What to Know

• OpenSystem Preferences>Network>+> chooseVPNunder Interface >L2PT over IPSecunder Service Name.
• Next, selectCreate> enter Server AddressandAccount Name >Authentication Settings.
• Next, enter VPNpassword and "shared secret" >OK>Apply>Connect.

This article explains how to choose a virtual private network (VPN) that's right for you, and details how to set it up on your Mac computer.

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac Using VPN Settings

To set up a VPN via the Mac's built-in VPN settings, make sure you have all the necessary data first.This includes the VPN type, the server address, username, password, and shared secret.All this information is specific to each VPN and provided by your VPN operator.

1. Click theAppleicon in the upper left of your display, then clickSystem Preferences.

2. ClickNetwork.

   

3. Click thePlus (+)to create a new network connection.

   

4. SelectVPN from theInterfacedropdown menu andL2PT over IPSecfrom theService Namedropdown menu.Name of your choice in theService Namefield, then clickCreate.

   

5. Enter theServer Address and Account Name, sometimes referred to as username by the VPN operator, then clickAuthentication Settings.

   

6. Enter the Password and Shared Secret, then clickOK.

   

7. ClickApply, then clickConnect.

   

8. Your VPN will now connect. SelectDisconnectto turn off your VPN when you're done.

   You can always see the status of your VPN connection from the Network tab. You can also clickShow VPN status in menu barif you want quick access to the VPN connection.

   

9. To turn the connection back on again, repeat steps 1 and 2, choose your VPN from the list, then clickConnectonce more.

How to Set up a VPN in macOS 13 Ventura

If you're using macOS 13 (Ventura), the process for manually setting up a VPN is a little different.

1. Open theApple menuin the top-left corner of the screen.

2. SelectSystem Settings.

3. SelectVPNfrom the sidebar.

4. Select AddVPN Configurationand choose the connection type you want.

5. In the Display Name field, enter the name you want to use for the VPN service you're setting up.

   Stick with theDefaultConfiguration option if you won't be using multiple configurations.

6. Choose your new VPN settings. These may vary depending on the service but are likely to include information such as the account name and password.

7. SelectCreateto finish setting up your new VPN.

How to Set Up a VPN on Mac Using a Third-Party VPN App

Setting up a VPN on a Mac is a straightforward process. Once you've found a VPN provider you want to use, just head over the VPN provider's website to get started.

1. Find the download for your Mac device- Find the appropriate application for your Mac device and begin the download. In most cases, there will be a list of download links you can click on right at the top of the VPN website.

2. Provide payment information- Depending on the VPN, you may be asked to provide payment information before you can use the service. If this is the case, be sure to check the money-back guarantee period just in case the service doesn't work for you and you need a refund.

3. Set up the VPN on your Mac-Launch the application installer to begin the installation process on your Mac device. With some products, you may be asked to grant permission to install different parts of the application, such as configuration files or helper tools.

4. Launch the VPN service on your Mac-Once installed, launch the application and begin using the service by choosing a VPN server location (or quick connect) and connecting to the server.

And that's it! Once you're connected to the VPN, you're all set to begin browsing the web privately and securely. For peace of mind, you can check the VPN's connection status on the application screen (it should sayOn/Off, orConnected/Disconnected, etc). You can also check your newly cloaked IP address by visiting whatismyipaddress.com.

Choose a VPN Service for Your Mac

The place to start is by choosing a good VPN service. Most major VPN providers have similar offerings in terms of server locations, encryption protocols, speed, and performance. However, there are differences between them which can affect how well the service works for you. Here's a look at some popular uses of VPNs and what to look for when choosing a VPN service for your Mac.

• Web browsing privacy- All VPN services are designed to hide your IP address and physical location while encrypting your data traffic as it flows over public networks. However, VPNs differ in the type of features offered, and it's worth taking the time to investigate the different options available. These include the VPN's data logging policies, encryption protocols (OpenVPN is best), the number of allowable connections, browser extensions, service levels, extra security features, torrenting support, and the company's jurisdiction (a non-U.S. jurisdiction is best).
• Streaming movies- While nearly all VPNs claim they can unlock sites like Netflix or Amazon Prime, not every VPN lives up to its promises. Your best bet is to spend some time reading VPN reviews, taking advantage of trial periods, or using a VPN that has a money-back guarantee. You don't want to pre-pay for a service that doesn't work as advertised. Often, getting movies to stream is a matter of trial and error involving finding the right VPN company and/or server location.
• Torrenting- Again, most VPNs like to advertise that they're the best VPN for torrenting, but it's not always the case. If you like to torrent, you want to find a service offers a wide range of dedicated P2P servers, unlimited bandwidth, uses the OpenVPN protocol with AES 256-bit encryption, and has a jurisdiction outside of the 5, 9, or 14-Eyes Alliance countries, i.e. U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. It's also important to read the VPN service's fine print to make sure you're not in violation of their user policy if torrenting.

Why You Should Avoid Free VPN Services on Your Mac

All VPN companies need a way to make money, even 'free' ones. So, if a VPN pitches itself as fast and free, you can bet it's probably monetized by the collection user data which is tracked and sold to third parties.

Some free VPNs may even surreptitiously install adware on your Mac. If you think about it, this completely goes against what a VPN is designed to do, i.e. keep your data and identity protected. That said, if you really can't afford a paid VPN service, you should read over the terms of service so you fully understand what kind of data you might be giving up in exchange for the freebie.

• How do I remove a VPN from my Mac?

  If your VPN provider has you using an app, quit out of the app and locate it (most likely in the Applications folder) then delete it. If it's not an app, openSystem Preferences>Network> select your VPN from the list >Disconnect, then selectRemove (-)to permanently remove it from your network list.

• What is the best VPN for Mac?

  There's no objective "best" VPN you can use for your Mac as what you specifically need may be different from what someone else is looking for. However, the two most highly recommended VPN services by most are currently ExpressVPN and Surfshark.