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Surfshark-not-working-in-Japan

Multiple factors are involved in a VPN connection – network settings, app settings, network type, and other software (home, public, and mobile data). So, there can be anything on your system that may be causing Surfshark not working in Japan

But thankfully, many problems that users experience with Surfshark are quite simple in nature and can be resolved without needing you to have sage-level IT knowledge. So, if you’re facing any problem keeping up with a stable Surfshark connection, you may think, ‘Why does my Surfshark VPN keep disconnecting?.’

This is because some applications may take network control on your device, which can often interfere with Surfshark’s connection. It also applies to other VPNs, firewalls, antivirus, and file-sharing apps. So if you own any one of those, disable them to avoid Surfshark proxy connection errors.

So, if you’re unable to connect to Surfshark, then this troubleshooting guide is just for you. Please note that we’ll be solving all Surfshark not working problems on Windows 10.


Surfshark Not Working in Japan – Try these Fixes

Some issues are quite minor, and you can solve them with easy adjustments on your device or the Surfsark app yourself.

If you’re facing issues with Surfshark VPN not working in Japan on your device, here are some fixes you can try in Japan:

  1. Ensure that you are signed in: Logging out and then completing a fresh Surfshark login might help resolve the issue.
  2. Adjust the protocol settings in the Surfshark app. Changing the default protocol might help stabilize the connection.
  3. Experiment with different server locations. Sometimes, certain servers may have better performance than others, so try connecting to alternative locations to see if that resolves the issue.
  4. Temporarily disable any apps that could potentially interfere with the VPN connection. Some applications, like firewalls or antivirus software, might conflict with the VPN causing Surfshark problems. By disabling them temporarily, you can check if they are causing the Surfshark firewall blocking internet error.
  5. Consider switching to a different network. Sometimes, the issue could be related to your current network. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or use a wired connection to see if the Surfshark problems persist.
  6. Turn off IPv6 on your device. Disabling IPv6 can sometimes help resolve Surfshark proxy connection errors and general connectivity issues with VPN services. You can find this option in your device’s network settings.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and address any stability issues you’re experiencing with Surfshark on your Windows device.

If this doesn’t work, then don’t worry. There are multiple other quick and easy fixes you can try if Surfshark doesn’t work :

1. Switch servers

A common reason why you might find Surfshark not connecting is connectivity issues due to server downtimes and technical faults. If this happens, then you can try connecting to a different server location of Surfshark.

surfshark-entire-server-network

If you’re experiencing slow Surfshark speeds in Japan, you can try connecting to a nearby location. To do this, just launch the Surfshark app and choose a server location of your preference. Test multiple servers and check if the issue persists.

2. Check subscription validity

Is your Surfshark subscription still valid? It’s possible that you might have run out of the subscription period without realizing it. If that’s the case, you won’t be able to get beyond the Surfshark login screen to log into Surfshark and get the VPN working.

Head over to the Surfshark user panel and check if your subscription is still active. If not, then you will need to renew your subscription before or Surfshark won’t connect.

3. Faulty internet connection

Are you sure that your internet is generally working fine, or is Surfshark down? Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your VPN client but with your internet service itself.

To check that your internet is functioning normally, disconnect Surfshark and quit the service all together from your PC/device. Now try using the internet again and see if you are able to visit websites. If it works, then the problem is certainly with Surfshark, and you will need to try some other steps listed in this article.

4. Change protocols

Surfshark offers multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2. As It is one of the best OpenVPN service provider in Japan. ISPs in some regions block certain protocols, which means Surfshark won’t connect and can result in connectivity issues on your end.

Here’s how you can change your VPN protocol on Surfshark’s windows app:

  • Launch Surfshark > click Settings on the left.

click-settings-on-surfshark-app

  • Click VPN Settings > scroll down to Protocol > select a protocol and try connecting to a location again.

choose-a-protocol-on-surfshark-from-vpn-settings

Change your protocol from Automatic to WireGuard or OpenVPN (UDP).

5. Reset the app

Is Surfshark down? A malfunctioning app can certainly make it seem that way. You can try restoring the Surfshark app to the default settings if you’ve tried other methods. To restore Surfshark to factory defaults on Windows, follow these steps:

  • Launch Surfshark > Settings.

click-settings-on-surfshark-app

  • Under Settings, click Get Help > Troubleshooting Tools.

click-troubleshooting-tools-in-surfshark-app

  • When the new window opens, click Reset network.

click-reset-network-on-surfshark

Once the app has been restored, try connecting to a server location again. This trick seems to work for many annoyed Surfshark users. If Surfshark is not working on Android or other phones, you can simply reset the app to default by following the same standard procedure as any other app.

Note: This will step will probably sign you out so make sure you remember your Surfshark login details before carrying out a reset.

6. Firewall/anti-malware exceptions

Another fairly common problem that prevents Surfshark from working properly is restrictions and conflicts caused by firewall/anti-malware software. These programs tend to block VPN connections entirely or cause frequent disconnections/slow speeds and can be a big reason why Surfshark won’t connect. They usually cause the Surfshark proxy connection error.

To ensure that your security software isn’t interfering with your VPN connection, disable all your antivirus/firewall programs, and then try using Surfshark. If this works, then this proves that one or more of your security programs are causing the problem. Surfshark is also known as the top VPN with CleanWeb in Japan! Enjoy a smooth, secure browsing journey like never before and sidestep issues like Surfshark firewall blocking internet.

You can add Surfshark.exe to the list of exceptions in your firewall/antimalware. This will enable your software program to continue offering you protection while ignoring Surfshark so that you can use it both smoothly and without any interference!

7. Disable TAP adapters

Is Surfshark down? Conflicts with other VPNs installed in your system/device can also interfere with your Surfshark connection. If you have other VPNs installed, you should disable their TAP adapters. If you do not, it is quite possible Surfshark will display this error “The app couldn’t reach Surfshark systems”. This is how you can do this on Windows:

  • Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

adapter-settings

  • You’ll find the TAP adapters of all installed VPNs as well as your physical network.

TAP-adapters

  • Disable adapters of all VPNs other than Surfshark by right-clicking each and selecting Disable.

After disabling the adapters of other providers, try connecting to Surfshark again.

8. Update the Surfshark app

Is Surfshark down? Outdated apps can give you all sorts of errors and bugs, including login issues which may lead to Surfshark not opening at all. If you haven’t updated your Surfshark app in a while, you should check their official website to ensure there isn’t a more recent version available.

If the app is too out of date, it will lose the ability to access Surfshark serves due to security reasons and will then display the “The app couldn’t reach Surfshark systems” error.

In case an update is available, download and install it immediately. Not only are updated apps more secure, but they also improve performance and can resolve some performance issues that may exist in previous versions.

9. Turn off IPv6 on your device

IPv6 is a networking system that various internet networks may have. While Surfshark currently doesn’t support IPv6, you may face connection issues if you have it on your device. You can check if you have IPv6 using the following steps:

  • Check your IP address by clicking this page of Surfshark.

surfshark-ip-checker-tool

  • It will check your public IP and display it to you. If you’ve IPv6, your IP address will be lengthy, consisting of numbers, letters, and dots.

ipv6-ip-address

  • If not, then you’ll see a shorter IP with dots and numbers only).

ipv4-ip-address

  • If you find IPV6 activated on your network, disable it to use Surfshark without issues.

The good news is that you can disable IPv6 easily on your Windows, macOS, and Linux devices.

10. Disable possibly interfering apps

When Surfshark doesn’t work as expected, it could be due to certain apps that have taken control of your device’s network settings, causing interference with the VPN connection, and causing Surfshark VPN connection errors.

It’s possible that other applications on your device, such as your antivirus program or another VPN application, are causing conflicts and actively impeding the VPN connection causing your app to display the “The app couldn’t reach Surfshark systems”. error. To address this issue, it’s crucial to temporarily disable your antivirus software and remove any additional VPN applications that might be installed.

It’s worth noting that the application makes slight modifications to your connection settings, which can trigger alerts in most antivirus programs, deeming it potentially harmful and blocking the VPN connection attempt. Different VPN applications often employ varying connection configurations, leading to clashes and resulting in connection cancellation.

This commonly occurs with VPNs, firewalls, file-sharing apps, and particularly anti-virus software. If you have any of these applications installed, it’s worth considering temporarily disabling them. Afterward, give your device a quick reboot, complete your Surfshark login, and observe if the connection improves.

By ensuring your antivirus is disabled and removing any conflicting VPN applications, you can significantly improve the chances of resolving Surfshark connection issues and overcoming Surfshark VPN connection errors.


Surfshark Issues and Fixes for Specific Situations

There may be certain situations where Surfshark may cause issues on a few streaming platforms or devices/operating systems. It can be an issue with installation or a bad internet connection.

Here are some services, devices, and platforms that have previously caused problems for Surfshark users and how can you solve them:

Surfshark not working on FireStick in Japan

Surfshark offers a dedicated app for FireStick. Unfortunately, you can’t use this app on first-generation Firestick devices as these don’t support VPNs. So, to solve your Surfshark FireStick issue, make sure that you’re using the 2nd generation or above FireStick device, as that is the only way you will be able to run Surfshark on it.

The good thing about Surfshark is that it does support a lot more than the usual desktop and smartphone brands. You can also install Surfshark on Kodi and Roku with its Smart DNS feature. Click here if you find Surfshark’s Smart DNS not working.

Note: ExpressVPN is the best alternative to Surfshark, with an optimized FireStick app that supports all generation FireStick devices – Starting at JPY 1008.43/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free

Surfshark not working on Prime in Japan

To watch Amazon Prime Video from anywhere in the world using Surfshark, you must be connected to a US server. However, this only works on computers, as Surfshark doesn’t unblock Prime on mobile devices.

If you’re unable to access Prime on your computer with Surfshark, try these steps:

  • Clear your browser cache.
  • Try a different US server location.
  • Restart your computer and try again.

These steps should resolve the issue in most cases. If the problem persists, you should contact customer support which can guide you toward an easy solution.

Surfshark not working with Torrent in Japan

Surfshark supports P2P file-sharing and torrenting on most servers. However, its best-optimized servers for torrenting are the Netherlands, US, and Canada.

So, if you’re facing speed or other issues like the “Surfshark can’t connect” error while using torrents with Surfshark, try changing your server location to one of the above. Surfshark is generally efficient for torrenting, so you shouldn’t normally experience any issues. For example, you can connect to a Switzerland VPN server that is P2P-optimized.

Why is Netflix not working with Surfshark VPN in Japan?

Netflix may not work with Surfshark VPN due to Netflix blocking the specific IP address assigned to you by Surfshark. However, it’s important to note that Netflix is unable to block Surfshark VPN entirely; it can only target the IP addresses provided by Surfshark. To resolve this issue, you can switch to a different Surfshark server, which will assign you a new IP address and potentially bypass Netflix’s restrictions.

If you encounter a situation where Netflix content is loading but fails to start on your device, here are some steps you can take to address it:

  1. If you’re using the Surfshark VPN app, go to the Surfshark login, sign in, then navigate to Settings -> VPN Settings -> Protocol, then change the protocol to OpenVPN/UDP. This adjustment might help in resolving the issue.
  2. Try connecting to other locations with Surfshark. By experimenting with different server locations, you might find a server that successfully allows you to access Netflix content.
  3. If your router provides an option to change DNS servers, consider making that adjustment. You can try using the following DNS servers: 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve any difficulties you’re facing with Surfshark VPN and Netflix compatibility.

Netflix-Proxy-error-1

Surfshark can unblock the Netflix library with all the unique content of different regions, including the US, UK, India, Italy, Canada, Germany, and more. Simply connect to the server of the country you wish to unblock the Netflix catalog of in order to watch your favorite shows. Also, you can simply do this by enabling Surfshark’s no borders feature. As soon as the Surfshark app detects blockage of access NoBorders mode is automatically activated.

If you face a Surfshark VPN not working with Netflix problem, clear your browser cache, restart your browser, and try again. This should fix the problem in 90% of the cases, as Surfshark is one of the most potent VPNs for Netflix.

See this article on Surfshark for Netflix in Japan for more information about its performance with the popular streaming service. If you’re using smart DNS to stream Netflix and may come across Surfshark’s Smart DNS not working issue, then you can visit the VPN’s guide to fix it.

Surfshark Alternatives

Tried the above methods above, but still no luck? Maybe you should cancel Surfshark and try a different VPN service in Japan. For instance, here’s how Surfshark compares to ExpressVPN, which is one of the most well-rounded VPN providers in the market:

VPNs expressvpn-logo-new surfshark logo
Price JPY1008.43/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free JPY376.46/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
Servers 3000+ servers in 105 countries 3200+ servers in 100 countries
Customer Support 24/7 live chat & email 24/7 live chat & email
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
Logging Policy Zero logs Zero logs
Jurisdiction The British Virgin Islands The Netherlands
Netflix unblocking Strong Strong
Compatibility All major operating systems, devices, and gaming consoles All major operating systems, devices, and gaming consoles
Website ExpressVPN Surfshark

It is advisable to get Surfshark’s free trial in Japan before purchasing the full subscription. This way, you can see if you’re getting the performance you expect. You can opt-out if it proves to be less than satisfactory.


FAQs – Surfshark Not Working in Japan

Surfshark is not connecting on your phone because you might have an outdated Surfshark application, the app might have run into an error or your network could have a blocked Surfshark VPN protocol port, causing issues with Surfshark connection.

To resolve this, ensure you have the latest Surfshark app version, have completed your Surfshark login process, and test all available protocols in the Surfshark settings to establish a successful connection. You can also try resetting your network and rebooting the device to fix the problem.

Yes, Surfshark may cause a slight decrease in internet speed, as is the case with any VPN. However, as a premium VPN service, Surfshark ensures that the speed drop is minimal and hardly noticeable.

Yes, Surfshark works great on Windows 10 in Japan. We’ve been using Surfshark for over a month on Windows 10 and Android, and the VPN has been working fine up till now! The connections are blazing-fast and fulfill their purpose. The customer support is very good. It responds quickly and is willing to solve your problems.

But, if you face any Surfshark not working problems on Windows 10, then refer to the guide above.

To determine if Surfshark VPN is working in Japan, check the home screen of your Surfshark app. If it displays “Connected,” then your internet connection is securely protected. For further details, you can click the grey arrow on the connection status bar to access additional information.

You can also check if Surfshark is working through our IP checker tool. While checking your IP, if you see the IP address of the region you connected to using Surfshark, then it means that Surfshark is working just fine.

Surfshark may stop working due to certain apps that have gained control over your device’s network settings or your device having an outdated application

The apps causing interference with the VPN connection include VPNs, firewalls, file-sharing apps, and especially antivirus software. If you have any of these applications installed, try disabling them to troubleshoot the issue.

Conclusion

Surfshark is a great VPN, though it may develop some problems from time to time. If you find Surfshark not connecting, try the above-mentioned tips and tricks in Japan, which should be enough to resolve the problem in most cases.

Overall, Surfshark is one of the best cheap VPN services in Japan because of low Surfshark subscription prices in Japan, offering thousands of servers, advanced security features, and excellent unblocking capabilities. However, if the issues remain consistent and you cannot use it on your device, then you can always choose a better alternative, like ExpressVPN.

We hope you found our guide for Surfshark not working in Japan useful. Until next time!