Troubleshooting Cisco Secure Client Installation (macOS)
The Issue: If you try to install the VPN but options are grayed out or you receive the error "a newer version is already installed," there is likely a previous installation of the Cisco Secure Client VPN still on your machine.
Phase 1: Standard Uninstallation
Attempt this standard removal process first. If the issue persists, move to Phase 2.
- Check for Updates: Ensure macOS and Safari are updated to the latest release level.
- Clear Cache:
- Open the Cisco Secure Client.
- Click the Graph/Statistics icon > General > Web Browser.
- Click Clear Data.
- Run Uninstaller:
- Go to Finder > Applications > Cisco folder.
- Double-click Uninstall Cisco Secure Client.
- Finish: Follow the prompts and Reboot your computer.
Phase 2: Forced Manual Uninstallation (Terminal)
If the Cisco folder was empty or the error persists, use the Terminal to force removal.
Step A: Run the Uninstall Script
Open Terminal (Command+Spacebar, type "Terminal") and paste the following command:
Note: You will be prompted for your Mac password. It will appear blank while typing. Type it, press Enter, follow the prompts, and reboot.
Step B: Advanced Component Removal
In rare cases, you must force the Mac to 'forget' installed components. Copy and paste these commands into Terminal one at a time. Ignore any errors.
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.fireamp
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.dart
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.websecurity_v2
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.nvm_v2
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.umbrella
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.iseposture
sudo pkgutil --forget com.cisco.pkg.anyconnect.posture
Step C: Remove Residual Files
sudo rm -rf ~/.anyconnect
sudo rm -rf ~/.cisco
sudo rm -rf /opt/cisco
Phase 3: Clean Up & Preparation
- Conflicting VPNs: Disable or uninstall any non-UCI VPN software.
- System Settings: Go to System Settings > VPN Configuration and ensure no configurations remain.
- Firewalls: Ensure no 3rd party firewalls are running.
- Restart: Restart the computer.
Phase 4: Reinstallation
- Download the latest VPN client: Download Link (KB0012170)
-
⛔ WARNING: Do NOT install unsupported features.For installation, select ONLY these three components:
- ✅ Cisco Secure Client AnyConnect VPN
- ✅ Cisco Secure Client Secure Firewall Posture
- ✅ Cisco Secure Client Diagnostics and Reporting Tool (DART)
- Allow additional components when prompted during installation.
Phase 5: Verification & Connection
1. Verify System Settings
- Open at Login: Ensure "Cisco Secure Client" is listed.
- Background Items: Ensure "Cisco" and "Cisco Secure Client" are listed.
- Login Items: Ensure "Cisco Secure Client - Socket Filter" is enabled.
2. Connect
Test the connection starting with the "Default-UCI" profile. If that fails, try "UCIFull-classic".
Username: Your UCInetID
Password: Your UCInetID password
Second Password:
- Type the word
push(a Duo request will be sent to your phone). - OR type the 6-digit code from your Duo Mobile app.
Still having trouble?
If you cannot connect:
- Run the Cisco DART program (installed in Phase 4) to generate a logs zip file.
- Take a screenshot of installed components in the
Applications/Ciscofolder. - Provide these to support for further assistance.