Introduction
Whether you’re traveling from Berlin to Boston, moving a corporate laptop across borders, or simply tidying up your macOS utilities, knowing how to ProtonVPN uninstall Mac is an essential skill. Many users discover that a lingering VPN client can interfere with new network policies, cause unexpected DNS leaks, or simply waste disk space.
In this guide we’ll walk you through the most reliable way to ProtonVPN uninstall Mac, covering both the graphical interface and the terminal‑based approach. By the end, you’ll also be comfortable with the related process to remove ProtonVPN from Mac without leaving residual files.
Our instructions are written with a global audience in mind: from the privacy‑focused streets of Amsterdam to the corporate campuses of Silicon Valley. No matter where you are, the steps remain the same, but we’ll sprinkle a few GEO‑context examples to illustrate real‑world scenarios where a clean VPN uninstall can improve performance and compliance.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Close ProtonVPN and Verify No Background Processes
Before you begin, make sure ProtonVPN is not running. Click the ProtonVPN icon in the menu bar, select “Quit,” and then open Activity Monitor (found in /Applications/Utilities) to confirm that no ProtonVPN processes remain. If you see any lingering protonvpn entries, select them and click the “X” button to force quit.
Ensuring the app is fully closed is the first step to a clean ProtonVPN uninstall Mac experience.
2. Drag the Application to the Trash
Open the Applications folder, locate the ProtonVPN.app, and drag it to the Trash. macOS will prompt you for your administrator password if required. This action removes the primary bundle, but additional configuration files remain hidden in system folders.
For users in the EU, especially those subject to GDPR, it’s wise to also delete any stored logs that could contain personal data.
3. Remove Supporting Files via Terminal
Open Terminal (again in /Applications/Utilities) and execute the following commands one by one. Each command targets a specific directory where ProtonVPN stores support files.
sudo rm -rf /Library/Application\ Support/ProtonVPN sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/ProtonVPN sudo rm -rf /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.protonvpn.*.plist sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.protonvpn.*.plist sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/com.protonvpn.*
Enter your password when prompted. These commands ensure that the remove ProtonVPN from Mac process is thorough, leaving no orphaned files that could affect future network configurations.
4. Clean Up Network Extensions
ProtonVPN installs a network extension (a.k.a. kernel extension) that must be deregistered. Run the following command:
sudo networksetup -removeprefix "ProtonVPN" -listallnetworkservices
If the extension still appears, you can manually delete it:
sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/ProtonVPN.kext
After completing this step, the system will no longer recognize ProtonVPN as a network interface, finalizing the ProtonVPN uninstall Mac process.
5. Reset DNS Settings (Optional but Recommended)
Some VPNs alter DNS settings to prevent leaks. To revert to the default macOS DNS configuration, go to System Settings > Network, select your active network (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet), click “Advanced,” then the “DNS” tab, and remove any custom DNS servers added by ProtonVPN.
In regions with strict internet regulations, such as certain Asian jurisdictions, resetting DNS can avoid unintended routing through foreign servers.
6. Verify the Removal
Re‑open Terminal and type:
kextstat | grep -i protonvpn
If no output appears, the kernel extension has been successfully removed. Additionally, you can search for leftover files:
sudo find / -name "protonvpn" 2>/dev/null
Any remaining paths can be safely deleted with sudo rm -rf. At this stage, you have fully remove ProtonVPN from Mac.
Tips for a Seamless Uninstall
Backup Before You Delete – If you think you might reinstall ProtonVPN later, copy the ~/Library/Application Support/ProtonVPN folder to an external drive. This saves custom server lists and login credentials.
Use a Dedicated Uninstaller Tool – macOS utilities like Cloudflare’s learning resources recommend third‑party uninstallers (e.g., AppCleaner) for users who prefer a graphical approach. These tools automatically locate hidden files, reducing the risk of manual errors.
Check System Integrity – After removal, run sudo spctl --status to ensure that Gatekeeper remains enabled. A disabled Gatekeeper can expose you to unverified applications, especially after altering system extensions.
Geographical Considerations – If you are based in a country with heavy internet censorship (e.g., certain Middle Eastern nations), double‑check that no residual VPN routes persist, as they could be flagged by local ISPs.
Alternative Methods
While the manual steps above are the most thorough, there are alternative ways to ProtonVPN uninstall Mac that might suit different skill levels.
Method A: Using the Built‑In Uninstaller (If Available)
Some ProtonVPN releases ship with an uninstaller script located at /Applications/ProtonVPN.app/Contents/Resources/uninstall.command. To run it:
- Open Terminal.
- Navigate to the script location:
cd /Applications/ProtonVPN.app/Contents/Resources/ - Execute:
sudo ./uninstall.command
This script automates steps 3‑5, making the process quicker for beginners.
Method B: Using Homebrew (If Installed via Brew)
If you originally installed ProtonVPN via Homebrew Cask, the removal is a single command:
brew uninstall --cask protonvpn
Homebrew will also clean up related files, though you may still want to verify that the network extension has been deregistered.
Method C: Using an Uninstall Utility
Apps like EFF’s privacy tools recommend utilities such as AppCleaner or CleanMyMac X. Drag the ProtonVPN app into the utility’s window, and it will scan for associated files. Remember to double‑check the results to ensure no .kext files remain.
Method D: Reinstall Then Uninstall
Paradoxically, reinstalling the latest version of ProtonVPN and then following the official uninstaller can resolve stubborn leftovers from older versions. This is especially helpful for users on macOS Monterey or Ventura, where system permissions have tightened.
Further Reading and Related Resources
For a deeper dive into macOS VPN management, consider the following articles (each link appears only once as required):
Conclusion
Mastering the art of ProtonVPN uninstall Mac empowers you to maintain a lean, secure macOS environment, whether you’re in a bustling New York office, a quiet suburb of Tokyo, or a remote cabin in the Canadian Rockies. By following the systematic steps outlined above, you ensure that every trace of ProtonVPN—application bundle, support files, network extensions, and DNS tweaks—has been removed.
Remember, the related keyword remove ProtonVPN from Mac appears not only as a technical instruction but also as a best‑practice habit for privacy‑conscious users worldwide. Regularly auditing your installed VPNs and network settings helps you stay compliant with local regulations—be it GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, or emerging data‑sovereignty laws in Australia.
Should you need to reinstall or switch to another VPN provider, the clean slate you’ve created will minimize conflicts and ensure optimal performance. Keep this guide bookmarked, share it with colleagues across different time zones, and enjoy a faster, more reliable internet experience—free from unwanted VPN remnants.
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