How to check for VPN apps on Mac

This guide will show you how to check if there are VPNs on a Mac, along with how you can delete them.

Step 1: Check for VPNs

We demonstrate this process on a Mac running macOS 27 Golden Gate (where the same process is very similar for older versions of macOS). If you're checking for VPNs on a Mac running macOS 11 Big Sur, you can complete this step by navigating to the System Preferences app > Network. If there are any VPNs installed, they will be listed on the left-hand sidebar (where you can then skip ahead to step 2). If you can't find any VPN listings, you've confirmed that no VPNs are currently being used.

Open the System Settings app, then open the VPN menu on the left-hand sidebar. (If you can't find the VPN menu on a Mac running a version older than macOS 27 Golden Gate, you've confirmed that no VPNs are currently being used, which means you can close this guide.) In the following example, a connection listing for Proton VPN exists on this Mac.

If you can see connection listings like the following example, proceed to step 2.
If you can't see any connection listings inside the VPN menu, you've confirmed that no VPNs are currently being used on this device, which means you can close this guide.

Step 2: Delete VPN apps

Open the Finder app, then click the Applications folder on the left-hand sidebar. Locate the VPN app, then drag it into the Bin on the dock.

On the prompt that appears, click the Delete button.

If you see a following prompt regarding system extensions, click the Continue button. (Repeat this process for any other VPNs.)

Back in the System Settings app, the VPN menu should now be empty (or the menu itself will be hidden for versions older than macOS 27 Golden Gate).

Updated on: 25/09/2026

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