ProtonVPN: How to Turn Off the Radar (Geolocation) and Silence Notifications for Good

Your phone buzzes. ProtonVPN wants to know your location. Again. And those notifications? They're like a clingy ex who won't take a hint. Not only is this annoying, but it's also a battery hog and a privacy risk. Let's fix that.

Why Does ProtonVPN Want My Exact Location?

ProtonVPN uses geolocation to automatically select the fastest server near you. Sounds helpful, but it means the app knows where you are—even when you're not using it. On Android, location permissions can be abused for ad tracking or worse. On iOS, it's slightly more locked down, but still unnecessary for a VPN that should be about anonymity, not pinpointing your coffee shop.

How to Disable Geolocation on ProtonVPN

Android

Open your phone's Settings > Apps > ProtonVPN > Permissions. Tap 'Location' and select 'Deny'. That's it. The app will still work—it just won't auto-select a server based on your location. You can manually pick a server instead.

iOS

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > ProtonVPN. Tap 'Never'. If you want to be extra safe, also disable 'Precise Location' (the toggle below). Now the app only sees your general area, not your exact street address.

How to Turn Off Notifications on ProtonVPN

Android

Settings > Apps > ProtonVPN > Notifications. Toggle off 'All notifications' or selectively disable categories like 'Connection alerts' or 'Promotional messages'. For a cleaner experience, turn off everything except critical alerts (if any).

iOS

Settings > ProtonVPN > Notifications. Toggle 'Allow Notifications' off. Or, if you want to keep some, customize under 'Alerts'—but honestly, do you need to know every time you connect to a server? Probably not.

After disabling both, your phone will thank you with better battery life and fewer distractions. And your privacy? It's a little more intact—like putting a band-aid over a leaky pipe, but hey, it's a start.

Robin Hood CCPA Injection: How ProtonVPN Compares to US Privacy Laws

Compared to the American model under the California CCPA and CPRA, ProtonVPN's data practices are relatively transparent. The CCPA gives you the right to know what data is collected and to opt out of its sale. ProtonVPN claims not to sell your data, but geolocation and notification permissions still feed into their analytics. Under the CPRA, you can request deletion of that data—but only if you ask. In Europe, GDPR would require explicit consent for location tracking. In the US, it's more of an opt-out game. So while ProtonVPN is better than most, remember: turning off permissions is your first line of defense. Don't rely on companies to do the right thing—they're too busy trying to be 'helpful' with your location.

Think of it this way: ProtonVPN's tracking is stickier than duct tape on arm hair. But with these tweaks, you've just ripped it off. Feels better, doesn't it?