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Install and Configure the Cisco AnyConnect Software VPN on a Mac

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Installing the VPN Client

  1. Download the AnyConnect VPN client for macOS 11.0 - 10.15 (Big Sur to Catalina) or macOS 10.14 - 10.13 (Mojave to High Sierra).
  2. In your Downloads folder, double-click the file you just downloaded to open it. An icon will appear on the desktop called AnyConnect, and a separate window will open.
  3. Double-click on AnyConnect.mpkg to run the installer, then follow the steps to complete the installation. NOTE: We recommend you un-check everything (Web Security, Umbrella, etc) except for the VPN and the Diagnostic and Reporting Tool (DART). This will give you a minimal install. The other features are not supported so there's no need to install them.
    • Starting with macOS 10.13 High Sierra: During the installation, you will be prompted to enable the AnyConnect software extension in the System Preferences -> Security & Privacy pane. The requirement to manually enable the software extension is an operating system requirement.

Starting the VPN Client

  1. In your Applications folder, go to the Cisco folder and double-click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  2. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready to Connect to field, then press the Connect button.
  3. Select your desired connection profile from the Group drop-down menu:
    • UCIFULL – Route all traffic through the UCI VPN.
      • IMPORTANTUse UCIFULL when accessing Library resources.
    • UCI – Route only campus traffic through the UCI VPN. All other traffic goes through your normal Internet provider.
  4. Enter your UCInetID and password, then click OK.
  5. A banner window will appear. Click Accept to close that window. You are now connected!

Disconnecting the VPN Client

When you are finished using the VPN, remember to disconnect.

  1. Click the AnyConnect client icon located in the menu bar near the top right corner of your screen.
  2. Select Quit.