How to download and install Proton VPN on Mac
Proton VPN has a free plan with no data limit, and its Mac app comes from Proton’s website. Here is what you need, how to install the app and which permissions to allow so the VPN connects.
Proton VPN
- macOS 14 or later
- One file for Apple Silicon and Intel
- Free plan. Paid plans add more
Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:
The links go to the developer’s website (protonvpn.com, vpn.protondownload.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:
brew install --cask protonvpnHomebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.
No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.
Before you download
Proton VPN is one file for Macs with Apple Silicon and Intel. To use it you need:
- macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Check yours in Apple menu › About This Mac.
- A Proton account. You can create a free one in the app or on Proton’s website. If you already use Proton Mail, the same account works.
- A plan. The free plan has no data limit but fewer servers. VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited add servers in more countries, streaming support and up to 10 devices.
Download Proton VPN only from protonvpn.com: copies on other sites may be old or changed.
How to install Proton VPN
- On Proton VPN’s download page, click Download for macOS and open the downloaded
ProtonVPN_mac_….dmgin Downloads. - In the window that opens, drag Proton VPN to the Applications folder, then eject the disk in the Finder sidebar.
- Open Proton VPN from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
- Sign in with your Proton account, or create a free one.
- Click Quick Connect to connect to the fastest server for your location.
What to set up after the first launch
- VPN configuration. On the first connection, macOS asks to add Proton VPN’s VPN configurations. Click Allow and enter your Mac password, or the VPN can’t connect.
- System extension. Some protocols and split tunneling need Proton’s network extension. On macOS 15 and later, turn on ProtonVPN in System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions › Network Extensions. On macOS 14, click Allow next to Proton’s system software in System Settings › Privacy & Security.
- Opening at login. If you don’t want Proton VPN to start with your Mac, turn it off in System Settings › General › Login Items.
- The installer. Move the
.dmgfrom Downloads to the Trash once Proton VPN runs.
If Proton VPN won’t install or connect
- «Proton VPN is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete it and download it again from Proton VPN’s website.
- Proton VPN can’t connect. Check that its VPN configuration is allowed in System Settings › VPN and its network extension is turned on, then try another protocol in the app’s settings.
- Nothing helps. Remove Proton VPN completely, with its extension and VPN configurations, and install it again: see how to uninstall Proton VPN on Mac.
Alternatives to Proton VPN
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches and logs apps build up, Proton VPN’s included, and shows how much space they take. And if you switch VPNs, the Uninstaller removes Proton VPN with its files.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is Proton VPN for Mac free?
Yes, there is a free plan with no data limit. Paid plans add more servers and countries, streaming support and more devices, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Do I need an account to use Proton VPN?
Yes, a Proton account, which you can create for free. A Proton Mail account works too: it is the same Proton account.
Why does Proton VPN ask for a system extension?
Proton VPN needs it for some connection protocols and for split tunneling. Without it, the app may not connect with the protocol you picked.