If you’re looking to take precise control over your VPN connection on Linux, automating tasks, or managing a headless server, then getting to grips with the Surfshark VPN CLI is definitely the way to go. It offers a powerful, text-based interface that lets you manage your Surfshark VPN client right from your terminal, which is super handy for anyone who loves the command line or needs to integrate VPN control into scripts. This guide will walk you through everything, from getting the client installed to using advanced features, ensuring you get the most out of Surfshark’s robust service. We’ll cover installations, essential commands, advanced configurations, and even how it plays a role in router setups, so by the end, you’ll be navigating your VPN with confidence and efficiency. You’ll gain the skills to handle your privacy and security directly, making Surfshark an even more integral part of your digital life.

Table of Contents

Why You’d Want to Use Surfshark CLI Benefits & Use Cases

You might be wondering, “Why bother with a command-line interface when there’s a perfectly good graphical app?” That’s a fair question! But trust me, the Surfshark VPN CLI opens up a whole new world of possibilities, especially for Linux users.

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Master Surfshark VPN
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

Automation is King: This is probably the biggest reason. Imagine you need your VPN to connect to a specific server every time your system starts up, or maybe switch locations at a certain time of day. With the CLI, you can write simple shell scripts to automate these tasks, integrating them with cron jobs or systemd services. No more clicking through menus!
Headless Servers and Remote Access: If you’re running a Linux server without a graphical interface – maybe a home server, a virtual machine in the cloud, or even a Raspberry Pi – the CLI is your only way to control Surfshark. It’s perfect for securing your server’s outbound connections or accessing geo-restricted resources remotely.
Fine-Grained Control: The CLI can sometimes offer more specific control over your connection parameters. You can quickly connect to the fastest server, a server in a specific country, or even a particular city, all with a single command.
Efficiency for Power Users: For those of us who live in the terminal, typing a quick command is often much faster than launching a GUI app, waiting for it to load, and then navigating to the right options. It’s all about speed and workflow.
Surfshark’s Strong Linux Support: It’s worth noting that Surfshark has really stepped up its game for Linux users. They offer both a user-friendly GUI application and robust command-line tools, ensuring that you have options no matter your preference. This flexibility makes Surfshark a fantastic choice for anyone on a Linux machine, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Getting Started: Installing the Surfshark CLI Client on Linux

Alright, let’s get you set up! The Surfshark CLI client is primarily designed for Linux, and the installation process is straightforward, especially if you’re on a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint.

Unlocking the Internet in China: A Real Talk Guide to Using Surfshark VPN

Prerequisites

Before you even open your terminal, make sure you have a few things ready:

An Active Surfshark Subscription: You’ll need valid login credentials email and password to authenticate your client.
A Supported Linux Distribution: Surfshark officially supports Debian 11 or higher, Ubuntu 20.04 or higher, and Mint 20 or higher. While it might work on other Debian-based distros, your mileage could vary. For Red Hat-based systems like Fedora or CentOS, there are usually specific instructions or scripts as well.
curl or wget: These command-line utilities are typically pre-installed on most Linux systems, but you’ll need one of them to download the installation script. If you don’t have them, you can install them via your package manager e.g., sudo apt install curl.
sudo Privileges: You’ll need administrator rights to install software on your system.

Step-by-Step Installation

The easiest way to get Surfshark up and running on most Debian-based systems is by using their official installation script.

Open Your Terminal: This is your command center! On most Linux desktops, you can hit CTRL+ALT+T to open it up.
Download the Installation Script: We’ll use curl for this. This command fetches the script from Surfshark’s servers and saves it to your current directory.
```
curl -f https://downloads.surfshark.com/linux/debian-install.sh --output surfshark-install.sh
```
Just a quick tip: Always be careful when downloading and running scripts from the internet. It’s a good habit to review the script’s content using cat surfshark-install.sh before executing it, just to see what it’s doing. Finding the Best Deals on Surfshark VPN
Run the Installation Script: Once you’ve downloaded it, execute the script with sh and sudo. This script usually handles adding the Surfshark repository to your system, updating your package list, and then installing the surfshark-vpn package, which is the command-line client.
sudo sh surfshark-install.sh
The script will likely prompt you for your sudo password and then proceed with the installation. Just sit back and let it do its thing.
If you prefer not to use the script, or are on a less common distro, you might need to find direct .deb or .rpm files on the Surfshark website for manual installation.
Update the Application Manual Check: The Surfshark application usually checks for updates automatically, but if you want to manually update it, you can use your system’s package manager. For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, these commands will do the trick:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get –only-upgrade install surfshark

Verification

After the installation is complete, you can quickly check if the client is installed by trying to call the help command:

sudo surfshark-vpn help

If you see a list of commands, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed the Surfshark VPN CLI client. Understanding Surfshark’s Pricing Structure

Your First Commands: Connecting to Surfshark via CLI

Now that you have the client installed, let’s get you connected! The primary command you’ll be using is sudo surfshark-vpn. Remember, most Surfshark CLI commands require sudo privileges.

Logging In

The very first thing you’ll need to do is log in to your Surfshark account through the CLI.
sudo surfshark-vpn login
This command will prompt you to enter the email address and password associated with your Surfshark account. Type them in carefully and press Enter after each.

Listing Servers

Before you connect, you might want to see what server locations are available. This is super helpful for picking a specific country or city.
sudo surfshark-vpn locations
“`This command will display a long list of available server locations, often including city-specific identifiers. Make a note of the identifier for the location you want to connect to. For example, us-dal for Dallas, US, or simply germany for a server in Germany. Surfshark boasts over 3200 servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Unlocking the Best Deals: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN Codes

Connecting to a Server

Now for the main event – connecting! You have a few ways to do this:

Connect to the Fastest Available Server: This is usually the quickest way to get protected without worrying about location.
sudo surfshark-vpn connect
Connect to a Specific Country or City: Use the identifiers you found with the locations command.
sudo surfshark-vpn connect us-nyc
Or for a whole country:

sudo surfshark-vpn connect germany
When you connect, Surfshark will establish the VPN tunnel, often defaulting to the WireGuard protocol for its speed and security.
Quick Connect Legacy/Scripting Trick: Some older documentation or community discussions might mention sudo surfshark-vpn attack to quick-connect to an optimal location. However, this command might sometimes prompt you to choose between TCP or UDP. If you’re scripting this and want to avoid being stuck at a prompt, a neat trick is to pipe in your choice:
echo 1 | sudo surfshark-vpn attack # ‘1’ typically selects UDP
Just be aware that direct attack might be considered a legacy command.

Checking Your Connection Status

Did it work? Is your VPN active? You can check your connection status with this command:
sudo surfshark-vpn status
This will show you if you’re connected, your new VPN IP address, the server you’re connected to, and how long you’ve been connected. To double-check, you can also use external tools like curl ifconfig.me or curl ipinfo.io/ip in your terminal, and the displayed IP should match the VPN server, not your actual location.

Disconnecting

When you’re done and want to disconnect from the VPN:
sudo surfshark-vpn disconnect
Alternatively, some older versions or legacy commands might use:
sudo surfshark-vpn down
Both should work to sever your VPN connection.

Logging Out

If you want to completely log out of the Surfshark client and remove your stored credentials:
sudo surfshark-vpn forget
This is useful if you’re on a shared system or just want to clear your login information. Surfshark VPN Bypass Not Working? Let’s Fix It!

Unleashing Advanced Features with Surfshark CLI

The Surfshark VPN CLI isn’t just for basic connections. you can also manage some of Surfshark’s key security and privacy features right from the command line. This is where the real power of automation and fine-tuned control comes in.

Kill Switch

The Kill Switch is a crucial security feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the Kill Switch automatically blocks all internet traffic, preventing your real IP address or sensitive data from leaking until the VPN reconnects. It’s like a safety net for your privacy.

Enable Kill Switch:
sudo surfshark-vpn set killswitch on
Disable Kill Switch:
sudo surfshark-vpn set killswitch off
Many people, including myself, keep this enabled all the time. It’s a non-negotiable for serious online privacy.

Auto-Connect

Want Surfshark to automatically connect to a VPN server every time your system starts? The auto-connect feature has you covered. Troubleshooting: Surfshark VPN Connected but No Internet

Enable Auto-Connect:
sudo surfshark-vpn set autoconnect on
Disable Auto-Connect:
sudo surfshark-vpn set autoconnect off
This is especially handy for servers or systems where you always want VPN protection from boot-up.

Changing Protocols

Surfshark supports various VPN protocols, each with its own balance of speed and security. By default, it often uses WireGuard because it’s generally very fast and secure. However, you might want to switch protocols for troubleshooting or specific network conditions. OpenVPN UDP is often recommended for bypassing network restrictions.

Set Protocol to WireGuard:
sudo surfshark-vpn set protocol wireguard
Set Protocol to OpenVPN UDP:
sudo surfshark-vpn set protocol openvpn_udp
Set Protocol to OpenVPN TCP:
sudo surfshark-vpn set protocol openvpn_tcp
You can choose the protocol that best suits your needs, though WireGuard and OpenVPN UDP are often top picks for most users.

MultiHop Double VPN

MultiHop is Surfshark’s “Double VPN” feature, routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one for an extra layer of encryption and privacy.

Connect using MultiHop: While the specific CLI command for MultiHop connections might vary slightly or require selecting from a list of predefined MultiHop pairs, you’d typically use something like:
sudo surfshark-vpn multihop
```
sudo surfshark-vpn multi
This usually initiates a connection through two servers, offering enhanced anonymity.
```

CleanWeb Ad Blocker

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is designed to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts, making your browsing experience smoother and safer. While the graphical interface makes it easy to toggle, direct CLI commands for CleanWeb might not be explicitly listed in all Surfshark CLI documentation. Typically, if it’s enabled within your Surfshark account settings or through the GUI, the protection should extend to your CLI connection. It’s worth checking the official Surfshark documentation for the most up-to-date CLI commands related to CleanWeb.

Whitelister Bypasser

Similar to CleanWeb, the Whitelister also known as Bypasser allows you to choose which apps or websites should bypass the VPN connection. This is primarily a feature managed through the graphical interface for ease of use. If you need this functionality in a CLI-only environment, you’d typically implement it at the system’s firewall level e.g., using iptables rules rather than directly through Surfshark’s CLI. This way, you’re explicitly telling your system to route certain traffic outside the VPN tunnel. Does Surfshark VPN Keep Your Browsing History Private? Let’s Break It Down!

Surfshark VPN for Routers: Beyond the CLI Client

While the dedicated Surfshark VPN CLI client is fantastic for Linux devices, you can extend Surfshark’s protection to all devices on your network by setting it up on your router. This isn’t usually done directly with the surfshark-vpn CLI client as routers have their own firmware, but rather by manually configuring your router using Surfshark’s configuration files.

Why a VPN Router?

Setting up Surfshark on your router has some significant advantages:

Whole-Network Protection: Every device connected to your router—smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart home devices, or even guests’ phones—gets VPN protection automatically.
Devices Without Native VPN Support: Many devices don’t have native VPN client apps. By configuring your router, you bring VPN benefits to them without needing individual setups.
Unlimited Devices: Surfshark already offers unlimited simultaneous connections, but a router setup ensures you’re covering everything under one roof without having to install apps on each gadget.

Manual Configuration for Routers

To get Surfshark on your router, you’ll generally use its “manual setup” option. This process involves: Getting Surfshark VPN in Bangladesh: Your Complete Guide to Online Freedom

Checking Router Compatibility: First, make sure your router supports VPN client functionality, specifically OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols, which Surfshark supports. Most modern routers with custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or specific models from brands like ASUS or TP-Link will work.
Getting Your Surfshark Service Credentials: These are different from your regular Surfshark account login details. You’ll usually generate these unique VPN credentials username and password and download configuration files typically .ovpn for OpenVPN or specific keys for WireGuard from your Surfshark account’s “Manual setup” section on their website.
Downloading Configuration Files: Surfshark provides .ovpn files for various server locations. You can download these directly from their website. These files contain all the server information needed for your router.
Accessing Your Router’s Administration Panel: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with your router’s admin credentials.
Navigating to VPN Client Settings: Look for a “VPN” or “VPN Client” section, often under advanced settings.
Importing the Configuration File: Select “OpenVPN client” or “WireGuard client” and either upload the .ovpn file or manually enter the details from your WireGuard key. You’ll also input the Surfshark service credentials you obtained earlier.
Activating the Connection: Once configured, activate the VPN connection on your router, and you’re all set! All devices connected to that router will now be protected by Surfshark VPN.

This method effectively uses your router as a VPN client, providing the same protection as the CLI client but for your entire network. While you’re not interacting with a surfshark-vpn command on the router itself, it’s a powerful way to leverage your Surfshark subscription.

Troubleshooting Common Surfshark CLI Hiccups

Even with the most straightforward tools, sometimes things don’t go as planned. If you run into issues with your Surfshark VPN CLI connection, don’t worry – most problems have common solutions. Over 1.75 billion people use VPNs, so it’s a common tool, and troubleshooting is part of the experience.

Here are some typical issues and how to tackle them: Master Surfshark VPN in Brazil: Speed, Security, and Unrestricted Access

Connection Failures:
- Try a Different Server: Overcrowded servers can sometimes cause connection issues. Use sudo surfshark-vpn connect <different_location> to try another spot.
- Change Protocols: If you’re having trouble, switch your VPN protocol. OpenVPN UDP is often a good default to try, as it can help bypass certain network restrictions. Use sudo surfshark-vpn set protocol openvpn_udp.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure your internet is working without the VPN. A basic ping google.com can confirm this.
- Test Different Networks: If possible, try connecting from a different Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot. Sometimes, restrictive local networks like public Wi-Fi can block VPNs.
Authentication Problems Login Fails:
- Double-Check Credentials: It sounds obvious, but a typo in your email or password is a common culprit. Retype them carefully.
- Active Subscription: Ensure your Surfshark subscription is active and hasn’t expired.
- Regenerate Credentials: If you’re using manual credentials for OpenVPN/WireGuard for instance, on a router, try regenerating them on the Surfshark website.
surfshark-cli bin or Command Not Found:
- Re-installation: If the surfshark-vpn command isn’t recognized, the installation might have failed or been incomplete. Try running the installation script again.
- Check PATH: Ensure that the directory where surfshark-vpn executable is located is in your system’s PATH environment variable. The installation script usually handles this, but manual installs might require you to add it.
- Correct Package: Remember, the CLI client is often in a package like surfshark-vpn, while a GUI might be surfshark. Make sure you installed the right one if you only want the CLI.
Updates Not Working:
- Manual Update: If the client isn’t updating automatically, try the manual update commands for your distribution e.g., sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install surfshark for Debian/Ubuntu.
- Full Reinstall: As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling the application can fix stubborn update issues.
Interfering Applications: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN on Your Router and Android TV Box
- Antivirus/Firewall: Some aggressive antivirus software or firewall rules might interfere with your VPN connection. Try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.
- Other VPNs: Running multiple VPN clients simultaneously can lead to conflicts. Make sure any other VPN applications are completely disabled or uninstalled.
IPv6 Issues:
- Sometimes, IPv6 protocol can cause connection issues. Temporarily disabling IPv6 on your device might resolve the problem.
Contact Support: If you’ve tried everything and are still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They offer 24/7 assistance via live chat or email and can provide specific guidance.

Surfshark CLI vs. GUI: Choosing Your Path

When it comes to using Surfshark on Linux, you essentially have two main interfaces: the traditional Graphical User Interface GUI app and the Command Line Interface CLI. Both have their strengths, and your choice often depends on your needs and comfort level.

Mastering Black Ops 6 with Surfshark VPN: Your Guide to Easier Lobbies

The Surfshark GUI Experience

Surfshark has really invested in its Linux GUI, making it a pleasant experience that’s often on par with their Windows or macOS apps.

User-Friendly: It’s visual, intuitive, and easy to navigate. If you’re new to Linux or prefer clicking over typing, the GUI is definitely for you.
Visual Feedback: You can see your connection status, server list, and feature toggles at a glance.
Easy Feature Access: Features like Kill Switch, Auto-Connect, CleanWeb, and MultiHop are typically just a click away in the GUI.
Installation: Even the GUI client often starts with a few terminal commands for installation, but once it’s set up, you mostly interact with the visual app.

The Surfshark CLI Experience

As we’ve explored, the CLI offers a different, but equally powerful, way to interact with Surfshark.

Automation Powerhouse: If you’re looking to integrate VPN control into scripts, boot-up routines, or other automated tasks, the CLI is indispensable.
Headless System Friendly: For servers or virtual machines without a display, the CLI is the only way to manage your VPN.
Efficiency for Terminal Enthusiasts: For those who are comfortable with the command line, it can be a much faster way to connect, disconnect, or check status without leaving your terminal window.
Troubleshooting: Sometimes, CLI output can provide more direct diagnostic information for troubleshooting complex issues.

When to Use What

Choose GUI if… you prefer a visual interface, are new to Linux, or primarily use your desktop for general browsing and streaming. It’s great for everyday use.
Choose CLI if… you need to automate VPN connections, manage a headless server, perform remote administration, or simply prefer the speed and control of the command line. Many advanced Linux users appreciate the directness of the CLI.

The great news is that you don’t really have to choose just one. You can install both the GUI and CLI clients often, installing the GUI package will also include the CLI tools, or vice-versa, depending on how Surfshark structures their packages. This way, you get the best of both worlds – the convenience of a GUI for quick changes and the power of the CLI for scripting and advanced control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install Surfshark VPN on Linux using the command line?

To install Surfshark on Linux via the command line, you’ll typically open your terminal, download Surfshark’s official installation script using curl e.g., curl -f https://downloads.surfshark.com/linux/debian-install.sh --output surfshark-install.sh, and then run the script with sudo e.g., sudo sh surfshark-install.sh. This script handles adding the Surfshark repository and installing the necessary surfshark-vpn package.

How to Bypass VPN Blocks with Surfshark (and Why You’d Want To!)

Can I use Surfshark VPN on my router, and how does that relate to CLI?

Yes, you can absolutely use Surfshark VPN on compatible routers. This isn’t usually done via the Surfshark CLI client directly, but rather through manual configuration. You’ll download OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration files and unique service credentials from your Surfshark account, then upload or input these details into your router’s administration panel. This protects all devices connected to the router.

Does Surfshark VPN work with Netflix or other streaming services?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally known to work well with Netflix and many other streaming services, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions. While the CLI client primarily focuses on connecting, the underlying Surfshark network is optimized for streaming.

How many servers does Surfshark VPN have?

Surfshark has an extensive network, offering over 3200 servers across 100 countries. This vast network provides plenty of options for finding fast, reliable connections and bypassing geo-blocks wherever you are.

What Linux distributions does Surfshark’s CLI client support?

Surfshark officially supports Debian-based distributions like Debian 11 or higher, Ubuntu 20.04 or higher, and Linux Mint 20 or higher. It also has support for Red Hat-based distributions such as Fedora and CentOS. It’s recommended to have GNOME, KDE, or XFCE desktop environments, along with Systemd or SysVinit service managers, and AMD64 or ARM64 architecture for optimal performance. What Exactly is Surfshark VPN?

Is Surfshark VPN safe to use, and what security features does it offer?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is considered very safe to use. It offers strong security features like AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy independently audited, a Kill Switch, and supports secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Surfshark also uses 100% RAM-only servers, which means data cannot be permanently stored.

Does Surfshark VPN slow down internet speeds, and what can I do about it?

Like any VPN, Surfshark will introduce some speed loss because your internet traffic is routed through an additional server. However, Surfshark is known for its fast connections. In 2025 tests, it showed an average of 21% speed loss. To minimize slowdowns, you can connect to a server geographically closer to you, try different protocols WireGuard is often the fastest, or switch to a less crowded server.

Can I use Surfshark CLI for MultiHop Double VPN connections?

Yes, the Surfshark CLI supports MultiHop connections, which route your internet traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy. You can typically initiate this with a command like sudo surfshark-vpn multihop. The CLI will guide you through selecting the MultiHop server pair.

Unlocking the Best Surfshark VPN Deals: Your Ultimate Guide

Master Surfshark VPN CLI: Your Ultimate Command-Line Guide!