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Surfshark Keeps Disconnecting

Ongoing Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Random Surfshark drops are usually a busy server or an unstable protocol on your network. Switch to WireGuard, use a different nearby server, and remove conflicting apps; contact support if drops continue on every server.

Most likely fix: Switch the protocol to WireGuard.

Symptoms

VPN drops every 20 minutes or so, games or Steam disconnect, or the app silently loses the tunnel.

Why it happens

  • Overloaded or flagged server
  • Unstable protocol on your network
  • Other VPN, firewall or security software interfering
  • Device sleep or power saving killing the connection

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Switch the protocol to WireGuard

    1. Go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol
    2. Select WireGuard (Surfshark's own recommendation for stability)
    3. Reconnect

  2. 2. Change server

    1. Connect to a different location, ideally nearby
    2. Watch whether drops follow you to every server

  3. 3. Remove conflicts and restart

    1. Close other VPNs, proxies and network tools
    2. Restart the device, especially after sleep or hibernation

  4. 4. Contact support with diagnostics

    1. If drops happen on all servers and protocols, contact Surfshark live chat
    2. Mention the server, protocol and time of the drops

This guide also covers

  • surfshark keeps disconnecting
  • surfshark disconnects randomly
  • surfshark connection drops

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