Are you having macOS Sonoma VPN issues? If your macOS Sonoma VPN is not working, it can be very frustrating. Fortunately, you can take some steps to fix the problem.
In this article, we’ll look at what might be causing your Sonoma VPN problems and how to fix them.
If you haven’t tried a VPN yet, read our article about how to setup a VPN on your Mac.
In this article you will find the following:
Before we start:
If you’re looking for a Mac VPN service, you want one with military-grade encryption to keep your data secure. MacKeeper’s Private Connect is a great choice.
How to use MacKeeper’s Private Connect:
- Download MacKeeper and follow the on-screen instructions to install and activate it.
- Open MacKeeper and choose VPN Private Connect.
- Click Turn On.
It’s that simple!
Why are there problems with VPN on macOS Sonoma
If your macOS Sonoma VPN is not working, there might be a few reasons:
- Your internet connection is poor or not working at all
- There is a problem with your VPN app, service, or server
- Your username and password are wrong
- You’ve hit your VPN data limit
- Your firewall is blocking your VPN
How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma
If you’re having macOS Sonoma VPN problems, there’s a variety of things you should try.
Fix macOS Sonoma VPN issues by:
- Checking your internet connection
- Restarting your MacBook
- Restarting the VPN client
- Checking your VPN data limit
- Checking your VPN settings
- Turning off your firewall
- Changing your VPN server
- Deleting your VPN profile
- Updating your macOS
- Turning off IPv6
- Resetting the VPN client
- Contacting VPN support
- Trying a new VPN client
Note from our team:
The tips in this article will help you fix macOS Sonoma VPN issues. If you use a different macOS, check out our article about what to do if your VPN does not work on a Mac.
1. Check your Internet connection
Are you experiencing slow internet on your Mac? If you can’t load anything even when you’re not using the VPN, it could be an issue with your internet connection.
Check your internet connection by attempting to open a webpage. If it loads quickly, then your connection is probably fine. If it doesn’t, then this could be the problem.
2. Restart your MacBook
Restarting your Mac is an easy way to fix problems. Here’s how to restart your MacBook:
- Go to Apple menu > Restart.
- Choose whether you want to reopen windows, and click Restart.
![The Apple menu on a Mac running macOS Sonoma. Restart is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart your MacBook. The Apple menu on a Mac running macOS Sonoma. Restart is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart your MacBook.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_50dda6ee46.png)
![A dialog box asking the user whether they want to restart their computer. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart your MacBook. A dialog box asking the user whether they want to restart their computer. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart your MacBook.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_11ab3d70d3.png)
3. Restart the VPN client
Sometimes, apps glitch, and it’s possible that your VPN client just needs to restart. To restart an app on macOS Sonoma:
- Right-click the app in the Dock, and choose Quit or Force Quit.
- Reopen the app.
![Part of the Dock on a Mac. The right-click menu is open on one icon, with Quit highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. Part of the Dock on a Mac. The right-click menu is open on one icon, with Quit highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_fdac1df6b2.png)
![The Launchpad on a Mac, with MacKeeper’s icon shown. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart the VPN client. The Launchpad on a Mac, with MacKeeper’s icon shown. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: restart the VPN client.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_fb49c50efc.png)
4. Check your VPN data limit
Some VPNs, especially free ones, have a data limit. You may have reached the data limit if your VPN is not working on Mac Sonoma. If you want to continue using a VPN, you may need a different client.
5. Check your VPN settings
Issues with your settings or credentials may be causing your Sonoma VPN problems. How you check your VPN settings may vary depending on your VPN client. In most apps, the keyboard shortcut Command + opens a Settings or Preferences menu.
6. Turn off the Firewall
Your MacBook comes with a built-in firewall. Sometimes, this can interfere with your VPN. To turn off the Firewall:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Choose Network from the sidebar and click on Firewall.
- Turn off the Firewall.
![The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. Turn off the firewall: How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma? The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. Turn off the firewall: How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma?](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_db16ace5cc.png)
![Network settings on a Mac, with the Firewall option highlighted. The firewall is currently turned on. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. Network settings on a Mac, with the Firewall option highlighted. The firewall is currently turned on. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_399369af10.png)
![The Firewall settings on a Mac, with the slider highlighted. Turn off the firewall: How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma? The Firewall settings on a Mac, with the slider highlighted. Turn off the firewall: How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma?](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_a6ae654cef.png)
Tip from our experts: If you’re using a third-party firewall, this could be the reason your VPN is not working on Mac Sonoma.
7. Try changing the VPN server and protocols
The server might cause your macOS Sonoma VPN issues. There could be two possible issues here:
- The server you’re using is down for all users
- The server you’re using works but is geo-blocked from accessing the content that you’re trying to view
Fortunately, most VPNs offer multiple servers. Change your VPN server to see if this fixes the issue.
Important: If your VPN service doesn’t offer a range of servers in different locations, consider switching to one that does. MacKeeper’s Private Connect has more than 300 servers in 50 countries.
To change the VPN server with MacKeeper’s Private Connect:
- Open MacKeeper and choose Private Connect.
- Click the VPN Server Location dropdown menu and choose your preferred server, then click Turn On.
![MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with Private Connect highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with Private Connect highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_63d2f2dfe3.png)
![MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN, with the VPN server location option highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN, with the VPN server location option highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_8f5eff5229.png)
8. Delete VPN profile from Mac
While macOS doesn’t include its own VPN client, its built-in VPN feature can help you connect to external networks and VPNs. However, if your credentials are wrong or your Mac can’t verify them, this may cause Sonoma VPN problems.
To delete a VPN profile from Mac:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Under Network, choose VPN and Filters.
- Click the Info button next to your chosen VPN. You may need to verify your administrator credentials.
- Click Remove Configuration.
![The Apple menu, with System Settings highlighted. How to delete VPN profile from Mac: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. The Apple menu, with System Settings highlighted. How to delete VPN profile from Mac: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_397b10f107.png)
![Network settings on a Mac, with the VPN & Filters option highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. Network settings on a Mac, with the VPN & Filters option highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_cb1c9f9445.png)
![VPN settings on a Mac, with the info button highlighted next to one VPN. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. VPN settings on a Mac, with the info button highlighted next to one VPN. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_9af27f79e4.png)
![VPN settings on a Mac, with details of one VPN shown. The Remove Configuration button is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. VPN settings on a Mac, with details of one VPN shown. The Remove Configuration button is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_0b6f1007a4.png)
9. Update your version of macOS Sonoma
Running an outdated version of your macOS can cause issues. To update macOS Sonoma:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Choose General from the sidebar and click Software Update.
- If any updates are available, choose Restart Now to install them.
![The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. How to update your macOS: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. How to update your macOS: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_7e22928cea.png)
![System Settings on a Mac, with Software Update highlighted. How to update your macOS: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. System Settings on a Mac, with Software Update highlighted. How to update your macOS: how to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_e5027d152d.png)
![macOS Sonoma Software Update, with an update to macOS Sonoma 14.5 available. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. macOS Sonoma Software Update, with an update to macOS Sonoma 14.5 available. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_b3702e2725.png)
10. Turn off IPv6
Some VPN clients and servers don’t work with IPv6. To turn off IPv6:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings.
- Choose Wi-Fi, and click on Details next to your network.
- Click on TCP/IP, and go to the Configure IPv6 dropdown menu. Choose Link-Local Only, and press OK.
![The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: turn off IPv6. The Apple menu on a Mac, with System Settings highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma: turn off IPv6.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_12d1c1fb63.png)
![The Wi-Fi settings screen on a Mac. “Details” is highlighted next to the active connection. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. The Wi-Fi settings screen on a Mac. “Details” is highlighted next to the active connection. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_26d535d91f.png)
![TCP/IP Wi-Fi settings on a Mac. The Configure IPv6 dropdown is open, and Link-Local Only is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. TCP/IP Wi-Fi settings on a Mac. The Configure IPv6 dropdown is open, and Link-Local Only is highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_43863829e5.png)
11. Reset the VPN client
You may be able to reset your VPN to factory settings, either by using the Reset option if it’s available or by uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Depending on your VPN client, there may be different ways to reset. The keyboard shortcut Command + , usually brings up Settings.
Alternatively, you can uninstall the VPN client using MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller, and then reinstall it:
- Open MacKeeper and choose Smart Uninstaller.
- Click Start Scan.
- Select the app, and click Remove Selected.
Then, you can download and install the VPN client again.
![MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with Smart Uninstaller highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with Smart Uninstaller highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_866e1c4f33.png)
![MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller screen, with the Start Scan button highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller screen, with the Start Scan button highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_5808dee883.png)
![MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller after a scan, with the Remove Selected button highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller after a scan, with the Remove Selected button highlighted. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_18ffa4408f.png)
12. Contact VPN support
If the above steps haven’t helped to fix your macOS Sonoma VPN issues, you may need personalized help. Depending on your VPN, you may be able to find contact information on their website or through a menu in the app.
If you use the MacKeeper’s app, you can message MacKeeper’s tech experts through the app at any time—do it through the Premium Services feature.
![MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with the MacKeeper chat highlighted on the right-hand side. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Find & Fix home screen, with the MacKeeper chat highlighted on the right-hand side. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_facdd12ec2.png)
13. Try another VPN client
If you’ve tried these solutions and you’re still having macOS Sonoma VPN issues, you may need to try another VPN client.
Make sure that you choose one with the following features:
- Military-grade encryption (AES-256)
- Automatic connection at startup
- A wide range of server locations
- WebRTC Leak Shield
- DNS leak protection
- Easily-accessible tech support
Fortunately, MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect checks all those boxes–and it’s quick and easy to use. To use it:
- Open MacKeeper and choose VPN Private Connect.
- Choose whether you want it to connect automatically on startup, select your server, and click Turn On.
![MacKeeper’s Find & Fix homepage, with VPN Private Connect highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma. MacKeeper’s Find & Fix homepage, with VPN Private Connect highlighted in the sidebar. How to fix VPN not working on Mac Sonoma.](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_dd2d337186.png)
![MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect, with the Turn On button highlighted. How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma? MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect, with the Turn On button highlighted. How do you fix the VPN not working on Mac Sonoma?](https://static-cdn.mackeeper.com/mk-blog-upload/images/new_90c03988cd.png)
Conclusion
Around 1.6 billion of us use a VPN. Unfortunately, some of us will experience problems. If you’re having macOS Sonoma VPN issues, there are many options.
You may be able to resolve it by restarting your MacBook, or you may need to take more serious action.
MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect is an easy-to-use VPN for Macs, with technical support in the app. If you have any questions about your VPN or any of MacKeeper’s other privacy and security features, a team of tech experts will be ready to help. Use our app to solve your Sonoma VPN problems and more.