Surfshark Not Working: How to Fix

Key Features or Common Issues

When using Surfshark VPN, you might encounter several common issues that can hinder your browsing experience. Understanding these issues will help you troubleshoot effectively. Here are some key features followed by common problems:

• Multiple Device Support: Surfshark allows unlimited devices under one subscription, which is great for families or multiple devices.
• Bypass Geo-Restrictions: It helps users access content from various countries, including popular streaming services like Netflix India, Prime Video, and Hotstar.
• Camouflage Mode: This feature makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which can be useful in India where ISPs may throttle VPN connections.
• Common Issues:
  • Connection Errors
  • Slow Speeds
  • Unable to Access Streaming Services
  • DNS Leaks

Step-by-Step Instructions for Troubleshooting

1. Checking Your Internet Connection

Before diving into Surfshark-specific troubleshooting, ensure your internet connection is stable. Disconnect and reconnect your Wi-Fi or switch to mobile data using Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, or BSNL to see if the issue persists.

2. Restart the Surfshark App

Sometimes, simply restarting the app can resolve minor glitches. Close the app completely and reopen it. If the issue remains, proceed to the next steps.

3. Change VPN Server Location

Surfshark offers numerous servers across different countries. If you're facing issues connecting to a specific server, try switching to another server. This can help especially if the server is overloaded or facing issues.

4. Check for DNS Leaks

DNS leaks can expose your browsing activities. To check for leaks:

• Visit a DNS leak test website.
• Run the test while connected to Surfshark.
• If leaks are detected, enable the kill switch in the settings, which will block internet access if the VPN connection drops.

5. Adjust Protocol Settings

Surfshark allows you to change the VPN protocol. If you are experiencing slow speeds or connection issues, try switching between protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, or WireGuard. You can do this in the app settings under 'VPN Protocol'.

6. Reinstall the App

If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling the Surfshark app can reset any incorrect configurations. Here’s how:

• Uninstall the Surfshark app from your device.
• Visit the Surfshark website to download the latest version.
• Install the app and log in with your credentials.

Tips Specific to Indian Users

1. ISP-Specific Issues

In India, ISPs like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL can interfere with VPN connections. If you're facing issues, try the following:

• Contact your ISP to check if they are blocking VPN traffic.
• Use the Camouflage Mode in Surfshark to hide your VPN usage.

2. Streaming Services Accessibility

Many Indian users rely on Surfshark to access streaming services. If you can't access platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video:

• Try connecting to different server locations. Some servers are optimized for streaming.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies, as stored data may affect access.

3. Mobile Data Considerations

Using mobile data can sometimes lead to throttling by ISPs. If you're on Jio or Airtel, ensure you have a strong signal and enough data. Consider switching to a Wi-Fi connection if issues persist.

Security Considerations

While Surfshark is designed with security in mind, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Enable the Kill Switch: This feature prevents any data leaks when your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
• Use Whitelister: This allows you to choose which apps can bypass the VPN, ensuring better speeds for trusted applications.
• Regularly Update the App: Ensure you have the latest version of Surfshark for the best security features and fixes.
• Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi Risks: Always connect to Surfshark when using public Wi-Fi networks to protect your data from potential breaches.

Alternative Solutions or Recommendations

If you continue to experience issues with Surfshark, consider these alternative solutions:

• Contact Surfshark Support: Their customer support is available 24/7 and can assist with specific issues.
• Try Alternative VPNs: If Surfshark consistently fails to meet your needs, explore other reputable VPNs available in India such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or CyberGhost.
• Check for Software Conflicts: Ensure no firewall or antivirus software is interfering with your VPN connection. Temporarily disable them to see if the issue resolves.
• Utilize Split Tunneling: If you're using Surfshark for specific applications, consider enabling split tunneling to maintain speed while accessing other services without the VPN.