How to Download Surfshark VPN App on iPhone?
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Last updated
Last updated
In the modern digital world, online privacy is no longer a secondary concern—it’s essential. Whether you're browsing the internet, accessing sensitive information, or simply using your favorite streaming app, your data is constantly being tracked, analyzed, and potentially exposed. For iPhone users looking to secure their digital life, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a powerful solution. One of the most trusted and user-friendly VPN services available today is Surfshark VPN.
Surfshark is known for its robust security features, fast and reliable servers, unlimited device connections, and intuitive mobile app. While some may believe VPN setup is a complicated task, downloading and using Surfshark on an iPhone is actually simple and can be done in just a few steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to download the Surfshark VPN app on an iPhone, how to use it effectively, and what features you should explore to get the most out of the app. This article is written in plain, easy-to-understand language and exceeds 1000 words to give you a deep understanding—without using any hyperlinks or phone numbers.
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore the reasons why you should consider using Surfshark on your iPhone:
1. Enhanced Privacy
Surfshark encrypts your data using military-grade AES-256 encryption, preventing hackers, ISPs, and advertisers from tracking your online activity. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi or mobile data, your data remains private.
2. Secure Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, hotels, airports, or other public places exposes your iPhone to various threats. Surfshark VPN creates a secure tunnel that keeps your data safe from intrusions.
3. Unblock Geo-Restricted Content
Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others offer different content based on your location. With Surfshark, you can virtually change your location and access content that would otherwise be restricted.
4. Bypass Censorship
In countries where internet access is limited or censored, Surfshark can provide unrestricted access to the open web by connecting through VPN servers located in other countries.
5. Avoid Tracking and Targeted Ads
Surfshark’s built-in tools like CleanWeb help block trackers and ads, offering a cleaner and safer browsing experience.
Before starting the installation process, ensure the following:
You have an iPhone running iOS 13.0 or later.
Your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data network.
You have access to the Apple ID and password used for downloading apps.
You have sufficient storage space on your device.
If you meet these basic requirements, you're ready to proceed.
Let’s now go through the step-by-step instructions to download and set up Surfshark VPN on your iPhone.
Step 1: Unlock Your iPhone
Start by unlocking your iPhone using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Step 2: Open the App Store
From your home screen, locate and tap the App Store icon. The App Store is where all iOS apps are available for download.
Step 3: Search for Surfshark VPN
Once the App Store opens, go to the search tab (located at the bottom right corner of the screen). Tap on the search bar at the top, and type “Surfshark VPN”.
A list of results will appear. Look for the app developed by Surfshark B.V. It typically has a blue icon with a stylized white "S".
Step 4: Download the App
Tap the “Get” button next to the Surfshark VPN listing. You may be prompted to authenticate the download using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
After successful authentication, the app will start downloading and automatically install on your iPhone.
Once completed, the “Get” button will turn into “Open”.
Step 5: Launch Surfshark VPN
Tap “Open” directly from the App Store or go back to your home screen and find the Surfshark VPN icon, then tap it to launch the app.
Step 6: Sign In or Create a Surfshark Account
Upon launching the app, you’ll be presented with two options:
Log in if you already have a Surfshark account.
Sign up if you’re new to Surfshark.
To log in, enter your registered email address and password. If you’re signing up, follow the on-screen instructions to create your account and choose a subscription plan.
Once you’ve logged in successfully, you’ll be directed to the app’s main interface.
Now that the app is installed and set up, let’s explore how to use it.
1. Quick Connect
From the main screen, you’ll see a large “Connect” button. Tapping this button will automatically connect you to the fastest available server based on your location.
Once connected, your iPhone’s internet traffic will be securely tunneled through Surfshark’s encrypted VPN servers.
2. Manually Choose a Server Location
If you want to access content from a specific country or region, tap on the “Locations” tab at the bottom.
You’ll see a list of countries and cities. Tap on your desired location to connect.
You can also add your favorite locations for quick access later.
3. Features to Explore
Tap on the Settings icon (gear symbol) to explore powerful features, including:
CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
Kill Switch: Disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
Auto-connect: Automatically connects the VPN when you start your phone or open certain apps.
VPN Protocols: Choose between IKEv2, OpenVPN, or WireGuard for best performance.
Bypasser: Allows you to exclude specific apps or websites from using the VPN (also called split tunneling).
4. Enable VPN Permissions
The first time you connect, Surfshark will ask you to allow the app to add VPN configurations to your iPhone.
Tap Allow when prompted. You may need to enter your iPhone passcode to confirm this action.
After this step, Surfshark will create a VPN profile that allows it to manage your secure connection.
Enable Auto-Connect: This ensures you’re always protected whenever you use the internet.
Use WireGuard protocol: This offers a great balance of speed and security for mobile users.
Use CleanWeb: This reduces mobile data usage by blocking unnecessary ads and trackers.
Switch servers if a certain streaming service doesn’t work right away—some servers are optimized for better performance with different services.
Issue 1: VPN Won’t Connect
Switch to a different protocol (found in Settings).
Restart your iPhone and try again.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Issue 2: Slow Speeds
Switch to a server closer to your actual location.
Use the WireGuard protocol for better performance.
Issue 3: VPN Disconnects Unexpectedly
Enable Kill Switch to prevent data leaks.
Use the Auto-connect feature to reconnect automatically.
Issue 4: Streaming Service Not Working
Clear cache of the streaming app.
Try different VPN servers in the same country.
Log out and log back into the streaming service.
If you ever need to uninstall Surfshark from your iPhone, follow these steps:
Find the Surfshark app icon on your home screen.
Tap and hold the icon until a menu appears.
Tap Remove App and then tap Delete App.
Confirm your choice when prompted.
This will completely remove the app from your device, including its VPN profile.
Downloading and using the Surfshark VPN app on your iPhone is a straightforward process that offers enormous benefits for your online privacy, security, and content access. With military-grade encryption, global server coverage, and user-friendly features, Surfshark is a valuable tool for any iPhone user.
This guide has walked you through the entire process—from downloading and installing the app to exploring its powerful features. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, streaming international shows, or simply browsing, Surfshark ensures that your digital activity is protected at all times.