The settings menu in the Surfshark iOS app lets you customize how the app works and looks. From there, you can manage your VPN preferences, adjust app behavior, review your account details, access support options, and use additional features.
Before you start
- Make sure your device is running iOS 17 or later;
- Update the Surfshark app to the latest version.
Here's what to do
Access settings
- Tap the gear icon in the bottom-right corner of the Surfshark app:
- Choose a setting from the list:
Customize VPN settings
Surfshark includes protective solutions that help keep you safe online.
- Tap VPN settings to manage your connection preferences and security features:
NOTE: You can also access VPN settings via the VPN solution screen or by pressing the gear icon at the top right of your home page.
- Here, you customize the Connectivity section:
- And scroll down to find the Advanced settings section:
Connect button
Allows you to set which VPN location your home page Connect button connects you to.
- You can customize it by pressing the arrow next to it:
- There you can choose any preferred VPN location:
Auto connect
Automatically connects you to your most recently used VPN location whenever your device goes online.
- Customize Auto connect by pressing the arrow next to it:
- Use the toggle switch to enable it:
- If you want the VPN not to connect and disconnect automatically when using a specific network, add a trusted network by pressing the arrow next to it:
- Choose the network you want to add by pressing the Add+ button:
NOTE: The VPN will not connect when you're connected to the chosen trusted network. Only choose networks you trust when adding them, for example, your home Wi-Fi.
Clean Web
Clean Web blocks ads, trackers, malicious websites, and phishing attempts. This feature only works when you're connected to the VPN. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
Kill switch
Kill switch reconnects you and maintains your connection if there are disruptions. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
Protocol
A protocol is an encryption technology used to connect to the VPN. You can choose between:
- Automatic — Surfshark selects the best protocol for your network;
- IKEv2 — a balanced option for reliable performance;
- OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) — more stable connection in challenging network conditions;
-
WireGuard — faster speeds for streaming and browsing.
Bypasser
Bypasser allows you to exclude specific websites from the VPN tunnel. This is useful if you want certain websites to connect directly to your regular internet while others remain protected by Surfshark.
- Set Bypasser by pressing the arrow next to it:
- Tap Add website:
- Enter the website address or copy and paste it directly from your browser:
- Press Add to add the website:
- You will then see the added website in your Bypasser configuration. Use the toggle switch to disable Bypasser for the added websites at any time:
Rotating IP
Rotating IP periodically changes your IP within the same VPN session. This adds an extra layer of privacy to your connection. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
NOTE: Avoid using rotating IP when accessing streaming services, as the constantly changing IP address can cause interruptions.
No Borders
No Borders helps maintain connectivity in restrictive network environments such as restrictive regions or public networks. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
Invisible on LAN
Invisible on LAN hides your device from other devices connected to the same local area network. It adds an extra layer of security when you don't trust the network you're connected to. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
NOTE: Invisible on LAN is still in beta and isn't guaranteed to work perfectly. When it's enabled, the WireGuard protocol and pause VPN functions will be unavailable. It may also cause network instability.
Access App settings
The App settings section controls the app's appearance and behavior. Access it from the main settings section of Surfshark:
Customize app settings
Check your current Surfshark app version
Check your current Surfshark app version by tapping Check:
Customize app appearance
Change the app appearance to dark, light, or match your device theme in the App appearances section.
- Access it by pressing the arrow next to App appearances:
- Choose your preferred theme by tapping the circle next to it:
Change the app language
To change the app language, follow these steps:
- Press the arrow next to App language:
- Choose your preferred language by tapping the circle next to it:
Toggle push notifications
To get notified about any updates, alerts, or security features, use the Push notifications toggle. Use the toggle switch to enable it:
Use the My account section
Manage your account
Open the My account settings section to manage your personal details and subscription information:
You can apply these changes in this section:
- Enter the login code to log in on another device;
- Log out of your account;
- Review and extend your subscription plan;
- Start the account deletion process.
Use the Get help section
You can access the Get Help section by tapping on it from your main settings menu:
If you have questions or run into issues, the Get help section provides access to Surfshark support resources:
Reset VPN profile
You can use the Reset VPN profile setting when running into VPN connection issues.
- Press the arrow next to Reset VPN profile?:
- Tap Continue and proceed with the iOS instructions to reset your VPN profile:
Report a bug
Use this feature to send us connection diagnostics if you find an issue in the app.
- Tap the arrow next to Report a bug:
- Enter your email address, describe the issue, and press Send.
NOTE: After you've sent the connection diagnostics, make sure to contact Surfshark support via Live Chat to resolve the issue you're facing. You can do that by visiting our help center and pressing the Chat with us button at the bottom of the page.
Other available Get help options
- Tap the Welcome Guide to get introduced to the app and security essentials;
- Tap Get help now to contact Surfshark customer support;
- View the Privacy policy;
- View the Terms of service;
- View your Subscription information.
Refer and Earn
The Refer and Earn section lets you share Surfshark with others using your unique referral link. By inviting friends to try Surfshark, you can earn free months of service and other rewards.
- To generate a specific referral link, tap the Refer and earn section in your main settings menu:
- Press Send link to send it to your contacts:
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