OpenVPN Connect: "TUN Error: ovpnagent: communication error" or "Transport Error: socket_protect error" on macOS

Description: The following error messages may display when macOS devices fail to connect to the VPN:

TUN Error: ovpnagent: communication error

or

Transport Error: socket_protect error

The below guide provides possible resolutions for the issues leading to these error messages. Use them to help troubleshoot and resolve your issue.

Solutions:

• Ensure you have the latest OpenVPN Connect v3 app. Refer to OpenVPN Connect v3 for macOS for the newest version. Update, if necessary, and try to connect once again.
• Antivirus or cleaning utility apps may block or tamper with the openvpnagent. Try disabling them altogether.
• Try manually loading the agent via the macOS terminal by running this command:

  sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.openvpn.client.plist

• Uninstall the client; delete related files; reinstall the latest OpenVPN Connect v3 app; and attempt to connect again.
• Ensure OpenVPN Connect can run in the background:
  1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and click System Settings.
  2. Click General and Login Items.
  3. Under Allow in the Background set the toggle to on for OpenVPN Client.

Please submit a ticket if you have additional questions or still encounter issues.