How to set up and change your VPN location

How to set up and change your VPN location

A Virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent way to hide your internet traffic and bypass geo-restrictions. Setting a VPN on a Mac may seem difficult if you have never done it before. However, it is straightforward to install and use a VPN for Mac, and you can do it in a matter of minutes.

How to setup VPN on mac

Before commencing with the process, ensure you have all the necessary data such as the server address, VPN type, username, shared secret, and password. This information is required in the process and is provided by the VPN operator

Step 1: Go to the ‘Apple’ button on the upper left of your display. Click On ‘System Preference’ and then ‘Network’.

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Step 2: Click the ‘Plus (+)’ button to create a network connection.

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Step 3: Click ‘Interface’ and then ‘VPN’ from the drop menu

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Step 4: Select the VPN type you would like to use. You can choose between L2TP over IPSec, Cisco IPSec, or IKEv2.

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Step 5: Give a suitable service name for your connection, then click the ‘Create’ button. Note the name does not need to be something specific.

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Step 6: Enter the account name and server name then click the ‘Authentication Settings’ button. Note that sometimes VPN operators may use ‘Username’ instead of ‘Account Name’.

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Step 7: Enter the Shared Secret and the password then click ‘OK’

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Step 8: Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘Connect’

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Step 9: If you have entered all the information correctly, your VPN should connect at this point. Click ‘Disconnect’ button to turn off your VPN

Tip: You can always access the status of your VPN connection from the Network tab. Alternatively, you can click ‘show VPN status menu bar’ for quick access.

How to change VPN on Mac to the USA

A VPN allows you to change your IP address and browse the internet safely. An internet protocol (IP) is a framework for internet activities that establishes the way of communication. It assigns a unique number address to each device that can access the internet. This means you can be located, and even your internet activities tracked.

Here is how to change your VPN location to the USA or any other country of your choice.

Step 1: Go to the ‘VPN Status’ and click the ‘Servers’ tab to access the list of available VPN servers.

Step 2: Select US servers and connect.

Step 3: Once you have selected your preferred server, turn on your VPN with the slider on the upper left corner of the display.

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Step 4: Now you can browse the internet in the usual way

Reasons to use a VPN

1. Public networks

There is no need to worry about your security and privacy if you are using your private home network. However, if you are using a public Wi-Fi network, it is recommended to use a VPN.

1. Monitoring

Another reason why you should use a VPN is to prevent the monitoring of your data by internet service providers (ISPs) and third-party companies. Some of them even monitor your activities without consent, infringing your privacy.

• Access blocked sites

A reliable VPN will enable you to access blocked websites. There is certain content that is available only in the US, and you can access it by changing your VPN connection.

1. Anonymity and privacy

A VPN changes your IP address and passes your data through an encrypted channel to ensure no one will track your online activities or physical address.