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

In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your iOS (iPhone, iPad, or iPod) when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.

We will cover the following steps:

Test several different locations
Change the default protocol
Disable interfering apps
Change your network
Disable the Low Power mode
Reboot your device

NOTE: Some decrease in speed (around 30%) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to check how to troubleshoot speed problems.

Test several different locations

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 not sure how to check if the speed has increased, there are many apps on the App Store for testing the speed. Download one and use it for speed testing purposes.

Change the default protocol

Go to the Settings page on your Surfshark app.
Tap on VPN Settings.
You will find the Protocol setting. By default, the protocol should be Automatic. Change it from Automatic to OpenVPN (UDP).
Connect to one of the servers and test the speed again.
If OpenVPN (UDP) does not help, try the WireGuard protocol as well.

Disable interfering apps

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

If you have any of those, try disabling them. Then, reboot your device and see if the connection gets any better.

Change your network

Some networks might be performing worse compared to others when connected to a VPN. Check if your Wi-Fi is slower than your mobile data or vice versa.

Disable the Low Power mode

Low Power mode or other settings that optimize battery consumption on your device might disable essential networking functions. Try disabling it with the following steps:

Go to Settings.
Find the Battery section.
Check if the Low Power mode is on. If it is, turn it off and test the speed again.

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.