Guide
VPN for Mac — FollowNet protects every app on your MacBook
FollowNet is a system-wide VPN for Mac: Safari, Chrome, Mail, Slack, Telegram and every other app go through the encrypted tunnel. It is the same App Store app as on iPhone and iPad, with a menu bar icon, kill switch and a free plan to start.
Why use a VPN on a Mac
A MacBook moves between networks far more than a desktop: cafés, coworking spaces, hotel rooms, airport lounges, conference Wi‑Fi. On each of them the network owner can see which sites and services you reach and can tamper with unencrypted traffic. A VPN encrypts everything between your Mac and the VPN server, so the hotspot only sees an encrypted connection to FollowNet. At home it also keeps your internet provider from building a picture of your browsing.
The whole Mac, not just the browser
Browser extensions only proxy one browser. FollowNet for Mac uses Apple’s Network Extension framework — the same system VPN layer that macOS uses for corporate VPNs — so every app is covered: other browsers, mail clients, messengers, Zoom, Music, the App Store and command-line tools in Terminal. If you only ever want to protect Chrome, the FollowNet Chrome extension still exists; the Mac app is for when you want the whole machine covered.
Made for macOS: menu bar, shortcuts, sidebar
After the first connection you rarely need the main window. A shield icon in the menu bar shows the state at a glance — filled when protected, crossed out when off. Its menu shows the server, protocol and connection time, connects and disconnects (⌘K / ⌘D), and switches servers: Optimal location, your favorites or any location. The main window uses a Mac sidebar with Home, Servers, Speed Test and Settings.
Kill switch and Auto-connect on Mac
Turn on the kill switch in Settings and macOS will drop traffic instead of sending it outside the VPN while the tunnel starts, reconnects after sleep or switches networks. Local devices keep working — AirDrop, AirPlay and printers on your network stay reachable. Auto-connect can bring the VPN up on Wi‑Fi only or always, so you do not have to remember to click connect when you open the lid in a café.
Protocols that work on difficult networks
FollowNet on Mac has the same protocol stack as on iPhone: WireGuard for speed, IKEv2 for stable reconnects, AmneziaWG, Hysteria2 and VLESS Reality for networks that block or throttle ordinary VPN traffic. Leave the protocol on Smart and the app picks one that actually passes traffic on the current network, falling back automatically if the first try fails.
One account and one subscription across devices
Sign in on the Mac with the same email as on your iPhone — there is no password to remember, the app sends a one-time code. Premium bought through the App Store works on the Mac with the same Apple ID and covers up to five devices. Free includes a weekly traffic allowance so you can try the Mac app on real networks before paying.
Key points
- System-wide VPN for every app on macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Menu bar icon with status, connect/disconnect and server switching
- Kill switch, Auto-connect, DNS profiles and Speed Test
- WireGuard, IKEv2, AmneziaWG, Hysteria2, VLESS Reality + Smart Connect
- Same App Store app and account as on iPhone and iPad
FAQ
Is there a FollowNet app for Mac?
Yes. FollowNet is a universal App Store app: the same listing installs on iPhone, iPad and Mac. On Mac it requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Does the Mac VPN protect all apps or only the browser?
All apps. The Mac app creates a system VPN tunnel through Apple’s Network Extension, so every browser and app goes through it. The separate Chrome extension protects only Chrome.
Do I need to pay again for Mac if I have Premium on iPhone?
No. Premium bought in the App Store works on your Mac with the same Apple ID. If it does not appear right away, use Restore purchases.
Does FollowNet for Mac have a kill switch?
Yes. Turn it on in Settings and macOS blocks traffic outside the VPN while the tunnel is starting or reconnecting. AirDrop, AirPlay and local printers keep working.