OpenVPN Connect not connecting on Mac

OpenVPN Connect on mac sequoia won't connect anymore


OpenVPN Connect Version 3.8.1 (5790)

Mac Sequoia version: 15.7.3


My VPN back home works. I also use it from my phone and it connects from Android just fine. I've been using it for years now. It also worked on mac until yesterday. Something must have updated automatically. I can connect from my phone on the same wifi that my mac is on so it's not network either. I even created a hotspot on my phone and that didn't work either.


So it must be OpenVPN Connect but i haven't changed any settings.



MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Jan 14, 2026 5:11 PM

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6 replies

Jan 15, 2026 11:01 AM in response to jarmier290

Unless you're using a true VPN tunnel, such as between you and your employer's, school's or bank's servers, they provide false security from a privacy standpoint.  Read these articles:  Pubic VPN's are anything but private and Security Risks: The Dangers of Using Free VPNs (eccu.edu).    


Additionally a new study ("Apple Offers Apps With Ties to Chinese Military”) is specifically about VPN apps in Apple’s App Store.


I recommend uninstalling the VPN according to the developer's instructions. Then you can check to see if you've removed all of the supporting files by downloading and running the shareware app  to search for any files with the application's or the developer's name in the file name.  For the XXXX files you'd do the following search(es): 


1 - Name contains  openvpn

2 - Name contains vpn


Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to the Desktop or Trash bin in the Dock for deletion.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.  


If you get warnings that the file can't be deleted because it is in use or used by another app boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac, run Find Any File again and delete from there.


Note:  if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode.  This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.


Jan 16, 2026 9:51 AM in response to jarmier290

The assumption was you were using a third party VPN. One not in your control. As noted in the links from Old Toad, there is no such thing as a good VPN when it is out of your control. They (especially free ones) exist to scrub every single bit of your online activity for marketable data they can sell.


You control this one, so that issue doesn't exist.

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OpenVPN Connect not connecting on Mac

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