How to Download Surfshark VPN on MacBook?
Last updated
Last updated
In an era where online privacy and data security are increasingly threatened, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential step for MacBook users who want to protect their internet traffic from hackers, trackers, and censorship. Surfshark VPN is one of the leading VPN services available today, offering powerful security features, ease of use, and excellent speed. If you are a MacBook user looking to download and install Surfshark VPN, this comprehensive guide will take you through the entire process, ensuring you get your VPN up and running smoothly.
Before we dive into the downloading process, it’s important to understand why Surfshark is a great choice for MacBook users:
Top-Grade Security: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, the gold standard for data security, which safeguards your data from hackers and surveillance.
Strict No-Logs Policy: It does not store your online activities or personal information, ensuring total privacy.
High-Speed Servers: Thanks to modern VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, Surfshark provides fast and reliable connections, essential for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Unblock Geo-Restricted Content: Surfshark helps you bypass geographical restrictions, allowing you to access streaming platforms and websites from around the world.
User-Friendly Mac App: The Surfshark app for MacBook is intuitive and easy to use, suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
Unlimited Device Connections: One subscription covers all your devices, including MacBooks, iPhones, Windows PCs, and more.
Additional Features: CleanWeb blocks ads and malware, MultiHop routes traffic through multiple servers for extra security, and the kill switch ensures your IP is never exposed if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
Before starting, make sure your MacBook meets the minimum system requirements:
macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later is installed.
Stable internet connection.
At least 100 MB of free disk space for the app installation.
A Surfshark account subscription (if you don’t have one, you can create it on any device beforehand).
Begin by launching your favorite web browser on your MacBook. Safari, Chrome, or Firefox all work well.
Type the official Surfshark website URL in the address bar. It is crucial to download the app from the official source to avoid malicious or fake versions.
Once on the Surfshark homepage, look for the Apps or Downloads section. Here, you will find options for all supported platforms, including Mac.
Click on the Download for Mac button. This action will start downloading the Surfshark VPN installer file, usually a .dmg (disk image) file.
Depending on your internet speed, the download time will vary but generally should not take more than a few minutes.
After the download completes, open your Downloads folder or the folder you designated for saved files.
Find the .dmg file named something like SurfsharkVPN.dmg.
Double-click the .dmg file to open it. This will mount the Surfshark virtual disk, and a new window will appear showing the Surfshark app icon and an Applications folder shortcut.
Drag the Surfshark icon into the Applications folder. This copies the app onto your MacBook and completes the installation process.
Navigate to the Applications folder on your MacBook using Finder and double-click the Surfshark app to open it.
The first time you open it, macOS may show a warning indicating the app was downloaded from the internet. Confirm by clicking Open.
To allow Surfshark to function properly, you might be asked to grant certain permissions:
You may receive a prompt to approve a system extension in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Look for an “Allow” button at the bottom of the window and click it.
Enter your Mac password if prompted to authorize these changes.
These permissions are necessary to enable Surfshark to create a secure VPN tunnel.
When the app opens, you will be prompted to log in.
Enter your email and password linked to your Surfshark account.
If you do not have an account, you can sign up using the app or create one beforehand on another device.
After logging in, the Surfshark dashboard appears.
Click the Quick Connect button to automatically connect to the fastest and nearest server.
Alternatively, browse through the server list and choose a specific country or city if you want to appear browsing from that location.
Once connected, you will see a green “Connected” status, and your internet traffic will be encrypted.
Surfshark offers several settings you can adjust for a better VPN experience:
Kill Switch: Enables automatic disconnection of your internet if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks.
CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware across your browsing.
Auto-Connect: Set Surfshark to connect automatically on startup or when connecting to insecure Wi-Fi networks.
MultiHop: For added privacy, route your connection through two VPN servers.
VPN Protocol: Choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2. WireGuard is generally the fastest and most secure.
Access these from the app’s settings or preferences menu.
To ensure Surfshark VPN is working correctly:
Visit an IP lookup website to confirm your IP address matches the VPN server location.
Try accessing geo-restricted content to verify that the VPN bypasses location blocks.
Use speed tests to measure your connection performance with the VPN active.
Keep the app updated to enjoy the latest security patches and new features.
Avoid connecting to overcrowded servers for optimal speed.
Use MultiHop only when necessary as it can slow down your connection.
Enable CleanWeb to improve browsing by blocking ads and trackers.
Make use of the auto-connect feature to ensure your MacBook is always protected.
Even with Surfshark’s reliability, some users may face challenges. Here are common problems and solutions:
Make sure your macOS version is supported.
Check your available storage space.
Restart your MacBook and try again.
Delete the installer and redownload from the official site.
Switch to a different server location.
Restart the Surfshark app and your MacBook.
Change the VPN protocol in settings.
Allow the system extension under Security & Privacy again if it got revoked.
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and manually click Allow for Surfshark.
Restart the app after granting permissions.
If you want to uninstall Surfshark:
Open Applications.
Drag the Surfshark app icon to the Trash.
Empty the Trash to complete the removal.
Optionally, remove VPN configurations in System Preferences > Network if present.
Downloading and installing Surfshark VPN on your MacBook is a straightforward process that significantly boosts your online privacy, security, and freedom. By following this step-by-step guide, you can protect your internet traffic from prying eyes, access geo-blocked content, and enjoy a fast and reliable VPN experience on your MacBook.