# How do I connect to VilaVPN for the first time?

Open VilaNet, choose **Auto Select** or a specific server, and use the main
**Connect** control. The first connection may trigger an operating-system VPN
permission prompt.

The shared English UI labels **Auto Select**, **Connect**, **Connecting** and
**Connected** are verified from the current application source. System prompts
and a real tunnel must still be verified independently on each platform. A
connected label alone does not prove a working VPN connection.

The screenshots below are direct captures of VilaNet 2.12.52 on macOS 26.3.1,
with the real window resized to a phone-readable 600 x 700 layout. The captured
app was using Japanese, so the same controls may use translated labels on your
device. Platform-specific permission dialogs are documented separately.

![VilaNet showing its disconnected status in the compact app layout](/assets/vilanet/vilanet-disconnected-status-ja-macos-2.12.52.png)

1. Open VilaNet and log in.
2. Open **Server Nodes**.
3. Choose **Auto Select** for the fastest available server, unless you need a
   specific location.
4. Return to the main screen.
5. Select **Connect**.
6. If the operating system asks to add or create a VPN configuration, review
   the prompt and approve it.
7. Wait while the status changes to **Connecting**.
8. Continue only when the app shows **Connected**.

![VilaNet automatic location selection and the main Connect control](/assets/vilanet/vilanet-connect-controls-ja-macos-2.12.52.png)

In this Japanese capture, `自動選択` is **Auto Select** and `接続` is
**Connect**. The screenshot demonstrates the shared control layout; it does not
replace the operating-system permission screenshot required for each platform.

## Success check

Keep the app open for a few seconds and confirm it remains **Connected**. Then
follow [Confirm VilaVPN is working](/en/start-here/confirm-vilavpn-is-working/) to verify
network behavior rather than trusting the status label alone.

## If it does not connect

- Record the exact error text and the selected server.
- Try **Auto Select** once.
- Confirm the device has a working internet connection without VilaVPN.
- If permission was denied, select **Connect** again and approve the operating
  system prompt. If no prompt returns, review the device's VPN settings.
- Do not repeatedly reinstall or switch many settings before preserving the
  first useful error and diagnostics.
- Continue to [Cannot connect](/en/troubleshooting/cannot-connect/).