MacOS Sequoia blocking VPN, won't allow use of Messages and iCloud

On a MacMini M1, MacOS 15.

I've been using ExpressVPN for years for my work, recently I discovered I can't use iCloud while using VPN. I could work around it by simply using it on my phone, but it wasn't optimal. I also can't airdrop while using VPN.

Now in this latest update, the MacOS is actively blocking my messages while using VPN which is a big problem now as my clients communicate through that.

I can't whitelist anything through ExpressVPN and I don't see what I can do in MacOS since I can't do anything to adjust this. It went from working to not working after the update.

Anyone else having this issue? I'd love a work around as right now, it's not at all ideal with the new OS. Most of the features that I looked forward to aren't even available in Europe which makes no sense. I somewhat understand the AI issue, but the screen sharing with your iPhone isn't available? Why? If I can screen share with my local machines why not the iphone? Something doesn't sit right with me in these latest updates.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance

PS. How can I downgrade if I have to?

Mac mini, macOS 15.0

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 8:31 AM

Top-ranking reply

Cthulhu

Level 2

274 points

Posted on Sep 20, 2024 2:20 PM

As an information security professional, your advice is irresponsible, and some items in the link are uninformed or out of date. Many of us require a VPN for work, many of us for travel, and others use them to greatly reduce the advertising traffic which, if you've ever used one, you'd know can be a transformative online experience.

Please everyone saying "just stop using the VPN" - stop giving us advice. If you have no helpful advice on the topic, please just stay silent.

So many of us are reeling from the loss of services after this update, and we're trying together to find a solution. The solution is not to stop using a VPN. Just move on, please.

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79 replies

Oct 4, 2024 10:43 AM in response to lopan6666

After the update, same as before so apple hasn't fixed anything yet. works sometimes and not works most of the time. works on intel MBP but not my studio

Oct 5, 2024 9:48 PM in response to etresoft

Just tested, I added the VPN app to the firewall allowed list on Mac and worked.

mondoger

Level 1

9 points

Oct 7, 2024 1:27 PM in response to Tom_Coffee

Normally my firewall on the Mac is disabled. I just enabled it and checked.. noch change. Still broken.

Oct 21, 2024 3:58 AM in response to Oberon-Station

ExpressVPN may well be a great program, but it sure doesn't work with MacOS15.1

Immediately blocks all network traffic.

Problem goes away once it is turned off.

MacOS Sequoia blocking VPN, won't allow use of Messages and iCloud