Mullvad is a Sweden-based VPN provider with a focus on privacy and anonymity. Setting it up varies depending on your platform. This guide covers the installation process for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire Stick, and routers.
Windows
Download the official Mullvad desktop client from mullvad.net. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Once installed, open the application and enter your Mullvad account number — the service uses account numbers rather than email addresses to reduce identifying information. Select a server location and click Connect. The Windows client supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, which can be switched in the settings menu.
Mac
The process on macOS mirrors Windows closely. Download the macOS installer from the Mullvad website and open the .pkg file to begin installation. You may be prompted to allow a system extension during setup, which is required for the VPN to function. After granting permissions, log in with your account number and connect to a server. The Mac client also supports WireGuard and OpenVPN.
iOS
Install the Mullvad VPN app directly from the Apple App Store. Open the app and enter your account number to log in. iOS users can select between WireGuard and OpenVPN under the VPN settings. The app includes a kill switch option, though on iOS this is implemented through the built-in VPN configuration profile, so its behavior differs slightly from the desktop versions.
Android
The Mullvad Android app is available on both the Google Play Store and as a direct APK download from the Mullvad website, which is useful for users who prefer not to use Google services. After installing, log in with your account number. The Android app supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, and includes a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
Linux
Mullvad provides a dedicated Linux client with command-line and graphical interface options, supporting Debian and RPM-based distributions. Download the appropriate package from the Mullvad website and install it using your package manager. For Debian-based systems, this typically involves running a .deb file. Once installed, log in via the GUI or terminal and configure your preferred protocol. Mullvad's Linux support is notably more complete than many other providers, including a functional kill switch.
Fire Stick
Mullvad does not have a native Fire TV or Fire Stick app. To use Mullvad on a Fire Stick, you need to sideload the Android APK. Enable apps from unknown sources in the Fire Stick developer settings, then use a file manager or the Downloader app to download and install the Mullvad APK from the official website. This method works but is not officially supported, and functionality may be limited compared to native Android devices.
Router
Installing Mullvad at the router level protects all devices on your network simultaneously. Mullvad supports OpenVPN and WireGuard configurations for compatible routers. From the Mullvad website, you can generate configuration files specific to your chosen server and protocol. These files are then imported into your router's VPN client — the exact steps depend on your router's firmware, such as DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato. Routers running standard manufacturer firmware may not support VPN client configuration at all. Once configured, every device connected to that router routes traffic through Mullvad without needing individual app installations.
General Notes
Across all platforms, Mullvad does not require an email address or personal information to create an account. An account number is generated automatically and used for all logins. The provider's jurisdiction in Sweden means it operates under Swedish and EU law, which is worth considering when evaluating its privacy implications. Mullvad's overall score on this site is 63%, reflecting a combination of its privacy-focused design and limitations in areas such as streaming performance and server network size.