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FortiClient VPN: Mac - Additional User Guidelines (Teacher Facing)

 

Here’s a detailed overview and step-by-step guide for Mac users experiencing issues with FortiClient VPN installation, tailored for teachers and non-technical users. This guide will help ensure a proper setup and resolve common conflicts on macOS.

           

🛠 FortiClient VPN Mac User Additional Guidelines (Teacher Facing)

🔍 Step 1: Check for FortiClient Updates

Overview:
New Forticlient updates may be available that address bugs or compatibility issues.

Instructions:

  1. Open FortiClient.
  2. Navigate to About or Check for Updates (typically found in the top menu bar or help section).
  3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to install.
  4. After updating, restart your Mac and try reconnecting.

❌ Step 2: Close and Uninstall Other VPNs

Overview:
Other VPN software can interfere with FortiClient and cause connection problems as one VPN views another as a conflict.

Instructions:

  1. Close any other VPNs currently running (NordVPN, Cisco AnyConnect, etc.).
  2. Open Finder > Applications.
  3. Drag any other VPN apps to the Trash.
  4. Empty the Trash.
  5. Restart your Mac.

🔒 Step 3: Save FortiClient Settings to Your Profile

Overview:
Sometimes FortiClient will ask to save settings on your profile, and permissions must be granted.

Instructions:

  • When prompted, click "Allow" to save settings.

🔐 Step 4a: Allow Full Disk Access

Overview:
FortiClient needs Full Disk Access to function properly on macOS.

Instructions:

  1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy Tab.
  2. Scroll down and click Full Disk Access.
  3. Click the Lock icon (bottom-left) to make changes (enter password or use Touch ID).
  4. Click the + (plus) button to add apps:
    • Select both of these (if they appear):
      • fctservctl2
      • FortiClient 
  5. Close preferences and restart FortiClient if needed.

💡 Note: If you were denied access earlier, open FortiClient again to accept permission popups.

🔐 Step 4b: Alternate Full Disk Access View (different display view)

Tip:
macOS versions or user preferences may show the Full Disk Access tab differently. The steps above still apply even if the layout varies slightly.

🔥 Step 5a: Check Your Firewall Settings

Overview:
macOS Firewall may be blocking FortiClient.

Instructions:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
  2. Click the Lock icon to make changes (enter password or use Touch ID).
  3. Click Turn Off Firewall temporarily.
  4. Try reconnecting to FortiClient.
  5. If it works, re-enable the firewall and:
    • Add FortiClient as an exception.
  6. Click here for a more detailed explanation for Firewall Settings

🔥 Step 5b: Allow FortiTray to Load (Required Component)

Instructions:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General (unlock)

  2. If you see:

    System software from application “FortiTray” was blocked from loading

  3. Click Allow (may need to Unlock first-use your Touch ID or click Use Password / Provide Password, then type in your password and click OK).
  4. Re-lock the panel when done.

🔥 Step 5c: macOS Version-Specific Firewall Settings

Instructions for other macOS versions:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
  2. Click Firewall Options (may need to Unlock first-use your Touch ID or click Use Password / Provide Password, then type in your password and click OK).

  3. Enable FortiClient or FortiTray (depending on which version of FortiClient was originally downloaded). If there is no currently listed FortiClient option in your Firewall block/allow list click the + (plus) sign to add an app.

  4. Type FortiClient or FortiTray and select it.
  5. Click Add.
  6. Ensure it is listed as Allowed.
  7. Re-lock the panel when done.

🔥 Step 5d: Manually Add FortiClient as a Firewall Exception

Instructions:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Network > Firewall > Options (may be labeled differently in some macOS versions).
  2. Look for anything labeled with “Forti” (FortiClient, FortiTray, etc.).
  3. If not listed:
    • Click the + (plus).
    • Start typing “FortiClient.”
    • Select and add it.

🔄 Restart FortiClient after making these changes to ensure settings apply.

 

Step 6a: Allow FortiTray to Load (this may or may not be needed in your setup)

  • Instructions for using macOS Sequoia (version 15), go to Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Network Extensions > Toggle ON FortiClient > Done

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✅ Final Notes:

  • After completing all steps, try to connect again using FortiClient VPN.
  • If you are still having issues, restart your Mac once more.
  • Document steps completed and which failed fixed the issue (if known) by submitting a PLI Support Ticket.