Surfshark Disconnecting: How to Fix

Key Features and Common Issues

Surfshark is a popular VPN choice among Indian users, thanks to its user-friendly interface and robust features. However, many users face disconnection issues that can be frustrating. Understanding the common problems can help you in troubleshooting effectively.

• Server Selection: Disconnections can occur due to unstable server connections. Selecting a server that is congested or far away can lead to connectivity issues.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) Throttling: ISPs like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL may throttle VPN traffic, causing frequent disconnects.
• Firewall Interference: Firewalls on your device or network may block the VPN connection, leading to unexpected drops.
• Protocol Mismatch: Using an incompatible VPN protocol can affect stability and speed.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fix Surfshark Disconnecting Issues

1. Change the Server Location

Switching to a different server location can resolve connectivity issues. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Surfshark app.
2. Click on the “Location” tab.
3. Select a different server from the list.
4. Reconnect and test your connection.

2. Change the VPN Protocol

Sometimes, changing the VPN protocol can improve stability:

1. Open the Surfshark app.
2. Go to “Settings” and find “VPN Protocol.”
3. Choose a different protocol (e.g., IKEv2 or OpenVPN).
4. Reconnect to the VPN.

3. Disable Your Firewall Temporarily

If your firewall is blocking the VPN connection, temporarily disabling it may help:

1. Navigate to your computer’s firewall settings.
2. Disable the firewall and try reconnecting to Surfshark.
3. If successful, consider adding Surfshark to the firewall’s exception list.

4. Check for ISP Throttling

ISPs in India may throttle VPN traffic, leading to frequent disconnects. You might want to:

1. Contact your ISP to inquire about VPN throttling policies.
2. Try connecting to a different ISP network (e.g., switch from Jio to Airtel).
3. Use obfuscation features if available in Surfshark.

5. Reinstall Surfshark

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try reinstalling the app:

1. Uninstall Surfshark from your device.
2. Download the latest version from the official website.
3. Reinstall and log in to your account.

Tips Specific to Indian Users

• Choose Local Servers: For better speed and stability, opt for servers located in India. This minimizes latency and improves connection quality.
• Check for Network Congestion: Test your internet speed on your ISP’s network. If speeds are slow, it may not be a Surfshark issue but rather your internet connection.
• Utilize Split Tunneling: If you only need the VPN for specific applications, use the split tunneling feature available in Surfshark to manage bandwidth effectively.
• Streaming Services: If you are streaming content from Indian platforms, ensure you connect to a server that is optimized for streaming. Some servers are better suited for specific services.

Security Considerations

While troubleshooting disconnection issues, it’s important to keep security in mind:

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your Surfshark account is protected with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: If available, enable two-factor authentication for additional security on your account.
• Regularly Update the VPN App: Keep your Surfshark app updated to benefit from the latest security features and bug fixes.
• Monitor Connection Logs: Check the connection logs for any unusual activity that could indicate a security issue.

Alternative Solutions or Recommendations

If you continue to experience disconnection issues with Surfshark, consider these alternatives:

• Explore Other VPN Services: If Surfshark proves unreliable, consider other Indian-friendly VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which may offer better stability with Indian ISPs.
• Contact Customer Support: Reach out to Surfshark's customer support for personalized troubleshooting assistance.
• Test Your Internet Connection: Use speed test tools to ensure your internet connection is stable and fast enough for VPN usage.
• Explore Alternative Protocols: If your current VPN protocol is causing issues, consider switching to other VPN services that might offer better protocol choices.