netbird service status on macOS returns incorrectly #2144

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opened 2025-11-20 07:04:42 -05:00 by saavagebueno · 0 comments
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Originally created by @willcipher on GitHub (Jul 31, 2025).

Describe the problem
On macOS, netbird service status incorrectly returns "Netbird service status: Stopped".

To Reproduce

  1. On macOS, run netbird service status as a normal user.
  2. Observe that the result is "Netbird service status: Stopped".
  3. Next run sudo netbird service status.
  4. Observe that the result is "Netbird service status: Running".

Expected behavior

  • Preferrably, netbird service status should return the correct status.
  • If the command really does need superuser status to return correctly, it might be helpful to return an error message like:
    'Service status must be run as superuser. Try sudo netbird service status.'

Are you using NetBird Cloud?
No, self-hosted.

NetBird version
v0.52.2

Is any other VPN software installed?
Tailscale, but it's disabled.

Additional context

  • I suppose I'd be looking at #3975, although I'm not sure if logic error is directly related to that patch.
  • My macOS version is Sequoia 15.5
  • I noticed that netbird service status does work correctly on my Ubuntu machine even without superuser privileges.

Have you tried these troubleshooting steps?

  • Reviewed client troubleshooting (if applicable)
  • Checked for newer NetBird versions
  • Searched for similar issues on GitHub (including closed ones)
  • Restarted the NetBird client
  • Disabled other VPN software
  • Checked firewall settings
Originally created by @willcipher on GitHub (Jul 31, 2025). **Describe the problem** On macOS, `netbird service status` incorrectly returns "Netbird service status: Stopped". **To Reproduce** 1. On macOS, run `netbird service status` as a normal user. 2. Observe that the result is "Netbird service status: Stopped". 3. Next run `sudo netbird service status`. 4. Observe that the result is "Netbird service status: Running". **Expected behavior** - Preferrably, `netbird service status` should return the correct status. - If the command really does need superuser status to return correctly, it might be helpful to return an error message like:<br>'Service status must be run as superuser. Try `sudo netbird service status`.' **Are you using NetBird Cloud?** No, self-hosted. **NetBird version** v0.52.2 **Is any other VPN software installed?** Tailscale, but it's disabled. **Additional context** - I suppose I'd be looking at [#3975](/issues/3975), although I'm not sure if logic error is directly related to that patch. - My macOS version is Sequoia 15.5 - I noticed that `netbird service status` _does_ work correctly on my Ubuntu machine even without superuser privileges. **Have you tried these troubleshooting steps?** - [X] Reviewed [client troubleshooting](https://docs.netbird.io/how-to/troubleshooting-client) (if applicable) - [X] Checked for newer NetBird versions - [X] Searched for similar issues on GitHub (including closed ones) - [x] Restarted the NetBird client - [X] Disabled other VPN software - [X] Checked firewall settings
saavagebueno added the triage-needed label 2025-11-20 07:04:42 -05:00
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Reference: SVI/netbird#2144