Proton has confirmed that its Firefox VPN browser extension is temporarily unavailable due to a mandatory review process by Mozilla, according to an announcement from the company. The removal follows user reports of the add-on getting stuck in an endless loading loop, blocking access to key settings such as split tunneling, even though the underlying encrypted connection remained active.
Background of the issue
The Proton VPN Firefox extension had been made free for all users earlier this year, according to the company. However, about a week ago, users on Reddit began reporting that the extension was freezing when attempting to open it, preventing normal use. Shortly after, the add-on disappeared entirely from the Mozilla Add-ons store, displaying a standard "Page not found" error for anyone trying a fresh install.
Proton subsequently acknowledged the situation on social media and through its support channels, confirming that the extension's removal was "because of a review requirement from Mozilla." The company did not specify what triggered the review or how long it might last.
Community and official response
The disruption has frustrated both free and paid users. One paying user posted on the official r/ProtonVPN subreddit: "I'm really disappointed, I'm a paying user who waited more than a month for the Firefox extension to be fixed, repeatedly told the developers were 'aware' of the issue. Now I find the extension has been pulled completely instead of updated."
Proton's support team responded on X (formerly Twitter) by advising users to switch to the standalone desktop application, stating: "You can use the desktop app." Community moderators on Reddit reiterated that "The team is aware and working on it," but no official timeline for the add-on's return has been provided.
Workarounds for Firefox users
Until the Mozilla review queue clears and the add-on is re-listed, Proton has suggested several alternative methods for users to stay protected:
- Use the desktop client: The standalone Proton VPN desktop application remains fully functional and unaffected by the Mozilla review process. It provides system-wide encryption and includes advanced features not available in the browser extension.
- Switch to a Chromium-based browser: The issue is limited to Firefox. The Proton VPN extension works normally on Google Chrome, Brave, and Microsoft Edge.
- Sideload the extension manually: For advanced users, the open-source community has provided a method to build and install the
.xpiextension from Proton's official GitHub repository. A Reddit user noted: "The .xpi extension can be built then manually installed, based on the source code found here." - Use Firefox's built-in VPN: Firefox recently introduced a free-to-use VPN as part of version 149, though its features and coverage may differ from Proton's offering.
| Workaround | Protection Level | Technical Difficulty | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | System-wide | Low | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Chromium browser | Browser only | Low | Chrome, Brave, Edge |
| Manual sideload | Browser only | High | Requires GitHub access |
| Firefox built-in VPN | Browser only | Low | Firefox 149+ |
Implications for business users
Trade professionals who rely on Proton VPN for secure browsing during international communications can maintain protection by switching to the desktop app or an alternative browser. The desktop app offers wider coverage and additional features, while browser extensions are more lightweight for isolated tasks. Until Mozilla completes its review, users should plan for a potentially extended disruption and test workarounds in advance.
What to watch: Proton has not disclosed a timeline for the add-on's reinstatement. Users should monitor the official Proton VPN subreddit and support channels for updates on the Mozilla review process.
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