Citrix Secure Access client for macOS devices

Citrix Secure Access app provides the best-in-class application access and data protection solution offered by NetScaler Gateway. You can now securely access business critical applications, virtual desktops, and corporate data from anywhere at any time. Citrix Secure Access app is the next generation VPN client for NetScaler Gateway built using Apple’s Network Extension framework. It replaces the legacy Citrix VPN client on the App Store.

Citrix Secure Access app provides complete Mobile Device Management (MDM) support on macOS. With an MDM server, an admin can now remotely configure and manage device-level VPN profiles and per-app VPN profiles.

Important:

• Citrix Secure Access app supports Zero-trust network access. In addition to the NetScaler Gateway URL, you can also connect to the Workspace URL.

• For administrator-specific instructions on Citrix Secure Access for macOS, see Citrix SSO for iOS and Citrix Secure Access for macOS.

Install Citrix Secure Access client for macOS

Starting from the Citrix Secure Access client for macOS release 25.06.1.1, you can download and install the application either using the Disk Image (.DMG) file available at https://www.citrix.com/downloads/citrix-secure-access/plug-ins/citrix-secure-access-client-for-macos-Beta.html or from the App Store. Previously, users were limited to installing the the Citrix Secure Access client for macOS from the App Store only.

Install the Citrix Secure Access app on macOS using the .DMG file - Preview

Prerequisites

Before installing the .DMG file for the Citrix Secure Access app, ensure the following:

• The Mac computer is running on macOS 13.0 or later.

• The user has administrator privileges on the Mac computer.

• Log out of the Citrix Secure Access app if it’s currently running.

• Delete any previously installed App Store version of the Citrix Secure Access app.

How to install the Citrix Secure Access app on macOS

1. Download the .DMG file from https://www.citrix.com/downloads/citrix-secure-access/plug-ins/citrix-secure-access-client-for-macos-Beta.html.

2. Double-click the .DMG file to install it.

3. Drag the Citrix Secure Access app icon to the Applications folder.

4. Eject the .DMG file.

First-time setup

After installing the Citrix Secure Access app, perform the following instructions to use the Citrix Secure Access app from your macOS device:

1. Open the Applications folder and double-click the Citrix Secure Access app icon to launch it.

2. On the first launch, the system prompts for permission to install the system extension. Click OK on the system prompt.

   

   If the system prompt does not appear, go to System Settings to enable the installation of the system extension with the identifier “com.citrix.NSG.macos.app.vpnplugin”.

   • For macOS 14.x, the System Settings option is under the Privacy & Security tab.

     

   • For macOS 15.x and later, the System Settings option is under the Login Items & Extensions -> Network Extensions.