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.

Keep in mind 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.

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 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 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 Surfshark's servers and test the speed again.

If OpenVPN (UDP) does not help, try the WireGuard protocol as well.
Disable interfering apps.

If you're using file-sharing or cyber-security apps, temporarily turn them off. Test the speed again to see if that affects the performance of the Surfshark connection.
Switch from the Wi-Fi network to Mobile Data (or vice versa) and see if that affects the speed.

Some networks might be performing worse compared to others when connected to a VPN.
Disable the Low Power mode if you have enabled it previously.

Low Power mode or other settings that optimize battery consumption on your device might disable essential networking functions. Go to Settings > Battery and 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.