---
name: vpc-vpn-ts-auth-error-connecting-to-server
title: Why do I get an authentication error "User authentication failed" when I try connecting to the VPN server?
description: The VPN connection attempts result in a `User authentication failed` error message.
last-updated: 2026-04-15
---

> ## Documentation Index
> The table of contents for this documentation set is at https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/vpc?format=markdown
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> Use these files to discover more information as needed.

# Why do I get an authentication error "User authentication failed" when I try connecting to the VPN server?
{: #troubleshooting-authentication-error}
{: troubleshoot}

The VPN connection attempts result in a `User authentication failed` error message.
{: tsSymptoms}

The authentication credentials do not have the correct access group or roles assigned.
{: tsCauses}

For user ID and password-based authentication, follow these steps to resolve this issue:
{: tsResolve}

1. Verify that the client that's being connected is added to the correct access group with sufficient access policies to the specific VPN server. See [Creating an access group](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/vpc?topic=vpc-create-iam-access-group&format=markdown) for more details.
1. Verify that the **Users of the VPN Server need this role to connect to the VPN server** checkbox is selected in the Service access section.

## Related links
{: #related-links-authentication-error}

[Why do I see an auth-failure error with user ID and passcode authentication?](https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/vpc?topic=vpc-troubleshoot-auth-failure-error&interface=cli&format=markdown)