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How to Bypass Geo-blocking on Your Mac With a VPN in 2025

by Dave Johnson

While Mac computers are renowned for their security and privacy features, they’re not immune to geographical restrictions. In this article, I’ll explain how to bypass geographical restrictions on your Mac using a VPN.

The new profiles feature in Safari displayed on MacBook Pro.

Sometimes when you’re trying to watch a video on a streaming service on your Mac, you might find the video isn’t available in your country. This is called geo-blocking and while it can be annoying, there’s a way around it.

Streaming services aren’t the only places you might run into geo-blocked content. A few examples of geo-blocking include online stores restricting sales to certain regions and state governments blocking access to services like WhatsApp or Twitter.

Here’s how geo-blocking works and what you can do to get around these restrictions on your Mac.

What Is Geo-Blocking?

Geo-blocking, or geo-filtering, is the act of denying or limiting access to digital content or services based on their geographic location. Geo-blocking works on all types of content, including streaming services, news sites, online gaming, and retail websites, but it’s most notable for videos. Video-sharing platforms and streaming services, like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, use geo-restrictions. They make some of their content inaccessible to users from specific regions.

Companies can apply geo-filters to countries, cities, and even buildings and offices. The degree of filtration can vary from service to service. Some services allow you to browse their content but limit you from viewing it. Others will hide the content entirely in your region.

"Geoblocking restricts access to online content based on the user’s geographical location," said Peter Yu, the director of Texas A&M University’s Center for Law and Property.

You can think of geo-blocking in terms of school districts. If you live within a certain community you can send your child to particular schools and have access to that district’s resources. When online content is geo-blocked, you can access content specific to your "school district" but not others.

How does geo-blocking work?

Your public IP (internet protocol) address makes geo-blocking possible. An IP address is a unique numerical label attached to a device on the internet or a local network. This address makes it possible to send and receive information online — without it, you wouldn’t be able to read this article right now.

Your IP address also holds information about your geographic location because it’s determined by your router, not the device you’re using to browse the internet. For example, if you connect your Mac to your home network, you will have a different IP address than if you connect your Mac to your work network.

You get an IP address as soon as you register with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). With varying levels of accuracy, this IP address can identify your device’s geographic location. Online services use your IP address to decide whether to allow you to view their content. So, if you try to request content from an IP that falls outside the allowed list, they deny your request.

Geo-blocking can also occur even when you pay for a premium service. For example, if you live in the US and pay for a Netflix subscription, you can stream the content as long as you’re within US borders. If you go on vacation or travel to other countries for work, you won’t be able to access the same Netflix library.

How can I bypass geo-blocking on Mac?

The best and most reliable method of bypassing geoblocking on a Mac is by using a VPN. A VPN, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or CyberGhost can allow you to disguise your IP address to make it look like it’s coming from another country or region.
A VPN redirects your traffic through a server in another region, and your IP address will reflect that server’s location. That also means that you have to choose a VPN server from another region in order to get around geo-blocking.

So if you want to watch a US Netflix show while traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server.

While you might be tempted to use a free VPN to bypass geo-blocks on your Mac, we strongly advise against that. Many free VPNs compromise on performance and usability and limit the amount of data you can use. Some free VPNs are even loaded with malware and sell your personal data.

When using a VPN, make sure it uses advanced security features and encryption protocols to keep your identity anonymous. Make sure it offers critical privacy features such as DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers and a kill switch.

Is Geo-Blocking Legal?

Regardless of how frustrating it can be, geo-blocking is still legal. It’s a way for media companies to enforce legal contracts based on geo-restrictions. It’s common among media companies because the broadcasting rights of TV shows and movies usually vary from country to country. While this is all good, other reasons tempt companies to restrict services based on location.

Is bypassing geo-blocking illegal?

Using a VPN to access geo-blocked content on your Mac isn’t illegal — unless using a VPN is illegal in your country — but it could lead to other ramifications.

Using a VPN to access geo-blocked content on your Mac could violate a streaming service’s user agreement, and your account could be terminated or suspended. You could also face legal trouble if you use a VPN to access content that is illegal in your region.

We advise reading through terms of service before using a VPN with any app, game or other service. Also, remember that illegal activity is still illegal, even if you’re masking your location with a VPN.

Geo-Blocking Is Frustrating, But Easy to Overcome

A VPN is an effective tool to remove geo-blocking on your Mac, offering the added benefits of enhanced privacy and security. So, if you’re looking to access some of your favorite TV shows and movies on your Mac, but can’t get past geographical restrictions, try using a VPN to open up a whole new world of entertainment.

Tags: macOS, VPN
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Will using a VPN protect my Mac from hackers?

by Dave Johnson

While a virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to protect your privacy and security online, it’s not designed to defend you against hackers in all situations. We explain how and when a VPN can help to protect your Mac from hackers.

The Liquid Retina XDR display is shown on 14 Inch MacBook Pro.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in coffee shops, airports, and other public areas, is incredibly risky.

All it takes is one hacker connected on the same network and they can easily spy on all your activity.

In this guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to use a VPN to protect your Mac from hackers.

What Is A VPN?

VPN stands for ‘virtual private network—a tool that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It does this by creating an encrypted digital tunnel between your computer and the internet, protecting your online identity and hiding your IP address (which is a series of numbers that identifies a device or network).

Another way to understand a VPN is to picture it as an outer packet that ensures your data stays secure inside the packet. This keeps the data safe during transfer.

A VPN also allows you to use public Wifi hotspots safely. It’s a buffer against the nasties of the internet, and you’ll certainly be better off with a VPN on your Mac than without. But will it protect your Mac from hackers?

We explain below the ways a VPN can – and can’t – have your back against hackers, and the different kinds of cyberattacks you can experience when being hacked.

What hackers can a VPN protect your Mac against?

A VPN can quite literally block your IP address from everyone. Governments, hackers, or anyone else spying on you as you navigate the web.

A VPN works by changing your IP address and encrypting your online activity. There are certain forms of hacking, then, that the best VPNs are reliable in protecting you against where hackers require your IP address. These include:

  • Remote hacking: Attempting to gain access to your system through all devices connected to your Wi-Fi, this is done through your IP address. However, when connected to a VPN, your IP address is concealed with all your browsing data instead tied up in another server, leaving you untraceable.
  • Man-in-the-Middle attack: Targeting you at the point before connection, here a hacker goes through the network you’re connected to, circumvents the weak encryption in place, and intercepts your data.
  • DDoS attack: Commonly mentioned when it comes to gaming, a hacker will flood your network in order to slow down and even get you kicked off your network. Once again, the hacker needs your real IP address to do this.

It’s worth noting if for whatever reason a hacker already knows your IP address, a VPN can’t protect you against these kinds of attacks, and you should instead speak to your Internet Service Provider.

What hacking attacks are VPNs less well equipped for?

It’s fair to say hackers can be scarily sophisticated these days – whether targeting Macs or any other internet-connected devices – and a lot of internet safety can come down to common sense and being extra vigilant. This much is true when it comes to malware and phishing, where the fundamentals of a VPN’s IP spoofing abilities don’t offer the same realm of protection. That’s because this comes down to the websites you choose to visit, and avoiding clicking on certain links in dodgy emails, or downloading dangerous files.

That said, a lot of VPN providers go the extra mile to equip users with features that can tackle these safety concerns.

Can a VPN on my Mac protect me against hackers?

Essentially, yes. It does this by creating an encrypted digital tunnel between your Mac and the internet, protecting your online identity and hiding your IP address.

Please Note: while a VPN offer a stronger connection that makes you less susceptible to particular hacking approaches, it’s not a foolproof way to protect your Mac from external dangers infiltrating your device.

The best thing to do to protect yourself is to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments from unknown users.

For more complete protection, you should equip your Mac with antivirus and firewalls for more comprehensive protection against online threats.

Make sure you shop around, and be a little wary of free VPNs as they may not be as secure.

Which VPNs Are the Most Secure?

When trying to track down a VPN service to use on your Mac, start by thinking about why you need one in the first place.

For example, if you’re using free Wifi in the cafe a lot, then maybe it’s a good idea. Alternatively, if you work from home and don’t want your browsing history to be trackable, particularly if you work in a sensitive industry, such as banking, accounting or media, then it may be worthwhile.

A VPN also means you don’t have to worry about content restrictions if you’re using your mac to conduct research online, for example.

Also consider whether the VPN is free, or is offered via a subscription service. You should also check if you can contact the provider with any questions. You can read online reviews of VPN online.

Conclusion

So, to wrap things up, does a vpn protect your Mac from hackers? Essentially, yes. A VPN is a great way to keep anyone unwanted from accessing your data.

VPNs offer top-tier encryption protection, making your online activity practically impossible for hackers to observe. It will also keep your real IP address hidden, making it harder to target you in a cyber attack.

Like most elements of the big wide web, VPNs aren’t all built the same, and they are still capable of being hacked.

VPNs protect your privacy online so you cannot be targeted or discriminated against based on location. It is important to note that you can also still be susceptible to phishing scams and being infected by malware whilst having a VPN, so it is vital that your Mac is current with all software updates and that you have a reputable antivirus/anti-malware software installed.

Tags: macOS, Security, VPN
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Trackpad Not Working On MacBook Pro? 8 Ways to Fix it

by Dave Johnson

The Trackpad is an essential input device on your MacBook Pro. It offers precision, multi-touch gestures, and a seamless experience. However, what happens when the MacBook Pro Trackpad stops working? Not only does it disrupt your workflow, but it can be quite frustrating. In this article, we will explore what to do if your Trackpad is not working on a MacBook Pro.

The solutions in this article will work in everything from the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro to the new M2 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Why Is My Trackpad Not Working On My MacBook Pro?

The Trackpad on your MacBook Pro may become unresponsive for various reasons. It could be due to outdated software, incorrect system settings, peripheral interference, dust accumulation, or hardware failure.

How Do I Fix an Unresponsive Touchpad on MacBook Pro?

Before diving into technical fixes, ensure that you are using only one finger on the Trackpad, as using more fingers might cause the pointer not to move due to certain Trackpad settings. Also, ensure your MacBook Pro is not showing a low battery alert which you can’t see. Connect your MacBook Pro to an electrical outlet or connect an external keyboard to see the alert.

1. Clean Your Trackpad

Dust and debris can hinder the Trackpad’s performance. So, if you find the MacBook pro trackpad not working, turn off your computer and clean the Trackpad with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth.

2. Disconnect external devices

External devices like a mouse or other peripherals connected via USB or Bluetooth can sometimes interfere with the trackpad causing the Touchpad not working on MacBook Pro issue. Disconnect all peripherals and restart your MacBook to see if the trackpad starts working again.

To restart your Mac, choose Apple menu > Shut Down.

3. Update macOS

You need to check if your MacBook Pro’s software is up to date. Running an outdated OS can cause compatibility issues with hardware, and result in situations such as Trackpad not clicking on MacBook Pro.

  1. Go to the  Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
  2. Choose “System Settings”
  3. Select “General” from the list of settings
  4. Select “Software Update”
  5. If there’s an update available, download and install it.

4. Disable Force Click

Some people prefer light taps, while others like the tactile feedback of a click. If you have been using tap-to-click, make sure the Force Click option is disabled as it requires a firmer press. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to the  Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
  2. Choose “System Settings”
  3. Go to Trackpad and toggle off Force Click and haptic feedback.

5. Reset Trackpad to Factory Settings

There is a good chance custom configurations in Trackpad settings could cause unresponsiveness. To revert back to the default settings, do the following:

  1. Go to the  Apple menu in the top left corner on the Mac
  2. Choose “System Settings”
  3. Go to Trackpad and toggle Tap to click.
  4. Under Scroll & Zoom, ensure Natural scrolling is selected. These two settings should reset your Trackpad to its factory settings.

6. Reset NVRAM, PRAM and SMC

Resetting NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can resolve a plethora of issues such as Trackpad not working on MacBook Pro. Note that NVRAM/PRAM reset is only possible on Intel-based Macs, as on Apple Silicon Macs, NVRAM is reset automatically.

7. Run Apple Diagnostics

Apple Diagnostics can help identify hardware issues, including problems with the Trackpad.

First, identify if your Mac has Apple silicon or an Intel processor by going to Apple menu > About This Mac, and then follow the corresponding steps:

For Macs with Apple Silicon:

  1. Press and hold down the power button on your Mac (on laptops with Touch ID, this means pressing and holding the Touch ID button).
  2. Keep holding the power button until your Mac turns on and displays startup options. Once you see the Optionslabel, release the power button.
  3. Now, press and hold** Command D** on your keyboard.

For Macs with Intel Processor:

  1. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold down the D key on your keyboard as your Mac boots up.
  2. Release the key when you see a progress bar or when prompted to select a language.
  3. If holding the D key doesn’t initiate the diagnostics, try pressing and holding Option D instead. If neither method initiates the diagnostics, refer to Apple’s guidelines for using key combinations at startup.

Note: During the diagnostic process, you may need to choose a language, and it’s essential to have an active internet connection. You can connect to a Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi menu in the upper-right corner of the screen.

8. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your MacBook Pro trackpad still isn’t functioning, it might be a hardware issue. Contact Apple Support or make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store. They can help diagnose the problem and guide you on the next steps. Make sure not to attempt any hardware repairs on your own as this could void the warranty and potentially cause further damage to your MacBook Pro.

Tags: macOS, Trackpad
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