When you’re trying to use Surfshark VPN to spoof your location, and it just isn’t working, it can feel incredibly frustrating. You fire up the app, pick a country, hit connect, and then… your IP address is still showing your actual location, or maybe a completely different one than you chose. I get it, it’s annoying when your VPN isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. The whole point of using a VPN like Surfshark, with its impressive network of 3200+ servers across 100 countries, is to easily change your virtual location for privacy, to access different content, or to get better deals online. When that core function breaks, it defeats the purpose.

But don’t worry, most of the time, this isn’t a huge, complicated problem. It’s usually something relatively simple you can fix with a few tweaks. Think of it like a puzzle – we just need to find which piece is out of place. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why Surfshark might not be changing your location and give you practical, easy-to-follow steps to get things working smoothly again. We’ll cover everything from simple app restarts to more advanced network settings, so you can go back to browsing, streaming, and working with confidence that your location is truly hidden.

Table of Contents

Quick Fixes: Start with the Basics

Whenever your Surfshark VPN isn’t changing location, it’s best to start with the easiest fixes first. You’d be surprised how often a simple restart or switch can clear things up.

1. Try a Different VPN Server and Location

This is often the quickest solution. Just because one server isn’t working doesn’t mean the whole network is down. Think of it like a busy highway – sometimes one lane is jammed, but another is clear.

Disconnect from your current Surfshark server.
Go to the Locations tab in the app.
Pick a different server in the same country you originally wanted, or even try a completely different country. Some locations might be experiencing maintenance or be overcrowded, leading to connectivity issues. Surfshark’s app usually shows how busy each server is, so look for a less filled bubble next to the location for a potentially smoother connection.

2. Update Your Surfshark App

An outdated app can cause all sorts of glitches, including problems with location spoofing. Surfshark regularly releases updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and bypass new network restrictions.

Go to your device’s app store Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS, or Surfshark’s website for desktop.
Check for updates for the Surfshark VPN app. Make sure you’re running the latest version. If there’s an update, install it and then restart the app.

3. Restart the Surfshark App and Your Device

Sometimes, apps just need a fresh start. Surfshark VPN Lifetime Subscription: The Real Deal (or Not?)

Close the Surfshark app completely. Don’t just minimize it. ensure it’s fully quit.
Restart your device phone, tablet, computer. This can clear temporary bugs and refresh your network settings.
Open Surfshark again and try connecting to a server.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is absolutely crucial for a VPN to work properly. If your underlying internet is spotty, your VPN will struggle.

Disconnect Surfshark.
Try browsing the web or using other apps. Is your internet working fine without the VPN?
If not, try restarting your router. You can also try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data or vice versa to see if the issue is network-specific.
Run an internet speed test to ensure your connection is stable and fast enough.

Deeper Dive: Adjusting Settings and Addressing Conflicts

If the quick fixes didn’t do the trick, it’s time to dig a bit deeper into Surfshark’s settings and your device’s configuration.

5. Change Your VPN Protocol

VPN protocols are like different languages your VPN uses to communicate with servers. Some networks might block certain protocols, or one might simply be more stable than another in your current environment. Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your Linux Machine: A Full Guide

Open the Surfshark app and go to Settings.
Look for VPN Settings or Protocol.
Experiment with different protocols. Many users find that switching to OpenVPN UDP can resolve connection issues, especially in restrictive networks. WireGuard is often the fastest, but if you’re having trouble, OpenVPN TCP or UDP or IKEv2 are good alternatives to try.

6. Disable Interfering Applications

Other software on your device can sometimes clash with your VPN, preventing it from functioning correctly. This includes:

Antivirus or Firewall software: These security programs might see the VPN’s network changes as suspicious and block Surfshark. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus/firewall or adding Surfshark to its exception list.
Other VPNs or proxy services: Running multiple VPNs or proxies at the same time is a recipe for conflict. Make sure any other VPN apps are completely uninstalled or disabled.
File-sharing apps or network management tools: These can also interfere.

7. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies and Disable Browser Geolocation

Even with a VPN, your browser can sometimes give away your real location through stored data or its own geolocation features.

Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This is super important, especially if you were browsing before connecting to the VPN.
Try using an incognito or private browsing window to see if that resolves the issue.
Disable browser geolocation API: Many browsers have settings that allow websites to request your physical location. You should turn this off. For Chrome, go to Menu > Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Location, and select “Ask Before Accessing” or “Block new requests”. For Firefox, it’s in Menu > Options > Privacy And Security > Permissions > Location.

8. Disable IPv6

Surfshark, like many VPNs, primarily uses IPv4. If IPv6 is enabled on your network, it can sometimes cause leaks or connectivity issues because Surfshark might not fully support it in all scenarios.

You’ll usually need to disable IPv6 in your device’s network settings. The exact steps vary by operating system. For Windows, you can access network adapter settings through the Control Panel. On iOS, you might find an option under Wi-Fi settings for your connected network to configure IP manually and adjust IPv4.
If you’re unsure how to disable it, a quick search for “disable IPv6 ” should give you the specific steps.

9. Configure Custom DNS

Your Internet Service Provider ISP might have DNS servers that are slow, unreliable, or even block VPN connections. Changing to a public DNS like Surfshark’s own DNS or Google Public DNS can often help.

In Surfshark’s app, you might find a setting to use custom DNS.
Alternatively, you can manually change your DNS settings on your device. For example, on iOS, you can go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the “i” next to your connected network, then Configure DNS and set it to Manual, adding DNS addresses like 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220. After changing, remember to save and restart your device.

10. Check for IP/DNS/WebRTC Leaks

Even if Surfshark says you’re connected, your real IP or DNS might be leaking, revealing your actual location. Boost Your LibreELEC Experience: A No-Nonsense Guide to Setting Up Surfshark VPN

Visit a trusted IP leak test website like surfshark.com/what-is-my-ip, ipleak.net or browserleaks.com/ip.
These tools will show you the IP address and location your device is reporting. If it doesn’t match your chosen Surfshark server location, or if you see your real IP address, you have a leak.
If you detect a WebRTC leak, consider installing Surfshark’s browser extension or disabling WebRTC in your browser settings.

11. Reset VPN Profile or Network Settings

Sometimes, your VPN configuration can get corrupted.

Resetting your VPN profile within the Surfshark app can often help. On iOS, for example, you can go to Settings > Get Help > Reset VPN profile. On Windows, you might find a similar option under troubleshooting tools.
For a more comprehensive reset, you can reset your device’s entire network settings. On iOS, this is usually found in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. On Android, it’s typically under Settings > System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Be aware that this will clear all your Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations.

12. Address Specific Mobile GPS Location Issues

If you’re on a mobile device iPhone or Android, your GPS can override your VPN’s IP-based location, especially for apps that request precise location data.

Disable GPS/Location Services on your phone.
Clear app data for any apps that might be detecting your real location.
Some advanced users try using a GPS spoofing app alongside their VPN, but this can be complex and isn’t always reliable. Surfshark itself doesn’t directly change your GPS location, only your IP address’s reported location.

13. Disable Advanced Features CleanWeb, Kill Switch, IP Rotator, NoBorders

While these features are designed to enhance your privacy and security, they can sometimes cause unintended connection issues depending on your network and device.

CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers. Try temporarily disabling it in Surfshark’s settings.
The Kill Switch prevents internet access if the VPN connection drops, which is great for security but can sometimes lead to connectivity problems if it’s overly sensitive. Try turning it off temporarily to see if your location changes, then re-enable it if needed.
IP Rotator automatically changes your IP address every 5-10 minutes. While cool, it can sometimes introduce instability. Try disabling it in the advanced settings.
If you’re using the NoBorders feature designed for highly restrictive networks, it might limit your available server options. Try disabling it in VPN Settings > Advanced security and restarting the app to see if more locations become available.

When All Else Fails: Contact Support

If you’ve gone through all these steps and Surfshark still isn’t changing your location, it’s time to reach out to their customer support. Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat and email support.

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They can provide personalized troubleshooting steps.
They can check for any known issues with specific servers or locations.
They might have more advanced solutions tailored to your specific device and network configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN down?

You can check if Surfshark VPN is down by visiting their official website or checking third-party status checkers like IsSurfsharkDownRightNow.com. Sometimes, specific servers might be down for maintenance, or there could be a larger outage. If the entire service is down, there’s little you can do but wait for them to resolve it.

Why is Surfshark not hiding my location?

Surfshark might not be hiding your location due to several reasons, including IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, browser cookies revealing your actual location, an outdated app, conflicting software like firewalls, or issues with the VPN server or protocol. Your device’s GPS can also reveal your real location, especially on mobile. Surfshark VPN Server List: Your Ultimate Guide to Global Connectivity

How do I know if my Surfshark VPN is working correctly?

The best way to confirm your Surfshark VPN is working is to use an IP address detection tool or an IP leak test page like surfshark.com/what-is-my-ip or ipleak.net. After connecting to Surfshark, this tool should show the IP address and location of the VPN server you’re connected to, not your real one. The app itself should also display a “Connected” or “Protected” status with your new IP address.

Can Surfshark VPN change your GPS location?

No, generally, Surfshark VPN and most VPNs primarily change your IP address-based virtual location, not your device’s actual GPS location. Apps and websites that use precise GPS data can still detect your real whereabouts even when connected to a VPN. For mobile, you would typically need to disable location services on your device or use a dedicated GPS spoofing app which can be complex and may violate terms of service for some apps.

What should I do if Surfshark VPN is not working on my iPhone?

If Surfshark VPN isn’t working on your iPhone, try these steps: update the app, switch to different VPN server locations, change the VPN protocol OpenVPN UDP is often recommended, reset your VPN profile, disable interfering apps like other VPNs or overly aggressive security apps, switch to a different network Wi-Fi vs. mobile data, or configure custom DNS. Also, ensure you’ve granted all necessary permissions to the Surfshark app in your iPhone’s settings.

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