How to enable Kill Switch on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

Enable Surfshark's Kill Switch by opening the app, navigating to Settings, and toggling on the Kill Switch feature. This prevents internet traffic when the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

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Prerequisites

Active Surfshark subscription
Surfshark app installed on your device
Administrator/root access on your device
Stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Surfshark Application

Launch the Surfshark app on your device. Ensure you're logged into your account with valid credentials. The main dashboard should display your connection status and server location.

Make sure you're running the latest version of Surfshark for the best Kill Switch functionality.

Access Settings Menu

Click on the Settings icon, typically represented by a gear or cog wheel. On desktop apps, this is usually located in the top-right corner. On mobile apps, look for the hamburger menu or settings icon in the navigation.

Navigate to VPN Settings

In the Settings menu, locate and click on VPN settings or Advanced settings. This section contains various VPN configuration options including security features like the Kill Switch.

The exact naming may vary slightly between different versions and platforms.

Locate Kill Switch Option

Scroll down to find the Kill Switch option. It may also be labeled as Internet Kill Switch or Network Lock. The feature description should mention blocking internet traffic when VPN disconnects.

Some versions may have separate toggles for different types of Kill Switch protection.

Enable Kill Switch

Toggle the Kill Switch slider to the ON position. The toggle should change color (usually to green or blue) indicating it's activated. You may see a confirmation message about the feature being enabled.

On some platforms, you might need to grant additional permissions for the Kill Switch to function properly.

Configure Kill Switch Type (If Available)

Some Surfshark versions offer different Kill Switch modes: Soft Kill Switch (blocks new connections) or Hard Kill Switch (blocks all traffic). Select your preferred option based on your security needs.

Hard Kill Switch provides maximum security but may be more noticeable if the VPN disconnects.

Test the Kill Switch

Connect to a VPN server, then manually disconnect or disable the VPN connection to test if the Kill Switch blocks internet access. Try browsing to a website - it should be blocked. Reconnect the VPN to restore internet access.

Always test the Kill Switch in a controlled environment to ensure it's working properly.

Save and Apply Changes

Click Save or Apply if prompted. Some versions automatically save changes. Close the settings menu and return to the main app interface. The Kill Switch is now active and will protect your traffic.

The Kill Switch remains active even after restarting the app, but verify settings after major updates.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Kill Switch option not visible in settings

Update your Surfshark app to the latest version. Some older versions may not have this feature. If still missing, check if your subscription plan includes Kill Switch functionality.

Kill Switch not blocking internet when VPN disconnects

Ensure you've granted all necessary permissions to Surfshark, especially on mobile devices. Try disabling and re-enabling the Kill Switch, then restart the application.

Internet remains blocked after VPN reconnection

Manually disconnect and reconnect the VPN server. If the issue persists, temporarily disable Kill Switch, restart the app, then re-enable it. Check your firewall settings for conflicts.

Kill Switch causes frequent internet disruptions

Switch to a more stable server location closer to your physical location. Consider using Soft Kill Switch instead of Hard Kill Switch if available. Check your internet connection stability.

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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