L2TP Installation on Mac OS X

The Le VPN macOS app runs on the faster, more secure OpenVPN protocol - L2TP isn't the app's recommended option. If you specifically need L2TP (an older Mac, a restrictive network, or a personal preference), this guide covers manual setup through macOS Network settings.

Recommended: use the Le VPN app

For the best speed and security, use our macOS app with OpenVPN - it's the best choice available on Mac, with no manual network settings or shared keys to type in. Download the app, sign in with your VPN credentials, pick a server, and click Connect.

L2TP is still fully supported if you specifically need it - an older Mac, a network that only allows L2TP, or a personal preference. The app's L2TP support (see below) or the manual setup on this page both work, but it's not what we'd recommend if OpenVPN is an option for you.

Learn more about Le VPN for Mac

Manual L2TP Setup on Mac OS X

Prefer to use macOS's built-in VPN client instead of the app? Follow these steps.

Create a new VPN connection

Open System Settings > Network, click the + button, choose VPN for the interface and L2TP over IPSec for the VPN type, and give it a name like "Le VPN UK". Click Create.

Enter server and credentials

In Server Address, enter the hostname for your server location. Enter your VPN username as the Account Name, then click Authentication Settings and enter your VPN password.

Set the shared secret and connect

Under Machine Authentication, select Shared Secret and enter levpnsecret. Click Advanced, check Send all traffic over VPN connection, then OK > Apply. Click the VPN icon in the menu bar and connect.

Once connected, confirm it worked by checking your IP address - it should show the VPN server's location, not your own.

Server address and pre-shared key

L2TP doesn't use downloadable configuration files - you just need a server hostname and the shared key below.

Server address: use the hostname for the location you want, in the format country-code.zeropointer.net - for example uk.zeropointer.net for the UK or fr.zeropointer.net for France. See the full list of available server locations on our server status page.

Shared secret: levpnsecret

Quick recap

This guide covers manual L2TP/IPSec setup on macOS through the built-in Network settings. The Le VPN Mac app runs the faster, more secure OpenVPN, so L2TP is a fallback for older Macs or restrictive networks. You create an L2TP over IPSec connection, enter the server address and account name, set the shared secret, and connect.

Platform: macOS (Mac OS X), using the L2TP over IPSec protocol via System Settings > Network
Add a VPN interface of type L2TP over IPSec, then fill in server address, account name and password
Set the Shared Secret to levpnsecret and enable Send all traffic over VPN connection
Use a server hostname like uk.zeropointer.net; L2TP uses no downloadable config files
For the best speed and security the Le VPN Mac app (OpenVPN) is recommended; one account covers up to 10 devices

Finding your VPN credentials

VPN connection credentials

Used to connect via macOS Network settings or the Le VPN app. Sent to your email when you activated your account - not the same as your client area login. Forgot them? Log into the client area and use the menu to view or reset your VPN password.

Client area login

The email and password you use to sign into le-vpn.com/clients to manage your subscription and view server locations. Forgot it? Reset your client area password here.