By default, many VPN apps on macOS only route internet traffic from the system or specific apps you’re actively using. Some applications, background processes, or system services may bypass the VPN connection entirely — leaving small gaps in privacy.

If you want every single app on your Mac to send traffic through the VPN, you’ll need to adjust your setup. This guide explains the available methods, why it matters, and what to watch out for.

Why Force All Apps Through a VPN?

There are several situations where ensuring 100% VPN coverage is essential:

• Preventing leaks from background apps or services.

• Securing downloads from apps outside your browser.

• Hiding IP activity from software that might send telemetry data.

• Ensuring compliance for work or privacy policies.
  
  

Without this setup, certain applications might connect directly to the internet, revealing your real IP address.

Method 1: Use a VPN with a System-Wide Kill Switch

Many premium VPN providers include a kill switch feature in their macOS app. When enabled, this feature blocks all internet traffic that isn’t passing through the VPN tunnel.

• How to enable it:
  
  

  1. Open your VPN app on macOS.

  2. Go to Settings or Preferences.

  3. Look for “Kill Switch” or “Block Internet Without VPN.”

  4. Toggle it on.
     
     

This ensures that if the VPN drops, no traffic leaves your Mac unencrypted — protecting both foreground and background apps.

Method 2: Configure VPN at the macOS System Level

Instead of relying solely on the VPN provider’s app, you can set up the VPN connection directly in macOS Network Preferences.

• Steps:

  1. Open System Settings → Network.

  2. Click the + button to add a new connection.

  3. Select VPN as the interface type.

  4. Enter the server address, account name, and authentication details from your provider.

  5. Enable the option “Send all traffic over VPN connection” in the advanced settings.
     
     

By doing this, macOS itself handles the VPN routing for all apps, rather than relying on per-app rules.

Method 3: Use a Router-Level VPN

If you want every device and every app on your Mac to be covered without extra setup, install your VPN on your Wi-Fi router.

• Benefits:
  
  

  • Works for all apps without configuration on macOS.

  • Covers other devices on your network automatically.
    
    

• Drawback:
  
  

  • All devices share the same VPN location.

  • More complex setup depending on your router model.
    
    

Once configured, any traffic from your Mac — no matter the app — is automatically routed through the VPN.

Method 4: Advanced Firewall Rules

For users comfortable with command-line tools, pf (Packet Filter) or third-party firewalls like Little Snitch can be used to block any traffic that doesn’t go through the VPN interface.

This requires:

• Identifying your VPN’s network interface (e.g., utun2).

• Writing firewall rules that allow traffic only through that interface.
  
  

It’s a more technical method but offers granular control.

Extra Tips

• Test for leaks after setup by visiting sites like ipleak.net.

• Keep your VPN app updated for the latest security patches.

• Avoid free VPNs that may not offer a system-wide kill switch.
  
  

FAQ

1. Can I force all Mac App Store apps through a VPN?
Yes. If you use system-level VPN settings or a router VPN, all App Store apps will automatically use the VPN connection.

2. What happens if the VPN disconnects?
If you have a kill switch enabled, your internet will be blocked until the VPN reconnects. Without it, some apps may revert to using your regular connection.

3. Will forcing all traffic through a VPN slow down my Mac?
It may reduce speed slightly depending on the VPN server’s distance and load, but the privacy trade-off is often worth it.

4. Do I need to configure each app separately?
No, as long as you use system-level routing or a router VPN, all apps will use the VPN automatically.