advanced features on the Home page. This makes it easy to find what you need quickly.

To manually configure OpenVPN on Windows using OpenVPN GUI, select platform (choose Windows) and follow the steps outlined in the guide. This will allow you to configure OpenVPN GUI using the downloaded config files.

Here are the steps to manually configure OpenVPN on Windows:

  1. Find out your OpenVPN login credentials
  2. Download the required OpenVPN configuration files to your PC
  3. Configure OpenVPN GUI using the downloaded config files

You can also save your VPN connections with custom settings as profiles to make it easy to connect using those settings. This will streamline your workflow and save you time in the long run.

Settings

To access the Proton VPN app's more advanced settings and features, select the ⚙Settings tab. This is available on the Home page for Windows users, and also accessible directly for iOS and iPadOS users.

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The Proton VPN app's settings can be customized to suit your needs, offering a range of features to enhance your online security and experience.

To configure the Proton VPN app's settings and advanced features, you can use the shortcuts provided on the Home page for Windows users. This is a convenient way to access the settings without having to navigate through the app.

To enable Always-on VPN on your Android device, you'll need to follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on your Android phone and go to Network & internet.
  2. Tap VPN.
  3. Tap the Settings gear beside Proton VPN.
  4. Turn on the Always-on VPN toggle.
  5. Optional: Turn on the Block connections without VPN toggle.

Download Configuration Files

To download configuration files for OpenVPN, you'll need to select the protocol you want to use. This can be either OpenVPN UDP or OpenVPN TCP.

UDP is generally faster and recommended for most situations, while TCP is more reliable and can help bypass some censorship measures.

You can download a specific config file by selecting the type you want and clicking the Action → Download button next to it.

Alternatively, you can download all configurations for the selected config type.

If you have multiple profiles, you can import up to 50 OpenVPN profiles into OpenVPN GUI, and then use the profile you want by right-clicking the OpenVPN GUI icon and selecting the profile to connect.

Use Profiles

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Using profiles in Proton VPN is a game-changer for frequent users. It allows you to save custom settings for specific connections, making it easy to connect to those servers with just a few clicks.

To set up a profile, open Proton VPN and move to the Profiles tab. From there, select Create Profile. You can then pick a profile type, enter a name, and assign a color to differentiate it from other profiles.

You can set up multiple profiles to streamline your workflow, such as Work, Privacy, and Streaming. This way, you can connect to servers with custom settings in no time.

To create a profile, you'll need to select a protocol (Smart, WireGuard UDP, and TCP, Stealth, OpenVPN UDP and TCP), and pick a country and server location. This will save your custom settings for future use.

For another approach, see: Set up Vpn between Azure and Aws

Sign In

Signing in to your Proton VPN account is a straightforward process. You can access all the free services in the Proton ecosystem, including Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, Proton Wallet, and Proton Calendar, with a free Proton VPN account.

A different take: Free Vpn Website Browser

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To access advanced features, you'll need a paid Proton VPN account, which unlocks features like 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries, Secure Core double-VPN, and NetShield Ad-blocker.

To sign in, open the Proton VPN app and tap Sign in. If you haven't created a Proton VPN account yet, tap the Create an Account button or click here.

You can use the same username and password to sign into Proton VPN if you've signed up for any other Proton service, like Proton Mail or Proton Drive.

Here are the steps to sign in:

  1. Open the Proton VPN app and tap Sign in.
  2. Enter your Proton Account username and password.
  3. Tap Sign in.

iOS Connection

To connect to Proton VPN on your iPhone or iPad, you'll first need to open the App Store app. You can do this by tapping the App Store link in a browser on your device or by launching the App Store app directly.

There are two ways to use the Proton VPN iOS and iPadOS app.

You can tap the App Store link below to open the Proton VPN download page in the App Store app on your device. Alternatively, you can launch the App Store app and search for Proton VPN manually.

Security and Options

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To connect to Proton VPN securely, it's essential to understand the security options available. The app offers a range of features to protect your online activity.

You can choose from various protocols to suit your needs, including those that prioritize speed and security. Netshield Ad-blocker is also included to block unwanted ads and trackers. Always-on VPN ensures your connection remains encrypted even when you're browsing through unsecured networks. A kill switch is also available to immediately cut your internet connection if the VPN drops.

Here are the key security options available in the Proton VPN app:

  • Protocol
  • Netshield Ad-blocker
  • Always-on VPN
  • Kill switch

The version number of the Proton VPN app can be found at the bottom of the page, which can be helpful when troubleshooting any issues you may encounter.

Split Tunneling Setup

Split Tunneling Setup is a convenient feature that allows you to exclude specific apps or IP addresses from VPN traffic.

To set it up, you'll need to access the Proton VPN settings on your desktop. Open the app and click the three horizontal bars to open the Settings menu. From there, slide to the Advanced tab and turn on the Split Tunneling toggle.

Credit: youtube.com, What is VPN Split Tunneling? You Might Not Need It (& here's why)

You can then select and add a relevant app or IPv4 address to exclude from VPN traffic. This is particularly useful for local apps that may not work well on an active VPN connection.

To complete the setup, simply restart the app. Once you've done this, the selected apps or IP addresses will be excluded from VPN traffic, allowing you to run them without any glitches.

Security Options

Security options are crucial for a secure browsing experience. You can find them in the Proton VPN app.

One of the key security options is the protocol, which is a fundamental aspect of VPN connections. It determines how data is transmitted between your device and the VPN server.

The Netshield Ad-blocker is another important security feature that blocks malicious ads and trackers. This can significantly improve your online safety and speed up your browsing experience.

Always-on VPN is a feature that ensures your connection remains secure even if you're on a public Wi-Fi network. It's like having a personal bodyguard for your online activities.

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A kill switch is also available, which can automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN drops. This prevents your IP address from being exposed.

Here are some of the key security options available in the Proton VPN app:

  • Protocol
  • Netshield Ad-blocker
  • Always-on VPN
  • Kill switch

The version number of the Proton VPN app is also displayed at the bottom of the page, which can be helpful when troubleshooting any issues you may encounter.

Server and Plan Management

If you're on a Free plan, you'll need to change servers periodically. You can do this by selecting Change server on the Home screen.

You'll be connected to a new random server in a different country, but there's a short cooldown period before you can change again.

To use a more secure connection, toggle the Secure Core switch on in the Countries tab. This will filter the list to show only countries that support Secure Core connections.

You can now browse the filtered list to find a secure connection that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't Proton VPN let me connect?

Check your firewall settings: try disabling it and connecting to a Proton VPN server to see if that resolves the issue. If not, follow our troubleshooting steps to allow incoming and outgoing connections

Does Proton VPN automatically connect?

Proton VPN automatically reconnects if your device loses its VPN connection, but only if you're using the iOS app. On Android, you need to manually enable the always-on VPN feature to enjoy this convenience.

Tanya Hodkiewicz

Junior Assigning Editor

Tanya Hodkiewicz is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling content. With a proven track record of commissioning articles that captivate and inform, Tanya has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her expertise spans a range of categories, including "Important" pieces that tackle complex, timely topics and "Decade in Review" features that offer insightful retrospectives on significant events.

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