🔐 How to Set Up a VPN on macOS Using Terminal (No App Required)

Want to keep things lightweight and avoid installing third-party apps? You can easily configure and connect to a VPN on your Mac using Terminal commands. Whether you're a developer or just prefer the command line, this guide will walk you through every step.

✅ What You'll Need:

Before we begin, make sure you have:

• A VPN server address (e.g. vpn.example.com)

• A username and password

• VPN protocol: we'll use L2TP over IPsec (supported natively by macOS)

🛠️ Step 1: Open Terminal

You can find Terminal by searching "Terminal" in Spotlight (Cmd + Space) or from Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

🛠️ Step 2: Create a VPN Configuration

Use the networksetup command to create a new VPN service.

networksetup -createnetworkservice "MyVPN" "Wi-Fi"

Replace "MyVPN" with your preferred connection name. Replace "Wi-Fi" if you're using Ethernet or another interface (you can check your active interfaces with networksetup -listallhardwareports).

🛠️ Step 3: Set the VPN Server & Protocol

networksetup -setvpnserver "MyVPN" vpn.example.com

For L2TP, macOS doesn’t allow setting all details via networksetup. You'll need to use AppleScript or a .mobileconfig profile for full configuration, or:

✅ Alternative: Use scutil & .plist Method (Advanced)

1. Export a sample VPN config
   If you already have one, export the configuration using:

scutil --nc list

Then:

scutil --nc export "MyVPN" ~/Desktop/vpnconfig.plist

2. Edit the plist file manually
   Open the .plist file in a text editor and change the values to match your VPN server, username, password, shared secret, etc.

3. Re-import it (if needed)

scutil --nc import ~/Desktop/vpnconfig.plist

🔌 Step 4: Connect to the VPN via Terminal

scutil --nc start "MyVPN"

To disconnect:

scutil --nc stop "MyVPN"

To check status:

scutil --nc status "MyVPN"

🔒 Want an Easier Way?

If this is too technical, you can always:

• Use the System Settings > Network > VPN option

• Or install a VPN app like ProtonVPN, NordVPN, etc.

💡 Extra Tips:

• Use networksetup -listallnetworkservices to see existing connections.

• You can script VPN connections using bash, zsh, or even automate with AppleScript.