Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a VPN app for Mac that encrypts internet traffic, changes your IP address, and helps protect browsing on public or shared networks.
What is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a VPN app for macOS that helps users route internet traffic through encrypted connections and remote servers. It is designed for people who want more privacy on public Wi‑Fi, a different IP location for compatible services, or a simple way to protect network traffic while traveling or working remotely. The Mac app includes server selection, connection settings, protocol controls, and options for how the VPN behaves in the background. It also supports split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect normally. Users can adjust DNS and network-related settings from the desktop client, and the app is available as a native Mac download with support resources for installation, setup, and removal from Private Internet Access, Inc.
Key features
- Connect to VPN servers from the Mac desktop app
- Encrypt internet traffic while browsing on public or shared networks
- Choose connection protocols and adjust network settings
- Use split tunneling to decide which apps use the VPN
- Control DNS behavior and other connection options
- Run the app in the background and manage startup behavior
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This is legitimate VPN software. It normally needs network permissions and may install VPN or network extension components so it can route traffic securely, which is expected for this type of app. Features such as split tunneling can require extra approval in macOS because they change how specific apps reach the internet. Keep in mind that bypassed apps or destinations will not have VPN protection, so review those rules carefully if privacy matters for that traffic.
Recommendation: Keep Private Internet Access if you actively use it for VPN protection, remote work, travel, or privacy on shared networks. If you no longer use this VPN, you can remove it with the app’s built-in uninstaller to clean up its networking components and settings. After removal, any connections or app rules managed through Private Internet Access will stop working until you install it again or switch to another VPN.
Common paths
/Applications/Private Internet Access.app
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