How to Install a VPN on a Mac
by Vít Nováček, updated November 25, 2022
The easiest way to install a VPN on a Mac device is to use an app that your VPN provider offers. This guide will help you if you are unsure how to install and get started for the first time. The description is universal for all VPNs, so it may vary slightly for your VPN. VPN providers also often offer tutorials on their websites.
Installing a VPN on a Mac
From your chosen VPN provider’s website, download the Mac app. You can find it under the MacOS name, or it will be offered to you directly. Once downloaded, click on the download file location. Double-click the downloaded program to open it (it is called VPN), and then drag the icon into the application folder. The application will install.
Navigate to the apps folder on your device, and there you will find your VPN app. Double-click the app to launch it. The first time you launch it, it will ask you for the permissions it needs to function. Give the app permission, and that is it.
Now you can still disconnect the downloaded app image. In the finder under locations, use the icon to the right of the VPN name. You can delete the installer as it is no longer needed.
Connect to VPN on Mac
We are now in the newly installed VPN app. If you have the paid version, log in to the account through which you purchased the paid version, or create an account. You can use some VPNs for free or as part of a trial without signing into an account.
Before you start for the first time, review the Settings of the VPN and turn on the features you want to use. For example, if you are using the VPN continuously, turn on the kill switch feature to prevent connections outside of the secure VPN tunnel. Next, turn on the auto-connect feature when the device boots up so you do not need to start the VPN manually each time. Finally, we recommend turning on features like ad blocking, malware protection, or firewall functions if your provider offers them.
Now let’s move on to how to connect to a VPN. In the app, choose the country of the server you want to connect through. We recommend selecting a country you are currently in. Some VPNs, especially free ones, do not offer a choice of VPN servers. Most apps will connect immediately when you select a country or click On/Off or connect. Wait for a notification to connect to the VPN. The VPN now protects you.
In case you want to change the connection server, click on a different country from the menu and wait for the connection.
