VPN extensions

VPN extensions from the Chrome Web Store, like Proton VPN, work in the Browser. Install one from the store, sign in, and connect from its popup.

A VPN extension takes a moment to connect each time the Browser starts. Without help, tabs that load in that moment either skip the VPN or fail. The Browser handles this for you.

At launch

If a VPN extension connected while you last started the Browser, your tabs wait for it before they load. While they wait, a tab shows Connecting to and the VPN's name, with how long it's been. Most of the time the VPN connects before that page has a chance to appear.

• The wait lasts at most 10 seconds. If the VPN wasn't routing traffic last time, it's 2 seconds.
• Load without VPN stops waiting and loads every tab now, without the VPN.

When the VPN reconnects

If the VPN drops and reconnects while you browse, pages that fail in the meantime show Waiting for and the VPN's name instead of an error. Try again (⌘CtrlR) reloads. There's no way to skip this one, since the extension itself is holding traffic back until it's connected again. After 15 seconds the page suggests opening the extension to check it's signed in and connected.

Once the VPN is connected, every tab that was waiting reloads on its own.

When the VPN's server can't be reached

Some networks block VPN servers. The extension then thinks it's connected, but every page times out. When that happens, the Browser checks whether the VPN's server answers. If it doesn't, the page says Can't reach your VPN's server and names the extension, rather than blaming the site. Try another network, or turn the VPN off.

Incognito windows

A VPN extension covers incognito windows only while Run extensions in incognito is on in Settings → Privacy and security → Incognito. It's on by default. The wait at launch covers your normal windows only.

Secure DNS

While a VPN extension routes your traffic, it looks site names up itself, so the Browser's secure DNS doesn't apply to that traffic.