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Creating a Proton VPN account is the first step toward using Proton VPN on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other supported device. Proton provides a free VPN plan, so users can create an account without immediately purchasing a paid subscription.
A Proton VPN account is part of the broader Proton Account system. This means that the same Proton Account can be used for Proton VPN and other Proton services, including Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and other products.
You can create your account through the Proton VPN website or through the account creation process provided by the Proton VPN application. After completing registration, you can download the appropriate Proton VPN application, sign in, and connect to an available VPN server.
This guide explains how to create a Proton VPN account, what information you need, how to choose a password, how verification works, what to do if registration fails, and how to start using Proton VPN after creating your account.
A Proton VPN account is a Proton Account that gives you access to Proton VPN.
You do not necessarily need a separate account exclusively for VPN use. Proton uses a shared account system across its services.
If you already have a Proton Account because you use Proton Mail, Proton Drive, or Proton Pass, you can use the same account to sign in to Proton VPN.
If you do not have a Proton Account, you can create one and use it for Proton VPN.
This shared account system makes it easier to manage your Proton services because your login credentials and account settings are associated with the same Proton Account.
Before creating your account, decide whether you want to start with the free Proton VPN plan or purchase a paid plan.
Proton offers a free VPN service. The free plan allows users to create an account and start using Proton VPN without immediately subscribing to a paid plan.
You can also upgrade your account later if you need additional features or plan options.
For most people who are trying Proton VPN for the first time, starting with the free account can be a simple way to become familiar with the application.
To create a free Proton VPN account, open a trusted web browser.
Go to the official Proton VPN website and select the option to get Proton VPN for free or create an account.
Proton's current support instructions direct users to the Proton VPN free account signup process and explain that selecting the free VPN option takes you to the Proton Account creation page.
Always make sure that you are using the official Proton website when creating an account.
Avoid entering your email address or password into an unfamiliar website claiming to provide Proton VPN registration.
After opening the Proton VPN signup page, select the option to create a Proton Account.
The wording of the button can vary depending on the page, device, or current Proton website design.
You may see an option such as Get Proton VPN Free, Create Account, or a similar signup button.
Selecting the appropriate option takes you to the Proton Account creation process.
During the signup process, Proton may allow you to use an existing email address from another provider.
For example, you may be able to use an email address from a service such as Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or iCloud.
Proton's current account documentation explains that users can create a Proton Account using an external email address. That account can then be used for Proton VPN and several other Proton services.
Using an external email address can be convenient if you do not want to create a Proton Mail address at the same time.
Depending on the signup route you use, Proton may also offer the option to create a Proton Mail address.
Enter the email address you want to associate with your Proton Account.
If Proton asks for a recovery or external email address, use an address that you can access.
This address may be used during the account verification or recovery process.
Check the spelling carefully before continuing.
An incorrect email address can prevent you from receiving a verification message.
The next step is to create a password for your Proton Account.
Choose a strong password that is difficult for other people to guess.
Avoid using simple passwords, common words, predictable patterns, or passwords that you already use on unrelated websites.
Proton may offer a password generator during the signup process. You can accept the generated password or create your own password.
If you create your own password, consider using a long combination of words, numbers, and symbols.
A password manager can also help you generate and securely store a strong password.
After entering your account information, Proton may require human verification.
Depending on the signup process and circumstances, Proton may offer verification through CAPTCHA, email, or SMS.
The purpose of this verification is to help prevent automated abuse and fake account creation.
If Proton sends a verification code to your email address, open your email inbox and locate the verification message.
Check your spam or junk folder if you cannot find it.
Enter the verification code on the Proton signup page.
Proton explains that available verification methods can vary and may depend on factors associated with the signup attempt.
Some users may see a CAPTCHA challenge instead of, or in addition to, another verification method.
Complete the CAPTCHA according to the instructions shown on the screen.
If the CAPTCHA does not work correctly, Proton recommends trying another available verification method when one is offered.
You can also try another browser or device if the signup page is not functioning properly.
Do not repeatedly refresh or close important verification screens if Proton warns that doing so could invalidate the verification process.
After successful verification, Proton may guide you through additional account setup steps.
Depending on the account-creation method, you may be asked to create or confirm a display name.
Follow the on-screen instructions until the account creation process is complete.
Proton's current account creation guidance also recommends downloading an Account Recovery Kit and storing it somewhere safe. Proton explains that its encryption architecture means it cannot recover an account for you if you forget your password without an appropriate recovery method.
Account recovery is an important part of setting up a Proton Account.
When Proton provides an Account Recovery Kit, download it and store it somewhere secure.
Do not publicly share your recovery information.
Do not store recovery information in an easily accessible location where someone else could obtain it.
Having a recovery method available can make it easier to regain access to your account if you forget your password or lose access to another recovery method.
Once the signup process is completed, you have a Proton Account that can be used with Proton VPN.
If you created the account through the Proton VPN signup process, Proton may take you directly to a page where you can download the appropriate VPN application.
Proton's current free-account instructions state that after completing signup, users are automatically taken to the Downloads page where they can download the Proton VPN client for their platform.
Choose the application appropriate for your device.
Proton provides applications for major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and iPadOS.
After creating your account, download the official Proton VPN application for your device.
Windows users can download the Windows application.
Mac users can download the macOS application.
Android users can download the Android application.
iPhone and iPad users can download the iOS or iPadOS application.
Linux users can use the official Linux application options.
Using the official application helps ensure that you have the current Proton VPN software designed for your platform.
After installing the application, open Proton VPN.
Select Sign in.
Enter the username or email address and password associated with the Proton Account you just created.
If you created the account using an external email address rather than a Proton Mail address, Proton says that you should enter the full external email address in the username field when signing in.
After authentication, the Proton VPN application should display its main connection interface.
Once you are signed in, you can connect to Proton VPN.
The exact interface depends on the operating system and application version.
You can generally use the main connection option or Quick Connect to establish a VPN connection.
Proton's current app documentation explains that the free plan can automatically connect users to an available free server appropriate for their location.
After the connection is established, the application should display the connected status.
You can also begin account creation directly from supported Proton VPN applications.
Open the Proton VPN application.
If you do not already have an account, select Create Account or the equivalent signup option.
Follow the account creation instructions displayed by the application.
Enter your required account information, create your password, and complete any verification requested by Proton.
After registration, return to the application and sign in.
On Android and iOS, Proton's current documentation provides a Create Account option directly within the application.
Some Proton VPN applications provide limited guest functionality.
For example, Proton's current Android and iOS documentation describes a guest mode that allows users to access free features without signing in to an account.
However, creating a Proton Account is useful if you want to manage your VPN service through a normal account and access account-specific features.
If you plan to use Proton VPN regularly across devices, having an account also makes it easier to sign in to the official applications.
If the signup page does not load correctly, first check your internet connection.
Try opening another website.
If other websites work normally, refresh the Proton signup page.
You can also try another browser.
Proton's troubleshooting documentation recommends trying a different browser or device when account creation is not working correctly.
Make sure JavaScript, cookies, and session storage are enabled if you are creating the account through a web browser.
Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with signup pages, so you can also try private or incognito browsing.
If Proton asks you to complete human verification and you cannot proceed, carefully follow the verification instructions.
If a CAPTCHA does not work, Proton recommends trying another available verification method such as email or SMS when offered.
If verification options do not appear or continue to fail, Proton recommends contacting its support team.
Avoid repeatedly creating new accounts simply because one verification attempt fails.
If Proton sends a verification code to your email but you do not receive it, wait briefly and check your spam or junk folder.
Make sure that you entered the correct email address.
If necessary, request another verification message through the signup page.
You should also verify that your email provider is functioning normally and that your mailbox is not full.
If the problem continues, try another supported signup method when Proton provides one.
If Proton tells you that an account already exists with the information you entered, you may already have a Proton Account.
Instead of creating another account, try signing in using your existing Proton credentials.
Remember that a Proton Account is shared across Proton services.
If you previously created an account for Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, or another Proton product, you can generally use that same account for Proton VPN.
If you completed account creation but later cannot remember the password, use Proton's account recovery process.
Do not create another account simply because you forgot the password to the first one.
Use the recovery methods associated with your Proton Account.
Proton emphasizes the importance of setting up and securely storing account recovery information because Proton does not have access to your account password.
After creating your Proton Account, you can use it to sign in to supported Proton VPN applications on your devices.
For example, you may use the same account on a Windows computer and a mobile device.
The exact number of simultaneous connections depends on the Proton VPN plan associated with your account.
The free plan has its own usage limitations, while paid plans provide additional capabilities.
Always check Proton's current plan information when you need the latest details about device and connection limits.
You do not have to choose a paid Proton VPN plan during the initial account creation process.
You can start with the free plan and upgrade later if you decide that you need additional features.
After creating the free account, you can access the account or subscription area and review the available plans.
If you decide to upgrade, follow Proton's current payment and subscription process.
This allows you to become familiar with the VPN before deciding whether you need additional plan features.
After creating your account, take steps to protect it.
Use a unique password.
Do not share your password with other people.
Keep your recovery information in a secure location.
Enable additional account security features available through Proton.
Be cautious of emails or websites asking for your Proton credentials.
Always verify that you are using the official Proton website or official Proton application before entering your account information.
Yes. Proton provides a free VPN plan, allowing users to create an account and use Proton VPN without immediately purchasing a paid subscription.
No. Proton allows users to create a Proton Account using an external email address. That account can be used for Proton VPN.
Yes. Proton uses a shared account system, so an existing Proton Account created for another Proton service can also be used with Proton VPN.
Download the official Proton VPN application for your device, install it, sign in with your Proton Account credentials, and connect to an available VPN server.
Proton uses human verification methods to help prevent automated account creation and abuse. Verification may involve CAPTCHA, email, or SMS depending on the signup process.
Check your internet connection, try another browser or device, make sure browser cookies and JavaScript are enabled, and temporarily check whether browser extensions are interfering with the signup process.
Yes. Proton recommends downloading the Account Recovery Kit and storing it securely so that you have an additional recovery option if you lose access to your password.
Yes. Supported Proton VPN mobile applications provide account-creation options, and you can also create your Proton Account through the web.
Creating a Proton VPN account is a straightforward process. Start by visiting the official Proton VPN website or opening the Proton VPN application and selecting the account-creation option.
Choose whether you want to start with the free VPN service or consider a paid plan later. Provide the requested email information, create a strong password, and complete any human verification Proton requests.
After registration is complete, securely save your recovery information and download the official Proton VPN application for your device. Sign in using the Proton Account credentials you created and establish your first VPN connection.
One important advantage of the Proton account system is that you do not necessarily need a separate account for every Proton product. An existing Proton Account can be used across Proton services, including Proton VPN.
If signup problems occur, check your internet connection, try another browser or device, review browser settings, and follow Proton's current verification and account-recovery guidance. With the account created and the application installed, you can proceed to configure Proton VPN and begin using the service.