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Surfshark Not Connecting

Workaround available Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux Updated October 21, 2026

Quick answer

Surfshark usually fails to connect because the protocol is blocked on your network, the chosen server is down, IPv6 is enabled, or an antivirus or other VPN is interfering. Try a few locations manually, switch protocol in Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol, then update or reinstall.

Most likely fix: Connect to several locations manually.

Symptoms

The app stays on 'Connecting', shows an error notification, or fails right after you tap Connect. It may work on one network but not another.

Why it happens

  • Network or ISP blocks the selected VPN protocol
  • The server you picked is under maintenance or overloaded
  • IPv6 enabled on the device or router (Surfshark doesn't support IPv6)
  • Antivirus, Windows Defender or another VPN/proxy app blocks the tunnel
  • Outdated or corrupted app install
  • DNS issues that stop the tunnel from finishing

How to fix it

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

  1. 1. Connect to several locations manually

    1. Don't use Quick connect; open the VPN or Locations tab
    2. Connect to a few different countries one by one
    3. If some work, the problem is the server, not the app

  2. 2. Change the VPN protocol

    1. Open Surfshark and go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol
    2. Switch from Automatic to WireGuard, then try OpenVPN (UDP) and OpenVPN (TCP)
    3. Reconnect after each change

  3. 3. Remove antivirus and VPN conflicts

    1. Add Surfshark to your antivirus or Windows Defender exclusions, or disable the antivirus temporarily
    2. Turn off or uninstall other VPNs, proxies and network tools
    3. Restart the device and try again

  4. 4. Update or reinstall the app

    1. Install the latest Surfshark version
    2. If already up to date, delete the app and reinstall it
    3. On Mac, if the App Store version fails, install from surfshark.com (or vice versa)

  5. 5. Disable IPv6

    1. On Windows, macOS, Linux or Android, follow Surfshark's guide to disable IPv6 in network settings
    2. On iPhone you can't disable it on the device; turn it off on your router or ask your ISP

  6. 6. Set a custom DNS

    1. Change the DNS servers on your device or router
    2. Surfshark's DNS addresses are 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92
    3. Reconnect to the VPN

This guide also covers

  • surfshark not connecting
  • surfshark stuck on connecting
  • surfshark vpn connection failed
  • surfshark won't connect
  • surfshark not working

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