How to set up a VPN on a Mac

How to get a VPN on a Mac

If you’re ready to make your Mac experience even safer with a VPN, the great news is that macOS offers multiple ways to set it up. You can use an app, manually configure a VPN connection in network settings, connect using OpenVPN, or even rely on browser extensions for limited access. The choice ultimately depends on how much control you want, your technical skillset, your needs, and how user friendly you want the experience to be.

Before we jump into the instructions, it’s important to note that no matter which option you choose, you’ll need a VPN service first. To get one, start by selecting a reputable VPN provider and creating an account on its website. Most providers offer several subscription plans, so you can choose one based on price, features, and the number of devices you want to connect. 

After you subscribe, the provider supplies everything required to configure your VPN connection, including server address details, password credentials, and recommended VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec.

A VPN app

Using a VPN app is hands down the most user-friendly way to set up a VPN on any device. The app handles the heavy lifting for you and manages the VPN settings, encryption, and server switching automatically.

To connect to a VPN on a Mac by using an app:

1. 1.Choose a reputable VPN provider and download the app for macOS from its website or the App Store.
2. 2.Install the app and sign in using your account credentials.
3. 3.Allow the app to add VPN configuration when prompted.
4. 4.Select a VPN server and click “Connect.”

Most VPN apps support industry-standard VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN, ensuring strong security and stable connection performance. 

The main pros of using an app for your VPN connection are:

• Simple installation and setup process.

• User-friendly interface.

• Automatic management of VPN settings.

• Additional features, like a kill switch or split tunneling.

However, there are some downsides to it, too:

• Not every VPN provider will have a dedicated macOS app.

• Apps require updates to patch security vulnerabilities.

• The app may consume slightly more system resources.

Manual configuration

Manual configuration lets you set up a VPN without installing an app, using macOS network tools instead. This approach will best suit someone with a bit more technical know-how or those who prefer greater control over their VPN connection settings. Plus, it uses fewer computer resources than the app.

All versions of macOS support VPN protocols such as L2TP, IPSec, and IKEv2. The protocols may differ depending on which VPN provider you use. For example, NordVPN allows you to manually set up a VPN with IKEv2/IPSec.

But before you start, you’ll need to gather the required connection details from your VPN service provider’s website. These details usually include the type of VPN connection, the VPN server address, the account name, and authentication settings, such as a password or a certificate. 

To get the server address (hostname) for IKEv2/IPSec and your service credentials:

1. 1.Log in to your Nord Account.
2. 2.Click “NordVPN.”
3. 3.Go to “Set up NordVPN manually” under “Advanced settings.”
4. 4.Open “Server recommendation.”
5. 5.Under “Available protocols,” select “IKEv2/IPSec.”
6. 6.Copy the server hostname, which you’ll later use for “Server address” and “Remote ID.”
7. 7.Now open the “Service credentials.” Verify your email address by entering the code sent to you.
8. 8.Copy the “Username” and “Password” shown. These are your service credentials.

Now that you have all the necessary details to manually set up a VPN connection, you can:

1. 1.Download the NordVPN IKEv2 certificate to your Mac.
2. 2.Open the certificate from your “Downloads” folder and click “Add” in the action pop-up menu. Make sure “Login” is selected under “Default keychains.”
3. 3.Find and open the Keychain Access app. In the app, search for “nordvpn,” right-click “NordVPN root CA,” and select “Get info.”
4. 4.In the new pop-up window, click on the “Trust” section to expand it. Under “When using this certificate,” set “Extensible authentication (EAP)” and “IP security (IPsec)” to “Always trust,” and leave everything else as “No value specified.” Close the pop-up. Enter your Mac password if prompted.
5. 5.Open “System settings,” then click “VPN.”
6. 6.Click “Add VPN configuration” and select “IKEv2.” In the pop-up that opens, come up with a “Display name” so you know which connection is the NordVPN one.
7. 7.Paste your chosen VPN server address into both the “Server address” and “Remote ID” fields.
8. 8.Make sure that the user authentication settings are set to “Username.” Enter your service credentials into the “Username” and “Password” fields.
9. 9.Click “Create.” Your macOS device should connect to a VPN successfully. If you want to turn the VPN off, simply toggle the switch next to your display name in the “VPN” section of your “System settings.” 

The pros of using this method to set up a VPN:

• You don’t need to download a third-party VPN app.

• You will use native macOS tools, which use fewer system resources.

However, it’s not a perfect method because: 

• Manual configuration takes time and technical knowledge.

• You won’t get any additional VPN features provided by the app, like a kill switch.

OpenVPN

If you prefer a hands-on approach and don’t mind working with open-source tools, you can connect to NordVPN using Tunnelblick, a free macOS application for managing OpenVPN connections. This method uses the same OpenVPN protocol as the NordVPN app, so security remains strong. It’s a good choice for users who want manual control over their VPN settings and don’t mind a slightly more technical process.

Follow these instructions to set up OpenVPN with Tunnelblick on macOS:

1. 1.Download the Tunnelblick install file from its official website. Open the downloaded “.dmg” file and double-click the Tunnelblick icon in the pop-up window to begin installation.
2. 2.When prompted, click “Open” to confirm. Enter your Mac password to authorize installation.
3. 3.Download NordVPN configuration files by logging in to your Nord Account and going to “Set up NordVPN manually” > “Server recommendation” or “OpenVPN configuration files.” Download the desired server file by selecting either UDP (faster) or TCP (more stable).
4. 4.Open Tunnelblick from your menu bar. Click “VPN details” and then “Continue” when prompted.
5. 5.Drag and drop the downloaded “.ovpn” file into the Tunnelblick “Configurations” tab.
6. 6.Choose whether to install the configuration for your current user or all users.
7. 7.Enter your Mac password or click “Confirm” when asked.
8. 8.Select the imported server configuration and click “Connect.”
9. 9.Enter your NordVPN service username and password. You can also select “Save in keychain” to connect to the VPN without your service credentials in the future.

Once connected, you’ll see Tunnelblick’s status icon in the menu bar. To disconnect, click the icon and select “Disconnect.”

The pros of using this method:

• No need to install the app, which would use more computer resources.

• OpenVPN offers strong security.

However, it also comes with a few drawbacks:

• The setup is more complex than simply installing an app or a browser extension.

• It lacks the extra features included in the NordVPN app.

A browser extension

Another way to get a VPN on your Mac device is by installing an extension to your browser. However, keep in mind that browser extensions are not a fully-equipped VPN but rather proxy tools. They only protect browser traffic and do not encrypt all internet activity. They’re useful for quick location changes but won’t protect apps or background connections.

Follow these steps to get a VPN browsing extension on your Mac:

1. 1.Open your browser’s extension store.
2. 2.Download the extension from your VPN provider.
3. 3.Log in and choose a server location.
4. 4.Click “Connect.”

VPN browser extensions are a great option because:

• They’re super easy to set up.

• They don’t use up many computer resources.

However, keep in mind that they:

• Won’t offer the additional features provided by the app.

• Only protect the traffic from your browser.

Why you should set up a VPN on a Mac

Setting up a VPN on a Mac is one of the smartest moves you can make if you care about privacy, security, and control over your online experience. While macOS has strong built-in protections, it does not encrypt your traffic by default. A VPN fills that gap by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your Mac and a remote VPN server, shielding your data from prying eyes.

Public Wi-Fi networks are one of the biggest risks. Coffee shops, airports, hotels, and shared workspaces are prime hunting grounds for attackers looking to intercept unprotected traffic. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it extremely difficult for anyone to access your data, even if they’re on the same network.

A VPN also changes your IP address and location to those of a VPN server. This process makes it harder for websites, advertisers, and your internet service provider to track your browsing activity and build detailed profiles based on your online behavior. In the long run, you’ll see fewer targeted ads, reduced data tracking, and stronger privacy.

How to use a VPN on a Mac without interruptions

Using a VPN on your Mac is only part of the equation — keeping it running smoothly is what makes it practical for everyday use. The tips below explain how to maintain a stable connection and keep your settings consistent across all your Macs without constant tweaking.

How to connect to a VPN and ensure connection stability

A stable VPN experience matters just as much as security. Dropped connections, constant reconnects, or speed dips can quickly turn a useful tool into a daily annoyance. The best way to avoid connection issues with your VPN is to use a VPN provider’s app rather than relying solely on manual configuration.

The apps are designed to automatically manage VPN settings, select the most appropriate VPN protocols, and switch VPN server locations when a connection becomes unstable. This way, you take the guesswork out of setup and greatly reduce interruptions.

For the best stability, always choose a VPN server geographically close to you. Distance increases latency, which can affect speed and reliability. If your connection feels slow or you encounter a “No network connection” error, switch to another nearby server.

How to sync VPN settings across Macs

If you use more than one Mac, syncing VPN settings can save time and prevent configuration errors. While VPN apps automatically sync settings when you log into your account, manual configuration requires a little bit more effort.

To sync settings manually:

1. 1.Open “System settings” and click “VPN” on the sidebar.
2. 2.Select the configured VPN from the list of network services, then open the configuration pop-up menu by clicking the little “i” icon next to the toggle. 
3. 3.Copy the VPN configuration settings, including the server ID and address, username, and password.
4. 4.On your other Mac, repeat the second step, select “Add VPN configuration,” input the same details, and click “Create.”

Keep in mind that this process must be repeated for each Mac individually. Automatic syncing of multiple configurations isn’t available on macOS. If you frequently switch devices, using an app is often easier because it applies the same settings as soon as you sign in.

Choose the best VPN service for your Mac

Not every VPN service that looks good on paper performs equally well in real life. While most VPN providers promise similar benefits, a few key features matter more than others:

• Clear privacy policies. A trustworthy VPN provider should clearly explain what data it logs — and just as importantly, what it does not log. Independent no-logs audits are a strong bonus because they verify that the VPN service actually follows what it promises.
• A large and reliable VPN server network. The size and spread of a VPN server network directly affect speed and stability. More servers in more countries give you better flexibility when switching server location and improve your chances of maintaining a smooth VPN connection.
• Strong encryption and modern VPN protocols. Look for support for industry-standard encryption protocols like IKEv2/IPsec and the OpenVPN protocol. These technologies balance security and speed and protect your data, all while keeping performance steady.
• Multiple device support. Broad device support ensures you can protect not just your Mac, but your entire setup without complicated configuration steps.
• Additional features. Extra features and threat protection tools improve your everyday online experience. For example, NordVPN includes Threat Protection Pro™, available in the app, which scans downloaded files for malware and blocks dangerous websites in real time, even when you’re not actively connected to a VPN server. Another handy feature is Meshnet, which allows you to securely connect multiple devices over encrypted tunnels to access your files remotely, play games with friends over LAN, or create a secure private network between devices.

Why you should avoid using free VPNs on your Mac

Free VPNs may sound tempting, but they often come with serious drawbacks that outweigh any short-term savings.

They often restrict VPN server access, limit data usage, or throttle speeds, which can make everyday browsing frustrating. Streaming, video calls, or large downloads may become unreliable due to overcrowded servers and an unstable VPN connection.

Privacy is another major concern. Running a VPN service costs money, and if users aren’t paying for it, the company must generate revenue elsewhere. Some free VPNs log browsing activity, collect usage data, or display intrusive ads. In the worst cases, user data may be shared with third parties. That defeats the primary reason for using a VPN in the first place — protecting your online activity and IP address.

How to uninstall VPN on Mac

If you decide you no longer need a VPN or want to switch to a different provider, uninstalling a VPN on Mac is simple, but the exact process depends on whether you’re using an app or a manual configuration.

If you installed a VPN app:

1. 1.Open Finder and click “Applications.”
2. 2.Drag the app from the “Applications” folder to the Trash. Empty the Trash to fully delete the app.

If you manually configured a VPN in macOS:

1. 1.Go to “System settings” > “VPN.”
2. 2.Select the VPN service you previously added, then click the “i” button to open the configuration pop-up menu.
3. 3.Click on “Remove configuration.” Confirm the removal when prompted.

If you set up your VPN using Tunnelblick instead, you’ll need to remove both the configuration and the app itself:

1. 1.Click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar to open the app.
2. 2.In the “Configurations” list, choose the server profile you previously imported and click the minus (–) button at the bottom to delete the configuration. Confirm removal when prompted.
3. 3.Quit Tunnelblick and open the “Applications” folder. Drag Tunnelblick to the Trash. Empty the Trash to remove it fully.

After uninstalling a VPN, it’s a good idea to restart your Mac. This way, you’ll refresh your network to the default configuration and make sure your system returns to its standard connection state. Once the VPN is removed, your Mac will connect to the internet normally without routing traffic through the encrypted connection.