If you haven’t chosen a VPN yet, check out the best VPN providers for MacOS or scroll down to see which VPN we think is the very best for MacOS.

Note: Before setting up a VPN on your MacOS, you’ll need a VPN subscription and the associated login details. To make manually configuring your VPN as simple as possible, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you to follow. Many Mac users would prefer to be able to set up their own VPN on MacOS without installing third party software. This secure connection will help you stay safe while browsing. In our screenshots below, we're showing the efficacy in selecting a VPN server in various parts of the world using the PIA service app.If you are serious about keeping yourself safe online and want to ensure that cybercriminals aren’t able to access your personal data, a VPN is the way to go. In most instances, you'll simply be required to install the application and enter your account credentials, and then you're up and running. Many VPN service providers like NordVPN, IPVanish, TunnelBear, ExpressVPN, and more, offer applications you can install, which will automatically set up your VPN settings and give you easy access to start/stop your VPN connection. How to connect to the VPN with your VPN provider's App You can check out the pros and cons here.Ĭlick Connect to start your VPN Connection.

Optionally, you can check Show VPN status in the menu bar if you want to enable and disable your VPN connection from the desktop quickly.Ĭheck Send all traffic over VPN connection to encrypt all of your internet access through the VPN provider.

In our example, we are using a Shared Secret.

Select the Machine Authentication required by your VPN provider and enter the pertinent details.

In our example, we will be using Password.

Select the User Authentication method you have been given by your VPN provider and enter the pertinent details.

The type of VPN encryption being used by your VPN provider will determine what sort of authentication settings you will need to enter. Type in your Account Name (also provided by your VPN).It may be in the form of an IP address or a Hostname. Type in the Server Address that the VPN service provides you.Type in a Service Name that is easy to recognize when you want to connect.In our example, we are using L2TP over IPSec. Select the VPN Type provided by your VPN service provider.Click on the lock icon at the bottom left, then login, if applicable.Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your Mac's screen.How to Connect to the VPN when no third party app is provided Either by using the macOS built-in networking framework or the VPN provider's connection application. There are two main ways of connecting to your VPN service provider.

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