Set Up FortiClient VPN for macOS
Follow these instructions to install the FortiClient VPN application on your Mac computer.
Before downloading and installing the FortiClient for VPN, please ensure that you have set up Microsoft Authenticator for multi-factor authentication. Instructions for doing so can be found at our site: https://techsquad.mu.edu/support/solutions/articles/21005087234
Step 1: Download the FortiClient Installer
Go to https://vpn.mu.edu and log in using your Marquette credentials.
Depending upon what type of authentication method you chose for multi-factor authentication, you will be prompted by one of the following ways:
1. If you registered for a phone call to be your second-factor, you will receive a phone call requesting you approve or deny the sign-in attempt. Press the pound key to approve the sign-in.
2. If you registered for a text message to be your second-factor, you will receive a text message that contains a 6-digit verification code. Enter that code in the prompt below.
3. If you registered for App based authentication – notification to be your second-factor, the Authenticator application will push a notification to you prompting for you to approve or deny the sign-in attempt. Click "Approve." If you did not enable notifications from the Authenticator application within your phone's notification settings when you installed it, you will need to open the Authenticator application to get the prompt. Click "Approve" in the prompt within the application.
4. If you registered for App based authentication or hardware token – code to be your second-factor, you will then be asked to enter the 6-digit code found in the Microsoft Authenticator application.
You can access the code within the Authenticator application by clicking your profile.
In the next screen, the code is listed under “One-time password code.”
Enter the one-time passcode in the prompt below and click "Login."
Once you have authenticated via multi-factor authentication, you will be directed to a page with a drop-down labeled, “Download FortiClient.” Within the drop-down options choose “Mac” and the download will begin. The file can be found in your “Downloads” folder.
Step 2: Initiate the Installation Process
Once the file has been downloaded, double-click the package to begin the installation process. The Installer will open.
Depending on your Mac’s Security settings, you may be prompted by your Mac with the following: “FortiClientInstaller” is an app downloaded from the Internet. Are you sure you want to open it?
Click “Open” and the client download will begin. Once the client download has finished, click “Install.”
Step 3: Follow the Installation Wizard
Click Continue on the welcome screen of the Installer.
Agree to the License Agreement
Read the End User License Agreement carefully. If you agree to the terms, select “Continue” to proceed.
Select Installation Location
Choose the location where you would like to install the software. Typically, the default location is suitable for most users. Click “Install.”
Your Mac will then ask for your biometrics used for logins or your password. Satisfy either requirement to continue the installation.
Allow VPN Configurations
The installation process will then begin.
During the process if you are on a MacOS version lower than MacOS 15 (Sequoia) you will receive a security prompt requesting access for FortiTray to add VPN Configurations. Click “Allow.”
If you are on a MacOS version 15 or higher, you will receive a prompt to allow system software from FortiTray. Click "Cancel."
Then go to go to Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Network Extensions. Toggle on "FortiTray.app".
Step 4: Complete the Installation
Once the installation is complete, you will see a confirmation screen. Click Close to finish the process.
Step 5: Adjust Security & Privacy Settings
After installing FortiClient, you may need to change your Mac’s Privacy & Security settings in order for the FortiClient to properly run. In order to do so, go to the following settings: System Preferences>Privacy & Security>Full Disk Access
Find “FortiClient” amongst the list and turn the toggle on next to it.
Step 6: Launch FortiClient
From the Applications folder, open the FortiClient application. Once the application opens, click the check box next to the acknowledgement, and click “I accept.”
Step 7: Configure the VPN Connection
The FortiClient panel will open, prompting you to configure a VPN connection.
Add a New Connection
Click on Configure VPN.
Enter VPN Details
In the VPN configuration screen, enter the following details:
- VPN Type: SSL-VPN
- Connection Name: Marquette VPN
- Remote Gateway: vpn.mu.edu
Click Save to store your VPN configuration.
Step 8: Connect to the VPN
Authenticate with Your Credentials
You will be prompted to enter your username and password.
Depending upon what type of authentication method you chose for multi-factor authentication, you will be prompted by one of the following ways:
1. If you registered for a phone call to be your second-factor, you will receive a phone call requesting you approve or deny the sign-in attempt. Press the pound key to approve the sign-in.
2. If you registered for a text message to be your second-factor, you will receive a text message that contains a 6-digit verification code. Enter that code in the prompt below.
3. If you registered for App based authentication – notification to be your second-factor, the Authenticator application will push a notification to you prompting for you to approve or deny the sign-in attempt. Click "Approve." If you did not enable notifications from the Authenticator application within your phone's notification settings when you installed it, you will need to open the Authenticator application to get the prompt. Click "Approve" in the prompt within the application.
4. If you registered for App based authentication or hardware token – code to be your second-factor, you will then be asked to enter the 6-digit code found in the Microsoft Authenticator application.
You can access the code within the Authenticator application by clicking your profile.
In the next screen, the code is listed under “One-time password code.”
Enter the one-time passcode in the prompt below and click "Ok."
Once the multi-factor authentication has occurred successfully, you will then be connected to the VPN and brought to a page showing your connection information.
Subsequent Use of FortiClient
For subsequent use of FortiClient, open the application from your Applications folder and select Connect to initiate the VPN connection. There is no need to return to the installation website unless you need to reinstall the software.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the installation or connection process, please contact the IT Services Tech Squad at 414-288-7799 or techsquad@marquette.edu.