How to Share Your ExpressVPN Connection From Your Mac

Once you configure ExpressVPN on your Mac manually, it’s possible to share your VPN connection with other (nearby) devices. That’s how you can extend your VPN connection to devices that might not be compatible with VPNs otherwise. With that said, here’s everything you need to know on – how to share your ExpressVPN connection from your Mac!

Note

There is one crucial requirement to meet for the following procedure to work. To share your VPN connection from a Mac, your computer must be connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable. Therefore, if you use a MacBook without an Ethernet port, you’ll need to use an applicable adapter.

1. Begin this procedure by signing up for ExpressVPN.

2. Once you land on ExpressVPN’s site, click on 'Get ExpressVPN.'

3. Then, pick a subscription (by the way, long-term plans come with hefty savings).

4. Provide your email address and finalize the procedure by paying for the subscription.

5. Once done, expect to receive a confirmation email, so check your inbox.

6. Now, return to ExpressVPN’s website (go to its home page).

7. Click on 'My Account' using the website’s main menu (top-right corner).

8. Provide your email address and password, and then click on 'Sign In.'

9. You’ll be asked for a verification code, which you can copy from your email inbox.

10. At this moment, you should be looking at your ExpressVPN online dashboard.

11. Click on the 'Set Up Other Devices' button and a new page will open.

12. Pick 'Manual Configuration' on the left, and 'PPTP & L2TP/IPsec' on the right.

13. Make a note of your username and password, as you’ll need those soon.

14. Also, pick any server on the right and make a note of its server address.

15. We recommend leaving your online dashboard open in the background.

16. Now, navigate to Apple Logo > System Preferences > Network.

17. Click on the plus (+) sign in the bottom-left corner to add a new connection.

18. A pop-up should appear, so fill out its fields based on the following.

  Interface: Make sure to select 'VPN.'
 VPN Type: Make sure to select 'L2TP over IPsec.'
 Service Name: Input any name that’ll let you recognize your new connection. 
 

Creating New VPN Connection Manually on Mac

19. Then, click 'Create,' and you’ll add a new VPN connection to your macOS.

20. Now, make sure to select your newly created connection via the left-placed sidebar.

21. On the right, you’ll see several empty fields. Fill those out based on the following.

  Configuration: You can set this to 'Default.'
 Server Address: Copy the chosen server’s address from your online dashboard. 
 Account Name: Copy your username from your online dashboard. 
 Show VPN Status in Menu Bar: Make sure to check this box. 
 

22. Then, click on the 'Authentication Settings' button. Fill out the following.

  Password: Copy your password from your online dashboard. 
 Shared Secret: Enter '12345678' here. 
 

Adding Advanced Settings on VPN Connection on Mac

23. Click 'OK' to return to the previous screen. Then, click on 'Advanced.'

24. Check the box next to 'Send all traffic over VPN connection' and click on 'OK.'

Option to Send All Traffic Through VPN on macOS

25. Don’t forget to click on 'Apply' to apply the new changes to your VPN connection.

26. It’s time to test your VPN connection, so go ahead and click on 'Connect.'

Connecting to Manual VPN Connection on macOS

27. If everything goes smoothly, you’ll see the note 'Connected' on the left-hand side.

Green Status Indicating VPN Connection Success on macOS

Tip

If an error appears or if your Mac refuses to connect, it's time to double-check all the steps from above. You have probably made a typo while typing your username, password, or chosen server's address. So, double-check that information (and copy-paste it instead of entering it manually).

28. Return to the main screen of 'System Preferences.' Click on 'Sharing.'

29. Using the left-placed sidebar, select 'Internet Sharing.'

Internet Sharing via System Preferences on macOS

30. You’ll be asked for a set of information, so make sure to check below what to select.

  Share Your Connection From: Select your newly created VPN connection.
 To Computers Using: Check the box next to 'Wi-Fi.'
 

31. Then, select 'Wi-Fi Options' and enter the following information.

  Network Name: Create any network name (easy to remember). 
 Channel: There’s no need to change these default values. 
 Security: Select 'WPA2 Personal.'
 Password: Create a password for your new Wi-Fi connection. 
 

32. Click 'OK' to confirm your entry and create your new (virtual) Wi-Fi connection.

33. Now, start your new Wi-Fi connection by checking the box next to 'Internet Sharing.'

34. If your Wi-Fi adapter is disabled, you’ll be asked to enable it.

35. You will also be asked to confirm your action, so make sure to click on 'Start.'

Tip

Double-check if your Mac is sharing its Wi-Fi connection at this point. There should be a green dot next to 'Internet Sharing,' which means your VPN Wi-Fi connection is now active. If an error appears, double-check if you've entered the required information correctly.

36. Now, take a look at your macOS menu bar. Two new icons should be visible there.

37. The rectangular icon shows the information about your ExpressVPN server connection.

38. The Wi-Fi icon shows that you’re sharing your Internet connection.

39. This is when you can start connecting other devices to the new Wi-Fi network.

40. If you want to stop sharing your network, go to System Preferences > Sharing.

41. Now, uncheck the box next to 'Internet Sharing.'

42. If you want to stop your VPN connection, go to System Preferences > Network.

43. Select your connection on the left, and click on 'Disconnect' on the right.

Disconnecting from Internet Sharing on macOS

Tip

Keep in mind that you’ll be sharing your ExpressVPN connection as long as your Mac is turned on and as long as 'Internet Sharing' is enabled on macOS. Turning off your computer or disabling 'Internet Sharing' will cause the connected devices to lose their Internet connectivity.

That would be all on how to share your ExpressVPN connection from your Mac. If you have any questions on your mind, know that we’re here to help. Just make sure to post your comment below. And lastly – thank you for reading!