Mullvad Blocking Local Network (Printer, NAS, Chromecast)

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Enable Local network sharing

   Copy steps
   1. Open Settings > VPN settings
   2. Turn on Local network sharing
   3. Reconnect
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Connect by IP address

   1. Use the printer or NAS IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.20) instead of its hostname
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Add a static route for other subnets

   1. If the device is on a different subnet, add a static route in your operating system
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Android: adjust Always-on VPN

   Copy steps
   1. Open Android Settings > Network > VPN > Mullvad
   2. Turn off Block connections without VPN if you need local access
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Printers, NAS shares, smart TVs or Chromecast can't be found while Mullvad is connected.

Why it happens

• Local network sharing is off by default
• Accessing devices by hostname rather than IP
• The device is on another subnet
• Android's 'Block connections without VPN' overrides local access

This guide also covers

• mullvad local network
• mullvad printer not working
• mullvad lan sharing
• mullvad chromecast

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

• Proton VPN Not Connecting (Proton VPN)
• NordVPN Not Connecting (NordVPN)
• ExpressVPN Unable to Connect / Stuck on Connecting (ExpressVPN)
• Surfshark Not Connecting (Surfshark)

Other Mullvad VPN errors

• Mullvad VPN Not Connecting or Stuck on Connecting
• No Internet After Disconnecting or Quitting Mullvad
• Why Is Mullvad So Slow?
• Mullvad Keeps Disconnecting
• Mullvad Not Working With Netflix
• Mullvad Google CAPTCHAs and Blocked Websites
• Mullvad Too Many Devices Error
• Lost Mullvad Account Number