The Chinese Communist government has been trying to restrict its citizens from consuming foreign news and interacting with people outside of China since the 1990s. However, as more individuals and businesses attempt to get information and conduct business dealings beyond China’s borders, VPNs have become a necessary tool for bypassing these restrictions.
If you can’t seem to connect to your Forticlient VPN, don’t fret – others have experienced this issue as well. In this blog post, we’ll go over some steps you can take to fix the problem. Plus, we’ve gathered some helpful recommendations below that may come in handy.
What Is FortiClient VPN?
Forticlient VPN is one of the most secure Virtual Private Networks that you can use. It uses IPSec or SSL VPN “Tunnel Mode” for connection between two devices.
FortiClient serves as a good service at locations where specific portals are restricted. Even though it works well, there are some unfortunate disadvantages [2].
Common Issues With FortiClient VPN On Your PC
One of the most common problems that users face with FortiClient VPN is the inability to connect. Forticlient seems to be unresponsive and it fails to establish a stable connection. This can be frustrating, especially if you are in a location where access to specific portals or websites is restricted.
Another common problem that users of FortiClient VPN experience are slow speeds and latency. If you are trying to stream videos or play online games, then you may end up facing dropped connections and lagging issues.
One more common issue is the absence of support for certain devices. If you are using a Windows computer, then you may be able to connect without any problem.
Fortunately, there are some solutions that you can try in order to fix this problem. In this article, we will go over some of these methods and tell you how they work.
How Can I Fix Windows 11 FortiClient VPN Not Working
Re-Install With The Latest Version
If you are experiencing issues connecting to your FortiClient VPN, try reinstalling the software with the latest version available. This should resolve any connectivity issues that you may be having and ensure that your VPN is working properly.
To re-install the latest version of FortiClient, follow these steps [3]:
- Go to the official Forticlient website and download the latest version of the software for your specific operating system;
- Once downloaded, run the installer file and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation;
- Restart your computer and open up FortiClient to see if your VPN connection is working properly now. If it still isn’t working, contact technical support for further assistance;
Change DNS Settings
If your Forticlient VPN is not connecting, it could be caused by a bad DNS server.
To solve this issue, you will need to change the DNS settings for your network adapter. Here’s how:
- Launch Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center;
- Select Change Adapter Settings on the left-hand side of the window that appears;
- Right-click your active Internet connection (may be called Local Area Connection or similar), select Properties, then select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Click Properties again and make sure “Obtain DNS Server Address
- Automatically” is selected. If it isn’t, please put a checkmark next to it and click OK until you are back at the Network and Sharing Center screen;
- Reboot your computer and try connecting to VPN again;
Check Proxy Settings
One of the reasons why you may be experiencing Forticlient VPN Not Connecting is because there are problems with your proxy settings.
To solve this, simply follow the step-by-step instructions below [4]:
- Open a web browser and type http://control.fortinet.com/ into the address bar, then press Enter on your keyboard to open the FortiClient Management Console;
- Log in to your account if prompted to do so, or just click Login under “Basic Authentication” if you already have an account (usually your email address);
- Once logged in, locate the entries for “IP Sets” on the left side panel of this console window before clicking on them one by one;
- Next, look for any entries that contain the words “proxy” or “bypass proxy”. If you find any of these, click on them and select Edit from the drop-down menu to change their settings;
- From there, simply update your proxy server settings or bypass the proxy altogether by selecting None under “Use
- Proxy Server” and clicking Save at the bottom of this panel when you’re done making your changes;
- Once you’ve updated your Forticlient VPN settings correctly, try reconnecting to your VPN again and see if it’s working properly now. If not, try repeating these steps as needed until you can successfully connect to your VPN network without any issues;
Reset Network Settings
Often, Forticlient VPN is not working because the settings of your device are corrupted. To fix this problem and make sure that your device’s network settings work properly, reset them to their default settings.
The steps on how you can do it on different devices
On a Windows
PC – Go to Settings > Network & Internet> Status > Network Reset. Click on “Reset now” once you see the new prompt box. Wait for several minutes until your computer is restarted and wait for it to connect again before opening Forticlient VPN so you can start using it again.
On an Android phone
In the recent OS update, Google has implemented something called “Network reset” just like in the Windows PC. To initiate a network reset, go to the Settings app and then select Network > Reset Options > Continue.
In cases when you cannot access your phone’s settings for some reason, you can also do this by tapping on the “Power + Volume Down” buttons at the same time until a new prompt box appears that displays three options:
- Reboot the system now;
- Apply update from ADB;
- Wipe the cache partition;
Select Wipe Cache Partition and see if it resolves Forticlient VPN not working problem.
On an iPhone/iPad
Go to Settings > General> Reset> Reset Network Settings. Wait for the devices to boot up before opening Forticlient again.
Check your Connection
Your device should be connected to the internet in order to successfully use Forticlient VPN. If you are using a laptop or desktop PC, try checking if your Wi-Fi is working properly by connecting to other devices and see if they can access the internet.
If not, contact your internet service provider and ask for help on how to fix it. Meanwhile, if this issue occurred when you connect via mobile data, make sure that your phone’s APN settings are correct so that you won’t encounter any problems while using a VPN on your device.
On the other hand, if you want to confirm that Forticlient is not connecting because of a problem with your browser, try using a different one and see if it works. If not, then resetting your internet settings will be the best option. Keep in mind that you can also fix this problem by reinstalling Forticlient VPN on your device to make sure that everything is working perfectly [5].
Re-Enable Ethernet Adapter
First things first, if Forticlient VPN Not Connecting is due to the Ethernet being disabled, you need to re-enable it. There could be a number of reasons why this may have happened:
You may have deliberately turned it off or it was automatically turned off by Windows or your firewall software. If that’s the case, simply turn on the adapter again and see what happens.
If that doesn’t work, you may have to uninstall your firewall software and install it again.
Disable Firewall Software On Your Laptop
If Forticlient VPN Not Connecting is due to something else on your laptop or computer causing a conflict, try disabling the firewall software temporarily. You can do this by going into your security settings and choosing an “off state” for the firewall program, then seeing if you are still getting problems connecting.
If you don’t have a problem once you disable the program, it could be one of the following culprits:
- Antivirus Program. Many antivirus programs feature their own firewall protection which runs alongside Windows’ built-in firewall (which isn’t the case for all antivirus programs). So, try disabling the antivirus software and Forticlient VPN Not Connecting should be resolved;
- Internet Security Suite. Most internet security suites now feature firewalls of their own and are loaded in a similar fashion to antivirus programs. In fact, many companies now sell internet security suites at lower prices than selling them separately, so it may well be that you have one of these running on your computer if you decided to install it yourself or bought an all-in-one package. Therefore, disable this program as well and see what happens after doing it according to the above steps;
Turn Off Any Interference
From Firewall Software Next, you should check if any interference from firewall software has caused Forticlient VPN Not Connecting. This includes security packages like Norton and McAfee etc., so make sure that all programs running in the background are switched off when using this particular app.
Use WiFi or Ethernet to Connect
- First, make sure that you have a stable connection to either WiFi or your home network (ethernet). If the issue only occurs on one network and not any others, this is a good indicator of the cause;
- Secondly, make sure that Forticlient VPN is allowed through your firewall settings. Some firewalls may block specific traffic by default – if FortiClient VPN isn’t working, check your firewall settings to ensure that it’s being let through [6];
Update Network Driver for PC
This is probably one of the first things you should do when you encounter a Forticlient VPN not connecting error. Updating your network card’s driver can fix your problem in most cases. To update the driver, go to the “Start” menu and type “Device Manager” in the search box. Then click on “Device Manager” from the list of results.
The Device Manager window will appear on your screen. Look for any entries that have a yellow triangle next to them and right-click on each one then select Properties > Driver > Update Driver Software.
Follow the instructions displayed on your screen to complete this process. Once you finish updating the network drivers, try connecting again using the Forticlient VPN client.
Use SSL-VPN as an Alternative to Forticlient VPN
Another solution that you can try when your Forticlient VPN is not connecting is using SSL-VPN as an alternative. SSL-VPN stands for Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network, and it provides a more secure connection than regular VPNs do. To use SSL-VPN, all you need to do is log in to your account on the official website of your VPN provider and choose the server that you want to connect to.
Some popular providers of SSL-VPN include NordVPN, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN. So if you are having trouble connecting with Forticlient VPN, try using these services instead. They may be able to help you get past the issue so that you can enjoy secure and fast internet access.
Change VPN Port Settings
Another potential solution is changing your VPN port settings. Sometimes, the settings on your Forticlient VPN can prevent it from connecting properly to a network. To fix this, go to the official Fortinet website and download the latest version of their client software.
Once you have installed it, open the program and head over to its settings menu. There should be an option for “Port Selection” in this menu. Select any random number for this setting and try connecting again using Forticlient VPN. If that doesn’t work, try other numbers until you find one that works correctly with your network.
If Forticlient VPN still isn’t connecting, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Contact your VPN’s customer support team for further help troubleshooting and resolving the issue. With a little patience and persistence, you should be able to fix the problem and get back online in no time!
How To Fix FortiClient VPN Stopped Working On Mac
Check Your Apple macOS Firmware Update
It is strongly advised that you regularly check your Apple macOS to ensure that there are no firmware updates available for download.
Check FortiClient VPN Is Up To Date
In addition to keeping your Apple macOS up-to-date, it is also important to ensure that you are using the most recent version of FortiClient VPN:
- To check for updates, open the App Store on your Mac device and search for “FortiClient VPN”;
- Then, click on the “Update” button next to the app name if any updates are available;
- If you do not see an “Update” button next to “FortiClient VPN”, then this means that your app is already up-to-date;
Uninstall FortiClient 6 And Then Install It Again
If you are still experiencing issues with FortiClient VPN not connecting on your Mac, try uninstalling the app and then reinstalling it. To do this:
- Simply open the “Finder” application on your Mac device and click on the “Go” option in the menu bar at the top of your screen;
- Next, select “Computer/This Computer” from the drop-down options and search for “FortiClient VPN”;
- Once you have located it, right-click on the FortiClient VPN icon and choose “Move to Trash”; Then, restart your Mac device before launching FortiClient VPN again;
Downgrade Your VPN App Version
If you continue to experience issues with FortiClient VPN not connecting on your Mac, you may need to consider downgrading your VPN app version.
Many users have reported success after installing a previous version of the app, so try this if nothing else has worked for you thus far. To downgrade [7]:
- First, go to the “Finder” application on your Mac device and search for the “Applications” folder;
- Next, locate the FortiClient VPN app icon and simply drag it onto your desktop or into any other folder;
- From there, visit the App Store website and search for an older version of FortiClient VPN; You should find several different versions listed that are compatible with macOS Mojave (or whichever version of macOS you’re using);
- Download and install the older version of FortiClient VPN, then try to connect to your VPN network again;
Contact App Developer For Help
If you are still unable to connect to your VPN network using FortiClient VPN on your Mac device, then it may be time to seek help from the app developers.
You can get in touch with them by visiting their website or sending an email inquiry directly to support@forticlient.com. They will be able to help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues you may be experiencing with your VPN connection.
Tips For Using FortiClient In China:
- One of the most common reasons for Forticlient VPN not connecting is that users are unable to connect when using Chinese internet connections. This is because many people in China use proxy servers and VPN services, which effectively disable any programs that try to make a direct connection (like Forticlient);
- The easiest way to bypass this problem is by simply port forwarding or opening ports on your firewall. You can find more information about how to do this online. But if you’re having trouble with this method, you may need to get in touch with your Internet Service Provider and ask them what ports need to be opened for FortiClient. Many times, they will be able to help set up the ports for you so you’ll be able to connect;
- Another way you may be able to fix this issue is by opening your firewall settings and allowing the FortiClient program through. You can find these settings in Windows 7 under Control Panel –> System and Security –> Windows Firewall. Once you’re there, just locate the program Forticlient and allow it access to the internet [8];
FAQ
How do I activate FortiClient VPN?
If you’re having trouble connecting to your FortiClient VPN, there could be a number of different reasons why. In most cases, the problem is something simple that can easily be resolved.
Here are some common issues and steps to take to fix them:
- The first thing to check is that your VPN connection has been successfully activated by your network administrator. If this hasn’t been done, you won’t be able to connect to the VPN using your FortiClient app. Contact your network administrator for further assistance with activating the VPN connection on your device;
- Once the VPN is activated, make sure that you have entered all of the necessary information correctly in your FortiClient app. This includes things like server address, username and password, and any other relevant details. If anything is entered incorrectly, your VPN connection may not be able to establish itself successfully;
- If you’re still having trouble connecting to the FortiClient VPN after checking these details, try restarting both your device and the VPN server itself. Many issues can often be resolved by simply restarting these two components of your network setup;
What ports need to be open for FortiClient VPN?
There are a number of ports that you need to enable, in order for Forticlient VPN to work correctly. Port Forwards and Port Exceptions need to be set up for the following [8]:
TCP 443 (HTTPS). This is used for secure connections between your computer and the gateway. You should ensure that this port is open on both your Firewall AND Router, as well as any other devices on your network;
TCP/514 (Syslog). This port is used to communicate messages between the FortiClient software and the gateway;
Why does the FortiClient VPN disconnect frequently?
The most common reason for a VPN disconnection is that the security program used to access the connection has become outdated. This problem can be fixed by updating your VPN program or by trying another VPN app.
How do I open a Fortinet firewall?
If you’re having problems with your Fortinet firewall, one of the first things to check is whether it’s even set up properly.
To open a Fortinet firewall [10]:
- Start by navigating to your device’s Control Panel or Settings page. You should be able to find this under either “System Tools” or “Security and Network Settings”;
- Next, look for an option labeled “Fortigate Configuration”, and click on that link. Now you can enter your administrator credentials to log in and access the firewall settings. From there, you can fix any issues that may be preventing your network from connecting properly;
Many users experience problems with their Forticlient VPN not connecting, and there are several potential causes of this issue. One possible explanation is that your firewall rules are set up incorrectly, so your device may be blocked from accessing the VPN server. To fix this problem, you’ll need to take a look at the settings on your Fortinet firewall.
If you’re still having trouble connecting after checking your firewall settings, there may be an issue with your network configuration or internet connection. In this case, it’s best to consult with an IT professional for help diagnosing and fixing the issue.
How do I connect my FortiGate firewall to my computer?
You may experience issues trying to connect your FortiGate firewall to your computer due to a number of reasons:
- Verify that your computer is connected to the same network as the FortiGate firewall. You can check this by looking at the wireless connection icon on your system tray or by running a network diagnostic utility like Windows Network Diagnostics. If they are not connected to the same network, you will need to move one of them so that they are;
- Ensure that all necessary connections between both devices are secure and working properly. This includes any Ethernet cables and power cords needed for both pieces of hardware;
- Check the status of your VPN connection in FortiClient. If it is not connected or working properly, you may need to troubleshoot the issue further by reinstalling the software or contacting customer support for more help;
How do I bypass Fortinet?
If you’re having trouble connecting to your Fortinet VPN, there are a few tips and tricks you can try in order to troubleshoot the issue. In most cases, it’s simply a matter of making sure that your connection is configured correctly and that your browser allows third-party cookies.
Here are some steps to follow if you encounter problems [11]:
- Make sure that your antivirus or firewall software isn’t blocking Forticlient connections. If it is, disable this setting temporarily to see if the problem goes away;
- Check that you have entered the correct settings in your client profile configuration file. This includes everything from username and password information to server addresses and port numbers. If any part of this seems incorrect, try making adjustments until the connection is successful;
- Try using a different browser to connect to your VPN, if possible. Sometimes certain browsers may not be compatible with Forticlient and can cause issues with connectivity;
How do I connect to FortiClient SSL-VPN?
When you connect to the SSL VPN, it may take a few minutes for the connection to be established. If this occurs while installing FortiClient, please wait 5 minutes and then try again. If your internet connection is slow, you might need to wait longer until the connection is established.
All versions of FortiClient can establish connections with all versions of FortiOS, up to and including 5.6.2. However, updating your FortiClient software will allow you to connect to future versions of the SSL VPN when they become available.
To update your FortiClient software, follow these instructions [12]:
- Log in to FortiGate’s administrative portal by going to https://:80 and entering your username and password;
Click System >> Firmware Management >> FortiClient Update; - From the list of available versions, select the most current version of FortiClient that is compatible with your device’s firmware and click Download. You may need to download multiple files if there are several versions available, so make sure you select the correct ones;
- Once all of the FortiClient files have finished downloading, click Continue Upgrade to begin installing them on your computer. When this process is complete, you will be able to connect to FortiClient SSL-VPN using any version of FortiOS up to and including 5.6.2;
What is the most common error in FortiClient?
FortiClient is a popular VPN client developed by Fortinet, which allows users to connect and protect their personal internet connection. While the solution can be helpful in safeguarding your privacy, many users have reported that they are having trouble connecting to the VPN using FortiClient. If you are facing similar issues with your VPN, this article will give you some tips on how to fix them.
First of all, try restarting FortiClient or disconnecting from and reconnecting to the VPN server. Make sure that the credentials you are using for authentication match what was provided by your network administrator.
Also, check if the router or firewall settings are causing any conflicts with your connection attempts. Make sure that both the PC and router are up to date with the latest firmware, and reboot both devices if necessary.
If you are still having trouble connecting to the VPN, there may be some other software or settings on your PC that might be interfering with the connection process. Disable any antivirus programs or firewalls temporarily, and make sure that no other applications are running in the background that may potentially cause conflicts.
Alternatively, try configuring a static IP address for your computer or device directly connected to FortiClient instead of using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
How do I turn on real-time protection in FortiClient?
If FortiClient is not connecting to the VPN, you may want to turn on real-time protection as a possible solution [13]:
- First, check your current settings by clicking the “Settings” tab in the upper right corner of your screen and navigating to “Real-Time Protection”;
- If this setting is turned off, click it to turn it on and save your changes. Then try logging into the network again;
How do I turn off FortiClient antivirus?
If you are having trouble getting a VPN connection to work, it could be due to the antivirus software on your computer. FortiClient is known to interfere with VPN connections in some cases, and this can often be fixed by turning off the antivirus software.
In order to do this, simply follow these steps:
- Open the FortiClient program on your computer and click on the “Settings” tab;
- Find the option for “Antivirus & Web Filter”, and select “Disable”. Note that you will still receive real-time protection while using your VPN connection if you disable this feature;
- Click “Apply” and then close out of Forticlient completely;
How do I access a FortiClient server?
If you are using a FortiClient VPN and find that it isn’t connecting, don’t worry.
There are several possible reasons why your VPN connection could fail, but thankfully, there are also some simple fixes to try before contacting the support team:
- First of all, make sure that your network settings and FortiClient setup are correct. You should be able to access the internet when connected to another network or ISP if things aren’t set up correctly on your computer;
- Check the status bar in your Windows Taskbar to see whether or not you have an active connection – if not then you may need to adjust your network settings;
- Additionally, check that you have the latest version of FortiClient installed. If you are running an older version, there may be bugs or issues that prevent a successful connection from occurring; You can update your software from the official FortiClient website, or directly from the software itself if it is already installed on your system;
Useful Video: Unable to establish the VPN connection , VPN server may be unreachable | Forticlient | Infotainment
References:
- https://www.fortinet.com/products/endpoint-security/forticlient
- https://www.howtoisolve.com/fix-forticlient-vpn-stopped-working-on-mac/
- https://windowsreport.com/windows-11-forticlient-vpn-not-working/?EsetProtoscanCtx=1869ca3d2a0
- https://vpnhut.com/cant-connect-to-forticlient-vpn/
- https://www.companionlink.com/blog/2021/02/fortinet-vpn-troubleshooting-and-common-issues-using-fortinet/
- https://vpnhut.com/cant-connect-to-forticlient-vpn/
- https://www.howtoisolve.com/fix-forticlient-vpn-stopped-working-on-mac/
- https://gbhackers.com/vpn-access-from-china-configuring-the-fortinet-vpn/
- https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortigate/6.4.0/ports-and-protocols/788212/forticlient-open-ports
- https://community.fortinet.com/t5/FortiGate/Technical-Tip-How-to-open-a-port/ta-p/191003
- https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-bypass-a-fortinet-internet-filter
- https://greenclouddefense.com/knowledge-base/fortigate-ssl-vpn-setup/
- https://docs.fortinet.com/document/forticlient/6.0.2/administration-guide/14184/enabling-realtime-protection