How to allow LAN connections
Many of our apps have a LAN connections or an Allow LAN connections setting, which is available to everyone with a paid Proton VPN plan.
When this is turned-on (which it is by default), connections to devices on your local area network (LAN) aren’t routed through the VPN tunnel, allowing your device to connect to other devices on your local network, such as your printer, speakers, and media server.
In this article, we look at how to allow (and block) LAN connections on:
If you have a paid Proton VPN account, LAN connections are automatically allowed on our Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV apps, and on our browser extensions.
macOS
Open the Proton VPN app and go to the macOS menu bar → Settings… → Connection → Allow LAN connections and toggle the switch on (or off).
If you’re connected to a VPN server, the connection will need to be restarted to apply the change. Click Continue to do this now.
Android (and Chromebook)
Open the Proton VPN app and go to ⚙ Settings → Connection → Advanced settings → LAN connections and toggle the LAN connections switch on (or off).
On Android, we also support direct device connection. This allows two devices to connect to each other directly via WiFi, without needing a traditional Wi-Fi network (like a router or hotspot) in between. It’s particularly useful for connecting to Smart TVs, Android Auto, printers, and other devices that create their WiFi networks. For maximum security, only turn this setting on when connecting to these devices.
Once LAN connections are allowed, you can select the Allow direct device connections checkbox if you wish.
If you’re connected to a VPN server, the connection will need to be restarted to apply any changes you make. Click Reconnect now to do this now.
iOS and iPadOS
Open the Proton VPN app and go to ⚙ Settings → Connection → Allow LAN connections and toggle the switch on (or off).
If you’re connected to a VPN server, the connection will need to be restarted to apply the change. Click Continue to do this now.
