BigBearVPN (Mac) Tutorial

Download App

Choose either download method:

If you use the Direct installer, the downloaded file will be bigbear_direct.pkg.

Double-click the downloaded bigbear_direct.pkg file.
Follow the installer prompts to finish installation.
On first connection, if macOS asks you to approve the system extension, follow the steps for your macOS version:
- macOS 15 or later: Open System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Network Extensions, allow BigBearVPN Direct, then return to the app and click Install Extension again.
- macOS 14 or earlier: Open System Settings > Privacy & Security, click Allow Anyway near the bottom of the page, then return to the app and click Install Extension again.

After installation, open BigBearVPN Direct from Launchpad or the Applications folder.

The Mac version is only available to paid BigBear members. Please sign in with an account that has an active membership.

Open BigBearVPN Direct, click Switch Node, and select the node you want to use.
Keep the default connection method recommended, then click the Connect button in the center.
If you want all apps to use the VPN, switch to global mode in the app settings.
On first connection, macOS may ask you to add a VPN configuration or install a system extension. Click Allow when prompted.
Sign in with an active BigBear membership account before connecting.

After the connection succeeds, the app will show a connected status. If your current network IP has changed, the VPN is connected successfully.

To stop using the VPN, click disconnect or stop on the BigBearVPN Direct home screen.