Why is Surfshark blocking my internet? Understanding VPN connectivity issues

Are you having trouble accessing the internet while using Surfshark VPN? You’re not alone. Many users face this frustrating issue.

Surfshark might be blocking your internet due to server issues, network conflicts, or incorrect settings. I’ve dealt with this problem myself and know how annoying it can be when you’re trying to browse securely.

There are a few common reasons why this happens. Sometimes it’s a simple fix, like choosing a different server. Other times, it might require tweaking your VPN settings.

Don’t worry – I’ll walk you through some easy solutions to get you back online in no time.

Understanding VPN Connectivity

VPNs can be tricky to set up and use. Let’s look at how they work and some common issues you might face.

How VPNs Work

A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet.

When I connect to a VPN, my traffic goes through this encrypted tunnel to a VPN server. From there, it heads out to the wider internet.

This process hides my real IP address and location. Websites I visit see the VPN server’s info instead of mine. It’s like having a secret passage for my data!

VPNs use special protocols to make this happen. These protocols, like OpenVPN or WireGuard, handle the encryption and data transfer. They’re the backbone of how VPNs keep us safe online.

Common VPN Connection Issues

Sometimes, VPNs can be a bit finicky. One problem I often see is slow internet speeds. This can happen if the VPN server is far away or overloaded with users.

Another issue is when the VPN keeps disconnecting. This might be due to:

• Weak internet connection
• Firewall blocking the VPN
• Outdated VPN software

I’ve also run into cases where the VPN won’t connect at all. This could be because:

• The VPN server is down
• Wrong login info
• Incompatible VPN protocol

If you’re having trouble, try switching servers or protocols. Updating your VPN app can also fix many issues. Remember, a good VPN should work smoothly most of the time!

Diagnosing Surfshark Issues

When my Surfshark VPN blocks my internet, I know it can be frustrating. Let’s look at some common causes and how to fix them.

Surfshark App Troubleshooting Steps

First, I always check if my Surfshark app is up to date. Outdated versions can cause connection problems. I go to the app store on my device and look for any available updates.

Next, I try switching VPN protocols. In the Surfshark app settings, I toggle between options like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Sometimes one works better than others.

If that doesn’t work, I restart the app. I close Surfshark completely, wait a few seconds, then open it again. This often fixes minor glitches.

As a last resort, I reinstall the app. I uninstall Surfshark, restart my device, then download and install the latest version from Surfshark’s website.

Network Restrictions and Firewalls

My antivirus or firewall might be blocking Surfshark. I temporarily turn off these programs to see if it helps. If it does, I add Surfshark as an exception in my security software.

On Windows, I check Windows Defender settings. I make sure it’s not interfering with Surfshark’s connection.

For public Wi-Fi or work networks, I keep in mind that they might block VPN traffic. In these cases, I try connecting to a different network or using my mobile data.

VPN Server Accessibility

Sometimes the issue is with Surfshark’s servers. I try connecting to different server locations to see if one works better.

If no servers connect, I check Surfshark’s status page or social media for any reported outages or maintenance.

I also make sure my Surfshark subscription is active. An expired account won’t connect to any servers.

Lastly, I double-check my internet connection without the VPN. If it’s slow or unstable, that could be the root cause of my Surfshark issues.

Technical Solutions for Connection Problems

When Surfshark blocks your internet, a few technical tweaks can often get you back online. Let’s explore some effective solutions to restore your connection.

Adjusting VPN Settings

I’ve found that tweaking VPN settings can work wonders.

First, try switching VPN protocols. I like to start with WireGuard, as it’s fast and secure. If that doesn’t do the trick, OpenVPN is a solid backup.

Next, I suggest toggling the kill switch on and off. This can sometimes reset the connection. Don’t forget to check if split-tunneling is enabled. Turning it off might solve the issue if certain apps are causing conflicts.

Lastly, I always make sure to disable IPv6. Many VPNs don’t fully support it yet, so it can lead to leaks or connection problems.

Updating Application Software

Keeping Surfshark up-to-date is crucial. I always check for updates in the app store or on Surfshark’s website. Older versions can have bugs that cause connection issues.

If an update is available, I download and install it right away. After updating, I restart my device. This helps clear out any lingering issues from the old version.

Sometimes, a fresh install does the trick. I uninstall Surfshark completely, restart my device, and then reinstall the latest version. This can fix corrupted files or settings that might be blocking the internet.

Using Custom DNS Servers

Custom DNS servers can be a game-changer. I like to use popular options like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1. These are often faster and more reliable than default DNS servers.

To set this up, I go to Surfshark’s settings and look for the DNS options. I input the custom DNS server addresses there. If that doesn’t work, I change the DNS settings on my device itself.

I’ve found that using custom DNS can bypass some blocks and speed up browsing. It’s an easy fix that often solves connection problems without much fuss.

Optimizing VPN Performance

I’ve found some key ways to improve VPN speed and reliability. Let’s look at how to choose the right protocol and manage server connections for the best performance.

Choosing the Right Protocol

I always start by picking the right VPN protocol.

OpenVPN UDP is my go-to for speed. It’s fast and secure, perfect for streaming or gaming. But if I need more stability, I switch to TCP.

Some newer protocols like WireGuard can be even faster. I love how lightweight it is. The Surfshark app makes it easy to change protocols with just a few clicks.

If speed is still an issue, I try turning off extra features. Things like ad blockers or multi-hop can slow things down a bit.

Managing Server Load and Selection

Picking the right server makes a huge difference. I look for servers that are close to me geographically. The shorter distance means faster speeds.

But location isn’t everything. I also check server load. A nearby server that’s overloaded can be slower than a farther one with less traffic.

I use the Surfshark app to find less crowded servers. It shows server load right in the list. If one server is slow, I just hop to another.

Updating my VPN software regularly is crucial too. Old versions can have bugs that slow things down. I always make sure I’m running the latest version for the best performance.

Assistance and Customer Support

When Surfshark blocks your internet, getting help is crucial. Let’s look at how to contact support and find self-help resources.

Contacting Surfshark Support Team

I’ve found Surfshark’s support team to be quick and helpful. They offer 24/7 live chat on their website, which is great for urgent issues. I usually get a response within minutes. Email support is also available if you prefer that.

To contact them:

1. Go to Surfshark’s website
2. Click “Support” in the menu
3. Choose live chat or email
4. Explain your internet blocking problem

The team can help troubleshoot connection issues, app problems, and more. They might ask about your device, ISP, or recent changes to your setup. Be ready with those details to speed things up.

Self-Service Resources

Surfshark offers many self-help options too. I often start here before contacting support.

The Help Center on their website has guides for common problems. There’s a search bar to find specific topics quickly.

Some useful self-help resources:

• Troubleshooting guides
• FAQs about internet connectivity
• Video tutorials
• Community forums

These can help with issues like:

• Checking app permissions
• Updating firmware
• Reinstalling the Surfshark app
• Dealing with ISP-related blocks

If you’re tech-savvy, you might solve your problem faster this way. But don’t hesitate to reach out to the support team if you get stuck.