More people are using v2rayN on Mac. Thanks to cross-platform desktop development, macOS users no longer need to piece together several utilities to get subscription management, speed tests, and proxy features similar to Windows. Mac has its own signing and security system, though, and beginners most often get stuck on "won't open" or "app is damaged". This macOS-specific guide covers choosing the right chip build, installation, removing quarantine attributes, subscription setup, and everyday use.

First, check whether your Mac uses Apple Silicon or Intel

Apple menu in the top-left → About This Mac:

  • If the chip is M1 / M2 / M3 / M4 or similar → download v2rayN-macos-arm64.
  • If the chip is Intel → download v2rayN-macos-64.

Choosing the wrong architecture may prevent the app from running or cause unexplained startup failures. Select the matching file in our Downloads section. Also make sure your macOS version meets the client's minimum requirement; newer v2rayN releases require newer macOS versions.

Installation options: DMG or ZIP?

  • DMG: open it and drag the app to Applications, as most Mac users expect.
  • Portable ZIP: unzip and run it directly; suitable for advanced users who want multiple configuration directories.

For beginners, we recommend installing the DMG to Applications; it also makes Spotlight searches more convenient.

Key step: fix "App is damaged and can't be opened"

This is the most common macOS roadblock. It does not necessarily mean the file is actually damaged—Gatekeeper may be blocking a non-notarized app. Here's how to fix it:

  1. Confirm that the app has been moved to /Applications/v2rayN.app (adjust the path as needed).
  2. Open the Terminal app.
  3. Run: xattr -cr /Applications/v2rayN.app
  4. Open v2rayN again from Launchpad or Applications.

If macOS still shows a security restriction, check System Settings → Privacy & Security for an "Open Anyway" option. Do not download supposedly "re-signed" versions from unknown websites.

First launch: permissions and network prompts

On first run, macOS may request network access, Keychain access, or an administrator password, depending on the features and installation method. Allow them as needed. TUN mode normally requires elevated permissions; if you only need a system proxy, first make sure the basic connection works.

Import a subscription: the same workflow as Windows

  1. Open Subscription Settings, add a subscription, and paste its URL.
  2. Update the subscription to import the node list.
  3. Run a real connection speed test, then double-click a working node.
  4. Enable the system proxy and verify access in Safari or Chrome.

If you already use v2rayN on Windows, there is almost nothing new to learn here. On Mac, the main differences are installation and permissions, not subscriptions themselves.

System proxy, rules, and browsers

Once the system proxy is enabled, most apps that follow macOS settings will use it automatically. Note the following:

  • Some browser extensions can override the system proxy and cause conflicts; disable them during testing.
  • curl and development tools in Terminal may not use the system proxy. Configure environment variables separately or use TUN when needed.
  • A managed work Mac may enforce proxy policies; test on a personal network.

Performance and compatibility tips for M-series Macs

  • Use the native arm64 build whenever possible instead of relying on a compatibility layer long-term.
  • If browsing is slow, run a speed test and switch nodes before blaming Mac performance—the bottleneck is usually the route, not the M-series chip.
  • If the proxy stops working after sleep, toggle the system proxy once or restart the client.

FAQ

Crashes immediately after opening?

Confirm the architecture matches, remove the quarantine attribute, and check whether macOS is too old. If it still fails, download the complete installer again to avoid a partial or corrupted file.

Subscription updates, but it won't connect?

Follow this site's "Won't Connect" troubleshooting guide: run a speed test, sync the time, switch nodes, and update the app. Mac has no unique magic here; protocol issues have the same causes as on Windows.

Does it support the menu bar?

Desktop builds usually offer a tray/menu-bar entry; check the interface of the version you downloaded. Remember common actions such as updating subscriptions and switching the proxy to work more efficiently.

Security and update habits

  • Download installers only from this site's Downloads section.
  • Protect subscription links as carefully as passwords.
  • Update the client promptly to reduce incompatibilities with new protocols.
  • After using a public Mac, remove local subscriptions or use a portable directory to avoid exposing them.

Summary

The key path to getting v2rayN working on Mac is: choose the correct chip architecture → install → remove quarantine with xattr → update the subscription → run a speed test → enable the system proxy. Once you get past the "won't open" issue, the remaining experience matches mainstream desktop usage. Download the v2rayN installer for your Mac from this site and configure it step by step.