How Do I Setup a VPN on a Mac: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Whether you’re streaming Netflix from New York, accessing corporate resources in London, or protecting your Wi‑Fi on a café in Sydney, the question how do i setup a vpn on a mac comes up again and again. In 2025, macOS offers built‑in VPN support, but many users still wonder about the exact steps, the best protocols, and the pitfalls to avoid.

This guide answers the question how do i setup a vpn on a mac while also covering the related search setup vpn on macbook. We’ll walk you through a complete step‑by‑step process, share insider tips for speed and stability, and even explore alternative methods such as third‑party apps and command‑line tools.

By the end of this article you’ll not only know how do i setup a vpn on a mac but also feel confident customizing settings for different GEO locations, ensuring that you stay private wherever you travel.

Step‑By‑Step Instructions

1. Collect Your VPN Provider Details

Before opening any settings, gather the server address, account name, password, and the type of VPN protocol (e.g., IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, or Cisco IPSec). Most reputable providers (NordLayer, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN) display this information in the account dashboard. For corporate networks, ask your IT department for the internal gateway and shared secret.

2. Open macOS Network Preferences

Click the Apple menu → System Settings → Network. On macOS Ventura and later, the layout is streamlined; you’ll see a list of interfaces on the left. If you’re using an older macOS, navigate to System Preferences → Network.

Here you’ll add a new interface for the VPN. Press the “+” button at the bottom of the list, select VPN from the Interface drop‑down, and choose the appropriate VPN Type (matching what you collected in step 1).

3. Configure the VPN Connection

Enter a recognizable name, such as “Work VPN – London”. In the Server Address field paste the address from your provider. Fill in the Remote ID (or “Group Name” for L2TP) and the Local ID if required.

Click Authentication Settings. Choose Password and enter your username and password. If the provider uses a certificate, click “Certificates” and select the appropriate one from your keychain.

4. Advanced Options – DNS, Split Tunneling, and Kill Switch

For faster streaming in New York, enable Send all traffic to route every packet through the VPN. If you need split tunneling (e.g., only corporate traffic via VPN, rest direct), click Advanced… and toggle the “Only send traffic for these destinations” option. Add your company subnets (e.g., 10.0.0.0/8) to keep local browsing fast.

macOS doesn’t have a native kill switch, but you can simulate it by creating a “Network Location” named “Secure” that disables Wi‑Fi when the VPN disconnects. This is a handy trick for travelers in Sydney who rely on public Wi‑Fi.

5. Save and Connect

Press OK, then Apply to save the configuration. Your new VPN will appear in the left‑hand list. Click Connect. macOS will prompt for your credentials (unless you saved them). A green status dot confirms a successful connection.

sudo networksetup -createnetworkservice "MyVPN" VPN
sudo networksetup -setvpnserver "MyVPN" vpn.example.com
sudo networksetup -setvpnusername "MyVPN" user@example.com
sudo networksetup -setvpnpassword "MyVPN" "SuperSecretPassword"