What are common issues with configuring VPN connections on macOS computers?

Here are some common issues issues with configuring VPN connections on macOS computers.

1. PPTP Protocol not supported - PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is not supported anymore on new macOS computers.

2. IPSec with no Encryption - New macOS computers do not support IPsec with no Encryption. The VPN server must turn on Encryption with a Pre-shared Key.

3. Password Included in Configuration - If you enter your VPN password in the "Authentication Settings", you will get the "A connection could not be established to the PPP server" error, followed by an "Access Denied" dialog box. You have to remove the password from the settings, and enter it when you are prompted at the connection time.

4. "Send all traffic over VPN connection" not Enabled - If you forget to check the "Send all traffic over VPN connection" option in the "Advanced" settings, messages to the LAN hosts like "192.168.1.*" will not be delivered to the VPN server. In other words, your macOS computer is not joined with the LAN on the VPN server side.

5. Manual Setting on Client IP - Do not use "Manual" on "Configure IPv4" with fixed client IP address on the "Advanced > TCP/IP" screen. Fixed IP may cause connection problems. Keep the default "Use PPP" to get client IP dynamically.

⇒ L2TP VPN Client Configuration on Windows

⇐ L2TP VPN Client Configuration on macOS

⇑ VPN (Virtual Private Network)

⇑⇑ Internet Connection - Frequently Asked Questions