How to install on macOS on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

Installing Surfshark on macOS involves downloading the app from the official website, running the installer, and logging in with your credentials. The process takes just a few minutes and provides secure VPN access across your Mac.

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Prerequisites

macOS 10.15 or later
Active Surfshark subscription
Administrator access on your Mac
Stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Download the Surfshark macOS app

Open your web browser and go to surfshark.com. Click on Apps in the top menu, then select macOS. Click the Download for macOS button to download the Surfshark.dmg file to your Downloads folder.

Always download from the official Surfshark website to ensure you get the legitimate app.

Open the installer package

Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click the Surfshark.dmg file. A new window will open showing the Surfshark application icon and an Applications folder shortcut.

Install Surfshark to Applications

Drag the Surfshark app icon into the Applications folder. Wait for the copying process to complete, then eject the DMG by clicking the eject button next to Surfshark in the Finder sidebar.

You can also right-click the DMG and select 'Eject' to safely remove it.

Launch Surfshark for the first time

Go to your Applications folder and double-click Surfshark. macOS may show a security warning. Click Open to proceed. If prompted, enter your Mac's administrator password to allow the app to install necessary system components.

If you can't open the app, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click 'Open Anyway' next to the Surfshark notification.

Sign in to your Surfshark account

When Surfshark opens, click Log In. Enter your Surfshark account email and password in the respective fields. Click Log In to authenticate your subscription and access the VPN features.

Don't have an account? Click 'Sign Up' to create a new Surfshark subscription.

Grant necessary permissions

Surfshark will request permission to add VPN configurations. Click Allow when prompted by macOS. You may need to enter your Mac's administrator password again. The app will also request permission for notifications - click Allow to receive connection status updates.

These permissions are essential for Surfshark to function properly and establish secure VPN connections.

Complete setup and connect

Once logged in, the main Surfshark interface will appear. Click the Quick-connect button to connect to the fastest available server, or click Locations to choose a specific server. The connection status will show Protected when successfully connected.

Enable 'Auto-connect' in settings to automatically connect to VPN when you start your Mac.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

App won't open due to security restrictions

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Look for a message about Surfshark being blocked and click Open Anyway. You may need to unlock the settings with your password first.

VPN connection fails to establish

Check your internet connection first. Try switching to a different server location in the Surfshark app. If issues persist, disable any firewall or antivirus software temporarily, then restart the Surfshark app.

Verify your email and password are correct. Try resetting your password on the Surfshark website. Clear the app's cache by going to Preferences > Advanced > Reset Settings and try logging in again.

Slow internet speeds after connecting

Try connecting to a server closer to your location. In Surfshark settings, switch the protocol to WireGuard for better performance. You can also try disabling CleanWeb temporarily to see if speeds improve.

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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