VPN, proxy and filters

Proton VPN on Mac: check the VPN and fix connection problems

When Proton VPN connects but a site does not load, check the VPN status, route and app settings before changing them.

Applies to: macOS and the current app version; managed Macs can have organization policies.Checked: 2 November 2026

Symptoms

  • Proton VPN says it is connected, but a site or app does not load.
  • The Mac has no internet after the VPN changes state.

Likely causes

  • Kill switch. Proton says its standard kill switch handles accidental drops. It warns that server changes can briefly expose the address and some Apple DNS requests can bypass the VPN on macOS.
  • DNS. Proton says DNS leak protection is always enabled. Custom DNS is a paid feature under Proton VPN > Settings > Advanced > Custom DNS.
  • IPv6. Proton says its macOS app blocks IPv6 to prevent IPv6 leaks. Its current guide does not list an in-app IPv6 toggle for macOS.
  • Other possible causes. A Wi-Fi sign-in page, DNS failure, another filter or an unavailable service can also interrupt a connection.

How to check

  1. Open Proton VPN and check its connection state and any warning.

  2. Check whether another website works. On public Wi-Fi, complete any required network sign-in.

  3. On a managed Mac, ask your administrator before changing VPN or security settings.

How to fix it

  1. Open Proton VPN and check the Kill switch control in the Countries tab. Read Proton’s macOS limitations before relying on it.

  2. If the connection still fails, follow the provider support guide linked below.

With Kilobat

  1. Health > Where traffic leaves shows whether the default route uses a VPN. A split route does not mean every destination uses it.

  2. With the VPN connected, choose Check for Leaks in Health > Where traffic leaves or Settings > Network.

  3. The test checks DNS resolver paths, IPv6 routing and UDP using STUN. A skipped check is not a pass.

  4. It contacts external services, which see your address. It cannot run a browser WebRTC test or prove every app is private.

  5. Run the same test in Terminal.

    kilobat vpn leaks

Questions

Can Proton VPN’s macOS kill switch reach local devices?

Proton says local devices are unavailable when its kill switch is enabled.

Does a VPN status prove all apps are private?

No. A route or leak test describes the paths checked at that moment. It does not establish privacy for every app.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026.