This guide explains how to install and uninstall the Mullvad VPN app for macOS.
What this guide covers
- Installation requirements
- Download and install the Mullvad app
- Start the Mullvad app
- Troubleshooting
- Uninstalling the Mullvad app
Installation requirements
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer for Mullvad 2022.5.
- If you have an older version of macOS (10.10-10.14) then you can use Tunnelblick instead.
The Mullvad app is Apple Silicon native since version 2021.4 and works on both Intel Macs and M1 Macs.
Download and install the Mullvad app
- Download the latest version of the Mullvad app from the Apps page on our website. Save it in the Downloads folder (not the desktop).
- Open the Downloads folder and double-click on MullvadVPN-xxxx.x.pkg ("xxxx.x" is the version number).
- If you get a message that says "Installer would like to access files in your Downloads folder" then click on OK.
- If you get the message that the installer "cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" then right-click on the installer and select Open.
- After the installation there should be a message that says "Background Items Added - Software from Amagicom AB added items that can run in the background. You can manage this in Login Items Settings". See the Troubleshooting section below if you do not see this message in macOS Ventura.
Start the Mullvad app
Launch the Mullvad app from the Launchpad, or find it in the Applications folder.
The first time you start the app, a window may pop up. Click on Open to continue.
Once the app starts, you will see an icon of a red padlock in the menu bar. Click on the padlock to display the app's login screen. Enter your Mullvad account number and then click on Secure my connection.
Read more about how to use the Mullvad app in the guide Using the Mullvad VPN app.
Troubleshooting
Prevent other apps from setting the DNS
The Mullvad app needs to set the system DNS to prevent DNS leaks. If there is a conflicting app that also sets the DNS then Mullvad will block the Internet and show the message Unable to set system DNS server. If this happens try the following.
- Turn off "Calls from iPhone" in the FaceTime app preferences, and restart the computer.
- Uninstall any app that sets the DNS, for example the following:
- Tailscale
- Cloudflare Warp
- Adguard
- NextDNS
- Freedom.to
- Ubiquiti software
Connecting to Mullvad system service (macOS 13 Ventura)
Open the System Settings app and go to General > Login items. Under "Allow in the Background" you should find Amagicom. Make sure that is enabled.
If it doesn't help then open the Terminal app and run this command:
sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/net.mullvad.daemon.plist
If it asks for a password then use your Mac login password (it will not show the password as you type it).
Unable to use the Internet after disconnecting Mullvad?
- Make sure that you have not enabled Lockdown mode in the Mullvad app settings.
- Try to turn off and on your Wi-Fi, or unplug and plug in your network cable.
- Go to the macOS System Preferences > Network and click on your active connection to the left. Then click on Advanced... and then the DNS tab. Click on the plus to add a new DNS server (for example 1.1.1.1 or 9.9.9.9).
Uninstalling the Mullvad app
You can uninstall the app in two different ways.
Uninstall option 1
To uninstall the Mullvad app and also remove the local log files, cache and settings do the following.
- Make sure that you have written down your Mullvad account number.
- Open the Terminal app and run the following command:
/Applications/Mullvad\ VPN.app/Contents/Resources/uninstall.sh - If it asks for a password then use your login password (it will not show the password as you type it).
Uninstall option 2
This option only uninstalls the app. The local log files, cache, and settings will remain on your device.
- Open the macOS Applications folder.
- Find the Mullvad VPN app and drag it to the trash.
- Lastly, choose Finder > Empty Trash.