Set up VPN Connection rules for Windows and Mac

You can customize your VPN experience by managing Connection rules. Connection rules prevent you from accessing a website when your VPN is turned off, helping to keep your personal information secure. For macOS devices, you'll need to give the app permission before changing VPN settings. Follow the instructions in Turn on Malwarebytes VPN for Windows and Mac to enable the necessary permissions.

Add a Connection rule to a website

To add a Connection rule:

1. Open the Malwarebytes app.
2. Click the Settings icon in the left side bar.
3. Click VPN.
4. Scroll to find the Connection rule setting. On macOS devices, toggle Connection rules on.
5. Underneath Connection rules, click Configure.  
6. On the Connection rules page, click Add item.  
7. Select the type:
   • Application: Select an application from your device's application folder, then click Open (macOS) or Save (Windows).
   • IP address: Enter an IPv4 address in the Add IP field, then click Save.
   • Port (Windows only): Enter a port address, then click Save.

Remove a Connection rule from a website

To remove a Connection rule:

1. Open the Malwarebytes app.
2. Click the Settings icon in the left side bar.
3. Click VPN.
4. Scroll to the Connection rule setting, then click Configure.
5. In the list of Connection rules, hover over the item you want to remove.
   • For Windows devices: Click the trashcan icon. A pop-up asks if you want to delete this item; click Delete.
   • For macOS devices: Click the vertical ellipses, then click Delete. A pop-up asks if you want to delete this item; click Delete.