How to Completely Delete ProtonVPN from Your MacBook: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Yes, you can fully remove ProtonVPN from your MacBook, including the app, leftover files, and preferences. This guide walks you through a straightforward, step-by-step process, plus extra tips to make sure nothing is left behind. We’ll cover:

Quick uninstall of the ProtonVPN app
Removing launch agents and system preferences
Cleaning up leftover files and caches
Verifying that ProtonVPN is gone
A quick note on alternatives if you still need VPN protection

If you’re ready to take control of your MacBook and reclaim disk space, grab a coffee and follow along. For a quick alternative that keeps your online privacy intact without ProtonVPN, you might want to check NordVPN via this link:

What you’ll need

Your MacBook running macOS (Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, or later)
Administrative access (you might be prompted to enter your password)
About 5–10 minutes of spare time

Introduction: Quick overview of the process

You’ll first uninstall the ProtonVPN app like any other Mac app.
Then you’ll hunt down and delete residual files scattered in Library folders.
Finally, you’ll restart and double-check there’s no ProtonVPN left behind.

Step-by-step guide

Uninstall the ProtonVPN app

Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
Find ProtonVPN and drag it to the Trash, or right-click it and choose Move to Trash.
Empty the Trash to remove the main app.

Quit related background processes

ProtonVPN may run background services. Open Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
In the Search field, type “Proton” and quit any related processes (select process, click the Stop sign, then Quit).
If prompted, enter your admin password.

Remove ProtonVPN launch agents and daemons

Launch Finder and press Command-Shift-G to open “Go to Folder…”
Enter /Library/LaunchAgents and delete any files that reference ProtonVPN
Do the same for /Library/LaunchDaemons
Also check ~/Library/LaunchAgents for user-specific launch items and delete ProtonVPN entries

Delete application support and preferences

In Finder, use Command-Shift-G again and go to ~/Library
Look in these folders and remove ProtonVPN-related items:
- Application Support/ProtonVPN
- Caches/com.protonvpn.mac
- Preferences/com.protonvpn.mac.plist
- Logs/ProtonVPN
- Saved Application State/com.protonvpn.mac.savedState
If you see any ProtonVPN folders in ~/Library/Application Support or ~/Library/Preferences, delete them as well

Remove remaining configuration and system extensions

Check System Information (Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report) under Extensions for any ProtonVPN components and uninstall if present
Some VPNs install network extensions. If ProtonVPN or related components show up under /Library/Extensions or /Library/PrivilegedHelperTools, delete those items cautiously (you may need to authenticate)

Clean up browser extensions and profiles

ProtonVPN may install or suggest browser extensions (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
Open each browser’s extensions/add-ons manager and remove any ProtonVPN entries
Clear browser cache if you want a fresh start

Restart your MacBook

A restart helps ensure all background services are fully stopped and the system state is clean
After reboot, you can run a quick check to see if ProtonVPN is still installed

Verify ProtonVPN is completely removed

Use Spotlight search (Command-Space) and type proton to see if anything related remains
Check Activity Monitor again for any ProtonVPN processes
Look in /Applications, /Library, and ~/Library for any residual ProtonVPN files

Optional: securely erase free space (advanced)

If you’re very security-conscious, you can securely erase free space using Disk Utility (older macOS had a “Secure Empty Trash” option; current macOS versions don’t)
Note: This is generally unnecessary for just removing an app, and it can shorten SSD lifespan. Do this only if you have a strong reason

Tips and considerations

Leftover files can appear in multiple user accounts. If you share the Mac with others, check each user’s Library folder.
If ProtonVPN was installed via a package or through a third-party app store, use the same method to uninstall or follow the vendor’s uninstaller.
If you encounter permission issues deleting certain files, restart in Safe Mode (hold Shift during boot) and try removing again.

What to do if ProtonVPN reappears

Sometimes your system reindexes or caches show outdated entries. Re-run the uninstallation steps.
If ProtonVPN re-installs itself via a software update, go to ProtonVPN’s official site to download an uninstaller or contact support for a cleanup utility.
You can also use a reputable third-party uninstaller to locate orphaned files, but be cautious and back up first.

Safety and privacy note

Removing ProtonVPN won’t affect your device’s security in terms of encryption unless you replace it with a different VPN. If you want to keep VPN protection, consider a reputable alternative and install it following its official uninstall guidelines.

Resources and references

Apple Website – apple.com
ProtonVPN Support – protonvpn.com/support
macOS User Guide – support.apple.com
Community threads about ProtonVPN cleanup on macOS – reddit.com/r/macsysadmin
Privacy and security basics for macOS – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS

FAQ

Table of Contents

Do I need to restart after uninstalling ProtonVPN?

Yes. Restarting helps ensure all background services are fully stopped and no residual process lingers.

Can I uninstall ProtonVPN from LaunchAgents or Daemons without affecting macOS?

Yes, but only delete ProtonVPN-related entries. Don’t remove unrelated system items.

What if ProtonVPN files are owned by another user?

Will uninstalling ProtonVPN delete my VPN profiles?

If the profiles were created by ProtonVPN, they should be removed along with leftover ProtonVPN files. If you created separate profiles in macOS, they may remain.

Is there a risk of data loss when deleting ProtonVPN?

Only if you delete unrelated system files by mistake. Follow the steps precisely and avoid deleting folders you’re unsure about.

How can I verify there are no ProtonVPN processes running?

Open Activity Monitor and search for “Proton” to see any active processes, then quit them.

Can I keep ProtonVPN settings in iCloud or backups?

If you backed up ProtonVPN data before uninstalling, those backups may contain ProtonVPN settings. You can delete the backups or selectively restore later.

Should I use Terminal to remove ProtonVPN?

You can, but it’s not required. The Terminal method is more direct for advanced users who want to ensure complete removal.

Are there any known issues with ProtonVPN leftovers on macOS?

Occasionally, leftovers can cause launch conflicts or minor performance hiccups. A thorough cleanup helps avoid those.

What should I do if I want to reinstall ProtonVPN later?

You can install ProtonVPN again from their official site or app store. If you’re trying a different VPN, ensure you follow its uninstall guidelines to avoid conflicts.