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How to set up and use a VPN on a Mac

Add a VPN on a Mac with System Settings or a VPN app, connect and disconnect it quickly, and make sure you notice when it drops.

By Rudra Satani, maker of NotchMind ·

With your VPN provider’s app

Most VPN services have a Mac app. Install it, sign in and connect. Many add their connection to macOS’s VPN settings too.

Built in: System Settings

For a work VPN or a provider that gives you settings:

  1. Open System Settings → VPN.
  2. Click Add VPN Configuration and choose the type, such as IKEv2 or L2TP over IPSec.
  3. Enter the server, account and authentication details you were given.

Connect from the switch next to it.

WireGuard

Install the WireGuard app from the App Store and import your tunnel file.

Connect quickly

Turn on Show VPN status in menu bar where your macOS offers it, or use your VPN app’s menu bar icon.

Notice when it drops

A VPN can disconnect quietly. NotchMind, which I make, can connect your preferred VPN from the notch and shows a notice whenever a VPN connects or disconnects. It works with VPNs listed in System Settings → VPN. See VPN in the notch.

About the author

Rudra Satani makes NotchMind, a notch app for Mac, so read anything about notch apps here with that in mind. Spotted a mistake? Email support@notchmind.com, or reach out at @rudraxx13.

In NotchMind

More on battery, network and system

Pay once. Keep it.

US$5.99 for 2 Macs for the first 50 customers, then US$15.99. Or 1 Mac for US$9.99 or 5 Macs for US$29.99. Every 1.x update and a 14-day refund. For Macs with Apple silicon on macOS 15 or later.

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