User level: Level 1 (4 points)I recently upgraded my MacBook Air from 15.something to 27.2, and since then I cannot use the Tab key to move forward in the Cisco secure client. I must move the mouse pointer manually to each field. Are there any solutions?
Posted on Oct 29, 2026 8:05 AM
User level: Level 10 (123,805 points)Oct 29, 2026 8:21 AM in response to Gzus4u
Tab Key Not Working in Cisco Secure Client After macOS Upgrade
If your MacBook Air stopped moving between fields with the Tab key after upgrading from macOS 15 to macOS 27.2, there are a few things worth checking before reinstalling Cisco Secure Client.
Check your Mac's keyboard settings
Enable Keyboard Navigation
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
Find Keyboard Navigation and turn it on if it is ’disabled.
This lets you use Tab and Shift-Tab to move between interface controls.
Apple's instructions: Navigate your Mac using Full Keyboard Access.
Check Full Keyboard Access
Go to System Settings > Accessibility > Motor > Keyboard.
Find Full Keyboard Access and turn it on if it is ’off.
If it is already enabled, try turning it off and back on.
Test Cisco Secure Client after each change.
2. Check whether Tab works in other apps
Try using Tab in Safari or another application.
If it does not work elsewhere either: The problem may be related to a macOS keyboard setting.
If it works everywhere except Cisco: The issue may be specific to Cisco Secure Client or its compatibility with your new macOS version.
Check your Cisco Secure Client version
This step is particularly important because Cisco's release notes identify a resolved issue titled “macOS: Tab key does not move keyboard focus” in version 5.1.20.333. The same release also lists support for macOS 27.
Open Cisco Secure Client and check its version using the About option, if available.
Compare it with Cisco's official Secure Client 5.1 release notes.
If your installed version is older, ask your IT support team whether an update is available and approved for your organization.
Since your VPN may be managed by your employer, avoid uninstalling or reinstalling the client yourself without checking with IT.
4. Restart your Mac
If the settings and version checks do not resolve the issue, restart your Mac and test again.
For additional information, visit Cisco's Secure Client support page.
A quick question to narrow it down
When does Tab stop working?
VPN login screen: Where you enter the server address, username or password.
Company sign-in page: A sign-in page that opens in a browser window.
Another Cisco screen: Somewhere else in the application.
Also, does Tab still work normally in other Mac apps?
These details, along with your Cisco Secure Client version, should help determine whether the problem is a Mac setting or a Cisco bug that may already have been fixed.
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Oct 29, 2026 8:32 AM in response to Gzus4u
If that doesn't work, then press Control-F7, that toggles your Mac from the way the Tab key moves focus between all screen controls and text boxes/lists.
More info from Apple: Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256385330