Most VPN providers feature detailed Mac setup guides on their websites, but this article provides a general overview of how to install a VPN for Mac.
Download HMA VPN for any Apple computer. HMA VPN software will work on Macbook, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, iMac Pro, and Mac Pro models that have at least 200 MBs of free memory and run. Surfshark is a slick, easy-to-use Mac VPN and – if you've just blown all your savings on a new Mac Pro – it's a serious bargain, too. However, just because it's the cheapest on this list doesn. Find NordVPN on the App Store. Click Get, Install, and enter your Apple ID info if asked. Then the app will be on your computer in a few seconds. In our website, you can also download the OpenVPN version of the app, which has some additional functions including obfuscated and dedicated servers and Double VPN for even stronger protection. Connect to VPN automatically when you launch the NordVPN app or when your Mac starts up. Ultimate security at top speed Go fast, stay stable NordVPN offers servers in 59 countries, assuring a fast and reliable VPN connection wherever you are.
Use a VPN’s custom Mac software
macOS is not quite as well supported by custom VPN clients as Windows is, but most VPNs offer dedicated Mac software. As we shall see in a bit, manually configuring a VPN in MacOS is not hard, but using a custom VPN is just insanely easy.
Because of the custom nature of the software, setup details can vary a little from VPN to VPN. However, in general:
- Register to a VPN, see our best VPNs guide for more information.
- Download its Mac software.
- Install the app. This usually just involves double-clicking on the downloaded .dmg file and following instructions.
- Run the app. You’ll likely be prompted to enter your account details on the first run. Note that it is normal for VPN apps to require admin privileges to run.
Once in the app, simply select a VPN server you wish to connect to, and hit “Connect.” It is worth, however, going through the app’s options. Important settings such as DNS leak protection and kill switches are often optional and must be manually enabled. I have no idea why, but there you go.
ExpressVPN’s “Network Lock feature provides a firewall-based kill switch and DNS leak protection. So do be sure it is turned on.
You may also want to check that the app is using the OpenVPN protocol, as many default to less secure (but possibly faster) VPN protocols. Pleases see here for more information on VPN protocols.
Tunnelblick
Tunnelblick is an open source free to download OpenVPN client that can be configured to work with either special Tunnelblick configuration files (.tblk), or any standard OpenVPN configuration files (.ovpn and .conf).
It now includes full DNS leak and Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) leak protection. The latest beta client also features a firewall-based kill switch.
1. Download Tunnelblick or regular OpenVPN configuration files from your chosen VPN service. You will need one file per VPN server location, although it's often possible to download multiple configurations in a single zip file. In this case, you'll need to unzip the files before they can be used.
2. Download, install and launch Tunnelblick. On the Welcome screen, select “I have the configuration files.”
3. Drag the configuration file (or multiples files for multiple server configurations) to the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar.
4. Hit “Install,” then choose whether to install just for yourself or all users of your Mac. It will probably ask for your Admin password.
5. And that’s setup done! To connect to a VPN server, click on the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar and select a VPN server.
The icon will turn a darker shade to indicate that you are connected. If you hover the cursor over it, it will display additional information.
Addendum:
Turn on DNS leak protection
IPv4 and IPv6 DNS leak protection are not enabled by default in Tunnelblick. To enable DNS leak protection go to Configurations -> Settings and tick the boxes next to “Route all IPv4 traffic through the VPN” and “Disable IPv6.”
Note that Tunnelblick does not protect against WebRTC leaks. As such, you'll need to fix the issue manually (Safari is not affected, anyway).
Turning on kill switch on Mac
New to the latest beta version of Tunnelblick is a very welcome kill switch feature. This ensures that your real Internet Protocol (IP) address is not exposed in the event of a VPN dropout.
To enable the kill switch, go to Configurations and click on the individual VPN configuration (the kill switch must be enabled for each configuration). Click on the “On unexpected disconnect” field and select Disable Network Access from the drop-down menu.
Manually Configure VPN for Mac PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2
macOS comes with a built-in VPN client that supports the PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. For reasons discussed in detail in VPN Encryption: The Complete Guide, I always recommend using an OpenVPN app instead. But IKEv2 is also a good option.
The big advantage of PPTP, L2TP/IPsec and IKEv2 VPN connection is that they can be setup without the need to download a third party VPN app.
- Go to System Preferences -> Network. Click the + button and select Interface: VPN in the pop-up dialog box.
- Choose a VPN protocol (“VPN Type”) and pick a name for the VPN connection (optional).
- Fill in server details with the settings provided by your chosen VPN service.
The built-in macOS VPN client does not feature any form of WebRTC leak protection, so if using a vulnerable browser you should disable WebRTC manually. Note that Safari does not use WebRTC and is therefore not vulnerable to WebRTC leaks. It is, however, closed source proprietary software.
How to Test a VPN for Mac
No matter what kind of VPN you use, macOS will display an icon in the notification bar whenever the VPN is connected. This lets you know at-a-glance that you are protected.
Clicking on the icon will usually display additional details and options. For further confirmation the VPN is connected and working correctly, you can run an IP leak test…
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Check Mac VPN for IP leaks
Once connected to the VPN (using whatever method), it is a good idea check for IP leaks.
The example above shows a bad case of IPv6 leaks. The IPv4 DNS result correctly shows that I am connected to a VPN server in the US, but the website can see my real UK IPv6 address via both a regular DNS leak and WebRTC. Fail!
For more information about staying secure online in the United Kingdom, take a look at our Best VPN UK guide.
Note that Private-Use - [RFCxxxx] IPs are local IPs only. They cannot be used to identify an individual or device, and so do not constitute an IP leak.
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The matter of online security is certainly a crucial one. Although there is advanced encryption involved in the HMA plans (OpenVPN and L2TP 256-bit encryption – PTPP 128-bit) we cannot look the other way and ignore the fact that they are located in the United Kingdom. They keep some logs and this is against the whole idea of using a VPN in the first place. In addition, they have been accused of not being as secret and private as they ought to be in the past. Of course, if you do not mind sharing some info with the VPN service provider, you can ignore that.
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your convenience, HMA Pro VPN for Mac comes with a small status bar menu that offers you the possibility to change your IP address with a simple mouse click and it can also enable you to randomly change your IP address at set time intervals.
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Load balancing
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Geographic recommendations
VPN servers located closest to your physical location will usually be the fastest for your internet connection. Stay connected to HMA VPN as you move from network to network — unless it’s a network you trust.
Random server selection
For increased anonymity, you may want to connect to random VPN server locations. Randomize your IP address, from every 10 minutes to once a day, and keep trackers guessing.
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All of the VPN servers are marked out on the server map, useful for visual identification. Your physical location is also marked helping you see the distance between servers.
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IP checker websites
Third-party IP checker websites help provide proof that your online identity has been changed. IP address history
Make use of the optional IP history feature to keep a local log of IP addresses you have previously used.
Safe disconnections
In the unlikely event of an unexpected disconnection, you can ensure selected applications will not revert back to using your default unencrypted internet connection. Block all internet traffic, either to individual apps or your entire system, if your connection to the VPN drops.
Forgetfulness
Rely on No Log DNS servers to handle your URL requests, keeping them private and clear of threats. Protect yourself from IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks to make sure your private data stays protected
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Note: 7 days trial version. Requires a 64-bit processor and an HMA account.