Set up a VPN connection on Mac (2024)

macOS Sonoma 14

macOS Ventura 13

macOS Monterey 12

macOS Big Sur 11.0

macOS Catalina 10.15

macOS Mojave 10.14

macOS High Sierra

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Table of Contents

macOS User Guide

  • Welcome
    • What’s in the menu bar?
    • Work on the desktop
    • Search with Spotlight
    • Quickly change settings
    • Use Siri
    • Get notifications
    • Open apps from the Dock
    • Organize your files in the Finder
    • Connect to the internet
    • Browse the web
    • Preview a file
    • Take a screenshot
    • Change your display’s brightness
    • Adjust the volume
    • Use trackpad and mouse gestures
    • Use Touch ID
    • Print documents
    • Keyboard shortcuts
    • Apps on your Mac
    • Open apps
    • Work with app windows
    • Use apps in full screen
    • Use apps in Split View
    • Use Stage Manager
    • Get apps from the App Store
    • Install and reinstall apps from the App Store
    • Install and uninstall other apps
    • Create and work with documents
    • Open documents
    • Mark up files
    • Combine files into a PDF
    • Organize files on your desktop
    • Organize files with folders
    • Tag files and folders
    • Back up files
    • Restore files
    • Change System Settings
    • Choose your desktop wallpaper
    • Add and customize widgets
    • Use a screen saver
    • Add a user or group
    • Add your email and other accounts
    • Automate tasks with Shortcuts
    • Create Memoji
    • Change your login picture
    • Change the system language
    • Make text and other items on the screen bigger
    • Set up a Focus to stay on task
    • Set up Screen Time for yourself
    • Use Dictation
    • Send emails
    • Send text messages
    • Make a FaceTime video call
    • Edit photos and videos
    • Use Live Text to interact with text in a photo
    • Start a Quick Note
    • Get directions
    • Work across devices using Continuity
    • Use iPhone as a webcam
    • Use iPhone with Desk View
    • Stream audio and video with AirPlay
    • Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and iPad
    • Hand off between devices
    • Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch
    • Make and receive phone calls on your Mac
    • Sync music, books, and more between devices
    • Manage Apple ID settings
    • Set your Apple ID picture
    • What is iCloud?
    • What is iCloud+?
    • Store files in iCloud Drive
    • Share and collaborate on files and folders
    • Manage iCloud storage
    • Use iCloud Photos
    • What is Family Sharing?
    • Set up Family Sharing
    • Set up Screen Time for a child
    • Share purchases with your family
    • Watch and listen together with SharePlay
    • Share a Photo Library
    • Collaborate on projects
    • Find content shared with you
    • Find your family and friends
    • Play games with your friends
    • Play music
    • Listen to podcasts
    • Watch TV shows and movies
    • Read and listen to books
    • Read the news
    • Track stocks and the market
    • Apple Music
    • Apple TV+
    • Apple Arcade
    • Apple News+
    • Podcast shows and channels
    • Manage subscriptions in the App Store
    • View Apple family subscriptions
    • Guard your privacy
    • Use Mail Privacy Protection
    • Control access to your camera
    • Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites
    • Set up your Mac to be secure
    • Keep your data safe
    • Create a passkey
    • Understand passwords
    • Keep your Apple ID secure
    • Find a missing device
    • Get started with accessibility features
    • Vision
    • Hearing
    • Mobility
    • Speech
    • General
    • Connect an external display
    • Use the built-in camera
    • Connect a Bluetooth device
    • Use AirPods with your Mac
    • Optimize your Mac battery life
    • Optimize storage space
    • Burn CDs and DVDs
    • Control accessories in your home
    • Use Windows on your Mac
  • Resources for your Mac
  • Resources for your Apple devices
  • Copyright
Set up a VPN connection on Mac (1)

To connect to a virtual private network (VPN), you need to enter configuration settings in Network settings. These settings include the VPN server address, account name, and any authentication settings, such as a password or a certificate.

Contact the network administrator for your organization or your VPN service provider for information about the settings you need to enter in order to connect to their VPN.

If you received a VPN settings file from your network administrator or VPN service provider, you can just double-click it to set up your connection. If you didn’t receive a file, enter the settings you received manually.

Enter VPN settings manually

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu Set up a VPN connection on Mac (2)>System Settings, then click Network Set up a VPN connection on Mac (3) in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

    Open VPN settings for me

  2. Click the Action pop-up menu Set up a VPN connection on Mac (4) on the right, choose Add VPN Configuration, then choose the type of VPN connection you want to set up.

  3. Enter a name for the new VPN service in the Display Name field.

  4. If you’re setting up an L2TP over IPSec VPN, click the Configuration pop-up menu, then select a configuration.

    If you don’t need multiple configurations, just use the Default configuration.

  5. Enter settings for the new VPN service.

    Required settings vary by the type of VPN and may include settings such as server address, account name, password, and authentication method.

  6. If needed, enter additional settings.

    • L2TP over IPSec: You can enter settings for Options, TCP/IP, DNS, and Proxies.

    • Cisco IPSec or IKEv2: You can enter settings for DNS and Proxies.

  7. Click Create.

View or modify a VPN configuration

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu Set up a VPN connection on Mac (5)>System Settings, then click VPN Set up a VPN connection on Mac (6) in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

  2. On the right, click the Info button Set up a VPN connection on Mac (7) next to the VPN service you want to modify.

  3. If needed, change settings.

  4. Click OK (or Cancel if you don’t want to make any changes).

Remove a VPN configuration

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu Set up a VPN connection on Mac (8)>System Settings, then click VPN Set up a VPN connection on Mac (9) in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

  2. On the right, click the Info button Set up a VPN connection on Mac (10) next to the VPN service you want to remove.

  3. Click Remove Configuration, then confirm you want to remove it.

You can use the VPN status icon in the menu bar to connect to the network and switch between VPN services.

  • L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) is an extension of PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) used by internet service providers to enable a VPN over the internet.

  • IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is a set of security protocols.

  • IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange) is a protocol that sets up a security association in IPSec.

See alsoChange VPN settings on Mac

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Set up a VPN connection on Mac (2024)

FAQs

Set up a VPN connection on Mac? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Click the Action pop-up menu on the right, choose Add VPN Configuration, then choose the type of VPN connection you want to set up. Enter a name for the new VPN service in the Display Name field.

Does Mac have a built-in VPN? ›

Do Macs Have VPNs Built in? Although Macs let us connect to private networks without a VPN app, these networks aren't VPNs in the traditional sense. While they are different from connecting directly to Wi-Fi, these private networks don't encrypt your web activity or device IP address.

Why can't i connect to VPN on Mac? ›

It's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by your antivirus program or another VPN application installed on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus and remove any other VPN applications. Restart your device afterward.

How do I add open VPN to my Mac? ›

Install the app and connect to a server
  1. Download the OpenVPN Connect app from our website.
  2. Wait until the download completes, then open it.
  3. Select the installer for your device (mac with Intel processor or mac with Apple chip).
  4. Click Continue when the installer window opens.
  5. Agree to the EULA and install.

Does Apple have a VPN? ›

No, iPhones don't have a built-in VPN service, but they do have built-in VPN support. In other words, the iOS platform allows you to configure and connect to a VPN service through its settings. To do so, you have to choose a VPN provider, download its VPN app from the App Store, and set up the connection.

Should Mac users use a VPN? ›

While Apple users enjoy a degree of immunity against cyber threats thanks to the robust anti-virus features and the security-focused Mac OS design, this does not extend to data once it leaves your device. Thus, for an enhanced layer of security during online activities, we advocate for the deployment of a VPN.

How do I know if my Mac is connected to VPN? ›

Mac: Check your top status bar. If you have a VPN/proxy set up, there will be a black box with four grey lines and one white line. If you cannot see this box, you do not have a VPN set up. Click on this to connect/disconnect to a VPN/proxy.

How do I turn on VPN? ›

  1. If you haven't already, add a VPN.
  2. Open your device's Settings app.
  3. Tap Network & internet. VPN. ...
  4. Next to the VPN you want to change, tap Settings .
  5. Turn Always-on VPN on or off. If you've set up a VPN through an app, you won't have the always-on option.
  6. If needed, tap Save.

Can I use Google VPN on Mac? ›

Become a Google One member to get VPN by Google One — available with all plans in select countries. Activate the VPN with one tap from the Google One app for Android and iOS, or from the desktop apps for Windows and Mac.

Why won t my Apple VPN connect? ›

There are many reasons why your VPN is not connecting to your iPhone. Forgotten VPN or iOS updates, wrong protocol, or local network restrictions often prevent the VPN from doing its job. Simultaneously, some VPNs simply do not have a functional iOS app, and you should consider switching VPN service providers.

When I connect to VPN, I lose internet on my Mac.? ›

To isolate the cause, temporarily disable any third-party app that may interfere with your connection. For example, a firewall with strict settings, another VPN application, or antivirus. Make sure you have the latest version of the app (some older versions will have trouble connecting to our new servers).

How do I create a VPN connection on my Mac? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Network in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.) Click the Action pop-up menu on the right, choose Add VPN Configuration, then choose the type of VPN connection you want to set up. Enter a name for the new VPN service in the Display Name field.

How do I share a VPN connection on my Mac? ›

Go to System Preferences > Sharing. 3. In the Internet Sharing section, you will see the following options: Share your connection from: in the drop-down menu choose the VPN connection, that you've created on your Mac.

Is OpenVPN free to use? ›

OpenVPN is a free VPN option for those looking to protect their privacy. Is it for you? OpenVPN is an open-source VPN protocol allowing secure online access from point-to-point completely free of charge.

How do I connect to a personal VPN on my Mac? ›

How to Login to the VPN Software
  1. Click on the PersonalVPN Icon in your dock.
  2. Now click on the PersonalVPN Icon in the top right of your menu bar.
  3. Choose Open.
  4. Input the same username and password that you use to log in to the personalVPN website.
  5. Check the option to Remember details in my Keychain.
  6. Click Sign In.

How do I share internet connection with VPN on Mac? ›

Go to System Preferences > Sharing. 3. In the Internet Sharing section, you will see the following options: Share your connection from: in the drop-down menu choose the VPN connection, that you've created on your Mac.

How do I know if I have a VPN on my Mac? ›

Mac: Check your top status bar. If you have a VPN/proxy set up, there will be a black box with four grey lines and one white line. If you cannot see this box, you do not have a VPN set up. Click on this to connect/disconnect to a VPN/proxy.

How do I add a VPN configuration? ›

Head into “Settings.” Click on “Network and internet” and then choose “VPN.” Click “Add VPN.” Now, fill in the fields: select “Windows (built-in)” for your VPN provider, name your connection under “Connection name,” enter the server name or address, select the VPN type, and choose the type of sign-in info.

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