mullvadvpn-app: Secure VPN Client for Desktop and Mobile

Overview

mullvadvpn-app is the client software for the Mullvad VPN service. It establishes and manages VPN tunnels while applying privacy-oriented network protections intended to prevent traffic leaks.

The repository brings together desktop and mobile clients. Desktop uses a Rust daemon with Electron GUI and command-line frontends; Android shares the daemon, while iOS has a standalone implementation. It is intended for people using Mullvad’s service, rather than as a general-purpose VPN server or a client for arbitrary VPN providers.

Key Features

• WireGuard tunnels on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Tunnel options including multihop, TCP, Shadowsocks, QUIC, and lightweight WireGuard obfuscation.
• Quantum-resistant tunnels and DAITA support across the listed platforms.
• Split tunneling on desktop and Android.
• Custom DNS servers, content blocking, and controls for local network access.
• Desktop GUI and CLI frontends backed by a Rust daemon, plus Android and iOS apps.
• Public security audit reports and documented release verification guidance.

Use Cases

• Mullvad subscribers who need a VPN client for desktop or mobile devices.
• Privacy-conscious users who want VPN leak protections and secure-by-default settings.
• Users whose network blocks standard VPN traffic and who need supported tunnel obfuscation options.
• Developers or security reviewers who want to inspect, build, or assess the client source.

Project Facts

• Language: Rust
• License: GPL-3.0
• Stars: 7.6k
• Forks: 531
• Topics: electron, nodejs, openvpn, rust, vpn, wireguard
• Archived: false

Getting Started

Clone the repository and initialize its submodules:

git clone https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app.git
cd mullvadvpn-app
git submodule update --init

For installation, supported platforms, and platform-specific build instructions, see the README. Signed releases are available from the Mullvad download page and GitHub Releases.

Alternatives

• Defguard: Defguard provides self-hosted, enterprise VPN access with identity management and MFA, while Mullvad’s app connects users to Mullvad’s consumer VPN service.

Considerations

• This is a client for the Mullvad VPN service, not a standalone VPN service or general client for other providers.
• The repository includes separate platform implementations, and build steps vary by platform. Submodules are needed for builds; the README advises against recursive cloning unless all nested submodule sources are needed.
• Some features differ by platform. For example, split tunneling is not listed for iOS, and local network access is always available there.
• The repository is licensed GPL-3.0, while the distributed iOS app on the Apple App Store is subject to Apple’s App Store EULA.
• Security-focused settings, daemon privileges, and network configuration may require platform-specific setup. Consult the project’s security and build documentation before modifying or deploying the client.