A VPN can easily hide your online presence and keep you anonymous while you surf the web. Not only this, it gives you access to the geo-restricted websites, unlocks streaming platforms, and helps you enjoy free public wi-fi without the fear of your data being compromised.
In this guide, we’ll tell you how to install a VPN on Mac using four different techniques.
Configuring a VPN on your Mac can be a little tricky if you’ve never done it before. But not to worry, we’ll let you know all the good secrets.
Whether it is for sensitive work or you just want to escape the dynamic pricing techniques of online stores, a VPN on your Mac will keep you covered in all situations.
Short on time? Here’s a Short Summary of How to Install a VPN On Mac.
- Sign up for a reliable VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN app on your Mac.
- Launch the VPN app.
- Sign in with your VPN credentials provided to you by your VPN company.
- Select a server, connect to your VPN, and your Mac is secured.
How to Install a VPN On Mac?
Here are the ways you can install a VPN on Mac:
- Download the VPN app on your Mac device and install it.
- Configure a VPN manually on your Mac PC.
- Use OpenVPN.
- Install a VPN directly on your Mac browser.
We’ll walk you through each method to successfully install a VPN on your Mac PC.
Method # 1: How to Install a VPN On Mac Using a Third-Party VPN App?
This is the simplest process to enable a VPN on your Mac device. Remember that you have to get a VPN subscription first in order to use the VPN app on your device. After you’ve subscribed to a plan, follow this process.
- Go to the app store or the website of your VPN provider and download the VPN setup.
- Install it on your Mac device.
- Launch the VPN app.
- Sign in to your VPN account by entering your login credentials.
- Now select a server location and connect to the VPN.
Method # 2: How to Install a VPN On Mac Using Manual Configuration?
We will use Mac’s built-in VPN settings to manually configure a VPN connection on our device. We’ll be setting up a VPN profile by entering the right information provided to you by your VPN company.
Once you have all the required data, follow the steps below.
- Click on the Apple icon on the left top corner of your screen.
- Head to System Preferences and then to Network.
- In the Network window, click on the (+) sign on left.
- A new window will appear on your screen. Select VPN as the Interface.
- Click on the drop-down menu of VPN type and select your preferred protocol.
- Enter the name of your VPN connection in Service Name.
- Click on Create.
- Now enter Server Address and Account Name (or Username).
- Click on Authentication Settings and enter your password and shared secret. Click OK.
- Click on Apply and then Connect.
Method # 3: How to Install a VPN On Mac Using OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is a highly secure open-source VPN and here’s how you can install it on Mac.
- Open your favorite browser and go to OpenVPN Access Server and sign in with your account.
- Download the macOS setup.
- Launch the setup.
- Read the licensing terms and keep on clicking Continue and Agree till it asks for your Apple ID.
- Provide your Apple ID and start the installation.
- After the installation is finished, open the OpenVPN app.
- Sign in with your account and connect to the VPN.
Method # 4: How to Install a VPN On Mac Browser?
There are lots of VPN services that facilitate their customers by providing a browser extension tool. You can easily install it in your browser without installing the complete app on your operating system. Here’s how you can do it.
- Open your Google Chrome browser and search for Chrome Web Store.
- In the search panel, enter the name of your VPN provider.
- Click on Add to Chrome to install the VPN browser extension.
- Sign in with your VPN credentials.
- Connect to the VPN.
How to Choose a VPN For Mac?
There are tons of VPN providers claiming that they’re the best. But are they? Well, it can only be calculated by whether they offer high speed, advanced protocols, and the necessary features to facilitate the user. Let’s dig deeper and check out the qualities an ideal VPN service should offer.
A Good Pool of Servers
If your VPN provider offers very few servers then it’ll often be crowded by other users which will result in slow bandwidth and speed.
So sign up for a VPN provider that offers a rich pool of servers. NordVPN is a good choice as it has a total count of 5600 servers in 59 countries.
Unlocks Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are constantly enhancing their algorithms to detect VPN-generated IPs and ban them.
It’s hard to find a VPN provider that unlocks the different libraries of these streaming platforms. So make sure you test the VPN first by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.
But if you want a reliable choice, ExpressVPN provides a dedicated MediaStreamer tool that can make your streaming experience magical.
Enhanced Security
Security and anonymity are why someone uses a VPN in the first place. Always go for a VPN that provides the latest security protocols and methods.
Search for the AES 256-bit encryption method and OpenVPN protocol while signing up for a VPN service. These are by far the most secure options to keep your online identity and traffic private.
Simultaneous Connections
This refers to the number of devices you can connect at the same time with a single VPN subscription. Most VPNs allow 2 or 3 devices simultaneously which is not enough if you want to cover all the devices of your household.
However, there are other VPN providers like Surfshark that have no limitations on simultaneous connections. And if you also want to cover devices that have no support for native VPN apps then directly install a VPN on your router.
Cost
A reliable and trusted VPN can cost you nearly $12 to $13 monthly depending on the provider you choose. But you can still save some money if you sign up for a longer-term plan.
Also, keep an eye on seasonal discounts as you may get the perfect deal for your VPN needs.
For further information, read our detailed guide: How Much Does a VPN Cost.
How to Test a Mac VPN?
You should often check your VPN if it’s functioning properly or not. Your VPN might expose your original IP address even if it says ‘Connected’ because of VPN leaks. So let’s see how we can check if a VPN is working or not.
Speed Test
- Disconnect your VPN if you’re connected to one.
- Go to the browser and search for Ookla Speed Test.
- Check what is the speed of your internet connection without a VPN.
- Now connect to your VPN.
- Check your speed on Ookla again.
- Now compare both the speeds.
IP Address Leak Test
- Disconnect your VPN if you’re connected to one.
- Open your browser and go to www.whatismyipaddress.com.
- You’ll see your original IP address displayed on the screen. Note it down.
- Now connect to your VPN.
- Go again and see if your IP has changed now.
If your IP address is the same, then your VPN is not working. If your IP address has changed, your VPN is working perfectly fine.
DNS Leak Test
- Connect to your VPN by setting the server location to the US.
- Go to www.dnsleaktest.com.
- Select ‘Standard Test‘.
In the results, you will see the IP addresses of domains. If all the appearing results are from the US then your VPN is working fine. But if you see your ISP’s name anywhere, then your VPN is leaking.
For more information on how you can test your VPN, visit our detailed guide: How to Check Your VPN
How to Sync VPN Settings Across Macs?
If you have installed a VPN on your Mac using manual configurations then you can sync those settings across different Mac devices of yours. But you need to sync the VPN settings manually on each Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon.
- Go to the System Preferences.
- Head to Network.
- Click on the three dots and choose Import Configuration.
- Choose the correct file.
- Click on Import.
Also read:
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Should I use a free VPN on my Mac?
Is it illegal to use a VPN service?
What are the best VPN services for Mac?
What can I do if my VPN is leaking my IP address?
Conclusion
VPNs are a powerful tool to back you up on the open internet and keep you safe from falling prey to hackers. And installing a VPN on Mac is not a burdensome job, because you just need the right VPN service that provides an app for Mac devices. Then you need to install the app on your device and sign in with your credentials. That’s all.
