The Bitdefender app for macOS includes a dedicated area where you can manage all VPN-related settings in one place. You can control how the VPN behaves, improve your privacy, customize notifications, and fine-tune advanced networking features such as Auto-connect, Split-tunneling, and Double-hop connections.
This guide will walk you through all the VPN settings available in the Bitdefender app for macOS. You will learn where the VPN settings are located, what each setting does, and when you might want to use it.
Where are the VPN Settings in Bitdefender App for macOS?
To access the VPN settings in Bitdefender for macOS:
- Open the Bitdefender app and click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- In the left-side menu, select VPN.
- On the right side of the window, you’ll see the VPN settings organized into three sections: General, Privacy, and Advanced.
How to Configure VPN Settings in Bitdefender App for macOS
General VPN Settings
The General section contains controls that affect how the VPN interface behaves and how information is displayed inside the app. These options are designed to improve usability and personalize the VPN experience.
- Click the General section in VPN Settings to explore the options below.
Show recent locations
The Show recent locations switch displays the VPN servers or countries you recently connected to directly on the VPN home screen.
For example, if you regularly connect to servers in the United States, Germany, or the United Kingdom, those locations will appear for quick access the next time you open the VPN.
This feature is especially useful for users who frequently switch between a small number of locations because it saves time and reduces the need to search through the full server list every time.
If privacy is your primary concern and you prefer not to keep a visible history of recently used locations, you can disable this option.
Show dashboard data
The Show dashboard data setting controls whether the VPN home screen displays statistics and usage information.
When enabled, Bitdefender VPN shows helpful metrics, such as:
- Connection time per day, week, month
- Number of blocked ads and trackers
- Amount of secured traffic
- Your IP address and and whether it is exposed or hidden
- Internet Kill-Switch status
- Current VPN protocol type
This can help you better understand how often the VPN is being used and provide a clearer overview of your protection status.
Users who prefer a cleaner, simpler VPN interface may choose to disable dashboard data to reduce visual clutter.
Clear dashboard data
The Clear dashboard data option removes stored VPN dashboard information from the application interface.
This does not uninstall the VPN or erase your account information. Instead, it clears historical dashboard-related data shown inside the app.
You may want to use this option if:
- You share your Mac with another person
- You want to remove previous activity indicators
- You prefer resetting the dashboard to a clean state
Pressing the Clear data button removes the stored dashboard information.
Reset all VPN settings
At the bottom of General VPN settings, you will find the Reset all VPN settings option.
Pressing the Reset settings button restores VPN settings to their original default configuration without reinstalling the Bitdefender application.
Resetting settings can help if:
- You changed multiple settings and want a fresh start
- VPN features are not behaving as expected
After resetting, you may need to reconfigure preferences such as notifications, Auto-connect or Split-tunneling rules.
Notifications
Notifications help keep you informed about VPN activity and security recommendations. Bitdefender allows you to customize exactly which alerts you want to receive.
- To manage your VPN notification preferences, click the Notifications section.
The Notifications screen contains several important options:
Allow notifications
The main Allow notifications switch enables or disables VPN notifications entirely.
When enabled, Bitdefender can send alerts such as:
- VPN connection confirmations
- Connection interruption warnings
- Security reminders
- Recommendations to use VPN
For most users, keeping notifications enabled is recommended because they provide important awareness about your VPN status.
However, if you prefer fewer interruptions while working or watching media, you can disable notifications completely.
Notify me when the VPN connects or disconnects
This switch displays alerts whenever Bitdefender VPN establishes or ends a connection.
For beginners, this can be very helpful because it confirms whether your internet traffic is currently protected by the VPN.
For example:
- You may receive a message when the VPN successfully connects after startup.
- You may also see an alert if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
These notifications can help prevent situations where you believe you are protected even though the VPN is no longer active.
Remind me to start VPN when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in cafés, hotels, airports, and shopping centers, are often less secure than private home networks.
This reminder option detects unsecured networks and encourages you to activate the VPN for additional protection.
For beginners, this is one of the most valuable settings because it helps protect sensitive activities such as:
- Online banking
- Email access
- Shopping
- Password entry
Using Bitdefender VPN on public Wi-Fi helps encrypt your internet traffic, reducing the risk of data interception.
Remind me to use VPN when I run peer-to-peer file sharing apps
Peer-to-peer (P2P) applications exchange data directly between users over the internet. Because these apps involve direct network communication, they may expose your IP address to others.
This notification reminds you to enable the VPN whenever compatible file-sharing applications are detected.
Even if you only occasionally use torrenting or file-sharing software, this reminder can help improve privacy and anonymity.
Privacy VPN Settings
The Privacy section contains settings specifically designed to improve your online security and browsing protection.
Internet Kill-Switch
The Internet Kill-Switch automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
Without a Kill-Switch, your Mac could continue using the internet through your normal connection if the VPN disconnects, potentially exposing your real IP address.
When the Kill-Switch is enabled:
- Internet access stops temporarily if the VPN disconnects
- Traffic resumes only after the VPN reconnects or the feature is disabled
This is especially important for:
- Privacy-conscious users
- Remote workers
- Users handling sensitive information
- Torrenting or P2P activity
For maximum privacy protection, enabling the Kill-Switch is generally recommended.
Ad Blocker and Anti-tracker
The Ad blocker and Anti-tracker feature helps block ads, pop-ups, and online trackers.
Trackers are commonly used by websites and advertisers to monitor browsing behavior, collect analytics, and build advertising profiles based on your online activity.
When Ad blocker and Anti-tracker switches are enabled, Bitdefender VPN can:
- Reduce targeted advertising
- Improve privacy
- Speed up page loading
- Create a cleaner browsing experience
Because fewer tracking elements are loaded, some websites may also feel faster and less cluttered.
Advanced VPN Settings
The Advanced section gives you more control over how the VPN connects and routes internet traffic.
Auto-connect
The Auto-connect feature allows the VPN to start automatically under specific conditions.
For example, you can configure the VPN to connect:
- When your Mac starts
- When joining unsecured Wi-Fi networks
- When starting a peer-to-peer file sharing app
- When launching certain applications
This automation helps ensure you remain protected without needing to manually activate the VPN each time.
Split-tunneling
Split-tunneling lets you choose which websites or services use the VPN and which access the internet directly.
Normally, all internet traffic passes through the VPN tunnel. With Split-tunneling, you can create exceptions.
For example:
- You might use the VPN for browsing and privacy
- While allowing streaming services or local websites to bypass the VPN
This can improve compatibility and performance in situations where certain websites work better without VPN routing.
Bitdefender’s Split-tunneling feature is useful if:
- A website blocks VPN traffic
- You need access to local network devices
- You want faster access to nearby services
You should use this feature carefully because excluded traffic is not protected by the VPN.
Protocol
The Protocol section determines the communication method used by the VPN connection.
VPN protocols affect:
- Connection speed
- Stability
- Security level
- Compatibility with networks
Bitdefender automatically selects the best protocol in most situations, which is usually the recommended approach for beginners. However, advanced users may occasionally switch protocols to troubleshoot connection issues or optimize performance on specific networks.
The following protocols are available on macOS:
- Automatic – Let Bitdefender VPN select the optimal protocol for your device and network
- Wireguard – Newer protocol, providing strong security and a high level of performance
- IKEv2 – Reliable, secure and efficient but with reduced cross-platform compatibility
If you are unsure which protocol to use, leaving the default automatic selection enabled is typically best.
Double-hop
The Double-hop feature allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers of your choice instead of one.
This creates an additional layer of encryption and privacy because your internet activity becomes harder to trace.
For example:
- Your traffic first connects to one VPN server
- It is then encrypted again and routed through a second VPN server
- Finally, it reaches the internet destination
This enhanced privacy comes with a trade-off:
- Increased security and anonymity
- Potentially slower connection speeds due to the extra routing
Double-hop is especially useful for users who prioritize privacy over speed.