With an extensive range of advanced features, Proton VPN enables both newcomers and advanced users to fortify their privacy, work around online barriers, and tailor their web usage. Using these options can optimize online safety and make internet browsing more efficient.
Use Split Tunneling and Browser Extensions to Manage Your Data Flow
Split tunneling stands out as one of Proton VPN’s most flexible options, letting you choose which IP addresses or applications run their internet traffic through the VPN tunnel. Configuration happens directly via the Proton VPN app, at the device level: you might safeguard sensitive activities like online banking, and let less critical programs—such as some browsers for gaming—use your regular internet, preserving speed. You can use Include mode for tunneling only chosen apps, or Exclude mode to omit certain ones from VPN protection while everything else is covered.
Additionally, Proton VPN supplies a secure browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. With just a free Proton account, you can use this extension to apply split tunneling per domain—only specified websites pass through the VPN, keeping the majority of your browsing exceptionally fast while key domains remain protected.
Leverage Profiles and Protocols for Seamless Access
Create dedicated connection profiles with Proton VPN for specific needs such as unlocking streaming content. You simply decide on your settings—including server location, preferred protocol, and other options—and save them under the Profiles tab. Your saved and recent profiles will also be visible on the Home screen’s Recents area, enabling you to activate them instantly when needed. This makes toggling between frequent configurations straightforward, saving you the hassle of manual setup each time.
By creating profiles, you can also take advantage of regional pricing for travel bookings, like flights and hotels, by selecting servers in different countries or regions. For the best chance of getting unbiased rates, combine Proton VPN with incognito browser mode, since the VPN hides your real IP address whereas incognito mode only deletes cookies and browsing history.
Maintain Protection and Access: LAN, Stealth, and Kill Switch Features
To support efficient local networking, Proton VPN’s LAN (local area network) setting allows devices on your home network—like media servers and printers—to interact directly without routing their traffic through the VPN. This preserves seamless in-home connectivity while external internet activities remain encrypted. This capability is restricted to paid plans and can be toggled under Settings > Connection, though exact steps change by app.
The custom Stealth protocol helps keep connections open in restricted environments, disguising VPN data as ordinary HTTPS web activity to avoid detection by workplace firewalls or government censorship. Choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, or Stealth through settings, or keep Smart Protocol on to let the app choose automatically and switch if connections are blocked or dropout occurs.
Public wifi networks are often susceptible to attacks, so Proton VPN’s kill switch is an important safeguard that stops all connectivity the moment VPN coverage drops, ensuring there are no unprotected leaks. Advanced configurations in Windows, Linux GUI, iOS, and iPadOS can block all non-VPN activity until a safe tunnel is restored. How you apply the kill switch varies based on your device, and keep in mind that kill switch and split tunneling cannot be run together.
Customize Security and Automation Settings
The integrated NetShield ad blocker, available to paying customers, shields against ads, trackers, malware, and blocks adult content on Windows. Whenever you visit a domain, NetShield compares it against its internal lists and blocks harmful or unwanted content. For sites where full filtering disrupts functionality, you can opt to block malware only — more on this can be found in Proton’s support explanation. NetShield controls live on the Home screen or its dedicated tab in the app.
If your connection to Proton is ever disrupted by an ISP, government, or local administrator, the alternative routing feature automatically reroutes traffic through reputable third-party infrastructure like Cloudflare, Google, or AWS, keeping your data out of reach but potentially exposing your IP address as a trade-off. This setting may be disabled for those prioritizing privacy over access, and further clarification is provided in Proton’s own in-depth writeup.
Automate and Personalize Your Security
For enhanced convenience, Proton VPN supports Shortcuts automation on iOS, letting users connect the VPN when joining specific networks or upon arriving at designated locations. Siri voice commands are also supported. Comprehensive steps for setup are outlined in Proton’s official Shortcuts guide. While Android doesn’t feature native automation, you can achieve similar results via third-party applications such as Tasker, or capitalize on fast access through an Android widget directly on your Home screen.
Ultimately, Proton VPN’s advanced configuration and security features offer users powerful ways to remain both protected and efficient online, while ensuring the experience stays user-friendly and quick for day-to-day use.