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How to set up Surfshark VPN on iOS

Updated:


Note: The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark, which will be updated in the future.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN app on your iPhone or iPad.

To follow the instructions, you will need to have an iOS device running iOS 13 or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription. You can purchase a subscription on our pricing page if you don't have it yet.

You will learn how to:

  1. Install the Surfshark app
  2. Log into the Surfshark app
  3. Connect to the VPN
  4. Manage Surfshark locations
  5. Manage Surfshark features
  6. Manage Surfshark settings

To follow the instructions in this tutorial, you will need to have an iOS device running iOS 13 or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription. If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can purchase it on our pricing page.

 

Install the Surfshark app

  1. Locate the App Store app on your device and open it.


  2. Search for Surfshark and tap on the download icon. Once you do, the installation will start.

Log into the Surfshark app

  1. Once the installation is complete, close the App Store and locate the Surfshark app on your device. Tap the Surfshark icon, and the app will open.
  2. If you already have an active subscription, log in as an Existing User.

    If you don't have the subscription yet, feel free to sign up by clicking Create Account.


  3. Enter your registered email and password and tap Log In.

Connect to the VPN

Once you log in, you will land on the Homepage of your Surfshark app.

  1. When making a VPN connection the first time, Surfshark will need to add VPN configurations to your device. That is necessary for Surfshark to be able to create and manage the VPN tunnel.

    Once you tap connect, you will get a pop-up. Make sure to tap Allow.


  2. Connect to one of Surfshark servers. You can simply tap the Quick-connect button, and the app will connect you to the fastest server available.


  3. Also, you may choose your default location to be the fastest server or the nearest country. To do that, tap the Change button.
  4. Choose between the Fastest, the Nearest server, or any location of your choice. Your Quick-connect location will save automatically.
  5. You will get a notification once the connection is successful. The connection status will also appear on the homepage of your Surfshark app. If it says Connected and safe, your internet connection is secured.


    Here, you can see your VPN IP address, the protocol in use, and the total time you are connected to the VPN.

Manage Surfshark locations

Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it!


To manually choose a server, go to the Locations tab, and you will find the full list of Surfshark locations. Tap on the flag icon of your preferred location, and you will connect to it.


You can also favorite the locations of your choice by tapping the star on the right of it. Your favorite locations will then appear at the top of the Locations tab list.


You can also see Static IP, MultiHop, and Dedicated IP tabs at the top of the Surfshark app.


Static IP – you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.

MultiHop – you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.

Dedicated IP – you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You have to purchase it separately.

Manage Surfshark features

Open the One tab in your Surfshark app. You will find 3 products there. To use them, you have to have an active Surfshark ONE subscription.


  • Surfshark Alert – a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases.

  • Alternative ID – a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.

  • Surfshark Search –  a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.

Manage Surfshark settings

Manage the Surfshark app according to your preferences.

  1. Open the Settings tab at the bottom right.


    The Earn free months enables you to get free months of Surfshark by recommending it to your friends. Open it to get a unique link to share or find the rewards. Learn how to join the Surfshark referral program.

  2. Select the VPN Settings.

    Here, you can do the following:

    • Change the connection protocol.

    • Edit Quick-connect. It allows you to choose which location you want to be connected directly from the main screen.

    • Enable Surfshark CleanWeb feature. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
    • Enable Auto-connect. It automatically connects you to the VPN as soon as it finds Wi-Fi or ethernet connection or if you restart the app.
    • Enable Surfshark KillSwitch feature. It protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.
    • Access the Surfshark Bypasser feature. It allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.
  3. By scrolling down lower in VPN Settings, you can also find Advanced Settings. 

    Here, you can do the following:

    • Enable Rotating IP. It’s a feature that changes your IP address on the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.

    • Enable Surfshark NoBorders feature. It helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.

    • Enable the Invisible on LAN. It’s a feature that makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.
  4. Go back and switch to My account.


    Here, you will find all the information about your subscription there, along with the option to delete your account.


  5. Now, tap on App Settings.


    Here, you can see the current version of your Surfshark app, change App appearance (dark, light, or one that follows your device's theme), change the App language, and, finally, configure what kind of notifications are visible.


  6. Lastly, there is the Get help tab.

    Here, you can do the following:

    • Contact our customer support.
    • Manage your previous conversations with Surfshark support agents.
    • Provide diagnostics from your Surfshark app if you experience an issue.
    • Reset your VPN profile.
    • Accessing our Help Center guides.
    • Access our Privacy policy and Terms of service.




You may also be interested in:

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    2. Common terms used in the VPN world
    3. What speed can I expect with a VPN? Are there any bandwidth limitations?
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