Changing a VPN on a Mac is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows you to connect to the internet through a secure, encrypted connection.
This can be useful for a number of reasons, such as protecting your online privacy, accessing content that is blocked in your region, or securely connecting to a network while working remotely.
How to Change a VPN on Mac
Is the VPN provider you are using giving you issues? Or have you found one with better features and you want to switch? Then we’ve got you covered.
Follow the instructions below to change to another VPN.
Step 1: Determine your current VPN provider
Before you can change your VPN, you first need to determine which VPN provider you are currently using. To do this, click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Network.” In the left-hand sidebar, you should see the name of your VPN provider listed next to the word “VPN.”
Step 2: Disconnect from the current VPN
Once you have discovered your current VPN provider, you can disconnect from the VPN by clicking on the “Disconnect” button. This will disconnect you from the VPN and return you to your normal internet connection.
Step 3: Choose a new VPN provider
There are many VPN providers available, each with their own set of features and pricing plans. Some popular VPN providers for Mac include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN. Take time to research different providers and their features to find the one that best suits your needs.
Step 4: Download and install the new VPN client
Once you have chosen a new VPN provider, you will need to download and install their VPN client onto your Mac. This can typically be done by visiting the provider’s website and downloading the appropriate software for your app. Once you have finished downloading, open it and follow the prompts to install it on your Mac.
Step 5: Connect to the new VPN
After the new VPN client is installed, open it and sign in with your account information. Once you are signed in, click on the Connect button to establish a connection to the VPN. Your Mac will now be connected to the internet through the new VPN provider.
Step 6: Verify the connection
To verify that your Mac is successfully connected to the new VPN, go back to the System Preferences > Network and check that the name of the new VPN provider is listed next to the word “VPN.” You can also visit a website such as ipleak.net to verify that your IP address has changed, indicating that you are connected to the VPN.
It is worth mentioning that most of the VPN providers will offer different protocols and options you may want to check and adjust according to your needs.
Is my VPN working on Mac?
To check if your VPN is working on your Mac, you can do the following:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Network.”
- Click on the “Advanced” button.
- Click on the “TCP/IP” tab.
- Look at the “Router” field. If it shows the IP address of your VPN, then your VPN is working.
Alternatively, you can check your IP address on a website such as “whatismyip.com” to see if it is different from your normal IP address. Another way is to check your internet connection is to check if the VPN icon is present in your mac menu bar
Why is VPN not Connecting to My Mac?
There are a number of reasons why a VPN connection may not be working on a Mac. Some common issues include:
- Incorrect login credentials
Double-check that you are using the correct username and password for the VPN.
- Network connectivity issues
Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet and that there are no issues with your network connection.
- Firewall settings
Make sure that your Mac’s firewall is not blocking the VPN connection.
- VPN client configuration
Check to see that the VPN client software on your Mac is properly configured and that it is compatible with the VPN server.
- Server-side issues
Contact the VPN provider to see if there are any issues on their end that may be causing the connection problems.
- Outdated VPN client
Make sure your VPN client software is up-to-date.
It is also worth checking the VPN server logs and settings, as well as your router’s settings, to see if they have anything that is blocking the connection or causing the problem.
Conclusion
Anything may make you want to change your VPN provider. But, whatever may be the case, it doesn’t cost anything to switch from one VPN to another.
All you have to do is visit the official page of the new VPN provider, download and install the VPN, then connect to it. Voila! You are on your way to enjoy optimum privacy and security both online and on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mac have a built-in VPN?
No. Mac does not have a built-in VPN. However, on the System preferences window, you can connect to a public VPN network if you have the correct credentials.
Which browsers have a VPN feature?
Currently, the two most popular web browsers that have built-in VPN features are Opera and Brave. Opera offers a free, unlimited VPN service that is built directly into the browser. Brave also offers a free VPN service, but it is a paid service for unlimited usage. Other browser such as Firefox, Chrome, and Safari do not have built-in VPN features, but there are third-party VPN extensions available for these browsers.
How do I find my VPN IP address?
To find your VPN IP address, connect to your VPN then Visit a website such as whatismyip.com or ipchicken.com in a web browser. These websites will display your IP address.
Compare the IP address displayed on the website with the one before connecting to the VPN. The IP displayed on the website should be different from your original IP address, indicating that you are connected to the VPN.
