This includes the VPN pop in, the server address, username, password, and shared secret.

All this information is specific to each VPN and provided by your VPN operator.

Click theAppleicon in the upper left of your display, then clickSystem Preferences.

VPN label on a laptop screen against a white background

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Click thePlus (+)to create a new online grid connection.

SelectVPNfrom theInterfacedropdown menu andL2PT over IPSecfrom theService Namedropdown menu.

Name of your choice in theService Namefield, then clickCreate.

Network highlighted in System Preferences

Enter theServer AddressandAccount Name,sometimes referred to as username by the VPN operator, then clickAuthentication parameters.

Enter the Password and Shared Secret, then clickOK.

ClickApply, then clickConnect.

Adding a network connection

Your VPN will now connect.

SelectDisconnectto turn off your VPN when you’re done.

you’re able to always see the status of your VPN connection from the web link tab.

macOS Network settings with VPN interface selections highlighted

Open theApple menuin the top-left corner of the screen.

Select AddVPN Configurationand choose the connection key in you want.

Stick with theDefaultConfiguration option if you won’t be using multiple configurations.

The Authentication Settings button

Choose your new VPN prefs.

SelectCreateto finish setting up your new VPN.

Find the download for your Mac deviceFind the appropriate utility for your Mac equipment and begin the download.

Authentication Settings

Set up the VPN on your MacLaunch the tool installer to begin the installation process on your Mac unit.

And that’s it!

you might also check your newly cloaked IP address by visitingwhatismyipaddress.com.

The Connect and Apply buttons

However, there are differences between them which can affect how well the service works for you.

Some free VPNs may even surreptitiously install adware on your Mac.

If you think about it, this completely goes against what a VPN is designed to do, i.e.

The Disconnect button

keep your data and identity protected.

However, the two most highly recommended VPN services by most are currently ExpressVPN and Surfshark.