How to Enable WireGuard on ProtonVPN

You can use WireGuard on ProtonVPN on Android, iOS, and Windows. Here's how to enable it on your device.

ProtonVPN, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) app from the team behind the encrypted email provider ProtonMail, offers servers worldwide with fast connection speeds and a range of privacy-focused features. In addition to these, the VPN app can automatically switch between IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard VPN protocols.

While you could let the app determine the best connection and protocol, WireGuard is a relatively new, lightweight, and efficient protocol that improves your browsing experience. Fortunately, the developers have given you a way to switch between VPN protocols manually.

Here's how to enable WireGuard on ProtonVPN on Android, iOS, and Windows. This feature is not currently available on macOS or Linux.

How to Enable WireGuard on ProtonVPN on Android and iOS

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1. Open the ProtonVPN app.
2. Disconnect from any active VPN connections.
3. Tap Settings on the app's navigation at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap the toggle button to disable Smart Protocol.
5. Underneath Smart Protocol, tap the Protocol box.
6. Select WireGuard (beta). This places a tick next to your selection.
7. Use the Quick Connect button to start a VPN connection with WireGuard. Alternatively, use the Map or Countries view to select a server manually.

How to Enable WireGuard on ProtonVPN on Windows

1. Open the ProtonVPN app.
2. Disconnect from any active VPN connections.
3. Click the menu icon on the top left of the window and select Settings.
4. Open the Connection tab. The Default Protocol will be set to Smart as standard.
5. Click the dropdown box and select WireGuard (beta).
6. Close the Settings dialogue.
7. Use the Quick Connect button to start a VPN connection with WireGuard. Alternatively, use the Map or Countries view to select a server manually.

If you want the app to decide the best protocol for your connection, head back into the settings and toggle Smart Protocol back on.

Why You Should Choose ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the first mainstream VPN providers to enable WireGuard (even if it is technically in beta). It's reasons like this that make ProtonVPN one of the best VPN services around.

You can try ProtonVPN for free!

If you haven't come across WireGuard before, it's worth familiarizing yourself with how this protocol differs from the established long-serving options like OpenVPN or IKEv2.

About The Author

James Frew (294 Articles Published)

James is MakeUseOf's Buyer's Guides Editor and a freelance writer making technology accessible and safe for everyone. Keen interest in sustainability, travel, music, and mental health. BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Surrey. Also found at PoTS Jots writing about chronic illness.

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