macOS setup

Set up TekLan VPN on your Mac

Choose WireGuard or OpenVPN, create the configuration in the Dashboard and import it into the matching macOS app.

MacBook Air MacBook Pro iMac iMac Pro Mac mini Mac Studio Mac Pro

This guide applies to Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The steps are the same across Mac models, although wording and permission prompts can vary slightly by macOS version.

WireGuard for macOS

Create and import a WireGuard tunnel

The Dashboard creates a dedicated .conf file for this Mac.

Selecting WireGuard in the Dashboard
1. Choose WireGuard.
Reviewing a WireGuard profile
2. Review and create the profile.

Before you begin

  • Install the official WireGuard application for Mac.
  • Have your TekLan VPN client-account sign-in ready.
  • Allow the application to save and import a .conf file.

Move the WireGuard profile to this device

After creating the profile, choose the delivery route that suits where the Dashboard is open.

  • Download profile: save the .conf file directly on this device.
  • Email: select Send profile, choose Email and select Queue email. The Dashboard sends the .conf attachment to the email address on the client account.
  • Device access code: select Send profile, then Get code. On this device, open dash.teklanvpn.com/get, enter the code and select Download profile. The code expires after 15 minutes and works once. Generating another code replaces it.
  1. Install WireGuard from the Mac App Store.
  2. Open your VPN service in the client area and select Manage VPN Dashboard.
  3. Select Add device and name the Mac.
  4. Choose WireGuard, review the details and create the profile.
  5. Download the .conf file.
  6. In WireGuard, select Import tunnel(s) from file and choose the file.
  7. Approve the macOS VPN permission and activate the tunnel.

Check the connection

  1. Confirm the imported WireGuard tunnel remains switched on.
  2. Check that the operating system VPN indicator appears where supported.
  3. Open a browser and confirm the public IP address changes.
  4. Switch the tunnel off and confirm normal internet access returns.

If it does not connect

  • Disconnect any other active VPN application or tunnel.
  • Delete the failed tunnel and import a newly generated .conf file.
  • Confirm the system date and time are correct.
  • Note the exact WireGuard error before contacting support.

OpenVPN Connect on macOS

Selecting OpenVPN in the Dashboard
1. Choose OpenVPN.
Mac connection options and steps in the Dashboard
2. Choose Mac, then download, show credentials or send the profile.

Before you begin

  • Install OpenVPN Connect on Mac.
  • Have your TekLan VPN client-account sign-in ready.
  • Allow the application to save and import an .ovpn file.

Move the OpenVPN profile to this device

  • Download profile: save the .ovpn file directly on this device.
  • Email: select Send profile, choose Email and select Queue email. The Dashboard sends the .ovpn attachment to the email address on the client account.
  • OpenVPN credentials: select Show OpenVPN credentials and keep the displayed profile username and password available. The password unlocks the private key inside the file. It is not the client-area password.

Device access codes are for WireGuard profiles only. OpenVPN uses the downloaded or emailed .ovpn file with the credentials shown in the Dashboard.

  1. Download and install OpenVPN Connect for macOS.
  2. Open your VPN service in the client area, launch the Dashboard and create an OpenVPN profile for this Mac.
  3. Select Connect device on the profile and choose Mac.
  4. Choose Download profile, or use Send profile to deliver it to the Mac.
  5. In OpenVPN Connect, go to Menu → My Profiles → Add → Upload File and select the .ovpn file.
  6. Confirm the import. If asked for the private-key password, use Show OpenVPN credentials in the Dashboard.
  7. Toggle the imported profile to connect.

Check the connection

  1. Confirm OpenVPN Connect reports the imported profile as Connected.
  2. Check that the operating system VPN indicator appears where supported.
  3. Open a browser and confirm the public IP address changes.
  4. Disconnect the profile and confirm normal internet access returns.

If it does not connect

  • Use Show OpenVPN credentials in the Dashboard if the app requests the private-key password.
  • Disconnect another active VPN before retrying.
  • Delete the failed profile and import a newly downloaded .ovpn file.
  • Note the exact OpenVPN error before contacting support.
  • Once the connection is established, you're ready to browse securely.