OVERVIEW
This article describes how to set up the FortiClient app on an Apple computer (macOS) to connect to SFU VPN:
- Downloading FortiClient VPN
- Installing FortiClient VPN
- Setting up the VPN connection
- Connecting to SFU VPN
- Troubleshooting connection issues
- Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SFU managed devices should already have the FortiClient app installed, but you may need to set up the connection (step 3).
System Requirements
As of February 24, 2025, only FortiClient VPN version 7.2.x or higher is compatible with SFU VPN.
In addition to meeting the account and security requirements outlined in Getting started with SFU VPN, your computer must meet the following system requirements:
- macOS 12.0 or newer
- Intel or M-series processors
- 1 GB RAM
- 1 GB free hard disk space
For a complete list of system requirements, see FortiClient Administration Guide (7.2.0).
DETAILS
1. Downloading FortiClient VPN
Download VPN for macOS
As of this article, the latest version available is 7.4.2. The FortClient VPN app can also be found on the FortiClient Product Downloads website.
2. Installing FortiClient VPN
- Launch the installer (FortiClientVPN_OnlineInstaller.dmg) from the downloaded location.
- Run the installer (FortiClientInstaller.app). Your computer may ask you to confirm if you want to open an app downloaded from the Internet. Select Open to continue.
- The installer will begin downloading the application. Once the download is complete, select Install to continue.
- Select Continue on the Introduction and License pages, then agree to the terms by selecting Agree.
- Select Continue and then Install on the Destination Select and Installation Type pages.
- FortiClient will ask to add a VPN configuration. Select Allow.
- Select Close to exit the installer.
Additional Configuration
If you're using macOS 15.0 or newer, you will need to grant FortiClient additional permissions before it can run successfully on your computer:
- Open the System Settings app.
- Select General.
- Open Login Item & Extensions.
- Scroll down the Extensions section and select the "i" in Network Extensions.
- Toggle on the FortiTray.app to grant it access. Then click Done.
3. Setting up the VPN connection
- Launch the FortiClient VPN app (Finder > Applications > FortiClient.app, or select the FortiClient app icon > Open FortiClient console).
- Check "I acknowledge..." and then click I accept.
- Then select Configure VPN and configure the connection as follows. Then click Save.
SFU VPN Configuration
| VPN Type |
SSL-VPN |
| Connection Name |
SFU VPN |
| Remote Gateway |
vpn.its.sfu.ca |
| Customize Port |
Checked |
| Port Number |
10443 |
| Client Certificate |
None |
4. Connecting to SFU VPN
- Enter your SFU Computing ID and password then select Connect.
- Open your MFA device (and app) enter your SFU MFA code and select OK.
- If the connection is successful, you'll see a confirmation screen with the VPN connection details:
- To close your VPN connection, select Disconnect.
Make sure to connect to the VPN every time you need it. The VPN will disconnect if your computer is idle or sleeps and does not re-connect automatically.
Troubleshooting
If you're still unable to connect to SFU VPN, see Troubleshooting SFU VPN connection issues for help before submitting a ticket.
Other FAQS
1. What version is my FortiClient app?
To determine the version number of FortiClient VPN installed on your computer:
- Open the FortiClient VPN app
- Select 'i' on top right corner. Version number is located at the top:
2. How do i view and update my forticlient connection settings?
If you need to update the connection settings, select the menu then select Edit the connection:
3. How do I update the app?
To update the app, download the latest installer and complete steps 1 through 3.
4. How do I uninstall the FortiClient app?
In the Applications folder, run the FortiClientUninstaller.app and follow the instructions on-screen to complete the uninstall.