Fortinet VPN 2FA Not Working? If you're using a FortiGate device running FortiOS 7.2 or newer, you’ve probably run into this problem. Here's what's happening and how to fix it.
Fortinet VPN 2FA Problems
FortiGate devices running FortiOS 7.2 or newer use an authentication flow where password + FortiToken (2FA code) = one combined credential. Frustratingly, quickly trying to type both values together is error-prone, especially when the FortiToken expires after 30 seconds.
Common symptoms include:
- “Login Failed” even though password is correct
- Repeated token re-entry
- Users being locked out due to failed attempts
- Confusion about where to enter the token
For many Mac and iOS users, this creates daily friction when connecting to their company’s Fortinet VPN.
When Fortinet Users experience 2FA Issues
Fortinet’s combined-credential method appears in many environments:
- Corporate FortiGate firewalls with enforced 2FA
Most enterprise FortiGate setups require password + token authentication for remote workers. - VPN setups using IKEv2 with EAP authentication
IKEv2 + EAP on FortiGate expects a single merged password/token field, causing failures with VPN clients that don’t support it. - Mixed-device environments
Teams using macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android often struggle because different clients handle Fortinet’s flow differently. - Managed IT environments
MSPs often deploy strong 2FA policies on FortiGate appliances and end users struggle to format the combined credential correctly. If the FortiGate firewall is expecting a combined credential, but the VPN client can’t format it properly, the login will fail every time.
How to Solve Fortinet 2FA Problems with VPN Tracker
For users connecting on Mac or iOS, VPN Tracker provides a convenient option for faster one-step login. With VPN Tracker, all you need to do is enter your FortiToken upon connection, and the app handles the combined credential automatically.
Your benefit: fewer typos, faster logins, and a smoother VPN experience.
How it works:
- Create a new FortiGate connection in VPN Tracker (FortiOS 7.2 or newer)
- Under User Authentication, select Username + Password from the dropdown, then enable the checkbox Combined Credential Authentication
- When you connect, enter your FortiToken when prompted. VPN Tracker handles the password and token automatically
Try Fortinet 2FA in VPN Tracker Today
VPN Tracker makes connecting to your Fortinet VPN faster, more reliable, and far less error-prone. Download the latest version and enable Combined Credential Authentication to get started:
