Turn off Surfshark VPN

How to turn off Surfshark VPN on desktop (Windows and macOS)

Turning off Surfshark on a computer is most intuitive through the Surfshark app. You can also disconnect via the system’s network settings, but the app is the recommended path because it ensures you’re fully disassociated from the VPN network.

• Open the Surfshark app.
• Look for a large Power button or a toggle labeled “Connected” or “VPN On.”
• Click the toggle to switch it off. The status should change to “Disconnected.”
• Optional: Quit the app if you don’t plan to reconnect soon.

If you’re troubleshooting a specific site or service, consider briefly toggling off the Kill Switch (see next section) to avoid unintended network cuts.

How to turn off Surfshark VPN on mobile devices (iOS and Android)

The mobile apps mirror the desktop experience but are designed for quick access from your home screen.

• Open the Surfshark app on iOS or Android.
• Tap the big connect/disconnect button to turn VPN off.
• If you use Quick Connect, you may need to disable automatic connections. Go to Settings and set Auto-connect to Off if desired.
• On Android, you can also swipe the app away after turning off to ensure it’s not running in the background. On iOS, double-tap to view app switcher and close Surfshark if needed.

Tip: Some phones show a persistent VPN banner or notification when the VPN is active. You can swipe away or disable background activity as needed, but the app itself should reflect the VPN is turned off.

Understanding and turning off the Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a safety feature that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. If you want to turn Surfshark off completely, you can disable the Kill Switch so your traffic isn’t blocked when you disconnect. Reinstall nord VPN after reset

• Open Surfshark app.
• Navigate to Settings.
• Find VPN settings or Kill Switch.
• Toggle Kill Switch to Off.

Note: Turning off the Kill Switch does not affect the VPN connection itself. It only changes how your traffic behaves if the VPN connection drops. If you truly want to disconnect, you should also disconnect the VPN from the main screen.

How to disable Auto-Connect and connection preferences

Auto-Connect is convenient but can be confusing when you’re trying to stay off VPN for a session.

• In the Surfshark app, go to Settings.
• Find Auto-connect or Connection Preferences.
• Turn Auto-connect Off to prevent Surfshark from reconnecting automatically on startup or new networks.
• If you use a particular Wi‑Fi network frequently and want VPN always on for that network, you can leave Auto-connect on and customize network rules instead.

Disabling Auto-Connect is especially useful if you’re testing a site with VPN off or you’re trying to access a service that blocks VPNs. NordVPN blocking Google

How to disconnect Surfshark from a network (manual method)

If you prefer not to use the app, you can disconnect at the device’s network settings. This sometimes helps with enterprise or school networks where app controls are restricted.

• Windows/macOS: Open the Network settings, locate the Surfshark VPN entry, and choose Disconnect. You can also disable the VPN adapter if listed.
• iOS/Android: Go to the device’s VPN settings (under Network & Internet or General settings), select Surfshark, and disconnect or delete the VPN profile.

Important: An advanced user may disable or delete the Surfshark VPN profile. On most modern devices, this is done through system VPN settings rather than the Surfshark app. Removing the profile effectively stops Surfshark without uninstalling the app entirely.

Quick comparison: turning Surfshark off vs. uninstalling or canceling

Here’s a quick table to help you decide your next step if you’re considering longer-term changes. Microsoft Edge Secure Network VPN: What It Is, How It Works, and What It Really Covers

Note: Some steps vary slightly by operating system version and the app’s current layout. Surfshark updates apps regularly, so menus might be labeled a bit differently, but the core actions (disconnect, toggle, and settings) remain the same.

Common questions and quick answers

• Q: How do I turn off Surfshark VPN on my iPhone? A: Open the Surfshark app, tap to disconnect, and optionally disable Auto-connect in Settings.

• Q: How do I turn off Surfshark on Android quickly? A: Open the app, tap the disconnect button, and disable Auto-connect if needed in Settings. You can also disable the VPN profile in Android’s VPN settings.

• Q: Should I leave Surfshark on all the time? A: It depends on your needs. If privacy or geolocation masking is not required all the time, turning it off can improve speed and access to location-based services. Use Auto-connect if you want protection automatically on risky networks.

• Q: Can I cancel Surfshark without turning off the app? A: Yes. You can cancel the subscription through your account, and you can keep the app installed or uninstall it as you prefer. Ovpn config TLS-verify off: how and when to use TLS verification in OpenVPN

• Q: What about the Kill Switch? Do I need it off to turn Surfshark off? A: Not necessarily. Kill Switch is a safety feature that can be turned off or left on. Turning Surfshark off stops all VPN activity; Kill Switch only affects what happens if the VPN connection drops while Surfshark is on.

Final recommendation

If your goal is simply to stop VPN activity for a moment, using the Surfshark app to disconnect is the simplest and most reliable method. If you want to ensure you don’t reconnect automatically, disable Auto-Connect and, if necessary, turn off Kill Switch. For longer-term non-use, you have the option to uninstall the app or cancel your subscription, depending on your preference and device usage. Always consider whether you want your traffic to be unencrypted on public networks. If privacy or security is essential, keep the VPN off only when you’re certain you don’t need its protections, and re-enable it when appropriate.