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Mullvad VPN for Android provides privacy-focused VPN protection using native Android APIs. The app is available on multiple platforms and integrates seamlessly with Android’s VPN Service API.

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System Requirements

  • Minimum Version: Android 8 (API level 26) or newer
  • Architecture: ARM and x86 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Permissions: VPN permission required for tunnel creation

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Download and Installation

The Android app is available from multiple sources:

Google Play

Install from Google Play Store

F-Droid

Open-source app repository

Mullvad Website

Direct APK download

GitHub Releases

Official GitHub releases
When installing from sources other than Google Play, you may need to enable “Install from unknown sources” in Android settings.

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Architecture

The Android app has a unique architecture adapted to Android’s security model:

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VPN Service API

Unlike desktop platforms, Android apps cannot directly access the firewall. Instead, the app uses Android’s VPN Service API:
  • All Traffic Routing: Sets routes 0/0 and ::0/0 to route all traffic through the app
  • Leak Protection: The routing configuration prevents traffic from bypassing the VPN
  • System Integration: Works with Android’s native VPN management
  • Per-App VPN: Android system can designate which apps use the VPN

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System Service

The app bundles the same mullvad-daemon used on desktop:
  • Shared Codebase: Core VPN logic is identical to desktop versions
  • Native Library: Daemon runs as a native library within the app
  • WireGuard: Uses the same WireGuard implementation as desktop
  • API Integration: Communicates with Mullvad API for server lists and account management

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UI Layer

Native Android UI built with Kotlin:
  • Material Design: Follows Android design guidelines
  • Jetpack Compose: Modern Android UI framework
  • Permissions: Handles VPN permission requests
  • Notifications: Connection status in notification area

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Security Features

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VPN Service API Leak Protection

The app uses the VPN Service API to ensure all traffic goes through the VPN: 
Routes configured: 0.0.0.0/0 and ::/0
Exclusions: None (by default)
DNS: Configured to VPN server or custom DNS
The VPN Service API is the only mechanism available to Android apps for routing network traffic. Direct firewall manipulation is not possible without root access.

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Block Connections Without VPN

Android includes a system-level setting that enhances security: Location: Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → Mullvad VPN → ⚙️ → Block connections without VPN Effect:
  • Prevents all traffic when VPN is not active
  • Works at the OS level, independent of the app
  • Recommended for maximum security
Some system traffic is exempt from this blocking (see Exempt Traffic).

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Kill Switch

The app includes an always-on kill switch:
  • Implementation: Via VPN Service API routing
  • States: Active during connecting, disconnecting, and error states
  • Cannot be Disabled: Security is always enforced

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Exempt Traffic

Some Android system traffic bypasses the VPN even with “Block connections without VPN” enabled:
  • Connectivity Checks: DNS lookups and HTTP(S) connections to verify internet access
  • Network Time: NTP traffic for clock synchronization
  • Hotspot Traffic: Traffic to/from hotspot clients
These exemptions are implemented by Android itself and affect all VPN apps. Mullvad has reported these issues to Google: Issue 249990229 and Issue 250529027.

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DNS Leak Protection

DNS queries are protected:
  • Default: DNS queries go to VPN server via tunnel
  • Custom DNS: Can configure custom DNS servers (queries still through tunnel)
  • Content Blocking: Optional blocking of ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level

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Features

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Full WireGuard Support

  • WireGuard Protocol: Modern, fast VPN protocol
  • Multihop: Route through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy
  • Quantum-Resistant: Post-quantum cryptography support
  • Obfuscation:
    • WireGuard over TCP
    • WireGuard over Shadowsocks
    • WireGuard over QUIC
    • Lightweight WireGuard Obfuscation (LWO)
  • DAITA: Defense Against AI-Guided Traffic Analysis

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Split Tunneling

Allow specific apps to bypass the VPN: Configuration:
  1. Open Mullvad VPN app
  2. Navigate to Settings → Split Tunneling
  3. Select apps to exclude from VPN tunnel
Use Cases:
  • Banking apps that block VPN connections
  • Local network services
  • Apps requiring your real IP address
  • Reducing battery usage for non-sensitive apps
Apps excluded from the tunnel will expose your real IP address and location.

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Local Network Sharing

Access devices on your local network: Setting: Enable “Local network sharing” in app settings When Enabled:
  • Access to local IP ranges: 10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16
  • Connect to printers, file shares, and smart home devices
  • Multicast and broadcast traffic on local network

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Always-On VPN

Android system feature for automatic VPN: Configuration: Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → Mullvad VPN → ⚙️ → Always-on VPN Benefits:
  • Automatically connects on device boot
  • Reconnects automatically after network changes
  • Works with “Block connections without VPN” for maximum security

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Auto-Connect

App-level auto-connect setting: Setting: Enable in Mullvad VPN app settings Behavior:
  • Connects automatically when app starts
  • Works with Android’s Always-on VPN
  • Configurable connection preferences

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User Interface

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Main Screen

The main screen shows:
  • Connection Status: Secure/Unsecured/Connecting
  • Server Location: Currently selected or connected server
  • IP Address: Your current public IP (when connected, shows VPN server IP)
  • Connection Time: Duration of current connection
  • Connect/Disconnect Button: Large, easy to tap

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Server Selection

Choose your VPN server:
  • Countries: Browse servers by country
  • Cities: Select specific cities within countries
  • Custom Lists: Create lists of favorite servers
  • Filters: Filter by ownership (Mullvad-owned vs rented)

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Settings

Accessible from the hamburger menu:
  • VPN Settings: Protocol, port, and obfuscation
  • DNS Settings: Custom DNS and content blocking
  • Split Tunneling: App exclusions
  • Advanced: Multihop, quantum-resistant, DAITA
  • Account: Account number, expiry, and logout

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Notifications

The app uses notifications to show status:
  • Persistent Notification: Shows when VPN is active (required by Android)
  • Connection Status: Updates as connection state changes
  • Tap to Open: Tapping notification opens the app
  • Quick Actions: Some Android versions support quick connect/disconnect

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Battery Optimization

For reliable VPN operation:
  1. Disable battery optimization for Mullvad VPN
  2. Navigate to: Settings → Apps → Mullvad VPN → Battery → Unrestricted
  3. This prevents Android from killing the VPN service
Some manufacturers (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi) have aggressive battery management. You may need to whitelist the app in manufacturer-specific battery settings.

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Permissions

The app requires minimal permissions:
  • VPN Permission: Required for creating VPN tunnel (requested on first connect)
  • Network Access: Basic permission for all network apps
  • Run at Startup: For auto-connect functionality
  • Prevent Sleep: To maintain VPN connection
Unlike many VPN apps, Mullvad does not request location, storage, or other unnecessary permissions.

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File Locations

App data is stored in Android’s private app directory:
  • Settings: getFilesDir() - Not accessible without root
  • Logs: getFilesDir() - Can be exported via app
  • Cache: getCacheDir() - Cleared automatically by Android when needed

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Logs and Problem Reports

To submit logs for troubleshooting:
  1. Open Mullvad VPN app
  2. Navigate to Settings → Report a problem
  3. Add description of issue
  4. Tap “Send report”
  5. Note the report ID for reference
Logs are sent securely to Mullvad support and automatically deleted after 30 days.

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Known Limitations

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Android System Limitations

  1. Exempt Traffic: Some system traffic bypasses VPN (see above)
  2. Manufacturer Customizations: Device manufacturers may modify Android in ways that affect VPN behavior
  3. Battery Management: Aggressive battery optimization can terminate VPN
  4. VPN API Limitations: Cannot prevent all possible leaks (e.g., some IPv6 leaks on some devices)

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App Limitations

  1. No Root Access: Cannot directly manipulate firewall or routing table
  2. System VPN Slot: Only one VPN can be active at a time
  3. Per-App VPN: If system “always-on VPN” is configured per-app, split tunneling may conflict

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Android Variants

The app is tested on standard Android (AOSP), but variations exist:
  • Samsung One UI: Generally works well, watch for battery optimization
  • Xiaomi MIUI: Often requires aggressive battery optimization disabling
  • Huawei EMUI: May require additional battery/permission settings
  • Google Pixel: Recommended, closest to stock Android experience
  • OnePlus OxygenOS: Generally compatible
  • Custom ROMs: Usually compatible, especially LineageOS, GrapheneOS, CalyxOS
Heavily modified Android versions may have undocumented VPN API changes. Test thoroughly on non-standard Android versions.

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Troubleshooting

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Cannot Connect

  1. Ensure VPN permission is granted
  2. Check “Always-on VPN” is not set to another VPN
  3. Disable other VPN or firewall apps
  4. Try disabling and re-enabling the VPN permission
  5. Restart device

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Connection Drops

  1. Disable battery optimization for Mullvad VPN
  2. Check manufacturer-specific battery settings
  3. Ensure “Always-on VPN” and “Block connections without VPN” are enabled
  4. Try different servers or obfuscation protocols

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App Not Starting at Boot

  1. Enable “Always-on VPN” in Android system settings
  2. Ensure app is not restricted from running at startup
  3. Check manufacturer-specific autostart settings

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Split Tunneling Not Working

  1. Ensure apps are properly selected in split tunneling settings
  2. Force stop the app and reconnect
  3. Some apps (like system apps) may not be split-tunnable
  4. Check if “Always-on VPN” is configured per-app (conflicts with split tunneling)

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Next Steps

Account Management

Manage your Mullvad account

Security Details

Understand Android VPN security

Server Selection

Choose the best server

Settings Guide

Configure advanced settings

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