How to Change Server in Surfshark
If you want to switch locations quickly, understanding how to change server in Surfshark is essential.
This guide explains the exact steps on desktop, mobile, browser extensions, and smart TV apps, plus what to do when a server is slow or unavailable.
Surfshark’s server network is designed for privacy, streaming access, and performance, but the best choice depends on your goal.
The right server can improve speed, reduce latency, or help you connect to a specific country without guesswork.
What changing servers in Surfshark actually does
When you change servers in Surfshark, you route your internet traffic through a different VPN endpoint.
That endpoint may be in another city or country, and websites will usually see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real one.
This is useful for several common reasons:
- Accessing region-specific websites and streaming libraries
- Reducing latency by choosing a closer location
- Bypassing local network restrictions on public Wi-Fi
- Refreshing your IP address for privacy and consistency
Surfshark uses a large global network, so the interface typically lets you pick a country, then a city or specific server depending on the app and platform.
How to change server in Surfshark on desktop
The desktop app on Windows and macOS is the most straightforward way to switch servers.
The process is nearly identical across both platforms, with only minor interface differences.
Change to a new country
- Open the Surfshark app.
- Sign in if needed.
- Go to the location list or map view.
- Select a country from the list.
- Wait for the connection to complete.
If you are already connected, choosing a new location disconnects the current session and reconnects you through the new server automatically.
Choose a specific city or server
Some locations in Surfshark include multiple city-level options or dedicated server entries.
This is helpful if you want a more precise route or better performance in a specific region.
- Expand the country name to see available cities or servers.
- Select the city closest to your target audience or service.
- Wait for the status indicator to confirm the connection.
For example, if you need a U.S. server but one city is overloaded, switching from New York to Chicago or Dallas can improve speed.
How to change server in Surfshark on iPhone and Android
On mobile, Surfshark keeps the connection process simple.
The interface is optimized for quick server changes while you are on the move.
Switch servers on iOS or Android
- Open the Surfshark app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the locations tab or search field.
- Browse the country list or search for a region.
- Tap the country, city, or server you want.
- Confirm the connection if prompted.
If you use mobile data, server changes may briefly interrupt app traffic during reconnection.
That is normal and usually lasts only a few seconds.
Use favorites for faster access
Surfshark allows you to save locations as favorites in some app versions.
If you repeatedly use the same country for streaming, travel, or privacy, favorites reduce the number of taps needed.
- Mark frequently used countries or cities
- Return to the same server family more easily
- Reduce time spent searching through the full list
How to change server in Surfshark browser extension
The browser extension is useful when you only want to route browser traffic through a VPN server.
This can be convenient for web apps, search, and region-specific browsing.
- Open the Surfshark browser extension in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Log in if required.
- Choose a location from the available server list.
- Wait for the extension to show that the connection is active.
Because browser extensions typically cover only the browser session, they may be faster to toggle than the full desktop app.
However, they do not protect traffic from other applications on your device.
How to change server in Surfshark on smart TV or streaming devices
On platforms such as Fire TV and Android TV, Surfshark usually works through a dedicated app.
Changing servers is similar to desktop, but the interface is controlled with a remote.
- Launch the Surfshark app from your device home screen
- Open the location list
- Pick a country or city
- Wait for the VPN to reconnect
If your goal is streaming, choose a server in the country that matches the service’s catalog region.
If playback buffers, try a different city in the same country or a nearby region with lower load.
How to pick the best Surfshark server for your goal
Not every server is equally suitable for every task.
The best choice depends on distance, load, and what you are trying to access.
For faster speeds
- Choose a server physically close to your location
- Avoid heavily crowded cities if alternatives exist
- Test a few nearby locations to compare latency
For streaming
- Select a server in the country where the content is available
- Try another server in the same country if one fails
- Clear browser cookies if a service still shows the wrong region
For privacy and everyday use
- Pick a stable server with consistent performance
- Use a nearby country if you want minimal speed loss
- Change locations periodically if you prefer not to rely on one endpoint
What to do if Surfshark will not change servers
Occasionally, a location may fail to connect, especially on busy networks or restrictive Wi-Fi.
Most issues are temporary and can be fixed with a few checks.
Try these troubleshooting steps
- Disconnect and reconnect to the same server.
- Switch to a different server in the same country.
- Restart the Surfshark app.
- Restart your device.
- Check whether your internet connection is stable without the VPN.
If the app still refuses to connect, updating Surfshark can help.
App updates often include protocol improvements, bug fixes, and server compatibility changes.
Check protocol settings
Surfshark supports multiple VPN protocols, and one may work better than another on your network.
If a server change keeps failing, try another protocol in the app settings before moving to a different device or network.
Useful settings that affect server switching
Some Surfshark features can influence how server changes behave.
Understanding them can save time when you are troubleshooting or optimizing performance.
- Auto-connect: Reconnects you automatically when the app starts or the network changes.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains while connected.
- Bypasser: Lets selected apps or websites avoid the VPN tunnel.
- Kill Switch: Helps protect traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
If you use Bypasser, some websites may appear to ignore your server change because they are routed outside the VPN tunnel by design.
When changing servers may not be enough
In some cases, the server itself is not the issue.
A website may also use browser cookies, account region settings, GPS signals, or payment information to determine your location.
If a streaming service still shows the wrong catalog after switching servers, sign out of the service, clear cookies, and reconnect to the desired country.
On mobile apps, location permissions can also influence region detection.
Quick reference: changing servers in Surfshark
- Desktop: Open app, choose location, reconnect
- iPhone/Android: Tap the location list, select a server, confirm
- Browser extension: Pick a country in the extension panel
- TV devices: Use the app menu and remote to select a location
Once you know how to change server in Surfshark, you can move between countries, cities, and specialized endpoints in seconds.
The best results come from matching the server to your use case, then testing a second location if the first one is slow or blocked.