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How to set up Surfshark VPN on macOS

Updated:

 
NOTE: The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark and will be updated in the future. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to install the Surfshark VPN app on a macOS device.

To get started, you’ll need a Mac running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later and an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one yet, you can get it on the Surfshark pricing page. If you’re using an older macOS version, please check our article on Surfshark macOS support.
 

Install the Surfshark app

  1. Open the App Store on your Mac and search for Surfshark.

    Alternatively, you can download Surfshark for macOS directly from the App Store page:

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  2. Click get to download the app:

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  3. The app will download and install automatically. Once the installation is complete, click open:

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Log into the app

  1. Open the Surfshark app and choose your preferred login method, or click create an account if you’re a new user, then follow the on-screen instructions to continue:

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Connect to the VPN

  1. On the Surfshark app homepage, click connect to automatically connect to the fastest available server:

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  2. When connecting for the first time, you’ll be prompted to enable protection on your device. Click Open Login Items & Extensions and follow the on-screen instructions to continue:


     
  3. Once connected, you’ll see the connected status. Click disconnect to end the connection or pause to temporarily stop it:

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  4. To change your default Quick Connect location, click change, then select the fastest or nearest server, or choose a specific location from the list:

 

Ensure your connection is successful

You can check if your VPN connection was successful by performing an IP leak test and a DNS leak test on our website.

 

Manage Surfshark locations

Surfshark has 4500+ servers in 100 countries. Here's how to manage your Surfshark locations:

  1. You can find the list of Surfshark locations on the left side of the app. Use the search bar or scroll through the list to find your desired location, then click the flag icon to connect instantly:


     
  2. To save your favorite locations, click the star icon on the right:

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    This server will now appear in the list of your favorite servers:

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  3. At the top of the app, you’ll also see the Static IP, Dedicated IP, and MultiHop tabs, which offer alternative connection options:

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    Here’s a brief explanation of what each of these features do:

    Static IP – you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.

    MultiHop – you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.

    Dedicated IP – you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You have to purchase it separately.

 

Manage Surfshark settings

You can customize the Surfshark app according to your preferences. Here's how to do that:

  1. Go to the Settings page of your Surfshark app by clicking the cogwheel icon to access available settings:

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  2. Here, you’ll find all the available tabs:

 

VPN settings

In VPN Settings, you can make some more advanced changes.

 

Here, you can do the following:

  • Configure which server you connect via the Quick-connect feature.
  • Enable Auto-connect - automatically connect to Surfshark when the app launches or when you join an unsecured network.
  • Bypasser - a feature that allows specific apps & websites to be routed via the VPN tunnel.
  • Enable CleanWeb - a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
  • Enable KillSwitch - a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.
  • Change the connection protocol.
  • Enable the Rotating IP - a feature that changes your IP address to the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.
  • Multi IP - a feature that allocates a different IP address from the selected allocation range for each app, service, and website within the same VPN session.
  • Enable NoBorders - a feature that helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.
  • Enable Discover on LAN (or Invisible on LAN in older app versions) - a feature that makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.

 

Antivirus settings

Use the Antivirus settings to adjust your protection options.

 

Here, you can do the following:

  • Enable real-time protection - a feature that monitors your device processes as they happen and blocks threats before they can cause harm.
  • Enable scheduled scans - a feature that helps detect advanced malware that might be hiding on your device. A full scan checks your entire device in depth, and a quick scan checks the most frequently used files and folders.
  • Customize additional features such as exclusions list, external storage scans, check virus database updates and enable the quarantine auto-delete feature.

 

Email scam checker

Enable the email scam checker. Learn more about this feature and how to use it.

 

App settings

In the app settings, you can customize features of the app.

 

Here, you can do the following:

  • Check the current app version.
  • Select whether you want the app to updateautomatically.
  • Select whether the app launches on startup.
  • Switch to the dark mode.
  • Change the app language.
  • Choose whether the Surfshark icon appears in the dock or the status bar.

 

Notifications

In the notifications tab you can manage your notification preferences.

 

Here, you can manage the following:

  • General notifications.
  • VPN notifications.
  • Antivirus notifications.

 

My account

In my account tab you can manage your Surfshark account.

 

Here, you can do the following:

  • Enter your login code for easier login on other devices.
  • Log out of your account.
  • Check and extend your current subscription plan.
  • Change your password.
  • Delete your account.

 

Get help

In the Get help section, you can find support resources.


 

Here, you can:

  • Report a bug found in our app.
  • Send diagnostics and get instant help by contacting our customer support team.
  • Reset your VPN profile and antivirus.
  • Browse the welcome guides to get introduced to the app. 
  • Read our Privacy policy and Terms of service.

 

Refer and earn

In the Refer and earn tab, you’ll find your referral link to invite friends to Surfshark. Learn moreaboutthereferralprogramandrewards.

 

Manage Surfshark One features

On the left side of the app, you can see 4 additional Surfshark features. You must have an active Surfshark ONE subscription to use them:

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Here, you can find the following:

  • Surfshark Alert – a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases. 
  • Surfshark Search – a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.
  • Surfshark Antivirus – a tool that protects your device from viruses and malware (malicious software). It offers real-time protection, performs scans, and more. 
  • Alternative ID – a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.
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