How to Set Up a VPN on MAC Computers and How to Activate It

Although not all of us use a VPN daily, this is a fairly reliable option to access services more privately. This allows you to obtain a stronger security surface on the internet. That is why today, you will learn how to configure and activate a free or paid VPN on Mac.

Steps to configure a VPN manually on a MAC

Before you start using a VPN on MAC, you need to enter the settings in the preferences panel settings. These settings include the VPN address to which you want to connect, the name of your account, the authentication parameters, such as the password or the user. 

To carry out this process on a MAC, you will have to follow a series of simple steps, such as:

• First, you will have to select the Apple menu – System Preferences and later, Network.
• Then you will have to click on the ‘Add’ option, which is on the left side of the panel. This option will allow you to access a drop-down menu, in which you will select ‘VPN.’
• By clicking on the ‘VPN’ section, you will proceed to click on ‘Create.’
• You will have to enter the server address and the account name to connect to the VPN.
• Proceed to make the ‘authentication setting’ and provide the information given by the network administrator (Username, password, or certificate).
• You can then add more settings in addition to the default ones.
• Finally, you will have to click on ‘apply’ and then on ‘accept.’

Create a virtual private network

Virtual networks are used to connect 2 specific points through the internet to use them as if they were on the same local network. An example of this, you can configure 2 computers from 2 different branches of a company to enter from wherever you are, with full security.

There are 2 VPN applications for Mac, which allow you to configure this type of network:

• IPSecuritas: It is a free VPN. It has L2TP support for IPSec, Cisco networks, and a PPTP. It is quite easy to use and configure.
• VPNTracker: This is probably the most complete option of all. It is already geared towards professional use. It is easy to use to configure, and it is quite secure and comprehensive. To use this VPN service, you will have to pay approximately 236 euros, plus the number of licenses you will use.

Configure the network or VPN

To configure the VPN and thus be able to use it, you only have to follow 3 simple steps:

• To begin, you have to activate our VPN from its interface. Each of the VPN programs will have a different mechanism, but it is the same in principle. You have to activate it, and that’s it.
• Then you will press the option of ‘Connect.’ In it, you will choose the country in which you want to connect. There are many options for this, but one of the most recommended is the United States.
• Finally, you will confirm the server, connect, and that’s it. You can safely navigate wherever you want, download, stream, etc. With total security and privacy.

Start the connection to a VPN server

After having made the manual configurations of your VPN and having configured the navigation start, you will be able to start your connection with the VPN server. This connection will allow you to drive safely and privately through the sites you want, using the VPN of the country you want.

These VPNs are used a lot to be able to access pages that in certain countries are blocked. For example, Spotify in Venezuela. The user has to log into Spotify with a VPN that allows him to ‘surf’ from another country, such as the United States, Canada, or England.

The connection will start from the moment we are connected to the server of the country you choose. In the same way, it will end when you decide.

Most common problems when using a VPN on MAC

One of the most common problems in the operation of VPNs is the connection. There are times when it is not very good, and that affects the operation of the VPN.

If your VPN is failing, check your internet connection. If the problem persists, you will have to locate the help and customer service channels since there may be a VPN compatibility problem in your operating system.

Another quite common reason why VPNs fail is that sometimes the internet provider uses a DNS network that avoids VPN use. In that case, it is a matter of contacting the company in charge, or if not, hire another.

Best VPN for MAC

As we mentioned before, it is important to know what each of the VPN services offers us. In the same way, you must be aware of which are paid and which are free, knowing the advantages that this could mean for us. Some of the most recommended VPN services for MAC are:

• ExpressVPN.
• IPVanish.
• CyberGhost.
• Private Internet Access.
• VYPR VPN.
• HMA VPN.

All the VPNs described above have both a free version and a paid version. Some of them even have a 1-month trial period, in which you can enjoy all the functions of a complete VPN, but for free.