Surfshark is a widely recognized VPN service that offers excellent privacy, security, and a variety of servers to choose from. However, like any software, users may occasionally encounter issues with connecting to Surfshark servers. Whether you’re facing a slow or failed connection, it can be frustrating, especially when you rely on Surfshark for secure and anonymous browsing.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most common reasons why Surfshark may not be connecting and provide simple, effective solutions to fix the problem. If you’re experiencing connection issues with Surfshark, understanding the cause is the first step to resolving it. We’ll explore common causes such as network problems, app settings, and device compatibility issues, offering a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and solutions.
Common Reasons Why Surfshark Won’t Connect
There are a variety of reasons why Surfshark may fail to connect. It could be an issue with your internet connection, app configuration, or settings on your device. Let’s break down some of the most common causes of connection problems with Surfshark:
1. Poor or Unstable Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons for connection issues with Surfshark is an unstable or slow internet connection. A reliable internet connection is necessary to establish a stable connection with Surfshark servers. If your connection drops frequently or if there is high latency, the VPN connection will fail.
- How to fix it: First, check your internet connection. Ensure that your Wi-Fi or data connection is stable. If you’re using Wi-Fi, consider moving closer to your router or switching to a wired connection. You can also try restarting your modem or router to fix any temporary network issues.
2. Incorrect Server Selection
Sometimes, Surfshark may not connect because you’ve selected a server that’s either too far from your location or experiencing heavy traffic. If the server is overloaded or not responsive, your VPN connection may fail.
- How to fix it: Try switching to a different server. Surfshark has servers in over 60 countries, so you can easily select a different location. The app often automatically connects you to the fastest server, but manually choosing a different one can help solve the problem.
3. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the VPN
Many firewalls, antivirus programs, or security software may mistakenly block your VPN connection. This can prevent Surfshark from successfully establishing a connection. These programs are designed to protect your device, but they may interfere with the VPN service.
- How to fix it: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to see if the connection issue is resolved. If Surfshark connects after disabling security software, you will need to adjust the settings to allow Surfshark to bypass the firewall or antivirus. Adding Surfshark to the list of allowed apps or setting up an exception rule should solve this problem.
4. Obfuscated Servers and Protocol Issues
Surfshark offers the option to use obfuscated servers, which are designed to bypass restrictions in countries with heavy internet censorship. If you are trying to connect to an obfuscated server, but the server or protocol is not correctly configured, Surfshark may fail to connect.
- How to fix it: Ensure that you are using the correct server and protocol. Obfuscated servers often require the OpenVPN protocol to work properly. You can adjust the protocol settings in Surfshark’s app under the “Settings” menu. If you’re unsure about which protocol to use, OpenVPN and WireGuard are generally the best choices for stability.
5. Outdated Surfshark App
An outdated version of the Surfshark app may also cause connection problems. VPN providers release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and ensure that their service is compatible with the latest devices and operating systems. Running an older version of the app can lead to compatibility issues, including failed connections.
- How to fix it: Check for updates in the App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your device. Ensure that you have the latest version of the Surfshark app installed. You can also visit Surfshark’s official website to download the latest version for desktop users.
6. Device Compatibility Issues
Surfshark is compatible with most devices and operating systems, but certain devices or outdated operating systems may struggle to connect. This is particularly true if you’re using an older smartphone, tablet, or computer that doesn’t support the latest VPN protocols or encryption standards.
- How to fix it: Make sure your device is running the latest operating system updates. For mobile devices, check if there are any updates available in the App Store or Google Play Store. For computers, make sure your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates installed.
7. Network Restrictions or Censorship
If you’re using Surfshark in a country where internet access is heavily restricted or censored, you may face connection issues. Some countries block VPN connections altogether or restrict VPN usage. In these cases, the local network may interfere with Surfshark’s ability to establish a secure connection.
- How to fix it: If you are in a country with strict censorship, you may need to use Surfshark’s obfuscated servers or configure your connection to bypass government restrictions. Surfshark has specific features designed to overcome network restrictions in countries like China and Russia.
8. Account or Subscription Issues
In some cases, Surfshark might not connect due to issues related to your account or subscription. If there are payment issues, expired subscriptions, or problems with your account status, the VPN service may refuse to connect.
- How to fix it: Check your account details on the Surfshark website. Make sure your subscription is active and that your payment has been successfully processed. If there are any issues with your account, you may need to contact Surfshark support for assistance.
9. DNS or IP Leaks
Sometimes, DNS or IP leaks can interfere with the VPN connection. These leaks may occur if there is an issue with the way your device is routing traffic. When this happens, Surfshark may struggle to establish a connection.
- How to fix it: Enable DNS leak protection in Surfshark’s app settings. You can also check if your IP is leaking by visiting websites that check for IP and DNS leaks. If you experience leaks, it might be necessary to manually configure the DNS settings on your device.
10. Overloaded VPN Server
While Surfshark boasts a large network of servers, some servers may become overloaded due to heavy usage. If you try to connect to a server that’s experiencing high traffic, your connection might fail.
- How to fix it: Try switching to a less popular server. Surfshark often provides information about server load, so you can choose a server with lower traffic. Additionally, using the auto-connect feature may help Surfshark automatically connect you to a server with the best available performance.
Troubleshooting Solutions for Surfshark Not Connecting
Now that we’ve identified the most common causes of connection issues with Surfshark, let’s look at some troubleshooting steps to help you fix the problem:
1. Restart Your Device and App
The simplest troubleshooting step is restarting your device and the Surfshark app. Sometimes, a fresh start can resolve minor glitches and connectivity issues.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that your internet connection is working properly. If you’re using Wi-Fi, check the signal strength and try switching to a different network. If you’re on mobile data, try connecting to Wi-Fi to ensure a stable connection.
3. Change Server Locations
Switch to a different server to see if the connection improves. If the current server is overloaded, try another one from a different region.
4. Update Surfshark App
Make sure that you are using the latest version of Surfshark. Check for updates in the app store or the official Surfshark website to ensure you’re on the most recent version.
5. Disable Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Temporarily disable any third-party firewall or antivirus software that could be blocking the VPN connection. Ensure that Surfshark is allowed to connect through these security programs.
6. Use Obfuscated Servers
If you are in a country with internet restrictions, use Surfshark’s obfuscated servers. These servers are designed to bypass censorship and help you maintain a stable connection.
7. Reinstall the Surfshark App
If none of the above steps work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Surfshark app. This will remove any corrupted files or settings that might be causing the issue.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating when Surfshark won’t connect, there are several common reasons for the problem, as well as simple solutions to try. From checking your internet connection to updating the app or switching servers, most connection issues can be easily resolved. If you continue to experience difficulties, Surfshark’s customer support team is available to assist you with troubleshooting and provide further help.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to enjoy uninterrupted service with Surfshark and secure browsing wherever you go.
