Proton VPN Adds ‘Exclude Locations’ Feature for Android – Android Authority

Proton VPN users on Android now have more granular control over their VPN connections with the introduction of a new “Exclude locations” feature. This update addresses a common user concern – the desire for the convenience of automated VPN connections without being routed through potentially undesirable locations.

Previously, users relied on Proton VPN’s “Quick Connect” feature to establish a VPN connection to the fastest available server. While efficient, this often meant connecting through a country or city with privacy concerns, poor network performance, or content restrictions. The new feature allows users to proactively blacklist specific locations, ensuring that the “Fastest” or “Random” connection modes avoid those areas.

The update, announced by Proton VPN General Manager David Peterson on X (formerly Twitter) on February 9, 2026, is currently rolling out to Android users. According to TechRadar, the “Exclude locations” option is found within the app’s settings under “Connection Preferences.”

This addition represents a significant step towards balancing convenience and control for privacy-conscious VPN users. While automated connection features offer speed and simplicity, they often sacrifice the ability to choose a server location based on specific security or performance needs. The “Exclude locations” feature bridges this gap, allowing users to retain the benefits of automation while mitigating potential risks.

Proton VPN’s approach is particularly relevant given growing concerns about data retention laws and government censorship. By excluding specific countries, users can proactively avoid jurisdictions known for invasive surveillance practices or restrictions on internet access. This is especially important for individuals operating in or communicating with regions where freedom of expression is limited.

The feature’s granularity, extending to specific cities as well as entire countries, is a notable improvement. Network performance can vary significantly even within a single country, and the ability to exclude specific cities allows users to avoid areas with known peering issues or congested networks. This level of control is not commonly found in other VPN services.

While the update is currently limited to Android, Proton VPN has recently been focused on improving feature parity across its platforms. February 7, 2026, Proton VPN released an update for its Windows application that resolved restrictions on simultaneous feature usage. As TechRadar reported, Windows users can now simultaneously utilize Split Tunneling, a Kill Switch, and NetShield – three critical security features that were previously mutually exclusive.

Split Tunneling allows users to route specific applications outside the VPN, while the Kill Switch automatically disconnects internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing unencrypted data from being exposed. NetShield is Proton’s DNS filtering system, blocking malware, and trackers. The ability to use all three features concurrently significantly enhances the security and privacy offered by Proton VPN on Windows.

Proton VPN has also been expanding its server network and adding new features to enhance user privacy and security. In a blog post from October 1, 2025, the company highlighted the addition of Custom DNS support to its iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Android TV apps. This allows users to specify their preferred DNS servers, further customizing their VPN experience and potentially improving privacy.

The company also added several new server locations in 2025, including Panama, Armenia, Mongolia, Laos, Brunei, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and two additional US cities: Memphis, Tennessee, and McAllen, Texas. These additions expand Proton VPN’s global reach and provide users with more options for connecting through geographically diverse locations.

Proton VPN’s NetShield Ad-blocker DNS filtering feature was updated to block almost all known phishing domains, providing an additional layer of protection against malicious actors. The company also introduced the ability to use Proton VPN on iPhones and iPads without a Proton Account, allowing users to bypass censorship and protect their privacy even without creating an account.

The introduction of the “Exclude locations” feature on Android, alongside recent improvements to the Windows application and broader network and security enhancements, demonstrates Proton VPN’s commitment to providing users with a secure, private, and customizable VPN experience. While the feature is currently exclusive to Android, it’s likely that Proton VPN will expand its availability to other platforms in the future, further solidifying its position as a leading VPN provider.