How to Setup VPN in macOS?

VPN or Virtual Private Network allows you to bypass the Internet Service Provider and access the internet through different network. You can use VPN to unblock the sites in your area and anonymously browse internet without revealing your IP address. If you are planning to use VPN on your MacBook or iMac, here is how you can setup VPN in macOS old and new versions.

Before Setting Up VPN in Mac

Whether you want to use a free app or plan to purchase a premium subscription, make sure to understand the followings:

• When connected, all your network activities will go through the VPN app. This includes browsing in browser and other ways you connect to internet through apps.
• Though most of the VPN companies claim zero-log service, in general they do log the browsing activities. They are liable for any legal implications like proving access details for police investigation.
• Your country may block VPN protocols thus not allowing the VPN app to connect or resulting in unstable connection.
• Internet speed will be slow through VPN compared to accessing through your ISP.
• VPN servers IP addresses are heavily blocked by Google. You will be prompted to confirm you are not a robot when trying to use Google Search and other services through VPN connection.

In summary, make sure to check the VPN company do not log your activities and purchase a premium subscription like ExpressVPN instead of using free apps. The stability of VPN connection has no relation with the setup on your Mac. It depends on the speed of VPN server and your internet connection.

You can setup VPN in Mac by different methods. When you do the manual setup, though the connection process remains same in old and new macOS versions, the screen interface may look different macOS Ventura (or later) and macOS Monterey (or earlier).

1. Installing VPN Apps

This is the easiest way to setup VPN in Mac.

• Go to App Store and install the VPN app that you want to use.
• If the app is not available in App Store, then you can download the installer package from VPN company’s website and install the app.

• When you install, the app will try to add VPN configuration profile. You will see a prompt like below and click “Allow” button to install the configuration profile.

• After installing the profile, you can start using the VPN app like any other app in Mac.

2. Manually Setup VPN in macOS Ventura or Later Versions

The manual setup involves adding the configuration profile manually in Mac.

• Click the Apple logo and select “System Settings…” menu.
• When you are in Mac settings, click on “VPN” from the left sidebar. Here you will see a list of already connected VPN services. You can also go to “Network > VPN” section to access the same page.

• Click on “Add VPN Configuration” button and select the protocol from the dropdown. IPSec and IKEV2 are well known protocols that provide stable connectivity. If you are not sure about the protocol, check with your VPN company and get the server details.

• Let us select “L2TP over IPSec…” option and the pop-up will open to fill up the details. Enter the display name for your VPN, add server IP / account, your VPN account username/password, server’s certificate for authentication and secret key details.

• TCP/IP, DNS and Proxies sections are used to configure the respective items if you have from the VPN company. In generally, you do not need to change these details and go to “Options” section. Here, you can allow VPN to disconnect when switching user accounts or logging out in Mac.

After filling all the required details, click “Create” button to add the configuration. You will see the newly added items in the list and turn on the switch against that item to check if you are able to connect to that server. Though it is easy to add configuration profiles manually in Mac, the difference here is that you may need to add multiple profiles for different server IP addresses. When using the app, the server switch is handled in the app, and you do not need to worry about adding profiles.  

3. Manually Setup VPN in macOS Monterey or Earlier Versions

As mentioned, macOS Monterey or earlier versions have different user interface.

• Go to Apple menu and select “System Preferences…” option.
• When you are in System Preference window, click on “Network” icon.

• Click the padlock icon showing in bottom left corner. Provide your administrator password and unlock the screen for editing.
• After unlocking, click the + icon showing just above the padlock icon.

• On the pop-up that appears select the interface as “VPN” from the dropdown. Select “Interface Type” and “Service Name” and click “Create” button.

• Fill up the server address, server account name details and click on “Authentication Settings…” button.

• It will show a pop-up where you can enter username and password details. Click “OK” button to go back to the main screen.

• Click on the “Advanced…” button to see Options, TCP/IP, DNS, and Proxies settings like macOS Ventura settings.

• After filling up the required details, click “Connect” button and start using your VPN setup.

4. Using Apple iCloud Private Relay

Apple offers in-built protection service called iCloud Private Relay. Though this is not a VPN, it helps to hide your IP address when browsing the internet using Safari. If you only want to hide your IP and browse anonymously, then you can use iCloud Private Relay instead of using third-party VPN apps. The feature is disabled by default and follow the below instructions to enable it on your Mac.

• Go to “Apple menu > System Settings…”.
• Click your Apple ID and select “iCloud” option.
• You will see a list of options and click on “Private Relay”.

• Click “Turn on Private Relay” button to start using this feature.

Final Words

Using Private Relay is the best option if you want to hide your IP and strict to Safari browser for browsing. However, VPN apps can do better job for routing all your network connection and access blocked sites. You can find the premium app that works for you and install it from App Store or from the developer’s website. If you have the server and your account details, then it is also possible to manually setup VPN in Mac as explained above.