> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# mullvad connect

> Connect to a VPN relay server

## Overview

The `mullvad connect` command establishes a VPN connection to a Mullvad relay server based on your current relay constraints.

## Syntax

```bash theme={null}
mullvad connect [OPTIONS]
```

## Options

| Option         | Description                         |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `-w`, `--wait` | Wait until connected before exiting |
| `-h`, `--help` | Print help information              |

## Behavior

When you run `mullvad connect`:

1. The CLI checks if you're logged in to a Mullvad account
2. If not logged in, it displays a warning and blocks all network traffic until you:
   * Log in to an account with available time/credits
   * Disconnect from the VPN
3. If logged in, it initiates a connection to a relay matching your current constraints

## Examples

### Basic Connection

Connect to a VPN relay without waiting:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad connect
```

The command returns immediately, and the connection process continues in the background.

### Wait for Connection

Connect and wait until the connection is fully established:

```bash theme={null}
mullvad connect --wait
```

This blocks until the tunnel state changes to "Connected" or an error occurs. The command prints tunnel state updates as the connection progresses.

### Connection with Short Option

```bash theme={null}
mullvad connect -w
```

## Related Commands

* [disconnect](/cli/commands/disconnect) - Disconnect from the VPN
* [status](/cli/commands/status) - Check current connection status
* [relay set location](/cli/commands/relay) - Configure which relay to connect to
* [account](/cli/commands/account) - Manage your Mullvad account

## Exit Status

| Code | Description                                                         |
| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 0    | Connection initiated successfully (or established if `--wait` used) |
| 1    | Failed to connect or not logged in                                  |

## Notes

* If you're not logged in when connecting, Mullvad will block all network traffic as a security measure
* Use `mullvad status` to monitor connection progress
* The relay selection is based on your current [relay constraints](/cli/commands/relay)
* Connection attempts respect your [tunnel configuration](/cli/commands/tunnel) settings

## Source Reference

Implementation: `mullvad-cli/src/cmds/tunnel_state.rs:7`