Ultimate 5-Step Guide: Best Way to Use Mullvad That Will Protect Your Digital Privacy in 2025

Table of Contents

TL;DR — What you’ll get

Outcome: A fully anonymous VPN setup with no personal data linked to your account, payment, or browsing activity
Time: 15-30 minutes for complete setup
Skill level: Beginner-friendly (no technical experience required)

Quick checklist of what you’ll achieve:

✅ Anonymous 16-digit account with zero personal information
✅ Payment method (cash/crypto) that can’t be traced back to you
✅ Secure connection configured for maximum privacy protection
✅ Leak-proof settings verified and tested
✅ Auto-connect failsafe preventing unprotected browsing

Who this is for & Why it works

This guide is for general users who prioritize online privacy and want genuine anonymity—not just marketing claims. Mullvad uses randomly generated account numbers instead of usernames or passwords, eliminating the need for email addresses, making it one of the few VPNs that truly can’t link your identity to your activity. In 2025, the service costs €5 per month (same price since 2009), with no data collection policies verified by independent audits. When you pay anonymously via Bitcoin, Monero, or cash, there’s nothing that could identify you to third parties or surveillance agencies.

Cross-Category Relevance

AI (Practical Uses & Prompting)

AI tools can help you optimize your Mullvad setup and troubleshoot issues. Use this prompt: “Analyze my current VPN connection logs [paste connection data] and identify any potential privacy leaks or configuration weaknesses in my Mullvad setup. Recommend specific settings changes to maximize anonymity.” AI assistants can also generate randomized payment schedules and remind you when to rotate servers for enhanced operational security.

Cybersecurity (Risks & Protections)

Two critical security steps:

Enable Kill Switch (Lockdown Mode): In app settings → Preferences → enable “Always require VPN” to block all internet traffic if VPN disconnects, preventing accidental IP leaks.
Disable IPv6 and WebRTC: Go to app Preferences → disable IPv6, then install browser extension to block WebRTC leaks that can expose your real IP even with VPN active. The service offers RAM-based servers and obfuscation features that prevent logging and disguise VPN traffic from ISPs.

AR/VR (Where Relevant)

Not directly applicable. VR/AR headsets (Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro) don’t natively support VPN apps, though you can route VR traffic through the service by configuring your router as a VPN gateway. However, this adds latency that degrades the immersive experience, making it impractical for most VR applications.

Software & Hardware (Tools & Specs)

Required software:

VPN client app (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) — download from mullvad.net
WireGuard protocol (built into app, fastest option)
Optional: Hardened browser (Firefox fork for enhanced privacy)

Hardware specifications:

Minimum: Any device with 1GB RAM, 50MB storage
Recommended: 2GB+ RAM for smooth connection switching
Router option: WireGuard-compatible router (GL.iNet models work well)
Payment: Cash envelope, Bitcoin/Monero wallet (Electrum, Cake Wallet)

What you need

Accounts & Access:

No email or personal account required (provider generates account number)
Payment method: €5/month via cash, Monero, Bitcoin, or anonymous crypto
Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or privacy-focused alternative)

Downloads & Tools:

VPN client: https://mullvad.net/download
Optional: Monero wallet (Cake Wallet for mobile, Monero GUI for desktop)
Optional: Bitcoin wallet if using BTC (Electrum, Sparrow)

Physical items (if paying by cash):

€5 cash (or equivalent)
Envelope and stamp
Paper to write 16-digit account number

Permissions & Settings:

Admin/root access to install VPN app
Firewall permissions (Windows/Mac will prompt)
Background app permissions (mobile devices)

5-Step Action Plan: Achieve Maximum Anonymous Privacy

Step 1: Create Your Anonymous Account

Action: Generate account directly from the app without providing any personal information.

Exact steps:

Download client from mullvad.net (verify SHA-256 hash matches official site)
Install and launch application
Click “Create account” (NOT “Log in”)
App generates a random 16-digit number (e.g., 1234567890123456)
CRITICAL: Immediately write down this number in a secure location—you cannot recover it

Why it works: The system creates 16-digit account numbers in the range of 1 quadrillion to 9 quadrillion possible combinations, making it computationally impossible to guess your account. No username, password, email, or phone number means zero linkage to your identity.

Expected outcome: You’ll see “Account created” with your unique 16-digit number displayed. Account shows 0 days remaining until you add payment.

Step 2: Pay Anonymously with Cash or Cryptocurrency

Action: Add VPN time using untraceable payment method.

Option A — Cash payment (most anonymous):

Write your 16-digit account number on paper
Put €5 cash + paper in envelope
Mail to: Box 53049, 400 14 Gothenburg, Sweden
Wait 7-14 days for processing
Check app—30 days will be added when received

Option B — Monero cryptocurrency (fast & anonymous):

Open app → Account → Add time → Cryptocurrency
Select Monero (XMR)
Copy payment address and amount shown
Open your Monero wallet (Cake Wallet recommended)
Send exact XMR amount to provided address
Payment confirms in 10-20 minutes; 30 days added automatically

Option C — Bitcoin (semi-anonymous, requires mixing):

Follow same steps as Monero but select Bitcoin
For true anonymity, send BTC through CoinJoin mixer first (Wasabi Wallet, Samourai)
Confirmation takes 30-60 minutes (blockchain dependent)

Why it works: The service accepts cash and Monero for anonymity purposes. Cash leaves zero digital trail. Monero uses ring signatures and stealth addresses that make transactions untraceable—even blockchain analysis firms cannot link sender to receiver. Bitcoin is pseudonymous but traceable unless mixed.

Expected outcome: Account status shows “30 days remaining” after payment processes. App displays expiration date.

Step 3: Configure Maximum Privacy Settings

Action: Enable privacy-first settings before first connection.

Exact settings to configure:

Open application → Settings (gear icon)
Enable Kill Switch:
- Click “Preferences”
- Toggle ON “Always require VPN” (Windows/Mac) or “Block when disconnected” (mobile)
Disable IPv6:
- Under “Preferences” → toggle OFF “Enable IPv6”
- Reason: Prevents IPv6 leak that bypasses VPN tunnel
Enable Auto-connect:
- Toggle ON “Launch app on startup”
- Toggle ON “Auto-connect”
Select WireGuard protocol:
- Settings → “VPN settings” → select “WireGuard”
- Reason: Faster than OpenVPN with smaller attack surface
Enable obfuscation (if in restrictive country):
- Settings → “WireGuard obfuscation” → select “Auto” or “UDP-over-TCP”

Why it works: Launch on start-up and Auto-connect features ensure you never forget to activate protection. The kill switch blocks all traffic if VPN drops, preventing your real IP from leaking during reconnection. Disabling IPv6 eliminates a common leak vector that many VPNs don’t address.

Expected outcome: Settings menu shows all toggles in correct positions. Connection status displays protocol as “WireGuard.”

Step 4: Choose Optimal Server and Connect

Action: Select server location and establish secure connection.

Exact steps:

Click “Switch location” in main app window
For maximum speed: Choose server closest to your physical location (but in different city)
For maximum anonymity: Choose server in privacy-friendly country (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden, Netherlands)
For geo-unblocking: Choose server in content’s country (US, UK, etc.)
Click “Connect” button
Wait 3-5 seconds for connection to establish
Status changes to “Secured” with green checkmark

Advanced: Enable Multihop (experimental):

Settings → “Multihop” → enable
Select entry and exit countries
Routes traffic through two VPN servers (slower but more anonymous)

Why it works: Server location determines your apparent geographic location and affects speed. Closer servers = lower latency. Privacy-friendly jurisdictions have stronger data protection laws. WireGuard protocol typically connects faster than competing protocols.

Expected outcome: App displays “Secured” status, shows server location (e.g., “Sweden – Malmö”), and your new IP address. Internet access works normally through encrypted tunnel.

Step 5: Verify Your Privacy Setup and Test for Leaks

Action: Confirm no personal data is leaking through VPN.

Exact verification steps:

Check IP address: Visit https://mullvad.net/check
- Should show: Server IP (NOT your real IP)
- Should show: “You are connected to Mullvad”
Test DNS leaks: Visit https://dnsleaktest.com
- Click “Extended test”
- Results should show ONLY provider’s DNS servers
- If your ISP’s DNS appears = LEAK (disable IPv6, reconnect)
Test WebRTC leak: Visit https://browserleaks.com/webrtc
- Should show: Public IP matches VPN server IP
- If local IP visible = install WebRTC blocker extension
Verify kill switch: Disconnect VPN → try browsing
- Internet should be BLOCKED with error message
- If you can browse = kill switch failed (re-enable in settings)

Why it works: These tests identify common leak vectors that expose your real identity even with VPN active. DNS leaks reveal which websites you visit to your ISP. WebRTC leaks expose your local IP through browser JavaScript. Kill switch prevents accidental unprotected browsing.

Expected outcome: All tests show server IP only, no leaks detected, internet blocks when VPN disconnects. You’re now anonymous online.

Verification Checklist

Confirm you’ve achieved complete anonymous setup:

Account number generated (16 digits, no personal info entered)
Payment processed with cash or Monero (no credit card/PayPal used)
Account shows 30+ days remaining
Kill switch enabled and verified working
IPv6 disabled in Mullvad settings
Auto-connect enabled
Connected to VPN (green “Secured” status)
IP check shows server IP (not your real IP)
DNS leak test shows only provider’s DNS
WebRTC leak test shows no local IP exposure
Kill switch blocks internet when VPN disconnected

Troubleshooting — Common Issues & Fixes

Q1: “VPN connects but internet doesn’t work” A1: DNS configuration error. Fix: Open app → Settings → Preferences → enable “Use custom DNS” → reconnect. If still blocked, disable VPN, flush DNS cache (Windows: ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt; Mac: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache in Terminal), reconnect VPN.

Q2: “My payment isn’t showing up (cash or crypto)” A2: Cash takes 7-14 days by mail. Crypto depends on blockchain confirmation. Fix: For Monero, check transaction status in your wallet—needs 10 confirmations. For Bitcoin, needs 1-3 confirmations (30-60 min). For cash, wait full 14 business days before contacting support via their website form (don’t email personal details).

Q3: “Connection drops frequently or won’t stay connected” A3: Server overload or ISP throttling VPN traffic. Fix: Switch to different server (click “Switch location” → try different city). Enable WireGuard obfuscation: Settings → “WireGuard obfuscation” → select “UDP-over-TCP” to disguise VPN traffic from ISP detection. If on mobile, check battery optimization isn’t killing app in background.

Q4: “Websites giving CAPTCHA challenges or blocking me” A4: Websites detect VPN usage and treat it as suspicious. Fix: Switch to residential IP locations (not data center servers). Enable SOCKS5 proxy for specific apps/browsers (Settings → generate SOCKS5 credentials). For banking/sensitive sites, whitelist them to bypass VPN or temporarily disconnect.

Q5: “Can’t install app—security warning or installation fails” A5: Antivirus/firewall blocking installation. Fix: Temporarily disable Windows Defender or antivirus. Download app directly from mullvad.net (verify SHA-256 hash). Right-click installer → “Run as administrator.” After install, re-enable security software and add Mullvad to exceptions list.

When to seek expert help: If DNS leaks persist after following all steps, if kill switch never works despite re-installation, or if you suspect your account has been compromised (unusual activity, unauthorized time added/removed), contact support through the website ticketing system. Never email account numbers or payment details.

Next Steps & Recommended Tools

1. Privacy-Focused Browser (Free) — Hardened Firefox fork with built-in privacy protections, fingerprinting resistance, and VPN integration. Pairs perfectly with your anonymous VPN for maximum anonymity. Download: mullvad.net/browser

2. DAITA (Defense Against AI-Guided Traffic Analysis) — Experimental feature that adds random noise to traffic patterns, making AI-based traffic analysis ineffective. Enable in: Settings → VPN settings → DAITA. Slightly reduces speed but adds cutting-edge privacy layer.

3. Private Search Engine (€5/month, optional) — Search engine with no tracking, ads, or search history. Paid with same anonymous account. Use when you need search without Google’s surveillance. Access: leta.mullvad.net

FAQs

FAQ 1: Is the service legal to use, and will it protect me from government surveillance?

The VPN service is legal in most countries and accepts anonymous payment methods including cash and Monero. The company is based in Sweden with strong privacy laws. However, no VPN offers absolute protection from determined state-level actors. The no-log policy means there’s nothing to seize if servers are compromised, but metadata analysis and traffic correlation can still theoretically identify users. RAM-based servers erase all data on reboot, making forensic recovery impossible. For journalists and activists, combine with Tor for additional layers.

FAQ 2: What’s the difference between paying with cash vs. Monero, and which is more anonymous?

Cash is slightly more anonymous than Monero because it leaves zero digital footprint—no blockchain, no wallet addresses, no internet connection required. However, cash has practical drawbacks: 7-14 day mail delivery, potential postal loss, and your physical fingerprints/DNA on envelope (use gloves if extreme threat model). Monero is the best cryptocurrency for anonymity due to ring signatures and stealth addresses that make transactions untraceable. Monero payment is more reliable and less time-consuming than cash mail. For most users, Monero offers ideal balance of anonymity and convenience.

FAQ 3: Can I share my account across multiple devices, and how many simultaneous connections are allowed?

The service allows 5 simultaneous connections per account. You can use the same 16-digit account number on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Simply install the app on each device and log in with your account number. The five-device limit is enforced at connection time—if you attempt a sixth connection, the oldest active session is automatically disconnected. Unlike other VPNs, the provider doesn’t track which devices you use or require device registration, maintaining anonymity even with shared accounts.

Sources

To read more about Software/Hardware click here

Ultimate 5-Step Guide: Best Way to Use Mullvad That Will Protect Your Digital Privacy in 2025

TL;DR — What you’ll get

Who this is for & Why it works