How to fix slow connection issues on macOS – Surfshark Customer Support

In this article, you will learn what might be causing slow connection issues on your macOS when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.

Remember that some decrease in speed (around 30 %) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to check out this article where we have described potential changes in your connection speed.

If your connection speed has decreased more drastically, you may want to try the adjustments below.

Test the speed of several different locations (servers).

Even if you have used the Fastest server button previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that are close to your physical location.

If you're unsure how to check if the speed has increased - you may perform a basic speed test at speedtest.net.
Disable interfering apps.

Apps like anti-virus, file sharing clients, or other VPNs might use the same tools and resources on your Mac that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.
Change the default protocol on the Surfshark app.

Go to Settings --> VPN Settings --> Protocol. By default, the protocol should be on Automatic. Change it from Automatic to OpenVPN (UDP), then connect to one of the servers and test the speed again.

If OpenVPN (UDP) does not help, try the WireGuard protocol as well.
Reboot your device.

Even though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps because rebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.