Introduction
Surfshark has become a top choice for users across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India who need reliable anonymity while streaming or gaming. Yet, many people face situations where they must how to turn off surfshark vpn without compromising their device’s performance. Whether you’re accessing a restricted platform or simply want to save battery, the steps are surprisingly straightforward.
If your goal is to how to disable surfshark vpn while still enjoying the benefits of a VPN on specific apps, this guide will walk you through each process on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even browser extensions. By the end, you’ll know how to toggle your connection on and off with confidence.
In this article we’ll cover the core reasons people want to pause their VPN, the most efficient methods for each platform, quick‑tips for power users, and alternative solutions if your device or operating system lacks native options. If you’re new to VPNs, you might also find it useful to explore why you shouldn’t use a VPN for certain tasks, and how VPNs perform in restrictive regions like China.
Finally, for a deeper dive on how to shut down the app completely, check out the official Surfshark guide on disabling VPNs. If you ever encounter a rogue app that continues to route traffic despite your efforts, the built‑in Kill Switch feature (Learn about Surfshark’s Kill Switch) can be your safety net.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Windows – Quick Toggle
On Windows 10 and 11, the Surfshark desktop app provides a one‑click button to how to turn off surfshark vpn. Open the app, click the power icon on the left panel, and the connection will drop immediately.
For users who need to how to disable surfshark vpn at the system level, you can pause the service in the Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, locate “Surfshark” under the Services tab, right‑click and choose “Stop”. This stops all traffic until you restart the service.
If you want to make the toggle more convenient, add a desktop shortcut that launches the Surfshark app and immediately disconnects. Right‑click the Surfshark icon, select “Open file location”, then create a shortcut with the target: C:\Program Files\Surfshark\Surfshark.exe -disconnect. Double‑clicking this shortcut will perform exactly the same action as the GUI button.
Remember that the Surfshark activation guide for Opera is also useful if you prefer to run the VPN directly from your browser. In that case you simply click the extension icon and choose “Disconnect”.
macOS – Menu Bar Control
The macOS app places an icon in the menu bar for instant access. Clicking the icon reveals the status menu, where the “Disconnect” option appears beneath the current server name. Selecting this will how to turn off surfshark vpn without opening the full app.
To how to disable surfshark vpn from the background, simply go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Firewall Options… and toggle the Surfshark app to “Block incoming connections.” This does not fully stop the VPN, but it stops inbound traffic and forces the app to re‑authenticate when you reconnect.
Advanced users might prefer the command‑line approach. Open Terminal and run: sudo surfsharkctl disconnect. This command is handy for scripts or automation, and can be paired with AppleScript for quick toggles.
Android – App Settings
On Android, open the Surfshark app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal bars), and select Disconnect from the main screen. The VPN icon in the notification shade will disappear, indicating the connection is closed.
To how to disable surfshark vpn when you’re not actively using the device, go to Settings → Apps & notifications → Surfshark, then disable “Allow background data usage”. This stops the app from automatically reconnecting after a reboot.
For devices that support Android VPN API, you can also use the built‑in VPN control panel by long‑pressing the notification and selecting Stop. This method bypasses the app UI and is useful when you’re locked out of the app due to a crash.
iOS – Control Center
iOS places the VPN icon in the Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner, tap the VPN icon, and select Disconnect. The icon changes color to gray, confirming the tunnel is closed.
If you wish to how to disable surfshark vpn completely, go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, select Surfshark, and toggle off “Enable VPN”. This removes the VPN profile until you re‑enable it manually.
For iPhone users, you can also use the Shortcuts app to create an automation that disconnects the VPN when you leave a specific location or after a set time interval.
Browser Extensions – One‑Click Disconnect
Surfshark offers extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Click the extension icon and press the Disconnect button. The extension’s icon will change to indicate the tunnel is closed.
To how to disable surfshark vpn in the background, simply click Options in the extension menu and uncheck “Auto‑connect on startup”. This prevents the extension from reconnecting whenever you open a new tab.
When working with multiple browsers, you may wish to create a bookmark that triggers a quick disconnect script. Place the following JavaScript in the bookmark’s URL field: javascript:(function(){document.querySelector('[data-action="disconnect"]').click();})(); Clicking this bookmark will send a disconnect signal across all active browser sessions.
Tips for Quick Disabling
1. Keyboard Shortcuts: On Windows and macOS, you can bind a global hotkey to the disconnect command in the Surfshark app’s preferences. This allows you to turn the VPN off instantly without navigating menus.
2. Battery Saver Mode: Many smartphones activate a low‑power mode that automatically disconnects VPN connections. If you’re on a battery‑constrained device, enable battery saver settings to keep your phone responsive.
3. Network Profiles: In corporate or school environments, you may want the VPN off when connecting to the office Wi‑Fi. Create a network profile in Windows that disables Surfshark automatically upon connection.
4. Use the Kill Switch: If you accidentally leave the VPN on, the Kill Switch feature (Learn how to use Kill Switch) ensures no traffic leaks. Turn it off only if you intend to bypass the VPN entirely.
Alternative Methods
If your device does not support the official Surfshark app or you encounter bugs, there are other ways to manage the VPN connection.
Command‑Line Utilities
For advanced users, Surfshark provides a command‑line client that can be installed on Linux, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and macOS. You can connect or disconnect using simple commands such as surfsharkctl connect and surfsharkctl disconnect. This is especially useful in headless servers or when automating VPN toggles in CI pipelines.
Network Router Integration
Many modern routers support VPN clients. By configuring your router to use Surfshark, all devices connected to it automatically benefit from the VPN. To how to turn off surfshark vpn on a specific device, simply disable the router’s VPN for that device’s MAC address.
Use a Different VPN for Specific Tasks
If you only need to bypass geo‑restrictions for a streaming service, you could temporarily switch to another VPN like ProtonVPN in China. Once your streaming session is complete, you can revert to Surfshark or a no‑VPN setup.
Local Proxy as a Stop‑Gap
For users unfamiliar with VPNs, a local HTTP proxy can serve as a lightweight alternative. Install a proxy server such as TinyProxy, configure your browser to use localhost:8888, and toggle the proxy on or off as needed. This method is less secure than a full VPN but can be adequate for casual browsing.
VPN‑Aware Applications
Some applications, like VPN‑proxy aware software, let you specify whether to use the VPN tunnel or not. For instance, your email client can be set to bypass the VPN to reduce latency for SMTP traffic.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, knowing how to turn off surfshark vpn and how to disable surfshark vpn on every device gives you flexibility and control over your online experience. Whether you’re a casual user, a power gamer, or a business professional, the methods outlined above help you manage your VPN connection efficiently.
Remember, while turning the VPN off may improve speed or enable local services, it also exposes your traffic to potential eavesdroppers. Use the Kill Switch or local proxy settings to mitigate risks, and always revert to a secure connection when sensitive data is involved.
By mastering these steps, you’ll be able to switch between anonymity and convenience at the click of a button, no matter where you are in the world—from the bustling streets of New York to the remote villages of Nepal.
