Before you start: ask your administrator or VPN provider for the VPN server address, Remote ID or Server ID, username, and password. Do not guess these values.

This guide explains how to connect to an IKEv2 VPN using the built-in VPN settings on macOS and Windows 11. It is written for people who need exact steps: where to click, which menu to open, and what to type into each field.

FieldExample valueWhat it means
Connection nameCompany VPNA label you choose so you can recognize the VPN later.
Server addressvpn.example.comThe domain or IP address of the VPN gateway.
Remote ID / Server IDvpn.example.comThe server identity used by IKEv2. Often the same as the server address.
Usernameyour.name@example.comThe VPN username issued by your administrator.
PasswordYour VPN passwordThe password issued for VPN access.
VPN typeIKEv2The protocol this guide covers.

Important: replace every example value with the real values from your VPN administrator. For IKEv2, the Remote ID is often the same domain as the VPN server, but if your administrator gave a different Remote ID, use the value they gave you.

IKEv2 setup flow
01
Open network settingsGo to the operating system's built-in VPN settings.
02
Create an IKEv2 profileAdd a new VPN connection and choose IKEv2 as the protocol.
03
Enter server and login dataType the server address, Remote ID, username, and password exactly.
04
Connect and verifyConnect, check the status, and open a private service that should work only through the VPN.

macOS: Connect To IKEv2 VPN

The wording can vary slightly between macOS versions, but the path is normally System Settings -> Network -> VPN.

1. Open Network Settings

  1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Click System Settings.
  3. In the left sidebar, click Network.
  4. Find VPN or VPN & Filters.

2. Add A New VPN Configuration

  1. On the Network screen, click the ... menu or the option named Add VPN Configuration.
  2. Click Add VPN Configuration.
  3. Choose IKEv2.
macOS screenWhat to choose
NetworkOpen VPN or VPN & Filters.
Add VPN ConfigurationSelect IKEv2.

3. Enter The VPN Details

  1. In Display Name, type a clear name, for example Company VPN.
  2. In Server Address, type the VPN server address, for example vpn.example.com.
  3. In Remote ID, type the Remote ID from your administrator. Usually this is also vpn.example.com.
  4. Leave Local ID empty unless your administrator specifically told you to enter something there.
  5. Click Create.

Do not add spaces: vpn.example.com is correct. vpn.example.com with a space at the end can fail.

4. Enter Username And Password

  1. Open the VPN connection you just created.
  2. Find Account Name or User Authentication.
  3. Type your VPN username exactly as it was issued.
  4. Click Authentication Settings if macOS shows that button.
  5. Choose Password.
  6. Type your VPN password.
  7. Click OK or Save.

5. Connect

  1. Return to System Settings -> Network -> VPN.
  2. Click the VPN connection named Company VPN, or whatever name you used.
  3. Turn on the VPN switch or click Connect.
  4. If macOS asks for permission to add VPN configurations, click Allow.
  5. Wait until the status says Connected.

Windows 11: Connect To IKEv2 VPN

Use Settings, not Control Panel, unless your administrator gives older enterprise instructions.

1. Open VPN Settings

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. In the left sidebar, click Network & internet.
  4. Click VPN.

2. Add A VPN Profile

  1. On the VPN page, click Add VPN.
  2. Wait for the Add a VPN connection form to open.

3. Fill In The Windows 11 Form

Windows fieldWhat to enter
VPN providerChoose Windows (built-in).
Connection nameType a clear name, for example Company VPN.
Server name or addressType the server address, for example vpn.example.com.
VPN typeChoose IKEv2.
Type of sign-in infoChoose User name and password.
User nameType your VPN username.
PasswordType your VPN password.
  1. Check every field again.
  2. Click Save.

4. Connect To The VPN

  1. Go back to Settings -> Network & internet -> VPN.
  2. Find the connection named Company VPN.
  3. Click it.
  4. Click Connect.
  5. If Windows asks for the username or password again, enter them again exactly.
  6. Wait until the status says Connected.

5. Faster Connection Next Time

  1. Click the network, Wi-Fi, or sound area in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
  2. Click VPN.
  3. Choose Company VPN.
  4. Click Connect.

How To Check That The VPN Works

  1. Make sure the VPN status says Connected.
  2. Open a website, dashboard, admin panel, or internal service that should only work through the VPN.
  3. If your company uses a static VPN IP for whitelisting, ask your administrator for the test page or IP-check process.
  4. If the private service opens only while the VPN is connected, the setup is working.

If It Does Not Connect

ProblemWhat to check
Wrong serverConfirm the server address and remove accidental spaces.
Wrong protocolMake sure the VPN type is IKEv2, not Automatic or another protocol.
Wrong Remote ID on macOSAsk your administrator for the exact Remote ID and re-enter it.
Bad credentialsRe-type the username and password. Check capitalization and keyboard language.
Blocked networkTry another connection, such as mobile hotspot. Some Wi-Fi networks block VPN traffic.
Time or certificate issueMake sure the device date and time are correct.

Escalate with details: if you contact support, include your operating system, the VPN server address you used, the exact error text, and whether you tested another network.

Sources