Supported Platforms
Mullvad VPN supports the following platforms:Desktop
Windows, macOS, and Linux with full-featured GUI and CLI
Android
Native Android app with VPN Service API integration
iOS
Native iOS app for iPhone and iPad
Command Line
Powerful CLI for automation and advanced users
Platform Support Matrix
Operating System Versions
These are the officially supported operating system versions. The app may work on other versions, but quality and security are only guaranteed for these:| Platform | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| Windows | 10 and 11 |
| macOS | The three latest major releases |
| Linux (Ubuntu) | The two latest LTS releases and the latest non-LTS releases |
| Linux (Fedora) | Versions not yet EOL |
| Linux (Debian) | 12 and newer |
| Android | 8 and newer |
| iOS | 17.0 and newer |
On Linux, testing is performed using the Gnome desktop environment. Other desktop environments should work but are not regularly tested.
Feature Comparison
This table shows feature availability across all platforms:| Feature | Windows | Linux | macOS | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quantum-resistant tunnels | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DAITA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard multihop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard over TCP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard over Shadowsocks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| WireGuard over QUIC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lightweight WireGuard Obfuscation (LWO) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Custom DNS server | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content blockers (Ads, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Optional local network access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓* |
| Externally audited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*On iOS, the local network is always accessible with the current implementation.
Architecture Differences
Desktop Platforms
Desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) share a common architecture:- System Service:
mullvad-daemonruns as a system service with administrator/root privileges - GUI: Electron-based graphical interface for user interaction
- CLI: Command-line interface (
mullvad) for automation and scripting - Firewall Integration: Direct integration with platform firewalls (WFP on Windows, PF on macOS, nftables on Linux)
- Atomic Transactions: All firewall rule changes are applied atomically, preventing leak windows
Mobile Platforms
Android
Android uses the VPN Service API for both tunnel creation and leak protection:- VPN Service API: Routes all traffic through the app using
0/0and::0/0routes - No Direct Firewall Access: Security relies on the OS-provided VPN Service API
- Shared Daemon: Uses the same
mullvad-daemonas desktop for tunnel management - System Restrictions: Some traffic is exempt by the system (connectivity checks, NTP, hotspot)
iOS
iOS has a completely standalone implementation:- Packet Tunnel Extension: Handles network packet flow through the VPN
- WireGuard-go: Direct integration with wireguard-go for tunnel implementation
- Network Extension Framework: Uses iOS Network Extension framework for VPN management
- Simplified Feature Set: Some features like LWO and split tunneling are not available
Security Features by Platform
Kill Switch
All platforms include an always-on kill switch that prevents network leaks:- Desktop: Enforced through firewall rules that block non-VPN traffic
- Android: Implemented via VPN Service API routing
- iOS: Managed through packet tunnel extension
Lockdown Mode
Lockdown mode blocks all network access when disconnected:- Desktop: Full support via firewall rules
- Android: Supported via VPN Service API
- iOS: Supported through network extension configuration
DNS Leak Protection
All platforms ensure DNS queries only go through the VPN tunnel:- Desktop: Enforced through system DNS configuration and firewall rules
- Android: Managed via VPN Service API DNS settings
- iOS: Configured through network extension DNS settings
Distribution Channels
Desktop
- Mullvad Website
- GitHub Releases
- Platform-specific package managers (for Linux)
Android
iOS
Next Steps
Choose your platform to learn more:Desktop Setup
Install and configure Mullvad VPN on Windows, macOS, or Linux
Android Setup
Get started with Mullvad VPN on Android devices
iOS Setup
Install and use Mullvad VPN on iPhone or iPad
CLI Reference
Master the command-line interface for advanced control