VPN, proxy and filters

Surfshark on Mac: check the VPN and fix connection problems

When Surfshark connects but a site does not load, check the VPN status, route and app settings before changing them.

Applies to: macOS and the current app version; managed Macs can have organization policies.Checked: 2 November 2026

Symptoms

  • Surfshark says it is connected, but a site or app does not load.
  • The Mac has no internet after the VPN changes state.

Likely causes

  • Kill switch. Surfshark says Kill Switch cuts off internet after an unexpected VPN disconnect until the VPN reconnects. Find the control in Settings > VPN Settings.
  • DNS. Surfshark documents custom DNS in macOS Network settings. Record any existing entries before changing them, and check with your administrator on a managed Mac.
  • IPv6. Surfshark says its VPN does not support IPv6 and suggests disabling it when troubleshooting on macOS. Its guide does not describe a separate Mac IPv6 leak-protection toggle.
  • Other possible causes. A Wi-Fi sign-in page, DNS failure, another filter or an unavailable service can also interrupt a connection.

How to check

  1. Open Surfshark and check its connection state and any warning.

  2. Check whether another website works. On public Wi-Fi, complete any required network sign-in.

  3. On a managed Mac, ask your administrator before changing VPN or security settings.

How to fix it

  1. In Surfshark, open Settings > VPN Settings and review Kill Switch. Reconnect the VPN if needed.

  2. If the connection still fails, follow the provider support guide linked below.

With Kilobat

  1. Health > Where traffic leaves shows whether the default route uses a VPN. A split route does not mean every destination uses it.

  2. With the VPN connected, choose Check for Leaks in Health > Where traffic leaves or Settings > Network.

  3. The test checks DNS resolver paths, IPv6 routing and UDP using STUN. A skipped check is not a pass.

  4. It contacts external services, which see your address. It cannot run a browser WebRTC test or prove every app is private.

  5. Run the same test in Terminal.

    kilobat vpn leaks

Questions

Why did internet stop after Surfshark disconnected?

If Kill Switch is on, Surfshark can block internet until the VPN reconnects.

Does a VPN status prove all apps are private?

No. A route or leak test describes the paths checked at that moment. It does not establish privacy for every app.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026.