Install and Configure the Cisco Secure Client Software VPN on a Mac

Installing the VPN Client

1. Download the Cisco Secure VPN client for macOS (compatible with macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, and macOS 14 Sonoma). 
2. In your Downloads folder, double-click the file you just downloaded to open it. An icon will appear on the desktop called Cisco Secure Client, and a separate window will open.
3. Double-click on Cisco Secure Client.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 please do not install them.
4. During the installation, you will see an Action Required window informing you that the AnyConnect VPN Service is not enabled. Follow the steps on the screen to enable the service. Failure to do so will prevent the VPN from working. If you accidentally close the window, follow these steps.
   1. 1. Select the Apple Menu in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
      2. Scroll down and select General and then select Login Items on the right. 
      3. On the right under Allow in the Background, toggle on the setting Cisco Secure Client - AnyConnect VPN Service. You might need to enter your computer password when prompted to enable the setting and complete the installation.

Starting the VPN Client

1. In your Applications folder, go to the Cisco folder and double-click the Cisco Secure Client.
   
2. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready to Connect to field, then press the Connect button.
3. If this is the first time running the VPN, you will see a popup window saying the Cisco Secure Client would like to access files in your Desktop folder and then another one about your Downloads folder. You may also see additional prompts about Cisco wanting to access other folders like iCloud Drive. Select OK for each of them (do not select Don't Allow). 
4. Another popup will appear where you will enter your UCInetID and password to login. By default, you will be connected to the Default-UCI connection profile/group. If you need to change this, you can select your desired connection profile from the Group drop-down menu: (NOTE this window may be hidden slightly behind the login window)
   
   • UCIFULL – Route all traffic through the UCI VPN.
     
     • IMPORTANT: Use UCIFULL when accessing Library resources.
   • Default-UCI – Route only campus traffic through the UCI VPN. All other traffic goes through your normal Internet provider.
5. Back in the login window, enter your UCInetID and password, then click OK.
6. On the next page you'll see the Duo Multifactor Login screen where you will either receive a push or enter a passcode.
7. A banner window will appear. Click Accept to close that window. You are now connected!

Please note that if you are unable to connect to the VPN using the above method, follow these steps instead.

1. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready to Connect to field, then press the Connect button.
2. A popup will appear where you will enter your UCInetID and password. Do not enter your credentials yet. You must first change your connection group. (NOTE this window may be hidden slightly behind the login window)
   
   • UCIFULL-classic – Route all traffic through the UCI VPN.
     
     • IMPORTANT: Use UCIFULL-classic when accessing Library resources.
   • UCI-classic – Route only campus traffic through the UCI VPN. All other traffic goes through your normal Internet provider.
3. Back in the login window, enter your UCInetID and password. Below the password box, type the word 'push' (without the quotes) and then select OK. You will receive a push from Duo and will be able to login.
4. 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 Cisco Secure Client client icon located in the menu bar near the top right corner of your screen.
2. Select Quit.

Troubleshooting the VPN Client (FAQ & DART diagnostic utility)

If you're having trouble connecting to the VPN, please consult our comprehensive FAQ near the bottom of the main VPN page. If the issue persists, we will ask you to run the DART diagnostic utility and email us the ZIP file which will contain detailed logs about your system that will be useful for troubleshooting. The DART diagnostic utility can be found in the /Applications/Cisco folder.