Surfshark VPN’s iOS app has become one of the go-to tools for iPhone and iPad users who want to protect their privacy, secure their internet connection, and bypass geo-restrictions. With its combination of strong security protocols, unlimited device connections, and user-friendly interface, the Surfshark iOS app fits neatly into the modern Apple ecosystem.

Whether you’re looking to keep your browsing private on public Wi-Fi, watch streaming content from other countries, or simply want peace of mind that your data isn’t being logged or sold, the iOS app delivers a lot of value.

This guide takes you through what the Surfshark iOS app offers, how it works, and how it compares to using Surfshark on other platforms — so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your mobile privacy needs.

Why Use a VPN on iOS?

Apple devices are well-known for their strong built-in security features. However, that doesn’t mean you’re invisible or immune to data tracking. ISPs, advertisers, and even public Wi-Fi operators can still monitor your activity.

A VPN on iOS:

• Encrypts your traffic so nobody can see what you’re doing online.

• Masks your real IP address, replacing it with one from another location.

• Bypasses content blocks so you can access services that may be restricted in your region.
  
  

Surfshark’s iOS app is designed to work seamlessly with iPhones and iPads, offering all these protections while keeping performance smooth.

Surfshark iOS App Overview

Launched: 2018
Headquarters: Netherlands (privacy-friendly jurisdiction)
Server network: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Supported protocols on iOS: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

Surfshark’s iOS app brings nearly all the desktop features into a pocket-friendly, touch-optimized interface. The focus is on quick connection, minimal setup, and stability for users who switch networks often — like moving between mobile data and Wi-Fi.

Unlike some VPN providers that strip down their iOS apps, Surfshark includes CleanWeb (ad/tracker blocking), Bypasser (split tunneling), and NoBorders mode directly within the app, so you’re not missing critical privacy tools on mobile.

How the App Looks & Feels

The Surfshark iOS interface is minimalist and responsive:

• Home screen: Quick Connect button, current location, and IP status.

• Server list: Search by country or city, plus static IP and MultiHop options.

• Settings menu: Clear categories for VPN, Features, and Account.
  
  

Animations are smooth, and the connection process typically takes just 1–2 seconds with WireGuard. The app is fully optimized for both iPhone and iPad layouts.

Key Features of Surfshark on iOS

1. Unlimited Device Connections

This is one of Surfshark’s biggest selling points. Your iOS app is just one of unlimited simultaneous devices under a single subscription. That means your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and even other family members’ devices can all stay connected at once.

2. Protocol Choice

From Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol, you can switch between:

• WireGuard – Best balance of speed & security.

• IKEv2 – Strong for mobile networks, quick reconnections.

• OpenVPN UDP/TCP – Maximum compatibility; TCP for reliability, UDP for speed.
  
  

3. Kill Switch

The Kill Switch on iOS automatically blocks internet access if your VPN drops unexpectedly, ensuring no accidental IP exposure.

4. CleanWeb

Surfshark’s ad/tracker/malware blocker works seamlessly on Safari and third-party browsers without extra configuration.

5. MultiHop

Route your connection through two VPN servers in different countries for extra privacy.

6. NoBorders Mode

Helps you connect in restrictive environments by using special servers optimized for censorship bypass.

7. GPS Spoofing (limited on iOS)

While Android offers full GPS spoofing, iOS users can still match IP-based geolocation to their VPN server location, which is useful for region-locked apps.

Pros & Cons of the Surfshark iOS App

PROs

• Unlimited simultaneous connections

• Fast WireGuard performance on mobile

• Includes CleanWeb and MultiHop

• Easy protocol switching

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Works well for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc.
  
  

CONs

• GPS spoofing not as strong as on Android

• Occasional speed dips on distant servers

• No dedicated widgets for quick connect from iOS home screen (yet)

Performance & Speed on iOS

Surfshark’s WireGuard implementation shines here. In multiple speed tests on iPhone 14 over 5G and Wi-Fi:

• Local server (same country): 280–300 Mbps down / 240 Mbps up

• Mid-distance server (EU to US): 180–220 Mbps down / 180 Mbps up

• Long-distance server (EU to Asia): 120–150 Mbps down / 110 Mbps up
  
  

Streaming in 4K on Netflix and YouTube is smooth, with no buffering on stable connections. Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data is handled quickly by IKEv2, keeping drops to a minimum.

Streaming & Content Access

We tested Surfshark’s iOS app with major streaming services:

• Netflix US, UK, Japan: Works reliably; occasional need to switch servers.

• Disney+ & Hulu: Unblocked without buffering issues.

• BBC iPlayer: Consistent access via UK servers.
  
  

Surfshark’s SmartDNS feature can be set up on Apple TV for iOS users who want to watch on a bigger screen without installing the VPN there.

Security & Privacy on iOS

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM with WireGuard/OpenVPN, ChaCha20 with WireGuard.

• No-Logs Policy: Verified by independent audit.

• Jurisdiction: Netherlands, outside 14 Eyes surveillance alliance.

• Extra: Private DNS on every server, IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection built in.
  
  

We ran DNS and WebRTC leak tests from Safari on iOS — no leaks detected in any scenario.

Pricing & Value for iOS Users

Surfshark offers three main plans (same for all devices, including iOS):

• Monthly: Around $12.95

• 1-year: ~$3.99/month

• 2-year: ~$2.29/month + extra months free during promotions
  
  

All plans include unlimited devices and all features — there’s no “mobile-only” downgrade like some VPN providers have. iOS users also get a 7-day free trial via the App Store.

How to Install Surfshark on iOS

1. Go to the App Store and search for “Surfshark VPN.

2. Tap Get and install the app.

3. Open Surfshark, create an account or log in.

4. Allow VPN configuration when prompted by iOS.

5. Tap Quick Connect or choose a server manually.
   
   

Optional: Enable Kill Switch and CleanWeb in settings for maximum privacy.

Surfshark iOS vs Desktop Version

You get most features from desktop, but a few differences:

• No native WireGuard configuration export on iOS.

• GPS spoofing stronger on Android.

• Interface optimized for touch navigation.

• No direct “connect on boot” (iOS restricts background connections).
  
  

Still, Surfshark keeps nearly all core tools intact for iPhone/iPad users, which is not always the case with VPNs.