Fixing Authentication Error on VNC Server on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

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VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a widely used technology that allows users to access and control remote desktops from their machines. Mac users often leverage VNC to remotely connect to other devices or provide remote support. However, occasionally, they may encounter an authentication error when trying to establish a connection. This error message can be frustrating, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through resolving the authentication error on VNC Server on macOS, helping you regain seamless access to your remote desktop.

Understanding the Error Message

The error message typically displayed on macOS when encountering an authentication error while using VNC Server is:

“An authentication error occurred. See the VNC Server error log for details.”

This message implies that the VNC Server encountered an issue while trying to authenticate the connection request.

Troubleshooting “x11vnc service failed with result: exit-code

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that both the local and remote machines have a stable internet connection and are connected to the same network. A weak or unstable connection can lead to authentication errors during VNC sessions.
Verify VNC Server Settings: Double-check the VNC Server settings on the remote machine to ensure that the correct authentication method is configured. It is common to use either VNC password authentication or macOS user-based authentication.

For VNC password authentication, make sure the correct VNC password is set on the remote machine. Update the password if necessary.
For macOS user-based authentication, ensure that the user account you are trying to access via VNC has the necessary privileges for remote desktop access.

Check Firewall and Security Settings: Review the firewall settings on the remote machine to ensure that they are not blocking VNC connections. Adjust the firewall rules, if needed, to allow VNC traffic.
Update VNC Server Software: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the VNC Server software on the remote machine. Sometimes, older versions may have authentication-related issues that have been resolved in newer releases.
View VNC Server Error Log: The error message prompts you to check the VNC Server error log for additional details. Locate the log file and review its contents for any specific error messages or clues about the authentication failure.

The VNC Server error log is usually located in one of the following directories:

/var/log/vncserver-x11.log
/var/log/vncserver.log

Restart VNC Server: Try restarting the VNC Server on the remote machine to refresh the configuration settings and resolve any temporary authentication issues.

Encountering an authentication error on VNC Server while using macOS can be a temporary setback, but with our step-by-step troubleshooting guide, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue. By verifying network connectivity, checking VNC Server settings, reviewing firewall rules, and examining the VNC Server error log, you will be able to troubleshoot the error effectively.

Remember to follow best practices when configuring VNC Server settings and handling authentication to ensure the security of your remote desktop connections. With the authentication error resolved, you can once again enjoy seamless remote access to your macOS desktop and continue to leverage the power of VNC for efficient remote collaboration and support.