How to Turn Off Surfshark VPN: Your Go-To Guide for Every Device

Struggling to get your internet back to normal or just need a quick break from your encrypted connection? To turn off your Surfshark VPN, you usually just need to open the Surfshark app and hit the big “Disconnect” button. It’s often that simple, but sometimes you might need to dig a little deeper into settings depending on your device or if features like the Kill Switch are active. We all love the privacy and security a VPN gives us, but let’s be real, there are times when you just need to switch it off, whether it’s for troubleshooting, accessing a banking app, or just getting a little more speed for your online gaming. This guide will walk you through exactly how to turn off Surfshark, manage its features, and even how to completely remove it if you decide it’s time to move on. Think of this as your complete toolkit for handling Surfshark, no matter what situation you’re in.

How to Turn Off Surfshark VPN: The Quick Disconnect

Most of the time, getting Surfshark to disconnect is super straightforward. You just need to interact with the main app on your device.

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Here’s the basic rundown that works for most platforms:

1. Open the Surfshark App: Find the Surfshark icon on your desktop, laptop, or mobile device and launch it.
2. Look for the Disconnect Button: Once the app is open, you’ll usually see a prominent button that says “Disconnect,” “Turn Off,” or a simple power icon. It’s often right in the middle of the main screen or clearly visible.
3. Tap or Click to Disconnect: Give that button a tap or a click, and Surfshark should stop its VPN connection. The app will likely show a “Disconnected” status or the button will change to “Connect.”

That’s the quickest way to temporarily disable Surfshark. If your internet stops working after disconnecting, don’t panic! It might be your Kill Switch doing its job. We’ll cover how to handle that in a bit.

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Turning Off Surfshark on Desktop Computers

Desktop users, whether you’re on Windows or macOS, have a couple of ways to turn off Surfshark, from the app itself to system settings.

On Windows

Through the Surfshark App

This is usually the easiest way to turn off Surfshark VPN on Windows:

1. Launch the Surfshark App: Open the application from your Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
2. Click “Disconnect”: On the main interface, locate and click the “Disconnect” button. The app’s status should change, indicating that you’re no longer connected.

From the Windows Taskbar

You can also quickly disconnect without fully opening the app window:

1. Find the System Tray Icon: Look for the Surfshark icon often a shark fin in your system tray, usually near the clock on the bottom right of your screen. You might need to click the up arrow to show hidden icons.
2. Right-Click and Disconnect: Right-click on the Surfshark icon. You should see an option to “Disconnect” or “Quit.” Selecting “Disconnect” will stop the VPN connection, while “Quit” will close the application entirely.

Through Windows Settings If the App is Stubborn

Sometimes, especially if you’re troubleshooting or the app isn’t responding, you might need to go through Windows’ built-in VPN settings. Surfshark VPN: How Many Users and Devices Can You Really Connect?

1. Open Settings: Click the Start Menu Windows icon and then select Settings the gear icon.
2. Go to Network & Internet: Click on “Network & internet” in the left-hand menu.
3. Select VPN: In the Network & internet settings, choose “VPN.”
4. Disconnect Surfshark: You should see a list of VPN connections. Find the Surfshark connection, click on it, and then select the “Disconnect” button.

On macOS

For our Mac users, turning off Surfshark is just as simple.

The most direct way to turn off Surfshark VPN on your Mac:

1. Open the Surfshark App: Click on the Surfshark icon in your Applications folder or Dock.
2. Click “Disconnect”: The app’s main window will display a “Disconnect” button or a large power icon. Click it to end your VPN session.

From the macOS Menu Bar

Similar to Windows, you can manage Surfshark from your Mac’s menu bar:

1. Find the Menu Bar Icon: Look for the Surfshark icon in the menu bar at the top right of your screen.
2. Click and Disconnect: Click on the Surfshark icon. A dropdown menu will appear, and you can usually select “Disconnect” to stop the VPN. To close the app completely, choose “Quit Surfshark.”

Through System Settings

If you need to manage your VPN connections directly in macOS settings:

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen, then select “System Settings.”
2. Go to VPN: In the System Settings sidebar, scroll down and click on “VPN.”
3. Turn Off the VPN: You’ll see your VPN connections listed. Find Surfshark and simply toggle the switch next to it to the “Off” position.

Surfshark obfuscation

Turning Off Surfshark on Mobile Devices

Whether you’re an iPhone user or rocking an Android, disconnecting Surfshark on your phone or tablet is usually a quick tap away.

On iPhone iOS

This is typically the fastest way to turn off Surfshark VPN on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Launch the Surfshark App: Tap the Surfshark app icon on your home screen.
2. Tap “Disconnect”: Inside the app, you’ll find a prominent “Disconnect” button or a large power icon. Tap it to stop the VPN connection. The app should then show a “Disconnected” status.

Through iOS Settings

Sometimes you might need to turn off the VPN directly from your iPhone’s settings, especially if the app isn’t behaving or you just want a quick toggle.

1. Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” app icon the gray gear.
2. Look for the VPN Switch: For recent iOS versions, you might see a “VPN” toggle switch directly under your “Personal Hotspot” settings in the main Settings menu. Just flip it to the “Off” position.
3. Alternatively, Navigate via General: If you don’t see the direct switch, tap “General”.
4. Find VPN & Device Management: Scroll down and tap on “VPN & Device Management” or just “VPN” on older iOS versions.
5. Toggle Surfshark Off: Under “VPN,” you’ll see your Surfshark connection. Tap the status toggle next to it to turn it “Not Connected.”

On Android

Turning off Surfshark VPN on Android devices is pretty similar to iOS. Surfshark VPN in the Netherlands: Your Digital Companion

The easiest and most common method for Android:

1. Launch the Surfshark App: Open the Surfshark app from your app drawer or home screen.
2. Tap “Disconnect”: You’ll find a clear “Disconnect” button or a power icon in the app’s main interface. Tap it to end your VPN session.

Through Android Device Settings

Android’s settings menu offers another way to turn off your VPN, and the exact wording might vary a bit depending on your phone’s manufacturer Samsung, Google Pixel, etc..

1. Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel, then tap the gear icon, or find the “Settings” app in your app drawer.
2. Navigate to Network/Connections: Look for an option like “Connections,” “Network & internet,” or “More connection settings.”
3. Find VPN Settings: Within these menus, locate “VPN.”
4. Toggle Surfshark Off: You’ll see a list of VPN profiles. Find Surfshark and tap on it. You might see a simple toggle switch to turn it off, or a “Disconnect” button. Tap it, and the switch should turn gray.

Managing Surfshark’s Advanced Features When You Can’t “Turn It Off” Easily

Sometimes, just hitting “Disconnect” doesn’t feel like enough, or you might find Surfshark reconnecting or blocking your internet even when you think it’s off. This usually means one of Surfshark’s helpful but sometimes tricky features is still active.

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Disabling Auto-Connect

Surfshark’s auto-connect feature is designed to keep you protected by automatically connecting to a VPN server when it detects an internet connection, or when your device starts up. While great for security, it can be annoying if you want to control when your VPN is on.

To stop Surfshark from automatically connecting:

1. Open the Surfshark App: Launch the app on your device.
2. Go to Settings: Look for the gear icon or “Settings” menu within the app.
3. Find VPN Settings: Select “VPN settings” or “Connectivity” on some platforms.
4. Toggle Auto-Connect Off: Locate the “Auto-connect” option and toggle the switch to the “Off” position. This switch might be green when active and will turn gray when off.

This should prevent Surfshark from launching or connecting automatically the next time you restart your device or connect to a network. If Surfshark still auto-connects on startup even after turning off the setting in the app, you might need to check your system’s startup programs e.g., Task Manager on Windows and disable Surfshark from launching there.

Turning Off the Kill Switch

The Kill Switch is a crucial security feature that cuts off your internet connection if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed. However, if you manually disconnect your VPN or the app malfunctions, the Kill Switch can leave you without internet access.

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1. Open the Surfshark App: Launch the application.
2. Go to Settings: Tap or click the gear icon for Settings.
3. Navigate to VPN Settings: Select “VPN settings.”
4. Toggle Kill Switch Off: Find the “Kill Switch” option and switch its toggle to the “Off” position it should turn gray.

Once the Kill Switch is off, you should be able to disconnect from Surfshark without losing your internet connection. Remember to turn it back on when you want maximum protection!

Bypassing VPN for Specific Apps Split Tunneling

Sometimes, you don’t want to turn off your entire VPN connection, but rather exclude certain apps or websites from using the VPN. This is where Surfshark’s “Bypasser” their term for split tunneling comes in handy. It lets you choose which apps or websites should not go through the VPN tunnel.

To use Surfshark’s Bypasser:

1. Open the Surfshark App: Get the app running on your device.
2. Go to Settings: Tap or click the gear icon.
3. Select VPN Settings: Choose “VPN settings.”
4. Find Bypasser: Look for the “Bypasser” or “Bypass VPN” option.
5. Configure Apps/Websites: You can then select specific applications or websites that you want to exclude from the VPN tunnel. Just toggle them on in the “Bypass VPN” section. This way, those apps will use your regular internet connection while everything else remains protected by Surfshark.

Why You Might Need to Turn Off Your VPN Temporarily

While a VPN is a powerful tool for privacy and security, there are legitimate reasons why you might need to temporarily turn it off. It’s good to know these situations so you’re not left wondering why things aren’t working as expected. Mysterium VPN vs. Surfshark VPN: Which One Should You Pick?

• Troubleshooting Connection Issues: If your internet connection is acting up, turning off your VPN is often the first step in diagnosing the problem. It helps you figure out if the issue is with your VPN, your internet service provider ISP, or something else entirely.
• Accessing Online Banking or Specific Websites: Many banks and financial institutions are super cautious about security. If they detect you logging in from an IP address that constantly changes or appears to be in a different country, they might flag it as suspicious activity or even block your access to protect your account. This also applies to some government services or educational platforms that require your actual geographical location.
• Improving Connection Speed for Certain Activities: While modern VPNs are fast, routing your internet traffic through an encrypted server, sometimes across the globe, can add a bit of latency or slightly reduce speeds. For high-bandwidth activities like competitive online gaming or streaming high-quality video, you might choose to temporarily turn off your VPN to get the absolute best performance.
• Working Remotely: Some company networks or remote work systems have their own robust security protocols that might conflict with a personal VPN. If your employer provides a specific VPN for work, it’s best to use that and disable your personal one to avoid any compatibility issues or security flags.
• Accessing Local Network Resources: If you’re trying to access devices on your local network like a printer, a network-attached storage drive, or casting to a smart TV, sometimes a VPN can interfere. Turning it off can help establish that local connection.
• Certain Streaming Services: A handful of streaming platforms actively try to block VPN usage to enforce geo-restrictions on content. If you’re having trouble accessing content on a streaming service, temporarily turning off your VPN might resolve it.

Just remember, when your VPN is off, your internet traffic isn’t encrypted, and your real IP address is visible. So, it’s a good idea to only disable it when necessary and reactivate it once you’re done with the specific task.

When “Turning Off” Means Cancelling or Uninstalling

Sometimes, “turning off Surfshark” isn’t just about a temporary disconnect. You might be looking to stop using the service altogether, which involves canceling your subscription or uninstalling the app.

How to Cancel Surfshark VPN Subscription

Canceling your Surfshark subscription usually depends on where you originally purchased it. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re within that window, you can typically get a full refund. Surfshark VPN: Your Gateway to Unlimited Device Protection

If You Subscribed Directly Through Surfshark’s Website

1. Log In to Your Account: Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
2. Go to Subscription Settings: Click on your account icon usually in the top-right corner and select “Subscription” from the dropdown menu.
3. Manage Payments: Navigate to the “Payments” tab or section.
4. Turn Off Auto-Renewal: Look for an option like “Manage subscription” or “Cancel auto-renewal” and click it. You’ll likely be asked for a reason, and you’ll need to confirm your decision. Turning off auto-renewal means you won’t be charged again, but you can continue using Surfshark until your current subscription period ends.
5. Contact Customer Support for immediate cancellation/refund: For a full cancellation and refund especially within the 30-day window, it’s often quickest and easiest to contact Surfshark’s customer support via live chat on their website or by emailing [email protected]. Just let them know you want to cancel and request a refund.

If You Subscribed Via Google Play Store Android

1. Open Google Play Store: On your Android device, open the Google Play Store app.
2. Go to Payments & Subscriptions: Tap your profile icon top-right corner, then select “Payments & subscriptions,” and then “Subscriptions.”
3. Find Surfshark: Locate your Surfshark subscription in the list.
4. Cancel Subscription: Tap on Surfshark, then select “Cancel subscription” and follow the prompts.

If You Subscribed Via Apple App Store iPhone/iOS

1. Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, go to the “Settings” app.
2. Tap Your Apple ID: Tap on your Apple ID your name at the very top of the screen.
3. Go to Subscriptions: Tap “Subscriptions.”
4. Find Surfshark: Locate Surfshark in your list of subscriptions.
5. Cancel Subscription: Tap on it, then select “Cancel Subscription” and confirm. If you don’t see a cancel button, it means the subscription is already canceled.

How to Uninstall Surfshark

Completely removing Surfshark from your device ensures it doesn’t run in the background or interfere with other network settings.

On Windows

1. Close Surfshark: Make sure the Surfshark app is completely closed. You can right-click the icon in your system tray and choose “Quit,” or use Task Manager Ctrl+Shift+Esc to end any Surfshark processes.
2. Open Apps & Features: Go to the Start Menu > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
3. Uninstall Surfshark: Find “Surfshark” in the list of applications, click on it, and then select “Uninstall.” Follow any on-screen prompts.
4. Remove TAP Drivers Optional but Recommended: For a cleaner removal, you might want to delete the TAP drivers. Go to Control Panel > Device Manager, expand “Network adapters,” right-click the Surfshark TAP driver, and choose “Uninstall.”
5. Remove VPN Connection Optional: In Settings > Network & Internet > Change adapter options, right-click the Surfshark connection and select “Delete.”

On macOS

1. Close Surfshark: Ensure the Surfshark app is not running. You can click the Surfshark icon in the menu bar and choose “Quit,” or use Force Quit Cmd+Option+Esc if it’s unresponsive.
2. Go to Applications: Open Finder, then go to your “Applications” folder.
3. Move to Trash: Find the Surfshark app, then drag it to the Trash or right-click and select “Move to Trash”.
4. Empty Trash: Right-click on the Trash icon in your Dock and select “Empty Trash” to fully remove the application.
5. Remove VPN Profile Optional: Go to System Settings > VPN, select the Surfshark VPN profile, click the “i” icon, and then “Remove Configuration.”

On Android

1. Long-Press App Icon: On your home screen or app drawer, long-press on the Surfshark app icon.
2. Uninstall: You should see an “Uninstall” option or an icon to drag the app to. Tap or drag to uninstall and confirm.
3. Remove VPN Profile Optional: Go to Device Settings > Network & Internet or Connections > VPN. Select the Surfshark VPN, then tap the settings icon often a gear or ‘i’ and choose “Delete VPN profile” or “Forget VPN.”

On iPhone iOS

1. Long-Press App Icon: On your home screen, long-press the Surfshark app icon.
2. Remove App: Tap “Remove App,” then “Delete App,” and confirm.
3. Remove VPN Profile Optional: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN. Tap the “i” icon next to Surfshark, then select “Delete VPN.” Confirm the deletion.

By following these steps, you should be able to fully manage and “turn off” Surfshark VPN in whatever way you need, whether it’s a quick break, a temporary pause, or a complete removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop Surfshark VPN from automatically connecting on startup?

To stop Surfshark from automatically connecting, open the Surfshark app, go to Settings > VPN settings, and then toggle off the “Auto-connect” feature. If it still launches, check your device’s system-level startup applications like Task Manager on Windows and disable Surfshark there.

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What do I do if Surfshark VPN won’t turn off?

If Surfshark won’t turn off from the app, first try disconnecting it directly from your device’s system VPN settings e.g., Settings > Network & Internet > VPN on Windows, or Settings > General > VPN on iOS. If your internet is completely cut off, check if the Kill Switch is enabled in the Surfshark app Settings > VPN settings > Kill Switch and turn it off. You can also try restarting your device.

How do I disable the Kill Switch in Surfshark?

You can disable Surfshark’s Kill Switch by opening the Surfshark app, navigating to Settings > VPN settings, and then toggling the “Kill Switch” option to the off position. Remember to re-enable it for full protection when you reconnect to the VPN.

Can I temporarily pause Surfshark VPN instead of completely turning it off?

Yes, on some Surfshark apps like Android or macOS, you might find a “Pause” button next to the Disconnect button. This allows you to pause the VPN for a set duration e.g., 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 2 hours, after which it will automatically reconnect. This is great for short breaks without needing to manually restart the VPN.

How do I cancel my Surfshark VPN subscription for a refund?

To cancel your Surfshark subscription, you generally need to go to your account settings on the platform where you purchased it Surfshark website, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. Look for the “Subscriptions” or “Payments” section and turn off auto-renewal. If you’re within the 30-day money-back guarantee period, contact Surfshark’s customer support via live chat or email [email protected] to request a full refund.

How do I completely remove Surfshark from my computer or phone?

To completely remove Surfshark, first ensure the app is closed. Then, on Windows, use Settings > Apps > Apps & features to uninstall. On macOS, drag the app from your Applications folder to the Trash. On Android/iOS, long-press the app icon and select “Uninstall” or “Remove App.” For a thorough clean, also delete any associated VPN profiles from your device’s network settings. Surfshark VPN on MacBook: Your Ultimate Guide to Digital Freedom and Security