How to Have an always–on VPN connection

Connecting to your VPN by app is quick and convenient, but what if you want an always–on connection that’s protecting you from the moment you log in? Start by checking your app’s preferences to see if it can be tailored to do so — for example, NordVPN app users should open the sidebar and choose Settings, then flick the switches to ‘Start on Boot’ and ‘Connect on Start’. (You also need to select your choice of server.)

If your VPN app doesn’t offer this feature, it’s possible to add the functionality using a script — or you could just follow our step–by–step guide for a more user–friendly approach.

Download VPN app

Go to blog.timac.org/2018/0719

vpnstatus/ and click the ‘Precompiled VPNStatus’ link to download the VPNStatus app. After copying it to your Applications folder, Opt–click the app and choose Open, then click the Open button.

Monitor connections

The app will appear as a color– coded icon in the menu bar: red is not connected to a VPN, amber means reconnecting, and green is connected. Click the icon to view the status of any existing VPN connections.

Auto connections

You’ll see options for ‘Always auto connect’ next to each VPN in the list. Select this option and, while the app is running, the VPN connection in question will stay connected. It’ll even reconnect automatically if the connection drops.

Open at login

To make VPNStatus open when you log in to your user account, go to System Preferences’ Users &Groups pane. On the Login Items tab, click + and select VPNStatus from the Applications folder. Once done, restart your Mac.