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This guide will help you set up and connect to SlipStream VPN in just a few minutes.
Before starting, ensure you have:
  • Installed SlipStream GUI (see Installation guide)
  • A SlipStream server running (or access to one)
  • Your server’s domain name

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Quick Setup

1

Download and Install

If you haven’t already, download and install SlipStream GUI for your platform:
  • macOS: Download the appropriate DMG (ARM64 for Apple Silicon, Intel for older Macs)
  • Windows: Download the installer (x64 for 64-bit, x86 for 32-bit) or portable version
  • Linux: Download the AppImage (universal) or DEB package (Debian/Ubuntu)
See the Installation guide for detailed instructions.
On macOS, if you see a “damaged” error, run this command in Terminal:
xattr -cr /Applications/SlipStream\ GUI.app
2

Launch and Configure

Launch SlipStream GUI and configure your connection settings:

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Configure Server Domain

  1. In the main window, locate the Domain field
  2. Replace the default s.example.com with your SlipStream server domain
  3. Example: vpn.yourdomain.com

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Configure DNS Resolver

  1. Locate the DNS Resolver field
  2. Enter your DNS server address with port
  3. Default: 8.8.8.8:53 (Google DNS)
  4. If using your own server, use: YOUR_SERVER_IP:53
  1. Toggle “Configure System Proxy” to ON
  2. This automatically routes all system traffic through the VPN
  3. On Windows, you may be prompted for Administrator access
  4. On macOS, you may need to enter your password
The System Proxy toggle ensures all applications on your system use the VPN connection automatically. Leave it enabled unless you want to manually configure individual apps.

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Optional: Configure Proxy Bypass List

To exclude specific domains from the VPN (split tunneling):
  1. Click “Proxy Bypass List” (if available)
  2. Add domains or IP addresses, one per line: 
    *.google.com
192.168.1.0/24
localhost
  3. These addresses will bypass the proxy and use your direct connection
3

Use DNS Checker (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re unsure which DNS server to use, SlipStream GUI includes a built-in DNS checker:

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How to Use DNS Checker

  1. Click the “DNS Checker” button in the main window
  2. Enter a test domain:
    • Example: google.com
    • This domain will be used to test DNS resolution
  3. Enter DNS server IPs to test:
    • You can paste a large list (up to 100 servers)
    • Each IP should be on a separate line
    • Common public DNS servers: 
      8.8.8.8
1.1.1.1
208.67.222.222
  4. Run the test:
    • The checker tests all servers in parallel
    • Results are categorized as OK or Failed
  5. Apply a working DNS server:
    • Click “Use” on any row marked OK
    • The app will automatically set your DNS Resolver
    • Port 53 is automatically added
The DNS Checker tests up to 100 servers concurrently, making it fast even with large lists.
4

Start VPN

Once your settings are configured:
  1. Click the “Start VPN” button in the main window
  2. Wait for connection:
    • Watch the status indicators change
    • Both should show “Running” when connected:
      • SlipStream Client: Running
      • HTTP Proxy: Running
  3. Monitor the connection:
    • Check the Status Panel for real-time connection status
    • The Logs Panel shows connection activity
The connection typically takes 5-10 seconds to establish. If it takes longer, check the logs for error messages.

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Understanding the Status Indicators

  • SlipStream Client (Port 5201): The SOCKS5 proxy that connects to your server
  • HTTP Proxy (Port 8080): The local HTTP proxy that routes your traffic
Both must show “Running” for the VPN to work correctly.
5

Test Connection

Verify that your VPN connection is working:

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Using Built-in Connection Tester

  1. Click “Test Proxy Connection” button
  2. The app will verify the proxy is working
  3. Check the logs for test results

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Manual Testing

  1. Check your IP address:
    • Visit whatismyip.com
    • Your IP should match your VPN server’s location
  2. Test a website:
    • Open any website in your browser
    • It should load through the VPN
  3. Check the logs:
    • Enable “Verbose Logging” for detailed information
    • Watch for successful connection messages
If websites aren’t loading:
  • Check that both status indicators show “Running”
  • Verify your server domain is correct
  • Check the logs for error messages
  • Try the connection tester

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Enable Verbose Logging

For detailed troubleshooting information:
  1. Toggle “Verbose Logging” to ON
  2. Watch the logs panel for detailed connection information
  3. Look for error messages or connection issues

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Sharing VPN with Mobile Devices

You can share your PC’s VPN connection with mobile devices on the same Wi-Fi network:

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Prerequisites

  • PC and mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi network
  • SlipStream GUI must be running with VPN started
  • Firewall must allow incoming connections on port 8080

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Find Your PC’s IP Address

macOS/Linux: 
ifconfig | grep "inet " | grep -v 127.0.0.1
Windows: 
ipconfig
Look for an address like 192.168.1.XXX or 10.0.0.XXX.

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Configure iOS Device

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi
  2. Tap (i) next to your connected network
  3. Scroll to “HTTP Proxy” section
  4. Select “Manual”
  5. Enter your PC’s IP in “Server” (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  6. Enter “8080” in “Port”
  7. Tap “Save”

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Configure Android Device

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi
  2. Long-press your connected network
  3. Select “Modify network” or “Network details”
  4. Tap “Advanced options”
  5. Under “Proxy”, select “Manual”
  6. Enter your PC’s IP in “Proxy hostname” (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
  7. Enter “8080” in “Proxy port”
  8. Tap “Save”
Your mobile device will now route all traffic through your PC’s VPN connection using the HTTP proxy on port 8080.

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Setting Up a SlipStream Server

If you don’t have a SlipStream server yet, you can deploy your own using the slipstream-rust-deploy tool:

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Quick Server Setup

bash <(curl -Ls https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AliRezaBeigy/slipstream-rust-deploy/master/slipstream-rust-deploy.sh)

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What You’ll Need

  • A Linux server (Fedora, Rocky, CentOS, Debian, or Ubuntu)
  • A domain name with DNS access
  • Root or sudo access on the server

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After Server Setup

  1. Configure your DNS records (follow the deployment guide)
  2. Wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours)
  3. In SlipStream GUI, enter your server domain
  4. Enter your DNS resolver (e.g., YOUR_SERVER_IP:53)
  5. Click “Start VPN” to connect
For detailed instructions, visit slipstream-rust-deploy.

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Troubleshooting

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VPN Won’t Start

  • Check ports: Ensure ports 8080 and 5201 are not in use
  • Verify settings: Check your DNS resolver and domain settings
  • Check logs: Look for error messages in the logs panel
  • Windows: Try running as Administrator

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System Proxy Not Working

  • Ensure “Configure System Proxy” toggle is enabled
  • On macOS, you may be prompted for administrator password
  • On Windows, run the app as Administrator
  • Some apps may bypass system proxy (configure them manually)

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Connection Issues

  • Use the “Test Proxy Connection” button
  • Enable “Verbose Logging” for detailed information
  • Verify your SlipStream server is running
  • Check that your server domain is correct
  • Try using the DNS Checker to find a working DNS server

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Next Steps

Now that you’re connected, explore more features:
  • Proxy Bypass List: Configure split tunneling for specific domains
  • DNS Checker: Test and find the best DNS servers
  • Verbose Logging: Enable detailed logging for troubleshooting
  • Mobile Sharing: Share your VPN with mobile devices on the same network
For technical details about how SlipStream GUI works, see the Architecture documentation.

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