Problems with Surfshark VPN: Your Go-To Troubleshooting Guide

Struggling to get your Surfshark VPN to behave? I get it, it’s super frustrating when your VPN acts up, especially when you’re trying to stream your favorite show or just browse securely. The good news is, most of the “problems with Surfshark VPN” that users run into are pretty common and often have straightforward fixes. From pesky connection drops to your streaming service throwing up a “proxy detected” error, we’re going to walk through the most frequent issues and how you can actually solve them. Think of this as your personal troubleshooting checklist. Stick with me, and we’ll get your Surfshark VPN back in action, keeping your online activity private and smooth.

Surfshark is a popular VPN choice, known for its decent speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. However, like any tech, it isn’t perfect, and users occasionally hit roadblocks. Common issues range from connectivity failures and slow speeds to difficulties accessing geo-restricted streaming content on platforms like Netflix, ITVX, and even IPTV services. Some users also report general reliability issues, especially on mobile, and occasional software glitches. The key to fixing these problems often lies in understanding the root cause, which we’ll explore in detail.

The Most Common Headaches with Surfshark VPN

Let’s be honest, nothing’s more annoying than your VPN just refusing to connect or constantly dropping out. It defeats the whole purpose of having one, right? This is often the first “Surfshark VPN issue” people encounter, and it can stem from a few different places.

Why Your Surfshark VPN Isn’t Connecting or Keeps Dropping

If your Surfshark VPN is not connecting or seems to have a mind of its own, constantly disconnecting, you’re not alone. This is a super common problem, and usually, it’s not actually the VPN itself, but something else interfering.

• Weak or Unstable Internet Connection: This is probably the most frequent culprit. A VPN needs a solid, fast internet connection to work properly, because it adds an extra layer of encryption and routing. If your Wi-Fi is spotty or your internet speed is just too slow, the VPN will struggle.
  • Quick Fix: Try a speed test without the VPN. If it’s slow, restart your router, move closer to your Wi-Fi, or even try an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. Sometimes, simply restarting your internet connection is all it takes.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your security software is designed to protect you, but sometimes it gets a little too enthusiastic and blocks legitimate applications, including your VPN. It might see the VPN modifying your connection settings as a threat.
  • Quick Fix: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and try connecting. If it works, add Surfshark to your software’s exception list. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward!
• Outdated App or Software: VPN providers regularly push out updates to improve performance, patch bugs, and adapt to new network conditions. If your Surfshark VPN app is outdated, you might run into connectivity issues.
  • Quick Fix: Always make sure your Surfshark app is up to date. Check your app store or the Surfshark website for the latest version. Sometimes, a full reinstallation of the app can clear up old, problematic data.
• VPN Server Issues Overload or Maintenance: Just like any other server, VPN servers can experience downtime, maintenance, or simply get overloaded with too many users. If a server is under too much strain, your connection can suffer.
  • Quick Fix: Try switching to a different server location. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, so you’ve got options. Look for servers that are less crowded or closer to your physical location for better performance.
• Network Restrictions ISP, Public Wi-Fi, IPv6: Some internet service providers ISPs or network administrators like at schools or workplaces might block VPN connections. Public Wi-Fi networks, like those at Starbucks, are also known to restrict VPN traffic. Additionally, if your device has IPv6 enabled, and Surfshark doesn’t fully support it which it often doesn’t on all configurations, it can cause connection problems.
  • Quick Fix: Try connecting to a different network e.g., switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data. If it works, your primary network might have restrictions. You can also try disabling IPv6 on your device settings. Changing VPN protocols more on that later can also help bypass certain network restrictions.
• Conflicting Applications: Running multiple applications that modify your network settings, like another VPN, a proxy, or certain network management tools, can create conflicts with Surfshark, causing it to not work.
  • Quick Fix: Make sure Surfshark is the only VPN or network-modifying app running. Temporarily disable or uninstall other similar software to check if it resolves the issue.

Dealing with Slow Surfshark Speeds

You’ve got Surfshark connected, but your internet feels like it’s stuck in slow motion. This is another common complaint, but it’s often a natural consequence of how VPNs work, and there are ways to speed things up. Every VPN will slow your connection a bit because of encryption and routing, but a premium VPN like Surfshark should only cause a minor speed loss, typically around 10-20%.

• Server Distance and Load: The further away you are from the VPN server, the longer it takes for your data to travel, leading to higher latency and slower speeds. Similarly, if a server is packed with too many users, its performance can drop.
  • Quick Fix: Connect to a server that’s geographically closer to you. Also, try switching to a server with a lower load if your app shows that information.
• VPN Protocols and Encryption: Different VPN protocols offer varying balances of speed and security. Higher encryption levels, while more secure, can sometimes slow down your connection.
  • Quick Fix: Experiment with different VPN protocols within the Surfshark app. WireGuard is generally the fastest and most recommended for speed. If you’re using OpenVPN, try switching between UDP and TCP modes. UDP is usually faster, while TCP is more reliable. Go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol to make these changes.
• ISP Throttling: Sometimes, your internet service provider ISP might intentionally slow down your internet speed, especially if they detect high-bandwidth activities like streaming or torrenting. When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, which might bypass this throttling.
  • Quick Fix: If you suspect ISP throttling, using Surfshark can actually help. Try enabling Surfshark’s obfuscation or stealth features if available to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

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Streaming Struggles: When Surfshark and Your Favorite Shows Don’t Mix

One of the biggest reasons people get a VPN is to access geo-restricted content – think Netflix libraries from other countries or streaming services only available in specific regions. But streaming providers are constantly improving their VPN detection, leading to situations where Surfshark and your desired service just won’t play nice. This means you might find your “Netflix not working with Surfshark VPN,” or your “ITVX not working with Surfshark VPN.”

Netflix Not Working with Surfshark VPN

It’s a classic cat-and-mouse game: Netflix wants to enforce its licensing agreements by blocking VPNs, and VPNs like Surfshark want to help you access content freely. If you see that dreaded “Whoops, something went wrong… You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” message, it means Netflix has likely detected your VPN.

• Netflix’s VPN Blocking Tactics: Netflix monitors IP addresses. If many users connect from the same IP address, it flags that IP as a VPN and blocks it. Since popular VPNs have many users sharing IPs, this happens often. It can also detect discrepancies between your VPN server location and any cached location data from your browser.
• Troubleshooting Netflix Access:
  1. Switch Servers: This is your first line of defense. If Netflix has blocked one IP, another server in the same country might still work.
  2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Your browser stores location data in cookies and cache. This can sometimes leak your real location, even with a VPN. Clear them completely and restart your browser.
  3. Log in Before Connecting to VPN: Some users find success by disconnecting from Surfshark, logging into Netflix, and then reconnecting to a Surfshark server and refreshing the page.
  4. Try a Different Protocol: Just like with general connectivity, switching protocols can sometimes bypass Netflix’s detection.
  5. Reinstall Netflix App: If you’re using the Netflix app, especially on a smart TV or mobile, try deleting and reinstalling it to clear any cached data.
  6. Use Custom DNS Settings: Surfshark actually recommends specific DNS addresses 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92 to improve connection speed and stability, which can sometimes help with streaming issues. You can find these in the advanced settings of the Surfshark app.

IPTV Not Working with Surfshark VPN

IPTV services can be a bit trickier than standard streaming platforms because some actively block VPNs, or sometimes, your ISP might block IPTV traffic which a VPN can help with. If you find your “IPTV not working with Surfshark VPN,” here’s what’s likely going on:

• IPTV Provider Blocks: Some IPTV providers use “IP Region Lock” or simply block known VPN IP addresses to prevent account sharing or for other business reasons. Reddit users have specifically mentioned issues with Surfshark’s US servers and certain IPTV services.
• Dedicated IPs for IPTV: A dedicated IP address an IP address assigned only to you can be a must here. Since you’re not sharing it with hundreds of other VPN users, it’s far less likely to be flagged and blocked by IPTV services. Surfshark offers dedicated IP addresses as an add-on. If your IPTV provider has banned a shared VPN IP, a dedicated IP can often resolve the “Surfshark IPTV not working” problem.
• General VPN Troubleshooting for IPTV:
  1. Switch Servers: Just like with Netflix, try different Surfshark servers, especially ones outside the US if you’re experiencing issues there.
  2. Change Protocols: OpenVPN UDP is often recommended for stable connections that can bypass network restrictions.
  3. Contact IPTV Provider: Some users have reported success by contacting their IPTV provider and explaining the situation, especially if a specific VPN IP was banned due to misuse by another user.

JioHotstar Not Working with Surfshark VPN

Accessing JioHotstar outside of India often requires a VPN, but like other streaming platforms, it employs VPN detection. If “JioHotstar not working with Surfshark VPN” is your problem, it’s typically due to geo-restrictions and IP blacklisting. Surfshark VPN Price in the Philippines: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

• Geo-restrictions and IP Blocking: JioHotstar identifies and blocks IP addresses associated with VPNs to enforce its content distribution agreements. This means the Indian server you’re connecting to might be recognized as a VPN IP.
• Troubleshooting JioHotstar:
  1. Try Different Indian Servers: Cycle through available Surfshark servers in India. A different server might have an IP that hasn’t been blacklisted yet.
  2. Clear Browser Data: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies before connecting to the VPN and accessing JioHotstar. This ensures no residual location data is giving you away.
  3. Check for DNS Leaks: Ensure your VPN is protecting against DNS leaks, as this can reveal your true location. Surfshark’s kill switch and DNS leak protection features are crucial here.

ITVX Not Working with Surfshark VPN

ITVX, like many UK streaming services, has become quite adept at detecting and blocking VPN connections to comply with its licensing agreements. If your “ITVX not working with Surfshark VPN,” here’s what’s typically happening:

• ITVX’s Detection Systems: ITVX maintains blacklists of known VPN IP addresses and looks for discrepancies in connection data. If your IP address is flagged, or your browser still has old cookies indicating a non-UK location, you’ll be blocked.
• Troubleshooting ITVX Access:
  1. Connect to a Different UK Server: The most effective fix is often simply switching to another UK server provided by Surfshark. This gives you a new UK IP address, which might not be on ITVX’s blacklist.
  2. Clear Cookies and Cache: Before connecting to a UK server, make sure to clear your browser’s cookies and cache. This removes any old location data that could betray your real position.
  3. Switch VPN Protocols: Experiment with Surfshark’s protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2. One might be more effective at bypassing ITVX’s detection than another.
  4. Check for DNS Leaks: Ensure your VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection are active. A DNS leak would reveal your actual location.
  5. Contact Surfshark Support: If you’re still stuck, reach out to Surfshark’s live chat support. They might be able to recommend a specific server that’s currently working with ITVX.

General Reliability and Other Quirks

Beyond connectivity and streaming, some users express concerns about Surfshark’s overall reliability, software bugs, or simply wonder, “Is Surfshark VPN down?”

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable? What Users Say

Overall, Surfshark is generally considered a reliable VPN service, especially for its price point and features like unlimited connections and fast speeds with WireGuard protocol. Independent audits have also found no flaws in its no-logs policy and security features. However, user experiences can vary. Surfshark VPN Price: How Much Does This Top VPN Really Cost?

• Positive Feedback: Many users praise Surfshark for its consistent performance, ease of use, and strong streaming capabilities. In 2025 tests, Surfshark showed a modest 21% speed loss, which is good for a VPN.
• Common Concerns/Mixed Feedback: Some Reddit threads indicate “connection issues” on mobile devices, where the VPN frequently disconnects or prevents internet access until disabled. These can be frustrating, with users reporting the need to constantly toggle the VPN off and on. While Surfshark offers features like CleanWeb ad blocker and a Kill Switch, some users have expressed concern over its jurisdiction Netherlands, part of 9-eyes intelligence alliance, though Surfshark states data is wiped within 15 minutes of disconnection and uses RAM-only servers to enhance privacy.

Software Bugs and UI Glitches

Every software has its quirks, and Surfshark is no exception. While generally polished, users have occasionally reported specific bugs.

• High DPI Scaling Issues: One Reddit user in late 2024 reported a persistent issue with high DPI scaling causing CPU usage to spike and UI flickering, even when minimized, which remained unfixed for almost a year. This suggests that while core functionality is often strong, some specific UI or compatibility bugs can linger.
• Manual Connection for Restricted Countries: In highly restricted countries, automatic connections might fail, requiring users to set up manual connections, which can be a persistent bug for some.

Is Surfshark VPN Down? Checking for Outages

If your Surfshark VPN isn’t working, your mind might jump to “is Surfshark VPN down?” While global outages can happen with any service, it’s usually a localized issue rather than a widespread shutdown.

• How to Check:
  1. Check Surfshark’s Official Channels: Look for a “system status” page on Surfshark’s website or their official social media like X/Twitter for any announcements about outages or maintenance.
  2. Try Different Servers: As mentioned earlier, if one server is down, others are likely still working fine.
  3. Troubleshoot Your Local Connection: Most “is Surfshark VPN down” reports turn out to be issues with the user’s internet connection, device, or interfering software.

Essential Troubleshooting Steps for Any Surfshark Problem

we’ve gone through a bunch of specific issues. But what if you’re just looking for a general checklist when things go sideways? Here are the fundamental troubleshooting steps that can solve most “problems with Surfshark VPN.”

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1. Restart Everything App, Device, Router: This might sound too simple, but you’d be surprised how often a good old-fashioned restart fixes things.
   • Restart the Surfshark app. Close it completely and reopen.
   • Restart your device. Reboot your computer, phone, or tablet.
   • Restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This refreshes your internet connection.
2. Switch Servers & Protocols: If your current server is overloaded, experiencing issues, or blocked by a service, trying a different one is crucial. Also, experiment with different VPN protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 in the app’s settings Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol. WireGuard is generally fastest, while OpenVPN UDP can be good for bypassing restrictions.
3. Clear Cache and Cookies: Especially when dealing with streaming issues, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This wipes any stored location data that streaming services might use to detect your real location.
4. Update Your App: Always ensure your Surfshark app is running the latest version. Developers release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility. If an update doesn’t help, sometimes a full reinstall can clear out corrupted files.
5. Disable Interfering Software: Temporarily turn off any firewalls, antivirus programs, or other VPN software you might have running. These can often conflict with Surfshark. If disabling them solves the problem, add Surfshark to their exception lists.
6. Consider a Dedicated IP: For specific use cases, especially with some IPTV services or for consistent access to certain platforms, a dedicated IP address from Surfshark might be a worthwhile investment. It offers an IP address solely for your use, making it harder for services to block.
7. Contact Surfshark Support: If you’ve tried all these steps and still can’t resolve your “Surfshark VPN issues,” don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support. They have live chat and email options and can offer personalized troubleshooting or inform you of any known issues.

Remember, while Surfshark is a robust VPN service with many advantages, occasional issues are part of the tech . By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you can usually identify and fix most problems you encounter, getting back to secure and unrestricted browsing in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Surfshark VPN not connecting on my iPhone/Android?

If your Surfshark VPN isn’t connecting on your phone, start by checking your internet connection stability. A weak Wi-Fi signal or limited mobile data can prevent it from establishing a connection. Next, make sure your Surfshark app is completely up-to-date, as outdated versions can cause issues. Try switching to a different VPN server or protocol within the app’s settings WireGuard is often recommended for mobile. Also, ensure no other apps, especially other VPNs or security software, are conflicting with Surfshark, and try restarting your device.

What should I do if my internet is not working with Surfshark VPN active?

When your “internet not working with Surfshark VPN” is enabled, it’s usually a sign of a connection blockage or misconfiguration. First, disconnect from Surfshark and check if your internet works normally. If it does, the VPN is the culprit. Try switching to a different Surfshark server and a different VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to see if they’re blocking the VPN’s connection. Also, clear your DNS cache or consider using custom DNS settings like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS. Surfshark VPN’s Parent Company: Everything You Need to Know

How can I fix Netflix not working with Surfshark VPN?

If your “Netflix not working with Surfshark VPN,” it’s probably because Netflix has detected and blocked the VPN server’s IP address. To fix this, your best bet is to switch to a different Surfshark server in the country you’re trying to access. Always clear your browser’s cache and cookies before trying a new server, as old location data can give you away. If you’re using the Netflix app, try reinstalling it or accessing Netflix via a web browser instead.

Why is my Surfshark VPN speed slow?

Slow speed with Surfshark VPN can be due to several factors. The most common reasons are being connected to a VPN server that’s very far away from your physical location or a server that is overloaded with too many users. To improve speed, switch to a closer server or one with lower user load. Also, try changing your VPN protocol to WireGuard, which is generally the fastest option. Ensuring your base internet connection is stable and fast without the VPN is also important.

Is Surfshark VPN reliable for streaming geo-restricted content?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally reliable for streaming geo-restricted content, and is often praised for its ability to unblock various services. For example, it’s known to work well with 16+ Netflix regional libraries. However, streaming services like Netflix, ITVX, and JioHotstar actively detect and block VPNs, so occasional issues can arise. When this happens, users often need to troubleshoot by changing servers, clearing browser data, or trying different VPN protocols to bypass these blocks.

Why do I keep getting connection issues with Surfshark VPN on public Wi-Fi?

Connecting to public Wi-Fi with Surfshark VPN can sometimes be tricky. Public networks, especially in places like Starbucks, might have stricter firewalls or network configurations that block VPN traffic or specific VPN protocols. If you’re encountering “Surfshark VPN connection issues” on public Wi-Fi, try switching between different VPN protocols like OpenVPN TCP/UDP or WireGuard to see which one can bypass the network restrictions. Sometimes, simply connecting to the Wi-Fi first and then enabling the VPN afterward helps.

What if Surfshark’s website or app won’t load even without the VPN?

If you can’t access Surfshark’s website or its app seems to be totally unresponsive even when the VPN is off, it suggests a deeper issue on your device or network. This could be due to a corrupted app installation, a severe conflict with other software, or even a localized internet issue preventing access to Surfshark’s servers. Try reinstalling the app entirely, check your device’s date and time settings incorrect settings can cause certificate errors, or attempt to access the website from a different device or network to rule out a device-specific problem. Mastering Your Surfshark VPN: Usernames, Passwords, and Seamless Login