VPN
How to Completely Uninstall Proton VPN on Mac
To remove Proton VPN, quit the app and drag it to the Trash. This process removes the application but leaves behind system configurations and stored data.
Remove Proton VPN and everything it leaves behind
Proton VPN data usually takes 100 MB – 1 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.
Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+
OptiClear is a Mac app. Copy this page's link and open it on your Mac.
Email me the link- Application
- Proton VPN
- Typical data size
- 100 MB – 1 GB
- Category
- VPN
- File Location
~/Library/Application Support/ProtonVPN
Manual cleanup steps
Finds every Proton VPN file in one free scan, shows the sizes and moves only what you pick to the Trash.
Scan your Mac freeAbout 5 minutes: find and remove 1 folders one by one.
Show the manual steps
- Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
- Move Proton VPN from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Remove the folders Proton VPN left behind, listed in the table below.
- Empty the Trash to free up the space.
Everything Proton VPN keeps on your Mac
1 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.
Locations are the standard macOS folders Proton VPN uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.
What Proton VPN leaves behind
Specific to Proton VPN
Dragging the app to the Trash does not delete associated folders, including those holding settings, logs, and cache. These remaining files typically occupy 100 MB – 1 GB. Additionally, the VPN configuration and network extension stay registered in macOS. You must manually empty the Trash to permanently remove the binary.
- Background items
- The app adds a VPN configuration and network extension to macOS that stay registered until the app is removed.
- Account and sync
- Proton VPN uses your Proton account, which is shared with other Proton services and stays active after removing the app.
Preparing to uninstall Proton VPN
Before removal, ensure all active connections are closed to prevent connectivity issues. Since the app shares a login with other Proton services, your account remains active after the software is gone. To find hidden support files, use Finder > Go > Go to Folder and navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/ProtonVPN.
0 of 4 done
By hand or with OptiClear
| By hand | With OptiClear | |
|---|---|---|
| File sizes | You look them up yourself | Shown for every item |
| Removing the wrong thing | Easy to delete the wrong folder | Goes to the Trash first, so it can be restored |
| Cost | Free | Scan is free; cleaning needs Pro (yearly plan has a 7-day free trial) |
See it working
Try it without risk
- Download and scan for freeSee every Proton VPN file and its size. No account needed.
- Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
- Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.