Ever launched Surfshark, ready to browse securely, only to be hit with that annoying “Another VPN was detected and may interfere with Surfshark” message? It’s super frustrating, especially when you’re sure you only have one VPN. But trust me, you’re not alone in seeing this pop-up. It’s a pretty common hiccup that many of us run into, and thankfully, it’s usually not too hard to sort out. The main reason this happens is typically because another VPN application, or even residual files from an old one, is messing with Surfshark’s connection settings. Our goal here is to get you back to seamless, secure browsing. We’re going to walk through how to pinpoint exactly what’s causing Surfshark to think there’s a different VPN detected and then tackle it step-by-step. By the end of this, you’ll know how to get Surfshark working smoothly again, whether it’s through adjusting your settings, tidying up old files, or checking for other sneaky conflicts. Let’s get you squared away so you can enjoy all the benefits Surfshark offers, like its robust security with AES-256-GCM encryption, WireGuard protocol for fast speeds, and handy features like CleanWeb and MultiHop, without any unnecessary interruptions.

Table of Contents

Why Does Surfshark Get Confused About Other VPNs?

It might seem strange that Surfshark would think another VPN is present when you don’t think you have one running. But there are a few common culprits behind this “surfshark another vpn detected” alert. Understanding these can make troubleshooting a lot easier.

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First off, VPN applications, including Surfshark, work by making some pretty specific changes to your network’s connection settings. They need to set up their own virtual network adapters often called TAP drivers and route your internet traffic through encrypted tunnels. When another VPN app, or even leftover components from a previously uninstalled VPN, tries to do something similar, these configurations can clash. Think of it like two different navigation apps on your phone trying to give you directions at the exact same time – they’re both trying to control your route, and it just leads to a mess. Surfshark is built to be a primary VPN, and when it detects conflicting configurations, it throws up that warning to let you know something isn’t right.

Here are some specific things that can trigger this message:

Another Active VPN App: This is the most obvious one. If you have, say, a free VPN service, a work VPN client, or even a different premium VPN like CyberGhost VPN or NordVPN, installed and running, Surfshark will almost certainly detect it. Even if you’re not actively connected to the other VPN, its background processes or services might still be active, causing interference.
Residual Files from Old VPNs: This is a sneaky one! Sometimes, when you uninstall a VPN, it doesn’t fully remove every single file, driver, or registry entry. These lingering bits, especially old TAP drivers, can still interfere with new VPN installations like Surfshark, making it think there’s a “surfshark different vpn detected” situation.
Antivirus and Firewall Interference: It’s a common scenario. Antivirus software and firewalls are designed to protect your network, which is great, but sometimes they can be a bit overzealous. They might see Surfshark making changes to your network settings as a potential threat and block it, or interpret those changes as another VPN trying to establish a connection.
Built-in VPNs or Proxy Tools: Believe it or not, some internet browsers, security suites, or even ad-blockers can have built-in VPN or proxy functionalities. If these are active, Surfshark might mistakenly identify them as “another vpn was detected and may interfere with surfshark” because they’re also attempting to route or modify your internet traffic.
Network Settings Glitches: Less common, but sometimes corrupted network settings, a faulty DNS configuration, or even an active IPv6 protocol that isn’t playing nice can lead to these detection issues, even if no other VPN is truly present.

Surfshark’s message isn’t just a warning. it’s trying to prevent potential connection cancellations, speed reductions, or instability that can happen when multiple VPNs try to control your network at the same time. Does Surfshark Have Onion Over VPN?

Step-by-Step Fixes for “Another VPN Detected”

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get this fixed. We’ll start with the simplest solutions and work our way up to more in-depth troubleshooting.

Method 1: Disabling or Uninstalling Other VPNs and Interfering Apps

This is usually the first and most effective step. If you have other VPN software installed, even if you’re not using it, it’s best to either disable it completely or, if you don’t need it, uninstall it.

For Other VPN Applications:

Check for running VPNs: Before anything else, make sure no other VPN apps are actively connected or running in the background. Close them completely.
Uninstall if unnecessary:
- Windows: Head to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Scroll through the list and uninstall any VPN software you don’t currently need. You can also do this through the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
- macOS: Open Finder, go to Applications, then drag the unwanted VPN app to the Trash. Empty the trash.
- Android: Tap and hold the VPN app icon, then drag it to “Uninstall” or go to Settings > Apps > See all apps, find the VPN, and tap “Uninstall.”
- iOS: Tap and hold the VPN app icon until it jiggles, then tap the “X” or “Remove App” option.
Restart Surfshark: After uninstalling, restart your Surfshark application and try connecting again.

For Antivirus and Firewall Software:

Antivirus and firewall programs can sometimes interfere with Surfshark by blocking its connection attempts.

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Temporarily disable: Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall. Most security software has an option to disable it for a short period e.g., 15-30 minutes.
Test Surfshark: With your security software temporarily off, try connecting Surfshark.
Add to exceptions: If Surfshark connects successfully, you’ve found your culprit! Re-enable your antivirus/firewall, then go into its settings and add Surfshark to the exceptions or whitelist. This tells your security software to trust Surfshark and not block its operations.

Method 2: Checking for Residual VPN Files Especially TAP Drivers

Even after uninstalling a VPN, some traces can stick around and cause a “surfshark another vpn detected” message. This is often due to outdated or conflicting TAP drivers.

Delete old TAP drivers Windows:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Look for anything with “TAP-Windows Adapter V9” or similar names associated with old VPNs.
- Right-click on it and select Uninstall device. When prompted, check the box that says “Attempt to remove the driver software for this device” if available and then confirm.
- Repeat for any other suspicious TAP drivers.
Delete VPN network connections Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left, click Change adapter settings.
- You might see old VPN connections listed here. Right-click on any you don’t recognize or no longer use and select Delete.
Restart your computer: A full system restart after cleaning up drivers and connections is crucial to ensure all changes take effect.

Method 3: Restarting Your System and Network

This might sound like the oldest trick in the book, but honestly, it fixes a surprising number of tech issues.

Restart your computer: A fresh start can clear out temporary glitches and reset network processes that might be interfering.
Restart your router/modem: Unplug your internet router and modem from power for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This gives your network a complete refresh and can resolve many connectivity problems.
Test Surfshark: Once everything is back online, try connecting Surfshark again.

Method 4: Adjusting Network Settings

Sometimes, your device’s network configuration can be the issue. Let’s look at a few things you can tweak.

Disable IPv6

While IPv6 is the newer internet protocol, it can sometimes cause issues with VPNs if not properly handled, especially when you encounter “surfshark vpn issues.”

Windows:
- Click Change adapter settings on the left.
- Right-click on your active internet connection Ethernet or Wi-Fi and select Properties.
- Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 TCP/IPv6.
- Click OK.
macOS:
- Go to System Settings > Network.
- Select your active connection, click Details....
- Go to the TCP/IP tab.
- For Configure IPv6, choose Link-local only or Off if available.
Restart Surfshark and test.

Clear DNS Cache and Use Custom DNS

A corrupted DNS cache can lead to connectivity problems. Also, using reliable public DNS servers can sometimes resolve “surfshark vpn not connecting” issues. Surfshark or vpn

Flush DNS Cache Windows:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator search for cmd, right-click, Run as administrator.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- You should see a message confirming the DNS resolver cache was successfully flushed.
Set Custom DNS:
- Follow the steps to get to your network adapter’s Properties same as disabling IPv6.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IPv4 and click Properties.
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
- You can use Surfshark’s own DNS, or popular public DNS servers like Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Enter these values, click OK, and then OK again.

Reset Network Settings Windows

This is a more drastic step that resets all network adapters and components to their default settings.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
Click Network reset.
Click Reset now and confirm. Your computer will restart.
After restarting, try connecting Surfshark.

Method 5: Using Surfshark’s Built-in Features and Protocols

Sometimes the issue isn’t detection but a general connection problem. Surfshark has features and protocol options that can help bypass restrictions or establish a more stable connection.

Change VPN Protocol: Surfshark supports several protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. If you’re having trouble, switching protocols can often help.
- Open the Surfshark app.
- Go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol.
- Try switching to OpenVPN UDP first, as it’s often recommended for bypassing network restrictions and offers good speed. If that doesn’t work, try WireGuard for potentially faster speeds, or IKEv2 for mobile devices due to its stability.
Switch Servers: A specific server might be overcrowded or experiencing issues. Try connecting to a different server location, or even a different city within the same country.
NoBorders Mode: If you’re in a country with strict internet censorship, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is designed to help you connect even under restrictive networks. It’s often automatically enabled when detection of a restrictive network occurs, but you can check for it in settings.
Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This feature makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which helps in avoiding detection by ISPs or services that actively try to block VPNs. It’s usually enabled automatically when you use the OpenVPN protocol.

Method 6: Reinstalling Surfshark

If you’ve tried all the above and Surfshark still insists “another vpn was detected and may interfere with surfshark,” a clean reinstallation might be necessary. This ensures you have the latest version and a fresh installation, free from any corrupted files.

Completely Uninstall Surfshark: Follow the steps in Method 1 to fully uninstall Surfshark from your device. Make sure to also check for and remove any lingering TAP drivers as described in Method 2.
Download the Latest Version: Go to the official Surfshark website and download the very latest version of the application for your operating system.
Install Surfshark: Run the installer and follow the instructions to install the app.
Restart and Test: Restart your device and then try connecting with Surfshark.

Method 7: Contacting Surfshark Support

If you’ve gone through all these steps and still can’t shake that “another vpn detected” message, it’s definitely time to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They have 24/7 live chat and email support. They can offer personalized troubleshooting, check for specific issues related to your account or network, and guide you through more advanced solutions if needed. Don’t hesitate to use this resource. they are there to help!

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Preventing Future Conflicts

Once you’ve got Surfshark running smoothly, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are some best practices to avoid future “different vpn detected” headaches.

Best Practices for VPN Usage

One VPN at a Time: The golden rule is to only have one active VPN application running at a time. Trying to run multiple VPNs simultaneously on the same device is a recipe for connection issues, slower speeds, and instability.
Regularly Update Your Apps: Keep Surfshark, your operating system, and all other security software updated. Updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements that can prevent conflicts.
Clean Uninstalls: If you ever decide to switch VPN providers or stop using a particular VPN, make sure to perform a complete uninstall, including removing old drivers and network connections.
Monitor Background Processes: Occasionally, check your system’s background processes to ensure no old VPN services or proxy applications are inadvertently running.

Understanding VPN Protocols What Type of VPN is Surfshark

Surfshark is a versatile VPN service that supports several industry-standard protocols, each with its own strengths. Knowing a bit about them can help you choose the best setting for your needs, especially if you’re trying to bypass a restrictive network or solve a connection issue.

Surfshark primarily uses three main protocols:

WireGuard: This is the newest and often fastest protocol. It’s known for its lightweight code and excellent performance, making it a great choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and gaming.
OpenVPN: An open-source classic, OpenVPN is highly regarded for its robust security and wide compatibility. It’s available in two main forms: UDP faster, often preferred and TCP more reliable over unstable networks. If you’re facing detection issues or trying to bypass tough firewalls, OpenVPN UDP is frequently recommended due to its Camouflage mode obfuscation capabilities.
IKEv2/IPSec: This protocol is generally very fast and stable, especially when switching between networks like moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data. It’s a popular choice for mobile devices.

Surfshark automatically tries to pick the best protocol for your connection, but you can manually switch between them in the app’s settings if you’re troubleshooting or want to prioritize speed or security in a specific scenario. Surfshark OpenVPN: Your Comprehensive Guide to Manual Setup and Beyond

What if I Need Multiple VPNs?

Sometimes, you might feel like you need “surfshark vs other vpn” solutions, or even to run two VPNs at once, perhaps for a work network and personal browsing. It’s a common thought, but it comes with some serious caveats.

The Risks of Running Multiple VPNs

Attempting to run two VPN clients simultaneously on the same device is generally not recommended. Here’s why:

Connectivity Conflicts: As we’ve discussed, this is the primary issue. Two VPNs trying to control network routing at the same time will likely lead to instability, dropped connections, or complete inability to connect to either.
Performance Hit: Even if you somehow manage to get them both working, your internet speed will likely plummet. Encrypting your traffic once already adds overhead. doing it twice layers that overhead, significantly slowing down your connection.
Security Concerns Paradoxically: While it might sound like “double encryption” would make you more secure, it can actually introduce vulnerabilities. The complexity of running two VPNs increases the chances of misconfigurations, DNS leaks, or other issues that could expose your real IP address or traffic. It might even lead to the VPN connections failing altogether, leaving you unprotected.
“VPN Chaining” vs. “Running Simultaneously”: There’s a difference between “VPN chaining” where traffic goes through one VPN server, then to another, usually configured on a router or through advanced setups and running two separate VPN applications on the same device. Surfshark offers a “MultiHop” feature which is a controlled, secure form of VPN chaining, routing your traffic through two different VPN servers within their network. This is designed for security and stability. Trying to do it yourself with two different providers’ apps is highly problematic.

Alternatives to Running Concurrent VPNs

If you have a legitimate need for different VPN connections e.g., one for work, one for personal use, consider these safer alternatives: How to Change Location on Surfshark VPN

Dedicated Devices: Use a separate device for each VPN purpose. For example, your work laptop for your company’s VPN and your personal device for Surfshark.
Virtual Machines: Set up a virtual machine VM on your computer. You can run one VPN on your host operating system and another inside the VM, isolating their network traffic.
Router-Level VPN for one VPN + Device-Level VPN for another: You could configure Surfshark or another VPN on your router to protect all devices on your home network. Then, for specific tasks requiring a different VPN, use that VPN’s app directly on a single device, knowing that it will override the router-level VPN for that device’s traffic. Just be aware of the performance impact on that one device. Surfshark offers guides for setting up VPNs on routers.
Surfshark’s Bypasser Split Tunneling: Surfshark’s Bypasser feature also called Whitelister on some platforms allows you to choose which apps or websites should bypass the VPN connection and which should go through it. This way, you can configure sensitive apps to use Surfshark while other apps perhaps those that require a different VPN connection or are locally networked use your regular internet or another specified connection without conflict.

Common Surfshark Connection Issues

Beyond the “another VPN detected” message, sometimes Surfshark just struggles to connect, leading to messages like “surfshark vpn not connecting” or “surfshark vpn issues.” These are often simpler to troubleshoot.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If Surfshark isn’t connecting, try these quick fixes:

Check Your Internet Connection: First things first, make sure your regular internet connection is working perfectly without the VPN. A weak or unstable connection will prevent any VPN from working properly.
Restart the Surfshark App: Close the Surfshark app completely and then reopen it. Simple, but effective!
Try Different Servers: As mentioned before, a particular server might be overloaded or temporarily down. Switch to another server, preferably one close to your physical location for better speeds.
Change VPN Protocol: Experiment with different protocols within the Surfshark app WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2. OpenVPN UDP is often a good starting point for general connectivity issues.
Update Surfshark: Ensure your Surfshark application is running the latest version. Outdated software can have bugs or compatibility issues.
Check for Antivirus/Firewall Blocking: Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to see if they’re blocking Surfshark. If this resolves the issue, add Surfshark to their exception lists.
Disable IPv6: Sometimes IPv6 can interfere. Try disabling it in your network adapter settings.
Clear Browser Cache/Cookies: If you’re having trouble accessing specific websites or streaming services while connected to Surfshark, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This can help prevent websites from detecting previous location data.
Reset Network Settings: On Windows, performing a network reset can clear out old configurations that might be causing problems.
Contact Support: If none of these work, Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support team is your best bet for more specific diagnostics and solutions.

By systematically going through these steps, you can usually resolve most Surfshark connection problems and get back to browsing safely and privately. How to Get Surfshark VPN on Your Samsung TV: Your Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “another VPN was detected and may interfere with Surfshark” mean?

This message means Surfshark has found evidence of another Virtual Private Network VPN application or related network configurations on your device that could conflict with its operation. It’s a warning that these conflicts can lead to unstable connections, slower speeds, or the VPN failing to connect altogether.

How do I fix “surfshark another vpn detected” if I don’t have another VPN installed?

If you’re certain you don’t have another VPN installed, the issue likely stems from residual files like old TAP drivers from a previously uninstalled VPN, or interference from your antivirus/firewall software. You should try to uninstall any old VPN drivers manually, add Surfshark to your security software’s exception list, or temporarily disable IPv6 in your network settings. Resetting your network settings can also help.

Can I run Surfshark and another VPN at the same time?

It’s generally not recommended to run Surfshark and another VPN application simultaneously on the same device. This usually leads to conflicts, unstable connections, significantly reduced speeds, and potential security vulnerabilities. If you need to route traffic through multiple VPNs, Surfshark’s MultiHop feature provides a secure way to do this within its own network. Getting Surfshark’s OpenVPN Up and Running on Your Mac: A Complete Guide

What kind of VPN is Surfshark?

Surfshark is a commercial VPN service known for its strong security features, fast speeds, and user-friendly applications. It uses modern and secure VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, along with AES-256-GCM encryption. It offers features like CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, a Kill Switch, Bypasser split tunneling, NoBorders mode for restrictive networks, and MultiHop for double encryption.

Why is my Surfshark VPN not connecting even after I fixed the “other VPN detected” issue?

If Surfshark still isn’t connecting, try these common troubleshooting steps: ensure your internet connection is stable, switch to a different Surfshark server, try changing your VPN protocol OpenVPN UDP is a good starting point, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or update your Surfshark app to the latest version. If all else fails, contact Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support for personalized assistance.

Does Surfshark have a contact number for customer service?

While Surfshark primarily offers 24/7 customer support via live chat on their website and through email, they generally do not widely publicize a direct customer service phone number. Their live chat is usually very responsive and effective for troubleshooting.

What’s the difference between Surfshark and Ghost VPN or CyberGhost VPN?

Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN are both popular, highly-rated VPN services, but they have some differences. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and features like NoBorders, MultiHop, and IP Rotator. CyberGhost generally has a larger server count and offers specialized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, but usually has a limit on simultaneous connections. Both are known for strong security, audited no-logs policies, and good speeds, often supporting WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Your choice might depend on specific features you prioritize.

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Surfshark Saying “Another VPN Detected”? Here’s How to Fix It!