Here are the steps on how to install a CAC Reader for Mac:
Double-click the.dmg file. (If you don't see the Safari Downloads window, click Finder (User Name) Downloads.) Double-click Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to start the installation. When asked if you are sure that you want to open the file, click Open.
Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader. Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below. If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just.
Ensure your CAC reader works with Mac
Check to ensure your Mac accepts the reader
Check your Mac OS version
Check your CAC’s version
Update your DOD certificates
Guidance for Firefox Users
Look at graphs to see which CAC enabler to use
Step 1: Purchase a Mac Friendly CAC Reader
Purchase a CAC reader that works for your Mac. There are only a couple that you can choose from and I’ve listed them below.
I have just purchased a macbook air and would like to install Adobe reader on it. More Less MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.6.5).
If you already have a CAC reader and it isn’t Mac friendly, you could update the firmware, however, for the non-tech savvy people out there, it’s probably better to just purchase a new one and save the headache – they’re only ~$11-13 dollars.
Best Mac Compatible CAC USB Readers
Best Mac Compatible CAC Desk Readers
Step 2: Plug in and Ensure It’s Accepted
Once you have your CAC reader, plug it into your Mac and ensure your computer recognizes it. If you have one of the CAC readers we suggested above, then you should be good to go.
If for some reason your CAC reader isn’t working, you may need to download the appropriate drivers for your CAC reader. You can find these drivers on the Reader’s Manufacturer Website.
Step 3: Update Your DOD Certificates
Now that you have your CAC reader connected and accepted on your Mac computer, it’s time to ensure you have the right certificates in order to access DOD CAC required web pages.
Procedure for Chrome and Safari
Type ⇧⌘U (Shift + Command + U) to access your Utilities
Find and Double click “Keychain Access”
Select “Login” and “All Items”
Download the following five files and double click each once downloaded so as to install in your Keychain Access.
When you double-click the Mac Root Cert 3 and 4, you’ll need to tell your browser to always trust them. Click the button like you see below:
Additional Steps for Firefox
If you’re using Mozilla Firefox as your primary browser, you’re going to need to perform some additional steps. First, perform the same steps that you did for Chrome and Safari. Afterwards, follow these additional steps to get started.
Download All Certs zip and double click to unzip all 39 files
While in Firefox, click “Firefox” on the top left, then “Preferences”
Then Click “Advanced” > “Certificates” > “View Certificates”
Then Click “Authorities” and then “Import”
Import each file individually from the “AllCerts” folder. When you do this, the below box will popup. Check all three boxes and click “OK”
Step 4: Download and install CAC Enabler
Choosing the right CAC enabler can be pretty tricky. It all depends on what OS you have installed, how you installed it, and even what kind of CAC Card you have!
In order to get the right enabler, be sure to visit our trusty guide to Mac CAC Enablers! It’ll walk you through exactly which enabler is right for you.
CAC Access at Home Success
Now that you have a CAC reader, certificates, and a CAC Enabler, you should now be able to access any CAC-enabled website and log on using your CAC password and data.
Common Reasons Why Your CAC Card Won’t Work On Your Mac
Ensure Your CAC Card Meets the Standards: In order for your CAC card to work, it must meet the minimal requirements. Currently, there are only four types of CAC cards that can be used. The ensure you have the right CAC card for online access, flip your CAC card to the back and if you have one of the below numbers written on the top left, then you are good to go:
G&D FIPS 201 SCE 3.2
Oberthur ID one 128 v5.5 Dual
GEMALTO DLGX4-A 144
GEMALTO TOP DL GX4 144
If you do not have any of the above written on the back, then proceed to your nearest PSD to get a new CAC card issued.
Windows users: If you are on a Windows computer, see Troubleshoot Adobe Reader installation | Windows.
Make sure that your system meets the minimum system requirements for Reader.
If one of the following errors occurs when you try to connect to or download from the Adobe website, work through the tasks below.
Nothing happens.
A file stops downloading prematurely.
Any of the following errors occur: 'The server returned extended information.' 'Connection failure has interrupted the download. Check your Internet settings and click Retry.' 'Cannot connect to server, server cannot be found.'
Try to download Adobe Reader again by clicking the Download button.
2. Make sure that your Internet connection is stable.
An unstable Internet connection can prevent you from downloading from other websites. Try downloading a file from another website, such as www.microsoft.com, www.apple.com, or www.mozilla.com. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator, help desk resource, or Internet service provider (ISP). See Resolve an unstable Internet connection to the Adobe website or FTP site for details.
After you establish a stable Internet connection, try to download the file again. If the original attempt to download the file was interrupted, restart the download process within the web browser you were using.
3. Download when there is less activity on the Internet.
A high volume of activity can interfere with an Internet connection. For best results, try to download files when there is less activity (for example, late in the evening, early in the morning, or on weekends).
Try downloading the Adobe Reader installer directly.
5. Make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
Adobe Acrobat For Macbook
The JavaScript option is a preference setting in your browser. Follow the instructions below for your browser.
Open the Safari preferences (choose Safari > Preferences).
Make sure that Enable JavaScript is selected in the Safari Security Preferences tab.
Go to the Reader download page, and try downloading Reader again.
For step-by-step instructions, see Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Mac OS. Macbook air 2018 good for coding.
JavaScript is enabled by default in Firefox and requires no additional installation. For more information, see the Mozilla Support page JavaScript settings and preferences for interactive web pages.
Open the Chrome preferences (choose Chrome > Preferences).
Click Show advanced settings at the bottom of the page.
Make sure that Allow all sites to run JavaScript is selected, and then click OK.
Go to the Reader download page, and try downloading Reader again.
For step-by-step instructions, see Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Mac OS.
In case you are prompted to enter user name and password, enter your macOS user name and password. If you do not remember your password, refer the Apple document: https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT202860.
Visit the forums. See if other users are experiencing similar download and installation problems by visiting the Reader user-to-user forum. Try posting your problem on the forums for interactive troubleshooting. When posting on forums, include your operating system and your product's version number.