How to use a VPN in macOS

Install a VPN in macOS

In this guide I will explain what are the steps to install a VPN in macOS. In addition, I show you the manual procedure to configure a private virtual network in your MAC if the service does not have a compatible customer. Obviously, I encourage you to stay both if you want a company and to use a commercial VPN (there are some very good free VPN) as if you need to configure a private connection in your company. Don’t miss it!

COMMERCIAL VPN WITH CUSTOMER: The easiest way to connect

The normal thing is that commercial VPNs have a macOS compatible customer. Remember that, when I talk about commercial VPN, I mean those that are destined to the general public Already users who have a personal device. Because of this, it is logical that these companies seek to simplify the experience to the fullest.

For example, one of the free VPN that I like most is Proton Pass. That is why I will use it as an example for this guide. If you want to connect through it, you just have to go to the official Proton VPN website. There appears the button Create accountin the upper right of the web. Click on it and complete the procedure.

If you already have an account, press in Login. Otherwise, move until the end to get the free edition.

Once you have the account created, access the control panel and press in Downloads. Then, locate the option macOS.

Then, choose your operating system and wait for the download to be completed.

Finally, move the Proton Pass app to the application folder opening from the virtual unit that has appeared when opening the DMG file.

Ready! Now you have proton VPN in your Mac. To complete the installation, open the application from the launchpad or simply look for it in the spotlight. Press in Open When you see the emerging message and, just after, log in with the account you created before.

Next, you will see the message SET UP PROTON VPN. Press the button Open System Settings.

In macOS settings, go to General> Start and extensions items. Click the I icon (information) and active Protonvpn.

Now, return to Proton VPN client and press Quick connection.

Press in Allow When you see the following emerging message:

At the end, Proton VPN will already be working on your Mac. You have a direct access to the connection information panel in the macOS menu bar.

Obviously, this whole process concerns this VPN in particular and can vary if you are a client of a different company. Anyway, for commercial VPNs, the procedure is always similar to that I have described above: create an account, pay the subscription, if necessary, download the client, access, configure and start the connection.

Configure a VPN connection manually in macOS

The other possibility is that you have to configure a VPN connection manually. This is normal when you have to connect to a Business VPN OA a VPN server that you have mounted at home, for example, with OpenVPN. How can you do it?

The first thing you need is the connection data. Once you have them, open macOS settings from the Apple menu and click on System settings. So, click VPN and then in Add a VPN configuration.

The options you will see are the following:

• L2TP on IPSEC. Tunnelization protocol that is combined with IPSEC for greater security. L2TP creates the and IPsec tunnel, figure the connection. Although sure, it can be slower and sometimes blocked by Firewalls.
• IPSEC Cisco. Setting Safety Protocols developed by Cisco Systems to protect IP communications. It offers a high level of security and is compatible with many devices, but its configuration can be complex.
• IKEV2. Key administration protocol used with IPSEC. It is faster and more stable than IKEV1, and offers better support for mobility and reconnection. It is a current, safe and widely used option.

Obviously, the choice will depend on the configuration of the VPN. Request this data to the Network Administrator. In the next step, you will have to enter all the information regarding the connection, such as the user, the server and the password.

Once you have entered the necessary data, press Create. From this same menu you will be able to manage the connection to the VPN, but also from the menus bar. Simply be sure to activate the option Menus bar in Settings> Control Center> Only in the menu bar. This will be much easier to connect or disconnect quickly from a VPN, especially one that does not have a customer interface customer.