# How to Con­nect VPN on Mac

**URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/connect-vpn-mac/
**Author:** Ayushi Chauhan
**Published:** 2023-03-12
**Updated:** 2023-03-12
**Categories:** Blogs
**Reading Time:** 3 min

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Nowadays, privacy is difficult to come by, but [VPNs](https://compsmag.com/best/vpn/)are an excellent way to remain anonymous online. When using our Macs for sensitive journalistic research or online shopping, we do not want our internet service provider to be aware of our every action. The good news is that Con­nect VPN on Mac is simple, and we'll explain.

A VPN enables you to create a secure connection between your [computer](https://compsmag.com/best/computers/)and another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used for numerous purposes. These include shielding activity on public Wi-Fi, gaining access to region-restricted content, and possibly connecting to an enterprise network to work from home.

VPNs forward your traffic directly to the network with which you have established a secure connection. In essence, you are connecting your computer, [tablet](https://compsmag.com/best/tablet/), or other device to an internet server. This connection allows you to use the server's connection to access the internet or a private network.

## Con­nect VPN on Mac: 2 Simple Ways

### Using VPN Settings

To configure a VPN using the Mac's built-in VPN settings, you must first gather the required information. This includes the VPN type, server address, login credentials, and shared secret. All of this information is unique to each VPN and is supplied by your VPN provider.

1. Click the **Apple **icon in the upper left of your display, then click **System Preferences**.
2. Click **Network**.
3. Click the **Plus (+)** to create a new network connection.
4. Select **VPN **from the **Interface** dropdown menu and **L2PT over IPSec **from the **Service Name **dropdown menu. Name of your choice in the **Service Name** field, then click **Create**.
5. Enter the **Server Address **and **Account Name**,** **sometimes referred to as username by the VPN operator, then click **Authentication Settings**.
6. Enter the Password and Shared Secret, then click **OK**.
7. Click **Apply**, then click **Connect**.
8. Your VPN will now connect. Select **Disconnect** to turn off your VPN when you're done.
9. To turn the connection back on again, repeat steps 1 and 2, choose your VPN from the list, then click **Connect **once more.

Visit their [official website](https://www.expressvpn.com/go/home?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjbagBhD3ARIsANRrqEuHRvh-ocNFKk7LTpL66-bN8WWEX-FhIsV5Ne349_bS64UYbzxZHhsaAhM8EALw_wcB) for more information.

## How To Set up a VPN in macOS 13 Ventura

1. Open the **Apple menu** in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Select **System Settings**.
3. Select **VPN** from the sidebar.
4. Select Add **VPN Configuration** and choose the connection type you want.
5. In the Display Name field, enter the name you want to use for the VPN service you're setting up.
6. Choose your new VPN settings. These may vary depending on the service but are likely to include information such as the account name and password.
7. Select **Create** to finish setting up your new VPN.

## FAQ

#### What are the best VPNs for Macs?

CyberGhost, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and TunnelBear are the best VPNs for Macs.

#### How do I get a free VPN on my Mac?

To get a free VPN on your Mac, download an app like Surfshark or Windscribe onto your computer. Create an account. Sign in. Connect to a server.

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