How to enable CleanWeb ad blocker on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

CleanWeb is Surfshark's built-in ad blocker that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Simply open your Surfshark app, navigate to the Features section, and toggle CleanWeb on to start blocking unwanted content immediately.

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Prerequisites

Active Surfshark subscription
Surfshark app installed on your device
Internet connection
Valid Surfshark account credentials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the Surfshark application

Launch the Surfshark app on your device. If you're not already logged in, enter your Surfshark account credentials to access the main dashboard.

Make sure you're using the latest version of Surfshark for the best CleanWeb experience.

Navigate to the Features section

On the main dashboard, look for the Features tab or section. This is typically located in the side menu on desktop apps or in the bottom navigation on mobile apps. Click or tap on Features.

Locate the CleanWeb option

In the Features section, scroll down to find CleanWeb. It's usually displayed with an icon showing a shield or ad block symbol, along with a description mentioning ad and tracker blocking.

CleanWeb may also be found under a 'Security' or 'Privacy' subsection depending on your app version.

Enable CleanWeb

Toggle the CleanWeb switch to the ON position. The toggle should change color (usually to blue or green) to indicate it's active. You may see a confirmation message stating that CleanWeb is now enabled.

Some versions may require you to click 'Apply' or 'Save' after toggling the feature on.

Connect to a VPN server

Return to the main screen and connect to any Surfshark VPN server by clicking the Connect button. CleanWeb only works when you're connected to a VPN server, so this step is essential for the ad blocker to function.

Choose a server close to your location for better performance while maintaining ad blocking protection.

Verify CleanWeb is working

Open your web browser and visit a website known to have advertisements. You should notice significantly fewer ads, pop-ups, and trackers. The Surfshark app may also display statistics showing how many ads and trackers have been blocked.

Visit a news website or free streaming site to easily test if ads are being blocked effectively.

Customize CleanWeb settings (optional)

Return to the Features section to access additional CleanWeb options if available. Some versions allow you to create whitelists for specific websites or adjust blocking levels for different types of content.

Consider whitelisting websites you want to support by allowing their non-intrusive ads.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

CleanWeb toggle is grayed out or unavailable

Ensure your Surfshark subscription includes CleanWeb (available on most plans). Try logging out and back into your account, or contact Surfshark support if the feature remains unavailable.

Ads are still showing after enabling CleanWeb

Make sure you're connected to a VPN server, as CleanWeb only works with an active VPN connection. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser to remove any cached ads.

Websites are loading slowly with CleanWeb enabled

Try connecting to a different VPN server closer to your location. If issues persist, temporarily disable CleanWeb for specific sites that aren't loading properly by adding them to your whitelist.

CleanWeb is blocking content I need to access

Add the affected website to your CleanWeb whitelist through the Features settings. Alternatively, you can temporarily disable CleanWeb, access the content, then re-enable it afterward.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Surfshark website before purchasing.

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