> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.soundcloud-desktop.fun/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Do I need a VPN?

> No. The app works in Russia without a VPN for everyone, with or without STAR

<Check>
  No VPN needed. The app talks to its own servers, and if your provider cuts the direct path, it switches to backup routes by itself. Same for everyone, with or without STAR.
</Check>

## When a VPN does help

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sign-in does not go through" icon="right-to-bracket" href="/en/fix/sign-in" horizontal>
    A VPN is needed only in the browser, for the minute of signing in
  </Card>

  <Card title="Network check suggests a VPN" icon="stethoscope" href="/en/fix/network-check" horizontal>
    The steps under the result say **Only a VPN will help**
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Things got worse with a VPN">
    Turn the VPN off and click **Check again** in the [Network check](/en/fix/network-check).

    Need the VPN for something else? Exclude the app from it (split tunneling). The process on Windows is `soundcloud-desktop.exe`, for the portable app `soundcloud-desktop-portable.exe`.

    The app has no proxy field of its own: it uses the system proxy.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="zapret is installed">
    Turn it off, check, then add our domains to its exclusions: [instructions](/en/fix/zapret).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Tracks load slowly">
    This happens when your provider blocks SoundCloud itself. [How to speed it up](/en/fix/zapret#soundcloud-blocked)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What STAR changes in Russia">
    You do not need STAR to use the app in Russia. STAR adds its own fast STAR servers, which keep working even when the main ones are down. [What STAR gives](/en/star)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mobile internet allow-lists" id="whitelists">
    The app has no switch for allow-lists.

    Nothing loads on mobile internet? Open **Settings -> Network -> Network check -> Check**, click **Send to support** and add your region and operator to the message.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I am not in Russia">
    Nothing to set up.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Card title="Still broken? Write to us" icon="life-ring" href="/en/help/contact" horizontal>
  Attach desktop.log and the Network check report.
</Card>


## Related topics

- [SoundCloud Desktop](/en/index.md)
- [Update the app](/en/install/update.md)
- [Which file to download](/en/install/download.md)
- [Uninstall or reinstall clean](/en/install/uninstall.md)
- [White screen on Windows](/en/fix/white-screen.md)


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