How to Set Up VPN on macOS

As key elements of our daily lives entwine us with the digital world, safeguarding our online privacy becomes increasingly important. Once the preserve of those thought to have something to hide, the Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is now one of the most powerful tools available to protect your online presence.

A VPN is like a private path between your device and a VPN server. It encrypts traffic routed through the connection, creating a secure tunnel that helps protect your data on untrusted networks. A VPN can strengthen your online privacy and security, although it does not replace other protections such as software updates, account security, and safe browsing.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up a VPN on macOS devices to enhance your online privacy and security.

💡For a visual walkthrough of VPN configuration, please view this brief video: ‘How to Set Up VPN on macOS.

The basics of VPN on macOS

Mac users enjoy an ecosystem known for its security and privacy features, as well as being considered a less popular target for malware. But even within a secure environment, taking full advantage of available security tools is essential to stay one step ahead of malicious actors.

Reasons to install a VPN

There are several reasons a Mac user might choose to use a VPN to protect their Internet connectivity, including:

• Privacy protection: Protect what your internet service provider (ISP) and others on the local network can see about traffic routed through the VPN.
• Bypassing geo-restrictions: Access region-locked content on streaming platforms and websites by geo-spoofing.
• Secure public Wi-Fi: Encrypt traffic between your Mac and the VPN server to reduce the risk of someone on an untrusted network intercepting it.
• Remote access: Connect to your workplace network securely from anywhere.
• Prevent bandwidth throttling: Make it harder for ISPs to identify and slow specific types of traffic, although a VPN can’t prevent general network congestion or data limits.

Step-by-step guide: How to set up VPN on macOS

There are several ways to set up a VPN on macOS You can manually configure the connection, open a settings file supplied by your provider or administrator, use a VPN application, or install a configuration profile. Manual configuration works well when you already have the required connection details, while VPN applications are often easier to set up and may include additional features.

When selecting a VPN solution for your Mac, consider factors like speed, server locations, encryption protocols, and logging policies. Make sure the VPN service aligns with your privacy and security needs.

Manual VPN configuration for Mac:  Inputting details and settings

For users comfortable with manual configuration settings, the following manual steps provide more control of your privacy settings:

1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. Scroll down to see this.
2. Click “Add VPN Configuration,” then select the VPN type provided by your administrator or VPN provider, such as L2TP over IPsec, Cisco IPsec, or IKEv2.
3. Enter a name for the new VPN service in the Display Name field.
4. Enter the required settings for the connection. These may include the server address, account name, Remote ID, Local ID, password, certificate, shared secret, or authentication method, depending on the VPN type.
5. If needed, enter additional DNS proxy, TCP/IP, or connection settings. The available options depend on the VPN type.
6. Click Create to save the VPN configuration.
7. Open System Settings > VPN and turn on the new VPN service when you want to connect.

VPN software configuration for Mac:  Inputting details and settings

Consider reputable VPN services that cater to macOS users. Some popular choices include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost, each offering a range of features and server locations.

The installation steps required to set up VPN software vary by vendor. We’ll use NordVPN, installed via the App Store, as an example:

Note: NordVPN currently requires macOS 14 or later and also offers a separate version available from its website with a different set of features.

1. Open the App Store on your Mac and search for NordVPN.
2. The App Store will display NordVPN. Click ‘Get,’ then ‘Install.’ Authenticate with your Apple Account, Touch ID, or Mac password if prompted.
3. Once the installation is completed, open NordVPN.
4. Click Log In in the NordVPN app. The app will open the Nord Account sign-in page in your browser.
5. Sign in or create an account using an available sign-in method, then allow the browser to reopen the NordVPN app.
6. Follow the onboarding prompts and approve the VPN configuration when macOS asks for permission.
7. Connect to the fastest available server, or select a country and location on the displayed map.
8. To customize the app, click the profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.

Syncing VPN settings across multiple devices

If you have multiple Mac devices, you can use a configuration profile to apply consistent VPN settings across them. Organizations can also deploy and manage VPN configurations through a device management solution. Your VPN provider or network administrator may provide a settings file or profile that users can install on each Mac.

How to connect to a VPN and ensure connection stability on macOS

Once you have configured your VPN, using it is simple:

1. Click on the VPN icon in the menu bar.
2. Select the VPN service you want to use.
3. Input your VPN credentials.
4. Click “Connect.”

Ensure a stable connection by choosing a server location with low latency and, if applicable, keeping your VPN software up to date.

Testing your VPN connection on macOS

Testing your VPN is essential to ensure it’s working as expected and providing the protection you need. Test for speed, security, and potential leaks as follows:

1. Speed test: Use online speed-testing tools to assess the VPN’s impact on your connection speed.
2. Security tests: Confirm that macOS or the VPN app shows an active connection. Compare your public IP address before and after connecting, then check whether DNS and IPv6 traffic use the expected route. A changed public IP shows that the tested request passed through the VPN, but it does not confirm that every application or connection uses the tunnel.
3. Server switching: Test different server locations to find the one that offers the best speed and performance.

Enjoy a protected and private online experience

Consistency is the key to making a VPN a successful contributor to system security. Always keep your Mac connected to your VPN, especially when on public WiFi or when you need to access geo-restricted content. Doing so can improve privacy and security by encrypting traffic routed through the VPN between your Mac and the VPN server. With split-tunnel or per-app configurations, some traffic may continue to use your normal internet connection.

Setting up a VPN on your macOS device is a simple proactive step towards enhancing your online privacy and security. By choosing a reliable VPN service and following the setup instructions above, you can enjoy the benefits of a protected and private online experience.