Message
Waiting for the device to unlock
Waiting for the device to unlock: what the ForestVPN message ne.machine_key_locked means, why it appears and what to do about it.
Updated October 11, 2026
The app says: "Waiting for the device to unlock."
What it means
ForestVPN is waiting until the device has been unlocked once.
What to do
Unlock the device. The app carries on by itself.
Why it happens
After a restart, Apple keeps the keychain locked until the first unlock, and the device's identity lives in it.
Where you see it
The Apple apps show this message (iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV). The code is ne.machine_key_locked.