How to Install ExpressVPN On Mac OS? [April 2022]

Setting up ExpressVPN on Mac is simple. In this article, we tell you different methods on how to install ExpressVPN on Mac OS to avoid getting attacked by hackers and bypass geo-blocked content on the internet.

You can do it in two ways, either install ExpressVPN directly on your Mac or set it up manually with the L2TP protocol.

If you don’t know what a VPN does, it’s a powerful tool that routes your personal data through a secure tunnel. With this, it changes your location by assigning you a bogus IP address of a different region.

But not all VPNs can be trusted. We recommend ExpressVPN because it is one of the top-tier reliable VPN providers which is fast, reliable, and secure.

It has a total of 3000+ servers covering 94 countries. ExpressVPN has a built-in kill-switch called Network Lock and a dedicated app MediaStreamer, for streaming geo-blocked content.

With an active 30-day money-back guarantee offer and a strict no-log policy, your ExpressVPN subscription plan can turn out to be a good purchase if you care too much about your online privacy.

So let’s get on to how you can install ExpressVPN on your Mac computer.

For a detailed ExpressVPN review, visit our guide: How Does ExpressVPN Work

How to Install ExpressVPN On Mac?

You can install ExpressVPN on Mac using the following techniques.

• Directly download and install the ExpressVPN app on your Mac PC.
• Use the manual configuration method and install ExpressVPN’s L2TP/IPsec protocol on your Mac.

Method 1: How to Install ExpressVPN On Mac By Downloading The Installer App?

You should have an active ExpressVPN subscription plan and a device that’s running on Mac OS 10.11 or Mac OS 10.12 or above. Here’s how you can install ExpressVPN on Mac.

Step 1: Go to the ExpressVPN website and log in with your account.

Step 2: Copy the ExpressVPN Activation Code on the dashboard. We’ll need it later.

Step 3: Hover to the product section and click on Mac under the VPN apps section.

Step 4: On the download page for Mac, click on Download App.

Step 5: Once the download is complete, launch the program and install the app on your Mac PC.

Step 6: Launch the ExpressVPN app and sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Step 7: Paste the Activation Code which we copied earlier in Step 2.

Step 8: You’ll be asked if you want ExpressVPN to launch on startup. Select your preferred option.

Step 9: Next, you’ll be asked to share the anonymous diagnostics reports to help ExpressVPN improve its services. Select your preferred option.

Step 10: You can now use the power button to connect to a VPN server. If the Smart Location feature is on, it will connect you to the fastest and nearest server available. And if you want to connect to another server, click on the three dots to view the list of location servers.

Visit our detailed guide to install ExpressVPN on a router.

Method 2: How to Install ExpressVPN On Mac By Manual Configuration?

We’ll install ExpressVPN using Manual Configuration and set up the L2TP/IPsec protocol. Get a VPN subscription plan from ExpressVPN and follow the steps below.

Step 1: Go to the ExpressVPN website and click on My Account. Or click on this link. Sign in with your ExpressVPN account.

Step 2: Click on Set up on more devices.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Manual Config on the left panel.

Step 4: You’ll see the Manual Configuration section on the right panel with the OpenVPN and PPTP & L2TP-IPsec tabs.

Step 5: Select the PPTP & L2TP-IPsec tab. You’ll see your username, password, and a list of ExpressVPN servers. Keep this tab open, we’ll need this information later.

Step 6: Click on the apple icon on the left top of your Mac interface. Click on System Preferences.

Step 7: Then head to Network.

Step 8: The Network window will open. Click on the (+) sign on the left to create a new connection.

Step 9: Click on the drop-down menu for Interface and select VPN.

Step 10: Click on the drop-down menu for VPN Type and select L2TP over IPsec.

Step 11: Enter a name that you can remember in Service Name. Then click on Create.

Step 12: Keep the configuration to Default. We’ll need to enter the Server Address and Account Name.

Step 13: Open the VPN Setup Page tab again from Step 5. Copy the Server Address of your preferred location and paste it in the field of Server Address.

Step 14: Copy the Username from your ExpressVPN dashboard and paste it in the field of Account Name in the Configurations Settings.

Step 15: Click on Authentication Settings.

Step 16: Copy the password from the ExpressVPN Setup Page and paste it into the field of Password.

Step 17: Enter “12345678” in the field of Shared Secret. Click on OK.

Step 18: Click on the Advanced button and check the box that says “Send all traffic over VPN connection“. Click on OK.

Step 19: Check the box that says “Show VPN status in menu bar“. Click on Apply.

Step 20: Click on Connect. All your data will route through the ExpressVPN server now. To disconnect, simply click on the Disconnect button.

Why You Should Use ExpressVPN On Mac?

We’ve cracked the equation on how to use a VPN on your device. But why you should use it? Is it really necessary or are you just spending your money for nothing? Let’s find out.

Security

A VPN enhances your online security and keeps you anonymous on the open web. It hides you from prying eyes and saves you from cyberattacks.

ExpressVPN uses the 256-bit encryption method with the support of advanced protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and Lightway.

Privacy

A reliable VPN connection protects your personal information from concerned parties. Some paid and free VPN providers can keep track of your data and sell it to the best buyers in the market.

That’s why ExpressVPN wins in this race. The ExpressVPN servers run on volatile memories so you don’t have to worry about your data being monitored or stored. It has a strict no-log policy which has also been verified since ExpressVPN has been audited by a renowned third-party auditing firm like PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Streaming Support

ExpressVPN has a dedicated feature called MediaStreamer for movie geeks. It doesn’t work as a substitute for VPN but it lets you bypass geo-restrictions on streaming content.

You can change your Netflix region or Hulu region to access different streaming libraries and watch movies and TV shows that are not available in your current region.

All you need to do is change your location to where your favorite media content is available and you’re gold!

Server Count

With a pool of 3000+ servers covering 94 countries and 160 server locations, ExpressVPN offers the fastest services.

Even though a VPN connection slows down your internet speed as your data has to travel through multiple intervals, with ExpressVPN, you’ll experience no delays or lags in browsing, streaming, or gaming.

24/7 Customer Support

ExpressVPN offers a 24/7 live chat helpline to all the customers. Can’t find a server that can unblock Netflix? Contact customer support. Need help in setting up ExpressVPN on a new device? Contact customer support via live chat.

And even if you’re not satisfied with ExpressVPN’s services after purchasing a subscription plan, you can get a full refund by taking advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee offer. You’ll get the money back in your account in 4 to 5 days without any questions asked!

ExpressVPN Subscription Plans

ExpressVPN currently offers 3 plans.

To compare ExpressVPN with other VPN providers, visit our dedicated guide on how much does a VPN cost.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions