VPN disconnects by Screensaver or screen lock

[JoeMoe]

Hi,

does anyone found a solution, to hold the VPN up and running when the screen is locked?

OS: MacOS Sequoia 15.4 and MacOS Sequoia 15.5

FortiClient: VPN 7.4.3.1761

I had to install the newest FortiClient VPN version after a firewall upgrade as the older versions running in some connection problems.

The older versions were stable and connected when the screen was locked. With the new version, the VPN disconnect each time the screen locks.

In fortitray.log it is good to see, a message is send to forticlient and immediately after the message, the ssl-vpn is disconnecting.

20250508 14:55:24.613 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:DEBG] AppDelegate.swift:390 System is locked/sleep
20250508 14:55:24.620 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:DEBG] AppDelegate.swift:404 System is going to sleep
20250508 14:55:24.646 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:INFO] VpnManager.swift:2163 Check VPN Connect without Reauth
20250508 14:55:24.657 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:DEBG] VpnManager.swift:2174 VPN Connection without reauthentication enabled, timeout: 60
20250508 14:55:24.676 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:DEBG] VpnManager.swift:2189 VPN Information saved.
20250508 14:55:24.690 TZ=+0200 [FortiTray:DEBG] VpnManager.swift:1808 Stop current VPN

The network connection is still open and stable. During the screen is locked, I sent a ping without any lost.

Any ideas are welcome.

Jörg

[funkylicious]

this usually happens for me when it's on battery, it disconnects, and not plugged in a power outlet, then it stays connected.

so, on battery would be normal but its already connected to a outlet you should check the settings for sleeping.

[JoeMoe]

Thanks for your feedback, but the disconnection happens in both cases, on battery and socket outlet.

[funkylicious]

try settings these

[JoeMoe]

Same settings already in place. WiFi interface is stable and network access is possible, only VPN disconnects.

[funkylicious]

no issues with FCT 7.4.1 when its locked on my side.

[E-K-A]

Hi, @JoeMoe !

Thank you for this topic!

I have same problem with FortiClient VPN after updated to version 7.4.3.1761. Every time when I lock my Mac (Sequoia 15.5) FortiClient client stop VPN connection. Laptop at power adaptor and connected to wired network. FortiTray debug log contains identical records.

@funkylicious , can you investigate some time to repeat our case?

[Fatih-Ceylan]

I have exact same problem. turned off all power saving settings, reinstalled the product. But when I lock my mac even for a sec, still disconnects. there is auto connect and always up options in vpn screen but both are disabled. macos Sequoia 15.4.1 Forti VPN 7.4.3.1761

[CDavis]

I'm seeing the same thing.  On 7.4.2 client, it would disconnect after 5 or 10 minutes locked.  I just downloaded 7.4.3 this morning to see if it changed anything, and it did.  As others have noted, it happens the moment you lock the screen now.  Seems strange, we lock the screen to protect the session and it disconnects it.  I'm hoping that it's some Mac setting.  Happens on battery or AC power here.  

Love to hear if someone figures this out.  I am going to test the Windows side here in a moment.  

Added info:  I'm on MacOS 15.X (latest, updated yesterday) My first 7.4 release was 7.4.2 so I only know that far back.   Like I said, there was some kind of delay.   5 or 10 minutes, I don't remember which.  7.4.3 is immediate.  I have been testing Windows 7.4.3 and it has not failed.  Immediately, 1 minute, 5 minute.  I am about to test for a 10 minute locked screen.   Will post the results.  Definitely a Mac related issue, it seems.  

Windows 10 minute lock stayed up.  This is VPN only.  No EMS.  

[CDavis]

Anyone have any news?   Any response from a Fortinet rep?