Connect VPN using L2TP/IPsec on macOS

Posted Jul 11, 05:51 PM
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Today I will show you how to connect your Apple MAC to any VPN service that’s using the L2TP/IPsec protocol. L2TP over IPsec is a relatively common and secure protocol with most VPN service providers and workplaces supporting it, including ExpressVPN.

Prerequisites
Connect via L2TP/IPsec on macOS
Video: Connect via L2TP/IPsec on macOS
Conclusion
See Also
Further Reading

Prerequisites

Before we start, you’ll need the following information (best to have it written or printed). If you’re connecting to a paid VPN service, just login and your details and settings will be there. If you are connecting via a workplace, please contact your Network Administrator and ask them for the following details:

Required Information

Your VPN username
Your VPN password
The server name or IP address (ie. contoso.com or 102.562.243.12)
The pre-shared key PSK (PSK will be a series of characters like a password)

Connect via L2TP/IPsec on macOS

Click System Preferences then Network
Click the Plus + icon to add a new connection
For Interface choose VPN, VPN Type choose L2TP over IPsec, give your connection a descriptive name, then click Create
For Configuration choose Default, Server Address enter server name (ca.expressvpn.com) or IP address (123.456.789.12), Account Name enter your VPN username, check the Show VPN status in menu bar option, then click Authentication Settings
For Password enter your VPN password, for Shared Secret enter your pre-shared key (PSK), then click OK
Click Advanced…, then click the Options heading and check the Send all traffic over VPN connection option, then click OK
Click Apply
To connect to your new VPN network, click the VPN icon top-right, then click on your VPN connection.
You should now be connected to your L2TP/IPsec VPN network.