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Why is Surfshark blocking my internet?

· 3 min read

Surfshark is blocking your internet because its default settings might be set to block certain websites, IP addresses, or protocols, or there could be a conflict with your network configuration. According to Surfshark’s documentation, this can happen when the VPN’s firewall or CleanWeb feature is enabled. The CleanWeb feature is designed to block ads, trackers, and malware, but it can sometimes interfere with legitimate websites.

How does Surfshark’s blocking work?

Surfshark uses a combination of DNS filtering, IP blocking, and content inspection to block unwanted traffic. When you enable the CleanWeb feature, Surfshark’s servers will filter out requests to known ad servers, trackers, and malware sites. However, this can sometimes lead to false positives, where legitimate websites are blocked. Additionally, if you have set up custom blocklists or allowed lists in Surfshark, these rules might be blocking specific websites or IP addresses.

Is Surfshark’s blocking configurable?

Yes, Surfshark’s blocking settings can be configured to suit your needs. You can disable the CleanWeb feature or customize the blocklists and allowed lists to allow specific websites or IP addresses. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Surfshark app and go to the “Settings” or “Preferences” section.

2. Look for the “CleanWeb” or “Firewall” option and toggle it off.

3. If you want to customize the blocklists or allowed lists, click on the “Advanced” or “Custom” option.

4. Add or remove websites, IP addresses, or protocols from the blocklists or allowed lists as needed.

Can I troubleshoot Surfshark’s blocking issues?

Yes, you can troubleshoot Surfshark’s blocking issues by following these steps:

1. Check the Surfshark app logs to see which websites or IP addresses are being blocked.

2. Disable the CleanWeb feature and see if the issue persists.

3. Check your network configuration to ensure that there are no conflicts with Surfshark’s settings.

4. Contact Surfshark’s support team for further assistance.

Regulatory compliance

Surfshark is compliant with various regulatory requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). According to Surfshark’s privacy policy, the company does not collect or store any personally identifiable information, except for the purposes of providing the VPN service.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is Surfshark blocking my internet?

    Surfshark is blocking your internet because its default settings might be set to block certain websites, IP addresses, or protocols, or there could be a conflict with your network configuration.

  • How do I configure Surfshark’s blocking settings?

    You can configure Surfshark’s blocking settings by disabling the CleanWeb feature or customizing the blocklists and allowed lists in the Surfshark app.

  • Is Surfshark’s blocking feature safe?

    Yes, Surfshark’s blocking feature is safe and designed to protect your online security and privacy. However, you should be aware of the potential risks of false positives and configure the settings accordingly.

  • How do I troubleshoot Surfshark’s blocking issues?

    You can troubleshoot Surfshark’s blocking issues by checking the app logs, disabling the CleanWeb feature, and contacting Surfshark’s support team for further assistance.

  • Is Surfshark compliant with regulatory requirements?

    Yes, Surfshark is compliant with various regulatory requirements, including the GDPR and CCPA, and does not collect or store any personally identifiable information except for providing the VPN service.