Introduction
When you run macOS inside a virtual machine, you often want to control your network traffic. how to block vpn if im using parrelells on mac is a common concern for users who need to isolate VPN traffic or enforce company policies. The same question arises when you wish to turn the VPN off entirely: how to disable vpn on parallels mac is a step-by-step guide for that. In this article we’ll explain the process, provide actionable steps, and give you alternatives for every scenario.
We’ll cover how to block or disable a VPN in Parallels Desktop, how to keep your host OS separate from your virtual machine, and what to do if you’re dealing with corporate or educational restrictions. By the end, you’ll know the exact steps, why each step matters, and how to troubleshoot any hiccups.
Because many users live in regions with strict internet controls, we’ll also discuss how to tailor these instructions for different geographical contexts—whether you’re in the United States, Canada, India, or the United Kingdom. The same technical steps apply, but the local regulations can affect how you manage your VPN settings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open Parallels Desktop Settings
Launch Parallels Desktop and click on the Actions menu. Choose Configure to bring up the VM’s settings window. This is where you’ll manage networking and security options for your virtual machine.
Once you’re in the configuration pane, navigate to the Hardware tab. Here you’ll find the network adapter settings that control how your virtual machine communicates with the internet.
Step 2: Adjust Network Adapter to “Shared” or “Bridged”
Under Network, choose either Shared or Bridged depending on your requirement. Shared connects the VM through the host’s network, while Bridged gives the VM its own network identity.
When you want to block a VPN, switching to Shared can prevent the VM from accessing the host’s VPN connection. If you prefer a more isolated network, Bridged is the way to go. Remember, how to block vpn if im using parrelells on mac often involves ensuring the VM does not inherit the host’s VPN tunnel.
Step 3: Disable VPN on the Guest OS
Inside your virtual machine, open the VPN client you normally use. On macOS guests, navigate to System Preferences → Network. Locate the VPN service in the list and click Disconnect or Remove.
For Windows guests, open the Network & Internet settings, find the VPN connection, and click Disconnect. This step ensures the guest OS does not route traffic through the VPN, completing the how to disable vpn on parallels mac process.
Step 4: Verify DNS Settings
Check the DNS resolution on your VM. If the host’s VPN changes your DNS to a private provider, your VM may still be using those servers. Reset the DNS to public options like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.
This step is essential because even if the VPN is disconnected, DNS requests might still be routed through the host’s VPN network. By ensuring your VM uses public DNS, you avoid indirect VPN leakage.
Step 5: Test the Connection
Run a simple test by visiting whatismyipaddress.com from inside the VM. Compare the IP address to your host’s IP. If they differ, the VM is not using the host’s VPN tunnel.
If you still see the VPN IP, double-check your network settings. You might need to restart Parallels or the virtual machine to apply changes fully. The goal is to confirm that how to block vpn if im using parrelells on mac has been achieved.
Tips
For users in countries with stringent censorship, such as China or Iran, ensuring the VM does not leak VPN traffic is critical. Using a local, reliable VPN provider and following the steps above will protect your privacy.
If you’re looking to purchase a new VPN, consider where to buy VPN to find the best deals and features. Always choose a provider that offers split tunneling if you need to control traffic flow.
Finding the VPN setting on your mobile device is straightforward. Check where is VPN on my phone for step-by-step guidance on both iOS and Android. This is useful if you want to manage VPN settings across all your devices.
On an iPhone, you can quickly see the status by going to Settings → General → VPN. For more details, read what is a VPN on iPhone. This helps you understand how iOS manages VPN connections.
If you’re an Android user, the location of the VPN settings can vary. Visit where is VPN on Android for a quick guide on how to enable or disable VPN on your device.
Alternative Methods
Some advanced users prefer to use network filtering tools. For macOS guests, installing Little Snitch allows you to block specific applications from accessing the VPN. This adds an extra layer of control.
Alternatively, you can set up a dedicated firewall rule in Parallels. Access the Networking tab, then click Advanced. Create a rule that blocks outbound traffic on the VPN port (usually 1194 for OpenVPN). This method is more technical but offers granular control.
For those who want to keep the host’s VPN active but prevent the VM from using it, the “Share with macOS” setting in Parallels is the most straightforward. However, if you need a more isolated environment, consider creating a VirtualBox VM with its own network configuration.
Remember to consult reliable resources when configuring VPNs. The Stack Overflow thread VM Parallels not using the VPN connection on the host OS X Mavericks provides insight into similar issues. And for a deep dive into disabling VPNs on Parallels, the Medium article How to disable VPN if I’m using Parallels on Mac offers a step-by-step walkthrough.
Conclusion
In summary, how to block vpn if im using parrelells on mac involves configuring the VM’s network adapter, disabling the VPN in the guest OS, and ensuring DNS points to public servers. For many users, the simplest route is to set the adapter to “Shared” and disconnect the VPN client inside the VM.
When you want to keep the VPN off entirely, how to disable vpn on parallels mac is the exact phrase you’ll follow. Repeat the steps above, double-check DNS settings, and verify your public IP to confirm isolation.
Applying these steps will give you full control over VPN usage in Parallels Desktop, whether you’re in the United States, India, or any other region. Keep your network isolated, avoid VPN leakage, and maintain compliance with local regulations. Happy networking!
