How to configure FortiClient VPN Setup for iOS/iPadOS through MDM
Description
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to configure FortiClient VPN on iOS/iPadOS devices using Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM). It covers both the app distribution process and the VPN profile setup, ensuring secure and seamless VPN connectivity for managed devices.
Requirements
- FortiClient VPN app available in the App Repository of MDM.
- iOS/iPadOS devices enrolled and managed through MDM.
- Proper VPN configuration details (Server name/IP, username, password, and port).
Steps to Configure FortiClient VPN in MDM Console:
Add FortiClient VPN App to MDM
- Navigate to MDM Admin Console > Device Management > Manage > App Repository.
- Search for 'FortiClient VPN'. Select the app and click Save.
App Details: Bundle Identifier: com.fortinet.forticlient.vpn
Distribute FortiClient VPN App to Devices
- Navigate to MDM Admin console> Device Management > Groups & Devices > Devices.
- Select the target device. Click on Action > Distribute Apps.
- Choose the FortiClient VPN app. Click Distribute to deploy the app to the selected device.
Create and Configure VPN Profile
- Navigate to MDM > Device Management > Profiles > Create Profile > iOS/iPadOS Profiles > VPN.
- Configure the VPN settings as follows:
Connection Settings:
- Connection Type: Custom SSL
- Connection Name: VPN
- App Name: FortiClient VPN
- Plug-in Identifier: com.fortinet.forticlient.vpn
- Server Name/IP Address: Enter the host name or IP address of the VPN server along with the port number.
- Account: Use the correct VPN configuration username. Use %username% to automatically map the user name to the device.
- User Authentication: Password
- Password: Enter the correct password for user authentication.
- Save, Publish, and Associate the profile with the target devices.

Configure the VPN on the iOS Device
After pushing the VPN profile, follow these steps on the device:
- On the iOS device, open the Settings app.
- Go to General > VPN & Device Management. Select VPN > Device VPN.
- Choose the VPN configuration that was pushed via MDM.
- Tap the 'i' button next to the VPN name to view the configuration.


Configure FortiClient VPN App on the Device
- Open the FortiClient VPN app on the iOS device.
- Select the connection and choose MDM VPN Gateway.
- Choose the configured connection from the Settings app.
- Go back and toggle the connection to ON.
- If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled, you will be prompted for an OTP.
- Enter the OTP and click OK to establish the VPN connection.


Notes:
- Ensure the FortiClient VPN app is updated and working correctly on the device.
- If using two-factor authentication, verify the OTP is correctly entered during the connection process.
- Ensure the VPN profile on MDM is correctly associated with the target devices to avoid configuration errors.