Install the NC State VPN Client for ChromeOS


NC State provides a virtual private network (VPN) connection through Cisco Secure Client. VPN is typically required when accessing sensitive information or using on-campus resources while off campus.

Download Android Apps on Your Chromebook

You will need to make sure that your Chromebook is able to download Android apps before installing the Cisco Secure Client.

  1. In the lower-right corner of your screen, select the time.
  2. Select Settings (or the gear icon).
  3. Select Apps.
  4. Select Manage Google Play preferences.
    • If this option is not available, then your Chromebook doesn't work with Android apps. You will not be able to install the Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect app.
  5. Select More in the window that opens.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to agree to the Terms of Service.

Install Cisco Secure Client

You can install Cisco Secure Client on a Chromebook running ChromeOS 43 or newer. Older versions of ChromeOS do not support NC State's VPN client. 

  1. Make sure that you can download Android apps from the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
  2. Install the Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect app from the Google Play Store.

If you are having issues installing Cisco Secure Client on a university-owned device, then you should talk to your local IT department for assistance.

Configure Cisco Secure Client

After installing the Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect app, you will need to configure the NC State VPN.

Please note that it may take a few minutes after installing the app before you can configure the VPN. "Initializing please wait" will be shown in the app during that time.

  1. Open Launcher from the lower-left corner of your Chromebook screen.
  2. Select the Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect icon.
  3. Select the Connections tab.
  4. Select + Add New Connection (or the + icon).
  5. In the Name field, enter NCSU VPN.
  6. In the Service Address field, enter vpn.ncsu.edu. Select Done or Save Changes.
  7. You may need to select ← in the upper-left corner to return to the starting screen. Toggle the switch next to Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect to make sure it is on.

Connect to the NC State VPN

  1. Follow the Connect to the NC State VPN instructions to sign into the VPN.
    • If you are notified that your configuration created by the user has been renamed to avoid a name conflict, select OK.
  2. Confirm that you are successfully connected by going to the Status Menu in the lower-right corner of your screen. Select the key icon for VPN and make sure that it says On.