How to set up Surfshark on iOS

This guide will show you how to set up Surfshark on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll learn how to install the app, log in to your account, connect to a VPN server, search for locations, and use additional connection options.

Before you start

• Make sure your device is running iOS 17 or later;
• Update the Surfshark app to the latest version;
• If you do not have a Surfshark subscription yet, you can purchase one on our pricing page.

Here's what to do

Install the Surfshark app

1. Locate the App Store app on your device and open it.
2. Search for Surfshark and tap the download icon: 
   
   

Log in to the app

1. Once the installation is complete, close the App Store, locate the Surfshark app on your device's home screen, and open it: 
   
   
    
2. If you already have an active subscription, tap Log in:
   
   
   
   NOTE: If you don't have a subscription, choose Create account instead. 
    
3. Once on the login page, enter your registered email address and password, then tap Next:
   
   
   
   NOTE: If you have purchased your subscription under a linked Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, choose that option instead of logging in with your email and password. 
   
   Alternatively, if you are already logged in on another device, choose Log in with another device. 

Grant permissions

Once you log in, you will land on the Surfshark home screen, where you will need to accept a few prompts. 

1. Press Accept on the Privacy Policy prompt:
   
   
    
2. When you first connect, to grant permissions needed for the VPN connection, press Continue: 
   
   
    
3. Tap Allow to add Surfshark to iOS VPN configurations: 
   
   

Connect to the VPN

1. The fastest way to secure your connection is to tap Connect on the home screen. This will connect you to the fastest recommended location:
   
   
    
2. To connect to a different location, tap the location tile:
   
   
    
3. Tap the flag icon next to your preferred country or city, and this will instantly connect you to the fastest location in that country: 
   
   
   
    NOTE: Surfshark offers over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. 

Browse and select VPN locations 

1. To find a specific country, city, or server faster, use the search bar at the top of the locations list:
   
   
    
2. Enter the name of the destination you are looking for, and the app will instantly filter the results:
   
   
    
3. If you have a dedicated IP purchased with your subscription, use the dedicated IP option:
   
   
   
   NOTE: Dedicated IP is not included in Surfshark bundles and must be purchased separately. Only one dedicated IP can be purchased per account.

Advanced locations

Tap Advanced at the top to view additional connection types for specific privacy and stability needs:

Surfshark offers the following advanced connection options:

• Static IP — connect to the same IP address each time you use a selected server:
  
  
   
• Multi Hop — route your connection through two VPN servers in different locations for an extra layer of security:
  
  

Check whether the connection is successful

Your connection status will appear on the Surfshark app's home screen. If the app shows Connected, together with the VPN timer showing your connection time, your VPN connection is active:



We also recommend checking whether Surfshark VPN is working after setting it up for the first time. You can do this by performing an IP leak test and a DNS leak test.

You may also be interested in:

• How to use the new iOS home screen 
• Common terms used in the VPN world
• What speed can I expect with a VPN? Are there any bandwidth limitations?