How to use Avast SecureLine VPN on PC and Mac | Avast
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Avast SecureLine VPN for Windows and Mac - Getting Started

 

Avast SecureLine VPN allows you to connect to the internet via secure Avast VPN servers, protecting your connection and ensuring your privacy.

This article assumes that the latest version of Avast SecureLine VPN is installed and activated on your device. For detailed instructions, refer to the following articles: Installing Avast SecureLine VPN & Activating an Avast SecureLine VPN subscription.

Choose a VPN mode

Avast SecureLine VPN offers two VPN modes. You can freely switch between the following modes according to your current needs:

  • Smart VPN mode: Automatically connects or disconnects the VPN based on your current activity. By default, Smart VPN always connects you to the fastest server location available. You can customize how the application behaves while Smart VPN is enabled via your Smart VPN settings.
  • Always on: Automatically turn on VPN whenever you connect to the Internet.

To switch between VPN modes:

  1. Open Avast SecureLine VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Ensure VPN mode is selected in the left panel.
  3. Select Smart VPN mode or Always on according to your preferences.

Connect to the VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy, and is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to Avast SecureLine VPN, click Connect on the main screen.

You are now connected to the Avast SecureLine VPN default server. You can connect to a different location if needed.

If Avast SecureLine VPN is unable to establish a connection, refer to the following article: What should I do if Avast SecureLine VPN is unable to establish a connection?.

Connect to a different location

Avast SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations, meaning you can bypass geolocation restrictions and access your favorite content while traveling.

To connect to a different location:

  1. Click the drop-down next to Fastest Location on the main application screen.
  2. Select a country. For countries that offer multiple cities, click the down arrow and select your preferred city.
  3. Click Change location to confirm the change.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

If certain websites claim that you are connected to a different city than the city you selected as your VPN location, refer to the article: Checking your real location is hidden.

Manage Smart VPN settings

To manage settings that apply when Smart VPN is enabled:

The Smart VPN feature is only available in Avast SecureLine VPN running on Windows 10 or later.
  1. Open Avast SecureLine VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings.
  2. Ensure VPN mode and Smart mode are selected.
  3. Use the following settings to customize Smart VPN behavior:
    1. Connecting to Public networks
    2. Banking
    3. Shopping
    4. Accessing sensitive content
    5. Torrenting

Browser integration

The Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension is an extra, installable component that allows you to conveniently control Avast SecureLine VPN behavior directly from your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browser.

You can install the browser extension via ☰ Menu ▸ Browser extensions.

To learn more about the Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension, refer to the following article:

Further recommendations

For more information about Avast SecureLine VPN, refer to the following article:

VPN Mode

The VPN mode in Avast SecureLine VPN allows you to choose when to automatically connect your VPN for certain activities. You can always turn on your VPN when:

  1. Connecting to untrusted networks
  2. Banking
  3. Shopping
  4. Accessing sensitive content
  5. Streaming
  6. Torrenting

To enable the VPN mode in Avast SecureLine VPN:

  1. Open Avast SecureLine VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Ensure VPN is selected in the left panel.

Connect to the VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy, and is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

To connect to Avast SecureLine VPN, click the red (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).

You are now connected to the Avast SecureLine VPN default server. You can connect to a different location if needed.

If Avast SecureLine VPN is unable to establish a connection, refer to the article: What should I do if Avast SecureLine VPN is unable to establish a connection?.

Connect to a different location

Avast SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations, meaning you can bypass geolocation restrictions and access your favorite content while traveling.

To connect to a different location:

  1. Click the drop-down list of the country in which you have connected your VPN.
  2. Select a country. For countries that offer multiple cities, click the down arrow and select your preferred city.

Your location now shows as the country and city that you selected.

If certain websites claim that you are connected to a different city than the city you selected as your VPN location, refer to the article: Checking your real location is hidden.

Manage Advanced Settings

  1. Open Avast SecureLine VPN and go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences.
  2. Select VPN on the left-side of the screen and click Advanced Settings.
  3. You can configure the following options in Advanced Settings:
    1. Kill Switch: Blocks all Internet access until your VPN is reconnected to safeguard your privacy.
    2. Access Local Devices with Kill Switch: Allows access to local devices like printers and shared devices on private networks.
    3. VPN Protocols: Allows you to choose between Automatic, IPSec, and Mimic protocols.

Browser integration

The Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension is an extra, installable component that allows you to conveniently control Avast SecureLine VPN behavior directly from your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browser.

You can install the browser extension via ☰ Menu ▸ Browser extensions.

To learn more about the Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension, refer to the following article:

The Browser extensions option only appears when you have Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox installed on your Mac.

Further recommendations

For more information about Avast SecureLine VPN, refer to the following article:

  • Avast SecureLine VPN 26.x for Windows
  • Avast SecureLine VPN 25.x for Mac
  • Windows and Mac


Updated on: 13/03/2026

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