> ## 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.

# Quick start

> Get connected to Mullvad VPN in minutes with this step-by-step guide

This guide walks you through everything from installation to your first secure VPN connection.

## Before you begin

You'll need:

* A device running Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS
* Administrator/installation privileges (for desktop platforms)
* A Mullvad account (we'll show you how to create one)

<Note>
  Mullvad doesn't require email addresses or personal information. You'll receive an account number instead.
</Note>

## Step 1: Install Mullvad VPN

Choose your platform and follow the installation instructions:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Windows">
    1. Download the Windows installer from [mullvad.net/download](https://mullvad.net/download/)
    2. Run the `.exe` file and click through the installer
    3. The app will launch automatically when installation completes
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="macOS">
    1. Download the macOS installer from [mullvad.net/download](https://mullvad.net/download/)
    2. Open the `.pkg` file and follow the installation steps
    3. Enter your administrator password when prompted
    4. Grant system extension and VPN permissions in System Preferences
    5. Launch Mullvad VPN from Applications
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Linux">
    **Debian/Ubuntu:**

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install ./MullvadVPN-*.deb
    ```

    **Fedora/RHEL:**

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo dnf install ./MullvadVPN-*.rpm
    ```

    The daemon service starts automatically. Launch the GUI from your applications menu or run `mullvad-gui` in your terminal.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Android">
    1. Open the Google Play Store or F-Droid
    2. Search for "Mullvad VPN"
    3. Tap "Install"
    4. Launch the app from your home screen
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="iOS">
    1. Open the App Store
    2. Search for "Mullvad VPN"
    3. Tap "Get" and authenticate
    4. Launch the app from your home screen
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

For detailed installation instructions, see the [Installation guide](/installation).

## Step 2: Create or log in to your account

When you first launch Mullvad VPN, you'll see the login screen.

### Creating a new account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate account number">
    Click **"Create account"** or **"Generate account number"**. The app will instantly create a new account number for you.

    <Warning>
      Write down your account number and store it securely. This is your only credential - there's no password reset or account recovery.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add time to your account">
    New accounts start with no time. You'll need to add credit to your account:

    * Click **"Buy more credit"** in the app
    * Visit [mullvad.net/account](https://mullvad.net/account/) in your browser
    * Use the account number you just created
    * Add time using cryptocurrency, credit card, or other payment methods
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your account">
    Once you've added time, the app will detect it automatically. You're now ready to connect!
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Logging in to an existing account

If you already have a Mullvad account:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter your account number">
    Type or paste your 16-digit account number (format: 1234 5678 9012 3456).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in">
    Click **"Login"**. The app will verify your account and display your remaining time.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Connect to the VPN

Once you're logged in, connecting is simple:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click the connect button">
    In the main app window, click the large **"Connect"** or **"Secure my connection"** button.

    The app will automatically:

    * Select an optimal server based on your location
    * Establish a secure WireGuard tunnel
    * Configure your system's firewall rules
    * Set up secure DNS
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for connection">
    You'll see the status change from "Connecting" to "Connected". This usually takes 2-5 seconds.

    The app shows:

    * **Connected**: You're protected and your traffic is encrypted
    * **Your current location**: The VPN server location you're connected to
    * **In/Out traffic**: Real-time bandwidth usage
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your connection">
    Visit [mullvad.net/check](https://mullvad.net/check/) to verify:

    * You're connected to Mullvad
    * Your IP address is hidden
    * DNS queries are secure
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  On Android and iOS, you'll be prompted to grant VPN permissions the first time you connect. Tap "OK" or "Allow" to proceed.
</Note>

## Step 4: Choose your server location (optional)

By default, Mullvad automatically selects the best server. To choose a specific location:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open server selection">
    Click **"Select location"** or the current location name in the app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a country, city, or specific server">
    * Browse the list of available locations
    * Click on a country to see cities
    * Click on a city to see individual servers
    * Select your preferred location
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect to the new location">
    The app will automatically reconnect to your chosen server. Your connection remains secure during the switch.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Understanding connection states

The Mullvad VPN app has several connection states:

| State             | Description          | Your traffic                                             |
| ----------------- | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Disconnected**  | Not connected to VPN | Not protected (unless Lockdown mode is enabled)          |
| **Connecting**    | Establishing tunnel  | Protected - all traffic is blocked until tunnel is ready |
| **Connected**     | Tunnel is active     | Protected - all traffic goes through encrypted tunnel    |
| **Disconnecting** | Closing tunnel       | Protected - traffic remains blocked                      |
| **Error**         | Connection failed    | Protected - all traffic is blocked                       |

<Warning>
  Mullvad VPN includes an always-on kill switch. If the tunnel fails, your traffic is blocked rather than sent unencrypted. This "fail closed" approach ensures no data leaks.
</Warning>

## Basic settings

Here are some important settings to configure:

### Enable auto-connect

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open settings">
    Click the gear/settings icon in the app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable auto-connect">
    Toggle **"Auto-connect"** to automatically connect when the app starts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable launch on start-up (optional)">
    Toggle **"Launch app on start-up"** to start Mullvad VPN when your device boots.

    When both options are enabled, you'll be protected automatically when your computer starts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Configure local network access

By default, Mullvad blocks access to devices on your local network (printers, file shares, etc.).

To enable local network access:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open settings">
    Go to Settings in the app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable local network sharing">
    Toggle **"Local network sharing"** or **"Allow LAN"**.

    This allows traffic to private IP ranges like `192.168.x.x` and `10.x.x.x`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  On iOS, the local network is always accessible due to platform limitations.
</Note>

### Enable lockdown mode

<Warning>
  Lockdown mode blocks all internet traffic when you're not connected to the VPN.
</Warning>

To enable lockdown mode:

1. Go to Settings
2. Toggle **"Lockdown mode"** or **"Block when disconnected"**
3. Even when disconnected, all traffic will be blocked until you reconnect

This is useful if you want to ensure you can never access the internet without VPN protection.

## Using the command-line interface (Desktop only)

On desktop platforms, you can also control Mullvad VPN using the CLI:

### Check status

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

### Connect to the VPN

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

### Disconnect from the VPN

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

### Set a specific location

```bash theme={null}
# Connect to a country
mullvad relay set location se  # Sweden

# Connect to a city
mullvad relay set location us nyc  # New York City, USA

# Connect to a specific server
mullvad relay set location se got se-got-wg-001
```

### Enable auto-connect

```bash theme={null}
mullvad auto-connect set on
```

### View all available commands

```bash theme={null}
mullvad --help
```

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can't connect to VPN">
    1. Check that you have time remaining on your account
    2. Verify your internet connection is working
    3. Try a different server location
    4. On desktop, restart the mullvad-daemon service:
       * **Windows**: `sc.exe stop mullvadvpn && sc.exe start mullvadvpn`
       * **macOS/Linux**: `sudo systemctl restart mullvad-daemon`
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Slow connection speeds">
    1. Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location
    2. Disable WireGuard multihop if enabled
    3. Check if DAITA is enabled - it adds privacy but may reduce speed
    4. Try switching between UDP and TCP protocols
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't access local network devices">
    Make sure **"Local network sharing"** or **"Allow LAN"** is enabled in Settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Tray icon not showing (Linux)">
    Install the AppIndicator extension for GNOME:

    ```bash theme={null}
    sudo apt install libappindicator3-1
    ```

    Or install via [GNOME Extensions](https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/615/appindicator-support/).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="VPN permission denied (Android/iOS)">
    1. Go to your device Settings
    2. Navigate to VPN settings
    3. Ensure Mullvad VPN has permission to create VPN connections
    4. On Android, enable "Block connections without VPN" for additional security
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

Now that you're connected, explore advanced features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Security features" icon="shield" href="/essentials/security">
    Learn about quantum-resistant tunnels, DAITA, and kill switch
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced settings" icon="sliders" href="/essentials/settings">
    Configure multihop, custom DNS, and split tunneling
  </Card>

  <Card title="API reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference">
    Integrate with the management interface
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/essentials/troubleshooting">
    Solve common issues and optimize performance
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting help

If you need assistance:

* **Support**: Email [support@mullvadvpn.net](mailto:support@mullvadvpn.net)
* **Guides**: Visit [mullvad.net/help](https://mullvad.net/help/)
* **Source code**: [github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app](https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app)
* **Security issues**: See [SECURITY.md](https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/blob/main/SECURITY.md)