macOS Guide
OrbVPN for macOS
Protect your Mac with OrbVPN's native macOS client. Built on Apple's Network Extension framework with Menu Bar integration, system tray access, and keyboard shortcuts for power users.
macOS Features Overview
OrbVPN for macOS is a native application that integrates deeply with the macOS operating system. The Network Extension framework provides reliable, system-level VPN connections, while Menu Bar integration puts VPN control at your fingertips.
Network Extension
Uses Apple's Network Extension framework for system-level VPN. Runs as a privileged system extension, not just a user application.
Menu Bar App
Access OrbVPN from the macOS Menu Bar. View connection status, switch servers, and toggle the VPN without opening the full application.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Control OrbVPN with customizable keyboard shortcuts. Connect, disconnect, and switch servers with key combinations for maximum efficiency.
Installation
Download OrbVPN
Download the OrbVPN macOS client from our website or the Mac App Store. The installer is a standard macOS application package.
Install the App
Open the downloaded file and drag OrbVPN to your Applications folder. Launch the app from Launchpad or Spotlight search.
Approve System Extension
macOS will prompt you to approve the Network Extension. Go to System Preferences then Privacy and Security and click Allow to enable the VPN system extension.
Sign In
Enter your OrbVPN credentials or use Apple Sign-In to log into your account. Your subscription and settings sync automatically.
System Extension Approval
macOS requires explicit approval for system extensions. If you skip this step, OrbVPN cannot create VPN connections. Navigate to System Preferences then Privacy and Security to approve the extension.
Menu Bar Integration
OrbVPN lives in the macOS menu bar for quick, always-accessible VPN control. The Menu Bar app is the primary way to interact with OrbVPN on macOS, providing instant access to all essential functions without opening the main application window.
Quick Connect / Disconnect
Click the Menu Bar icon and hit Connect to instantly join your last-used server, or Disconnect to drop the tunnel. One click is all it takes.
Server Switching
Browse and select servers directly from the Menu Bar dropdown. See server load, latency, and location. Switch servers without opening the full app.
Status Indicator
The Menu Bar icon changes color to indicate your connection status. Green means connected, gray means disconnected, and yellow indicates connecting.
Protocol Display
View your active VPN protocol (WireGuard, VLESS, or OrbConnect), current IP address, connected server, and session duration right from the Menu Bar panel.
Login Item (Start on Login)
Configure OrbVPN to start automatically when you log into your Mac, ensuring protection from the moment your desktop loads.
Open OrbVPN Preferences
Click the Menu Bar icon and select Preferences, or right-click and choose Preferences from the context menu.
Enable Launch at Login
In the General tab, toggle 'Start at Login' to on. OrbVPN will be added as a Login Item in macOS System Preferences.
Enable Auto-Connect
Optionally enable 'Auto-Connect on Launch' to automatically establish a VPN connection when OrbVPN starts at login.
Silent Startup
With Launch at Login enabled, OrbVPN starts directly in the Menu Bar without showing the main window. Combined with Auto-Connect, your Mac is protected from the moment you log in with no manual steps.
Passkey and Touch ID Login
OrbVPN supports modern authentication on macOS for fast, secure access to your account.
Passkey Authentication
Sign in using Passkeys stored in iCloud Keychain. Passkeys provide phishing-resistant authentication that syncs across all your Apple devices including your Mac.
Touch ID Login
Authenticate with Touch ID on MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and external Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. Secure app access and wallet transactions with a single fingerprint tap.
macOS VPN Authorization
When OrbVPN sets up a VPN tunnel on macOS, the system requires explicit authorization to ensure security.
System Extension Approval
macOS requires you to approve the Network Extension in System Preferences then Privacy and Security. This is a one-time step that authorizes OrbVPN to create VPN tunnels.
Admin Authentication
The first time OrbVPN creates a VPN configuration, macOS prompts for your administrator password or Touch ID. This confirms that you, the device owner, are authorizing the tunnel.
After macOS Updates
Major macOS updates may require you to re-approve the Network Extension. If OrbVPN cannot connect after an update, go to System Preferences then Privacy and Security and re-authorize the system extension.
System Tray Features
Right-Click Menu
Right-click the Menu Bar icon for additional options including Preferences, Check for Updates, connection logs, and Quit.
Notification Center
OrbVPN sends macOS notifications when the VPN connects, disconnects, or encounters an issue. Notifications appear in Notification Center for review.
Keyboard Shortcuts
OrbVPN for macOS supports customizable keyboard shortcuts for power users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows.
Toggle VPN
Press the configured shortcut to instantly connect or disconnect. Default: Command + Shift + V. Customize in Preferences then Shortcuts.
Quick Server Switch
Use keyboard shortcuts to cycle through your favorite servers or jump to the fastest available server in your region.
Customize Shortcuts
Navigate to OrbVPN Preferences then Shortcuts to assign your preferred key combinations. Avoid conflicts with system-wide shortcuts for the best experience.
macOS-Specific Settings
Firewall Integration
OrbVPN works alongside macOS's built-in firewall. The VPN traffic is properly routed through the firewall without manual configuration.
Keychain Storage
Your OrbVPN credentials are stored in the macOS Keychain, protected by your login password and the Secure Enclave on Apple Silicon.
Split Tunneling
Configure per-application VPN routing on macOS. Choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet.
Auto-Connect on Network
Set OrbVPN to automatically connect when joining untrusted Wi-Fi networks. Define trusted networks where the VPN stays disconnected.
Troubleshooting
Extension Not Approved
Go to System Preferences then Privacy and Security and look for a message about OrbVPN. Click Allow to approve the system extension.
Menu Bar Icon Missing
Check if OrbVPN is running in the Activity Monitor. Relaunch the app from Applications. Ensure 'Show in Menu Bar' is enabled in Preferences.
Connection Drops on Sleep
Enable auto-reconnect in OrbVPN settings. The VPN will automatically restore the connection when your Mac wakes from sleep mode.
Slow After macOS Update
After a macOS update, the system extension may need reapproval. Check Privacy and Security settings and reauthorize OrbVPN if needed.
Secure Your Mac
OrbVPN for macOS delivers native performance with Menu Bar integration and keyboard shortcuts. Download now and protect your Mac with one click.