Struggling to get your Surfshark VPN to connect? I totally get how frustrating that can be! You’re trying to protect your online privacy or access some content, and suddenly, your Surfshark VPN isn’t connecting, or maybe your Surfshark VPN connected but no internet. It feels like hitting a brick wall, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and it’s usually something pretty straightforward to fix. This guide is all about helping you troubleshoot those pesky Surfshark connection errors, getting your Surfshark VPN cannot connect issues sorted, and making sure your internet access is back up and running smoothly. We’ll walk through everything from simple restarts to a few more advanced tweaks, covering common reasons like why is my Surfshark not connecting and why your Surfshark won’t connect on different devices. Let’s dive in and get you back to browsing securely!

Table of Contents

Quick Fixes for When Surfshark Won’t Connect

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, sometimes all it takes is a quick reset. Think of these as your go-to “turn it off and on again” solutions for when your Surfshark won’t connect or you’re seeing a Surfshark VPN connection error.

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1. Restart Everything

Seriously, this solves an surprising amount of tech issues.

Restart the Surfshark app: Just close it completely and open it again.
Restart your device: Give your computer, phone, or tablet a full reboot. This clears out temporary glitches that might be causing your Surfshark VPN not connecting problem.
Restart your router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. A fresh internet connection can work wonders.

2. Try a Different Server Location

Sometimes, a specific server might be overcrowded, undergoing maintenance, or facing temporary issues. If your Surfshark VPN cannot connect, try switching to another server.

Open the Surfshark app and go to the “Locations” tab.
Pick a different server, especially one that appears less busy you can often see a load indicator next to the server name.
If you need a server in a specific country, try selecting a different city within that country.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

It might sound obvious, but your VPN can’t work if your basic internet isn’t stable. Decoding Surfshark: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Privacy and Security

Disconnect from Surfshark and try to browse the internet normally.
Run a quick internet speed test to make sure your connection is strong enough.
If your internet is spotty, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.

If these quick steps don’t solve your why won’t my Surfshark VPN connect issue, let’s dig a bit deeper into the more common culprits.

Common Reasons Your Surfshark VPN Isn’t Connecting and How to Fix Them

It’s like peeling back an onion. there could be a few layers to why your Surfshark isn’t connecting. Here’s a breakdown of the usual suspects and how to tackle them.

Outdated Surfshark App or Operating System

Running an old version of the Surfshark app or your device’s operating system like Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android can definitely lead to connection problems. VPN providers are constantly updating their apps to improve performance, fix bugs, and bypass new network restrictions. Surfshark VPN: Your Go-To Guide for Online Freedom and Security

How to Fix: Update Your Apps and OS

Update Surfshark: Check your app store Google Play Store, Apple App Store or the Surfshark website for the latest version of the app. Install any available updates.
Update your OS: Make sure your device’s operating system is also up to date. Sometimes older OS versions can clash with modern VPN software.

Conflicting Applications Antivirus, Firewall, Other VPNs

This is a big one! Security software designed to protect your device can sometimes be a bit overzealous and block your VPN connection, seeing it as a potential threat. Also, if you have other VPN apps or network-modifying software installed, they can create conflicts.

How to Fix: Disable or Configure Interfering Apps

Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall: Try turning off your antivirus or firewall software for a few minutes and then attempt to connect Surfshark. If it connects, you’ve found your culprit!
Add Surfshark to exceptions: If your security software is the problem, add Surfshark to its list of trusted applications or exceptions. Most antivirus programs have a section for “exclusions” or “whitelisting.”
Uninstall other VPNs: If you have any other VPN applications installed, it’s best to uninstall them completely. Different VPNs can use conflicting connection configurations.
Check other network-modifying apps: Things like ad blockers, specific network monitoring tools, or file-sharing apps might also interfere. Try disabling them one by one to see if the connection improves.

VPN Protocol Issues

VPN protocols are the “rules” that dictate how your secure connection is established. Surfshark offers several protocols, each with its strengths in terms of speed, security, and stability like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Sometimes, a specific protocol might not work well with your network, or the one you’re currently using is being blocked.

How to Fix: Change Your VPN Protocol

Open Surfshark Settings: Go to the Surfshark app’s settings.
Find VPN Settings/Protocol: Look for a “VPN Settings” or “Protocol” section.
Experiment with protocols: Try switching to a different protocol.
- OpenVPN UDP is often recommended for bypassing network restrictions and offers a good balance of speed and security.
- WireGuard is generally very fast and modern, often considered the industry standard for speed and security.
- IKEv2 is known for its stability and quick reconnections, especially good for mobile devices as you switch networks.
After changing the protocol, try connecting to a server again.

DNS Problems

DNS Domain Name System acts like an internet phonebook, translating website names into IP addresses. If your device’s DNS settings are incorrect or being interfered with, it can prevent your VPN from connecting or lead to the “Surfshark VPN connected but no internet” scenario. Your Internet Service Provider ISP usually assigns default DNS servers, but these can sometimes be problematic.

How to Fix: Use Custom DNS Settings

Change DNS on your device: You can manually configure your device to use Surfshark’s private DNS servers or public ones like Google DNS 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1.
- For Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your active connection, select Properties, then Internet Protocol Version 4 TCP/IPv4 > Properties. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter your preferred DNS.
- For macOS: Go to System Settings > Network, select your active connection, click Details/Advanced, then the DNS tab. Add new DNS servers.
- For Android/iOS: This is usually found in your Wi-Fi settings for the connected network. Long-press the network, select “Modify network” or “Configure DNS,” and set it to manual.
Activate Surfshark Smart DNS: If you’re looking to unblock geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps like Smart TVs or gaming consoles, Surfshark’s Smart DNS can be a good alternative. You’ll need to activate it in your Surfshark account dashboard for your real IP address and then manually configure the DNS settings on your device.

Network Restrictions IPv6, ISP Throttling, Parental Controls

Some networks, especially public Wi-Fi, workplaces, or schools, might have strict firewalls or network configurations that block VPN traffic. Also, your ISP might be actively throttling or restricting VPN usage. IPv6, a newer internet protocol, can sometimes cause conflicts with VPNs if not handled correctly.

How to Fix: Disable IPv6, Test Different Networks

Disable IPv6: On your device’s network adapter settings similar to where you’d change DNS, look for Internet Protocol Version 6 TCP/IPv6 and uncheck it. This can sometimes resolve connection issues.
Test different networks: Try connecting Surfshark on a different network – your home Wi-Fi, mobile data/hotspot, or a friend’s Wi-Fi. If it works on another network, your original network likely has restrictions.
Check router settings: If you’re on your home network, check your router’s settings for “VPN Passthrough” and ensure it’s enabled. Also, look for any built-in firewalls or parental controls that might be blocking VPN connections.

Surfshark Login Problems

Sometimes, the issue isn’t even about the connection itself, but about logging into your Surfshark account. You might see errors like “too many login attempts” or “unable to reach Surfshark systems.” Ivacy VPN vs. Surfshark: The Ultimate VPN Showdown

How to Fix: Address Login Specifics

Double-check credentials: Make sure your email and password are absolutely correct. It’s easy to make a typo.
Reset password: If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot password” option on the Surfshark website or app.
Wait after “too many attempts”: If you get the “too many login attempts” error, your IP address might be temporarily blocked. Wait about 10-15 minutes and try again. Switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data or vice versa can also change your IP and help you log in.
Login with code: If you’re logged into Surfshark on another device, you can often use a “Login with code” feature for a quicker sign-in on the problematic device.
Disconnect other VPNs even for login: If another VPN is running, even during login, it might interfere. Disconnect it first.
Try a different browser/incognito: If you’re trying to log in via the website, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or try an incognito/private browsing window.

Surfshark Won’t Connect in Restrictive Countries e.g., China

Countries with strong internet censorship, often referred to as “the Great Firewall,” actively try to block VPN connections. This can make connecting Surfshark a bit more challenging.

How to Fix: Special Measures for Restrictive Regions

Activate NoBorders mode: Surfshark’s NoBorders mode is specifically designed for these situations. It automatically detects network restrictions and provides a list of servers that can bypass them. Check your Surfshark app settings to enable it.
Experiment with protocols: For restrictive networks, try switching protocols. OpenVPN especially UDP with obfuscation is often more effective as it disguises your VPN traffic. Manual WireGuard connections are also recommended by Surfshark for China.
Try various servers: Keep trying different server locations, including those closer to your physical location e.g., Hong Kong or Singapore if you’re in China and various international options.
Manual connection: Surfshark support often recommends setting up a manual connection using the WireGuard protocol if the app itself struggles. They have guides for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS.
Consider local cellular providers: Some local internet providers might be more lenient with VPN traffic than others. If you have options, it might be worth investigating.

When All Else Fails: Contact Surfshark Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and your Surfshark VPN still won’t connect, don’t give up! Surfshark has 24/7 customer support via live chat or email. They can offer personalized troubleshooting based on your specific situation, device, and network. They’re often able to provide tailored solutions or suggest specific server configurations that might work for you.

Remember to provide them with as much detail as possible: what device you’re using, which server you’re trying to connect to, what error messages you’re seeing, and what steps you’ve already tried. This helps them narrow down the problem much faster. Surfshark iOS Review: Your iPhone’s Ultimate Privacy Upgrade?

Keeping Your Connection Stable

Once you’ve got your Surfshark VPN connecting reliably, here are a few general tips to help maintain a stable connection and avoid future “Surfshark won’t connect” issues:

Keep Surfshark updated: Regularly update the app to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.
Monitor server load: If possible, try to connect to servers that show lower user loads to ensure better speeds and stability.
Use the Kill Switch: Surfshark’s Kill Switch feature automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP from being exposed. While it doesn’t prevent connection issues, it protects your privacy if they occur.
Check your actual IP: After connecting, it’s always a good practice to visit a site like surfshark.com/check or a general “What’s my IP?” website to confirm your IP address has indeed changed and your VPN is working correctly. This is important because sometimes the app might say it’s connected, but your traffic isn’t actually protected.

Getting your VPN to work seamlessly is key to a secure online experience. By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you’ll likely resolve most issues you encounter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Surfshark VPN connected but no internet?

If Surfshark shows as connected but you can’t access the internet, it’s often a DNS issue, an interfering firewall/antivirus, or a problem with the specific VPN server or protocol you’re using. Try switching to a different server or protocol OpenVPN UDP is a good starting point, checking your device’s DNS settings consider using custom DNS, and temporarily disabling any security software that might be blocking traffic. Also, ensure your base internet connection is stable.

How do I fix Surfshark not connecting on my iPhone/Android?

For mobile devices, common fixes include restarting the Surfshark app and your phone, trying different VPN server locations, and especially experimenting with different VPN protocols in the app’s settings IKEv2 or WireGuard are often fast and stable for mobile, but OpenVPN UDP can help bypass restrictions. Also, check for app updates, ensure no other VPNs or security apps are interfering, and try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data to rule out network restrictions.

What does “Surfshark VPN cannot connect” mean?

This error typically means the Surfshark app is unable to establish a secure connection with its VPN servers. This could be due to a variety of reasons, including a weak internet connection, an overloaded or problematic VPN server, conflicts with other software like antivirus or firewalls, incorrect VPN protocol settings, or network restrictions imposed by your ISP or local network.

Why is my Surfshark won’t connect on Firestick?

If your Surfshark won’t connect on Firestick, the troubleshooting steps are similar to other devices. First, restart the Firestick and the Surfshark app. Try connecting to several different VPN servers. Next, check the protocol settings within the Surfshark app on your Firestick and experiment with OpenVPN UDP or WireGuard. Ensure your Firestick’s network connection is stable, and temporarily disable any other network-modifying apps if present. Keeping the Surfshark app updated on your Firestick is also crucial. IPTV Not Working with Surfshark VPN? Here’s How to Fix It!

What VPN protocol should I use if Surfshark isn’t connecting?

If you’re facing connection issues, it’s a good idea to experiment with different protocols. OpenVPN UDP is often recommended as it’s great for bypassing various network restrictions and offers a good balance of speed and security. If speed is your priority and your network isn’t highly restrictive, WireGuard is a strong contender. For mobile users needing stability and quick re-connections, IKEv2 is often effective. You can change these in the Surfshark app’s settings under the “Protocol” section.

How do I know if my VPN connection is actually working after connecting Surfshark?

Even if the Surfshark app says “Connected,” it’s always a good idea to verify. The simplest way is to visit a website that tells you your IP address, like surfshark.com/check. If the IP address shown is different from your real location and matches the VPN server you connected to, your VPN is working correctly. If it shows your real IP, then despite the app’s status, your connection isn’t secure, and you should troubleshoot further.

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