To get Surfshark VPN working as a client on your UniFi network, you’ll need to configure a VPN client connection within your UniFi Network application and then create policy-based routing rules to direct specific traffic through the VPN. While OpenVPN tends to be more straightforward, getting WireGuard to play nice often requires a small tweak to the MTU setting in its configuration file.

Setting up a VPN client on your UniFi gateway, like a Dream Machine UDM, UDR, UDM Pro, UDM SE or even an older UniFi Security Gateway USG, is a smart move for boosting privacy and accessing content from different regions. Instead of installing a VPN app on every single device, routing traffic through your router means every device connected to a specific network or VLAN automatically benefits from the VPN’s encryption and server location, all without needing individual software. Surfshark is a popular choice for this because it offers a great balance of features, speed, and affordability, plus it provides the necessary configuration files for manual setup on routers. This guide will walk you through the process, covering both OpenVPN and the slightly more advanced WireGuard setup, and even touch on troubleshooting common hiccups like “Unifi VPN not working” or “Unifi VPN client not connecting.” By the end of this, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how to seamlessly integrate Surfshark with your UniFi network, enhancing your online privacy and freedom for everyone at home.

When we talk about a VPN client on your UniFi router, we’re basically turning your whole network gateway into a single point of connection for your VPN service. Instead of each device running its own VPN software, your router handles it for everyone. This is super handy because it protects devices that can’t run VPN apps like smart TVs or gaming consoles and ensures consistent privacy across your entire home network.

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UniFi Dream Machine UDM, UDR, UDM Pro, UDM SE vs. UniFi Security Gateway USG Capabilities

The world of UniFi has evolved, and with it, the VPN capabilities have changed quite a bit between the older UniFi Security Gateway USG and the newer UniFi Dream Machine UDM, Dream Router UDR, UDM Pro, or UDM SE devices.

UniFi Dream Machines UDM/UDR/Pro/SE: These are the newer, more powerful UniFi gateways. They offer a much more streamlined experience for setting up VPN clients directly within the UniFi Network application’s graphical user interface GUI. You’ll find dedicated sections for VPN Client configurations supporting both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, making the process relatively user-friendly. Most users discussing “Unifi Surfshark” and “Unifi Dream Machine Surfshark” are referring to these devices.

UniFi Security Gateway USG: The USG is an older workhorse, but its VPN client capabilities are a bit more challenging. The version of OpenVPN running on the USG’s underlying Debian Wheezy operating system is quite old and doesn’t natively support modern TLS 1.2 encryption, which many VPN providers like Surfshark require. This means you often need to get your hands dirty with SSH, update OpenVPN manually, and use custom config.gateway.json files to get things working. WireGuard support isn’t natively available through the GUI on a USG, making it an even more complex, non-standard undertaking if you were to attempt it. If you’re using a USG and running into “unifi vpn not working” issues, the outdated OpenVPN version is often the culprit.

For the most part, if you’re looking to use Surfshark as a VPN client, the UDM-series devices offer a far less frustrating setup experience. Surfshark VPN and Chromecast: Your Ultimate Streaming Companion

Choosing Your Protocol: OpenVPN vs. WireGuard for Surfshark on UniFi

When you’re setting up a VPN client on your UniFi router with Surfshark, you generally have two main protocol choices: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, especially when dealing with router-based VPNs. Surfshark itself supports both, along with IKEv2.

OpenVPN: The Reliable Choice

OpenVPN has been the gold standard for VPNs for a long time, and for good reason. It’s open-source, meaning its code has been scrutinized by security experts worldwide, making it incredibly trustworthy.

• Pros:

  • Stability: OpenVPN is known for its robustness and ability to maintain stable connections, even on less-than-perfect networks.
  • Wide Support: Most routers, including UniFi gateways, have good native or easily configurable support for OpenVPN. Surfshark specifically recommends OpenVPN for routers.
  • Security: It offers strong encryption and is highly configurable, allowing for excellent security.

• Cons:

  Can Surfshark VPN Be Trusted? Let’s Break It Down!

  • Potentially Slower Speeds: Because it’s a bit “bulkier” with more lines of code, OpenVPN can sometimes be slower than newer protocols like WireGuard. Users often report significant speed drops when using OpenVPN on their UniFi devices, sometimes going from 250 Mbps down to 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps.
  • Resource Intensive: It can consume more CPU resources on your router, which might be a factor for older or less powerful UniFi models.

If you prioritize stability and compatibility, especially on routers, OpenVPN is usually the way to go. You might experience some speed loss, but you’re more likely to get it working without too much hassle.

WireGuard: The Fast but Fussy Option

WireGuard is the new kid on the block, designed to be faster, lighter, and simpler than OpenVPN. It boasts a much smaller codebase around 4,000 lines compared to OpenVPN’s thousands, which makes it quicker, easier to audit, and less susceptible to security vulnerabilities.

*   Speed: WireGuard is significantly faster than OpenVPN, often providing speeds closer to your un-VPN'd connection. This is great if you have high-bandwidth needs like streaming or gaming.
*   Lightweight: Its lean design means it uses fewer system resources, which can be good for your UniFi gateway.

*   MTU Issues with UniFi: This is where things get tricky. Many users report "Surfshark WireGuard VPN not working" or "Unifi WireGuard VPN not working" with UniFi gateways, where the connection establishes but no traffic passes. The primary culprit is often an MTU Maximum Transmission Unit mismatch between Surfshark's WireGuard configuration and UniFi's default settings.
*   Potential for Instability: Even with the MTU fix, some users still report occasional disconnections or instability.
*   Manual Tweaks Required: To get Surfshark's WireGuard working, you almost always need to manually edit the `.conf` file to set the MTU.

Specific Workaround for MTU: If you’re dead set on using WireGuard for its speed, the common solution is to add MTU = 1280 to the section of your Surfshark WireGuard .conf file before uploading it to UniFi. This often resolves the “no traffic” issue. However, be aware that some users have found this tweak to break other parts of their network or require re-entry after reboots. On the brighter side, newer UniFi OS versions like v3.2.12 & Network v8.0.28 might have improved compatibility, making the WireGuard experience smoother for some.

Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN Client: Setup, Tips, and More!

Given these points, for a “set it and forget it” reliable experience on your UniFi gateway, OpenVPN is generally the safer bet for Surfshark. If you need maximum speed and are comfortable with a bit of troubleshooting, WireGuard is an option, but be prepared for potential configuration quirks.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Surfshark OpenVPN Client on UniFi Dream Machines UDM/UDR/Pro/SE

Alright, let’s get down to business and set up Surfshark using OpenVPN on your modern UniFi Dream Machine. This method is generally more forgiving and reliable than WireGuard on UniFi.

1. Get Your Surfshark Credentials and OpenVPN Configuration Files

First things first, you need to grab the right files and login details from your Surfshark account.

Decoding Com.surfshark.vpn client.macos.vpn service.wg key: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN

• Log In to Surfshark: Head over to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
• Navigate to Manual Setup: Look for a section like “VPN” or “Manual Setup.” You’ll specifically want the “Router” option.
• Choose OpenVPN: Within the router setup, select OpenVPN.
• Download .ovpn Files: Surfshark will let you download .ovpn configuration files. Pick the server locations you want to use. I usually recommend trying the UDP protocol first, as it’s typically faster. Look for options like “UDP strong encryption.”
• Note Down Service Username and Password: You’ll also need a specific set of credentials for manual VPN connections, which are different from your regular Surfshark login. Make sure to note these down, as you’ll enter them into your UniFi controller.

Keep these files and credentials handy.

2. Configure the VPN Client in UniFi Network

Now, let’s get your UniFi gateway talking to Surfshark.

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

• Access UniFi Network Application: Open your web browser and go to your UniFi controller e.g., unifi.ui.com or your local IP address. Log in with your admin credentials.
• Navigate to VPN Client Settings:
  • Once in the Network application, look for Settings the gear icon.
  • Then, find Teleport & VPN.
  • You’ll see different tabs. click on the VPN Client tab.
• Create New VPN Client:
  • Click the “Create New” button.
  • Name: Give your VPN client a descriptive name, something like “Surfshark-Germany” or “Surfshark-US-East.”
  • VPN Protocol: Select OpenVPN.
  • Upload .ovpn File: You’ll see an option to upload a configuration file. Click on it and select the .ovpn file you downloaded from Surfshark earlier. The UniFi system should automatically populate the server address and port from this file.
  • Username and Password: Enter the manual service username and password you got from Surfshark from step 1. Make sure these are correct!
• Save: Click “Add” or “Apply Changes” to save your new VPN client configuration. Your UniFi gateway will try to connect. Give it a minute or two to establish the connection. You should see its status change to “Connected.”

3. Implement Policy-Based Routing PBR

Simply creating the VPN client isn’t enough. you need to tell your UniFi router what traffic should actually use that VPN connection. This is where Policy-Based Routing PBR comes in.

• Why PBR is Essential: By default, once a VPN client is active, it doesn’t automatically route your regular internet traffic through it. PBR allows you to selectively route traffic from specific devices, entire networks VLANs, or even certain types of traffic like streaming services through your Surfshark VPN tunnel.
• Go to Traffic Management:
  • In the UniFi Network application, navigate to Traffic Management it might be under “Security” or “Routing” depending on your UniFi OS version.
  • Look for Policy-Based Routing rules.
• Create New Route Rule:
  • Click “Create New Entry” or “Add New Policy.”
  • Name: Give the rule a clear name, e.g., “Route IoT to Surfshark VPN.”
  • Interface/Tunnel: Select the Surfshark VPN client you just created e.g., “Surfshark-Germany” as the interface to send traffic through.
  • Source: This is crucial. You need to define what traffic will use this VPN.
    • Specific Devices: You can select individual client devices by their name or IP address.
    • Network/VLAN: A common and powerful approach is to create a separate VLAN e.g., an “IoT VPN” VLAN and then route all traffic from that entire network through the VPN. You could even create a dedicated Wi-Fi SSID for this VPN-enabled VLAN.
    • Any Device/Network: If you want all your internet traffic to go through the VPN, select “Any Device” or “Any Network.”
  • Destination Optional: You can also specify a destination if you only want to use the VPN for specific external IPs or domain names. Most users leave this as “Any” for general VPN use.
  • Optional Kill Switch Consideration: UniFi has a “Kill Switch” toggle or “Fallback disabled” in some contexts which, when enabled, should stop traffic if the VPN goes down. However, be aware of a known limitation: if the VPN interface itself becomes “inactive” e.g., due to authentication issues, traffic might still fall back to your main WAN connection, even with the kill switch enabled. For maximum protection, routing a dedicated VLAN or network through the VPN provides a stronger barrier.
• Save: Apply the changes to your Policy-Based Route.

4. Adjust DNS Settings for Reliability

One of the most common issues after setting up a VPN client on UniFi is DNS problems, leading to “Unifi VPN not working” or “no internet access” even if the VPN shows as connected. This happens because your devices might still be trying to use your ISP’s DNS or your UniFi gateway’s default DNS, which aren’t routing through the VPN. Unlocking the Internet in China: A Real Talk Guide to Using Surfshark VPN

• Set Custom DNS on Client Devices: The most direct fix is to manually configure the DNS servers on the client devices your computer, phone, smart TV, etc. that are routed through the VPN. You can use Surfshark’s private DNS servers which you can usually find in your Surfshark account or support pages or reliable public DNS servers like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 or Google 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4.
• UniFi Network DNS Configuration Advanced: For a more comprehensive solution, if you’re routing an entire VLAN through the VPN, you can configure that specific VLAN’s DHCP server within UniFi to hand out custom DNS servers.
  • Go to Settings > Networks.
  • Select the network/VLAN you’re routing through the VPN.
  • Edit its DHCP Server settings to specify custom DNS IP addresses that align with your VPN usage or are public and reliable.

After configuring DNS, it’s a good idea to restart your client devices or flush their DNS cache to ensure they pick up the new settings.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Surfshark WireGuard Client on UniFi Dream Machines UDM/UDR/Pro/SE

If you’re keen on those faster WireGuard speeds, this section is for you. Just remember, it might require a little more attention due to the known MTU quirks with UniFi.

1. Generate WireGuard Configuration from Surfshark

Similar to OpenVPN, you need to get the WireGuard configuration details from your Surfshark account.

Finding the Best Deals on Surfshark VPN

• Log In to Surfshark: Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
• Navigate to Manual Setup: Look for “VPN” or “Manual Setup,” then select the “Router” option.
• Choose WireGuard: Select WireGuard as your protocol.
• Generate Key Pair or Use Existing: If you haven’t done this before, you’ll likely need to generate a new key pair. Make sure to copy and store both the private and public keys safely.
• Download .conf File: Choose your desired server location and download the .conf file. This file contains the necessary configuration for your WireGuard connection.

2. Modify the WireGuard .conf File Crucial Step!

This is the most critical step for getting WireGuard to work reliably with UniFi, as many users encounter connection issues or traffic failure without it.

• Open the .conf File: Open the downloaded Surfshark WireGuard .conf file using a simple text editor like Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac, or any code editor.
• Add MTU = 1280: Look for the section in the file. You need to add a line for the MTU.
  • It should look something like this:

    
    PrivateKey = 
    Address = /32
    DNS = 
    MTU = 1280
    

  • Adding MTU = 1280 explicitly tells the WireGuard interface on your UniFi gateway to use a specific packet size, which often resolves compatibility issues and allows traffic to flow.
• Save the Modified File: Save the changes to the .conf file. Make sure it retains the .conf extension.

Understanding Surfshark’s Pricing Structure

3. Configure the VPN Client in UniFi Network

Now, upload your tweaked WireGuard configuration to your UniFi gateway.

• Access UniFi Network Application: Log into your UniFi controller.
• Navigate to VPN Client Settings: Go to Settings > Teleport & VPN > VPN Client.
  • Click “Create New.”
  • Name: Give it a name like “Surfshark-WG-France.”
  • VPN Protocol: Select WireGuard.
  • Upload .conf File: Click to upload the modified .conf file the one where you added MTU = 1280.
  • Unlike OpenVPN, WireGuard configuration files typically embed all necessary keys and endpoints, so you won’t usually enter a separate username and password here.
• Save: Click “Add” or “Apply Changes.” Your UniFi device will attempt to connect.

4. Implement Policy-Based Routing PBR

Just like with OpenVPN, you need to set up PBR to direct traffic through your new WireGuard VPN client.

• Go to Traffic Management: In UniFi Network, navigate to Traffic Management > Policy-Based Routing.
  • Name: Give the rule a clear name e.g., “Gaming-VLAN-via-SurfsharkWG”.
  • Interface/Tunnel: Select your newly created WireGuard VPN client e.g., “Surfshark-WG-France”.
  • Source: Define the traffic you want to route through the VPN specific devices, networks/VLANs, etc..
  • Destination Optional: Leave as “Any” for general VPN use, or specify if needed.
  • Kill Switch: Again, consider the “Kill Switch” or “Fallback disabled” option, but be mindful of its limitations as discussed earlier.

Important Note on Multiple WireGuard Clients: Some users have reported issues with UniFi Cloud Gateways like the UCG-Ultra struggling to handle multiple simultaneous WireGuard VPN client connections from the same provider e.g., two Surfshark WireGuard connections to different countries. If you plan on doing this, be prepared for potential challenges.

Unlocking the Best Deals: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN Codes

Setting Up Surfshark on Older UniFi USG Devices OpenVPN Only

If you’re still rocking an older UniFi Security Gateway USG-3P or USG Pro, getting Surfshark to work as a VPN client is a bit more of an adventure. UniFi’s USG line is based on an older Debian Wheezy operating system, which means its default OpenVPN version often doesn’t support the modern TLS 1.2 encryption that most VPN providers, including Surfshark, now require. Also, WireGuard isn’t supported natively through the GUI on these devices.

So, for USG, we’re sticking to OpenVPN, and it’s going to involve some command-line interface CLI work via SSH and a custom config.gateway.json file. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s doable.

• Understand the Limitations:

  • Outdated OpenVPN: The biggest hurdle is the old OpenVPN version on the USG, which defaults to TLS 1.0. This means you can’t just upload a modern .ovpn file and expect it to connect.
  • No Native WireGuard GUI Support: Forget about a simple GUI setup for WireGuard.
  • Complexity: This process is more involved than on the UDM-series devices and requires comfort with SSH and Linux commands.

• Brief Overview of the Process: Surfshark VPN Bypass Not Working? Let’s Fix It!

  1. SSH into the USG: You’ll need to enable SSH on your UniFi controller and then connect to your USG using a tool like PuTTY Windows or Terminal Mac/Linux.
  2. Update OpenVPN Crucial Step: This is the tricky part. You’ll need to manually update OpenVPN on the USG to a version that supports TLS 1.2. This often involves adding new Debian repositories and using package managers aptitude or apt-get to install a newer OpenVPN. Be very careful here, as incorrect commands can potentially break your USG’s firmware.
  3. Get Surfshark OpenVPN Files and Credentials: Download the .ovpn file UDP is usually preferred and note your manual service username and password from your Surfshark account, just like for the UDM setup.
  4. Upload Files to USG: You’ll need to use an SCP client like WinSCP on Windows or scp in Linux/Mac to upload the .ovpn file and a file containing your Surfshark credentials to a specific directory on the USG e.g., /config/auth/.
  5. Create config.gateway.json: This is the heart of the configuration. You’ll need to create a JSON file with specific OpenVPN client settings server address, port, protocol, certificate paths, authentication details and routing rules. This file needs to be placed in the UniFi controller’s data/sites/default or your specific site ID directory.
  6. Force Provision the USG: After placing the config.gateway.json file, you need to “Force Provision” your USG from the UniFi controller. This tells the USG to read and apply the custom configuration. The USG will restart, and it might take a bit longer than usual.
  7. Verify and Troubleshoot: Check the USG’s logs via SSH and use IP lookup websites to confirm your traffic is routing through Surfshark.

Recommendation: Honestly, if you’re using a USG and looking to use a VPN client, and you’re not comfortable with command-line work, it might be worth considering an upgrade to a UDM-series device. They make this process significantly simpler and are better suited for modern VPN protocols. If you’re determined to make it work on a USG, search the Ubiquiti community forums for up-to-date, detailed config.gateway.json examples for VPN clients, as the specifics can change with firmware updates.

Troubleshooting Common UniFi VPN Client Issues with Surfshark

It’s pretty common to hit a snag or two when setting up a VPN client on a router. Don’t worry, many people experience issues like “Unifi VPN not working” or “Unifi VPN client not connecting.” Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most frequent problems you might encounter with Surfshark on your UniFi network.

VPN Connects but No Internet / IP Not Changing

This is probably the most frustrating issue: your UniFi controller shows the VPN client as “Connected,” but your devices still show your regular ISP IP, or worse, have no internet access.

• Check Policy-Based Routing PBR Rules: This is the #1 culprit. Just because the VPN connects doesn’t mean your traffic is using it.
  • Go back to Traffic Management > Policy-Based Routing in your UniFi Network application.
  • Make sure your PBR rules are correctly configured to direct traffic from your desired sources devices, networks, VLANs to the Surfshark VPN client interface.
  • Verify the source and destination are correctly defined. If you want everything from a specific VLAN to go through the VPN, make sure that VLAN is selected as the source.
• Verify DNS Settings on Client Devices: Even with PBR, DNS can be a problem.
  • Your devices might still be using DNS servers outside the VPN tunnel.
  • Manually set DNS on your test client device to a public DNS like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 or Google 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4, or directly to Surfshark’s DNS if they provide them.
  • If you’re routing an entire VLAN, ensure that VLAN’s DHCP server in UniFi is configured to hand out these VPN-friendly DNS servers.
• Confirm VPN Status in UniFi Controller: While it might show “Connected,” sometimes there are underlying issues. Check the VPN client’s uptime and data transfer in the UniFi interface.
• Restart UniFi Gateway UDM/USG: A simple reboot can sometimes clear up routing table issues. Go to your UniFi console, find your gateway, and initiate a restart.
• Check Firewall Rules: While less common for outbound client VPNs, ensure no overly aggressive firewall rules are blocking your VPN traffic or DNS queries.

Troubleshooting: Surfshark VPN Connected but No Internet

Slow VPN Speeds

You’ve got the VPN working, but your internet feels sluggish.

• Try Different Surfshark Servers: Performance can vary greatly between VPN servers depending on load, distance, and routing. Experiment with different server locations provided by Surfshark. Try a server physically closer to you.
• Switch Protocols: If you’re using OpenVPN, try switching to WireGuard with the MTU fix if speed is paramount. If you’re on WireGuard and it’s slow, sometimes OpenVPN UDP might perform better on your specific hardware, though generally it’s the other way around.
• Consider UniFi Gateway’s Processing Power: VPN encryption and decryption require CPU power. Older or lower-end UniFi gateways like the original UDM or even a USG might struggle to maintain high speeds when acting as a VPN client, especially with OpenVPN. A UDM Pro or SE will generally offer better performance.
• Ensure No Double VPN: Make sure you’re not running a VPN app on your client device and routing that device through your router’s VPN. This “double VPN” can significantly degrade speeds.

VPN Not Connecting / Frequent Disconnections

If your VPN client just won’t connect or keeps dropping out, here’s what to check. Does Surfshark VPN Keep Your Browsing History Private? Let’s Break It Down!

• Double-Check Surfshark Credentials: It sounds basic, but ensure the manual service username and password for Surfshark are entered correctly in your UniFi VPN client configuration. These are often different from your regular login.
• Verify .ovpn or .conf File Integrity:
  • OpenVPN: Ensure the .ovpn file you uploaded isn’t corrupted and is the correct one for your chosen server and protocol.
  • WireGuard: Crucially, if you’re using WireGuard, re-check that you’ve added MTU = 1280 to the section of the .conf file before uploading. Incorrect MTU is a frequent cause of “connection but no traffic” or disconnections.
• Update UniFi OS and Network Application: Ubiquiti regularly releases firmware updates. These often include bug fixes and performance improvements for VPN functionality. Ensure your UniFi console and Network application are running the latest stable versions.
• Temporarily Disable Router Firewall Features: While rare, overly strict firewall rules on your UniFi gateway could interfere. As a temporary diagnostic step, try relaxing some rules if you have custom ones to see if the VPN connects. Remember to re-enable them afterwards.
• Contact Surfshark Support: If all else fails, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They can verify your credentials, check server status, and offer specific troubleshooting advice. The Reddit community also highlights that Surfshark support is often helpful with these kinds of issues.

Policy-Based Routing Leaks

You thought your “Kill Switch” was protecting you, but sometimes traffic still leaks.

• Explain the “Fallback disabled” Limitation: As mentioned earlier, UniFi’s “Fallback disabled” option in PBR might not always act as a true kill switch if the VPN interface itself becomes inactive e.g., due to authentication failures or server issues. In such cases, traffic might revert to your main WAN.
• Suggest Creating a Separate VLAN/Wi-Fi for VPN-Only Traffic: For the strongest “kill switch” effect and to prevent leaks, consider creating a dedicated VLAN or even a separate Wi-Fi SSID that only has routing rules pointing to the VPN interface. If the VPN goes down, that VLAN/Wi-Fi will simply lose internet access, effectively creating a hardware-level kill switch without relying solely on the PBR fallback option. This is a robust way to ensure certain traffic only goes through the VPN.

Is Surfshark a Good VPN for UniFi? Reddit Perspective & General Opinion

When you look at what people are saying, especially on communities like Reddit, about using Surfshark as a VPN client on UniFi, you’ll find a mix of experiences, but generally, it leans positive, especially considering its value.

Getting Surfshark VPN in Bangladesh: Your Complete Guide to Online Freedom

Many users on Reddit confirm that Surfshark generally works with UniFi, particularly when using OpenVPN. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to route specific devices or entire VLANs through a VPN on their UniFi Dream Machine UDM, UDM Pro, UDM SE, UDR. People appreciate that Surfshark provides the necessary .ovpn and .conf files for manual router setups.

However, the WireGuard protocol is where the conversations get a bit more involved. While WireGuard offers significant speed advantages, it has historically been a bit “fussy” with UniFi gateways due to MTU Maximum Transmission Unit issues. The good news is that there’s a widely known workaround involving adding MTU = 1280 to the WireGuard configuration file, which many users have found to be successful. Some even suggest that newer UniFi OS versions like v3.2.12 and Network v8.0.28 have improved WireGuard compatibility, making the setup more stable.

In terms of performance, while OpenVPN connections on UniFi gateways might see speed drops e.g., from 500 Mbps down to 100-140 Mbps, WireGuard, once configured correctly, often delivers much better speeds, sometimes even reaching 500-575 Mbps on a 950 Mbps connection with Mullvad which uses WireGuard, giving an indication of potential. However, router hardware also plays a role in VPN throughput, so your UniFi device’s CPU might be a limiting factor.

The overall sentiment is that Surfshark is a solid VPN choice for UniFi, especially for its price point and feature set. It offers a large server network, allowing users to connect to various locations, and its privacy features are robust. The ability to route specific networks or devices through the VPN using UniFi’s Policy-Based Routing is a huge plus, enabling flexible control over your network’s privacy. Surfshark’s customer support is also noted as being helpful if you run into configuration snags.

Benefits of using Surfshark with UniFi: Master Surfshark VPN in Brazil: Speed, Security, and Unrestricted Access

• Centralized Protection: Protects all devices on a routed network/VLAN, including those without native VPN apps.
• Geo-Unblocking: Access content from different regions on devices like smart TVs.
• Enhanced Privacy: All traffic routed through the VPN is encrypted, keeping your online activities private from your ISP.
• Unlimited Devices: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which translates well to a router setup where all your devices are covered by one VPN connection.
• Affordable: Often considered a budget-friendly premium VPN.

In conclusion, if you’re willing to do a bit of initial setup and potentially a small tweak for WireGuard, Surfshark is a “good vpn reddit” users often mention and a reliable partner for your UniFi network, bringing enhanced privacy and access to your entire home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up multiple Surfshark VPN clients on my UniFi Dream Machine?

Yes, UniFi Dream Machines generally allow you to configure multiple VPN client profiles e.g., one for a Surfshark US server and one for a Surfshark UK server. However, you might run into limitations with simultaneously active WireGuard connections on some UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra models, as some users report issues running more than one at a time. For OpenVPN, it’s typically more stable to have multiple configured, but active policy-based routing will determine which traffic uses which VPN.

Why is my UniFi VPN client connecting but my IP address isn’t changing?

This is a very common issue! It almost always comes down to Policy-Based Routing PBR or DNS configuration. The VPN client might be connected to Surfshark, but your UniFi gateway isn’t yet telling your devices to send their internet traffic through that VPN tunnel. You need to create PBR rules to specifically route traffic from certain devices or networks to the VPN client interface. Additionally, ensure your client devices are using DNS servers that also route through the VPN, or public DNS like 1.1.1.1, to prevent leaks. Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN on Your Router and Android TV Box

Is WireGuard or OpenVPN better for Surfshark on UniFi?

For most users, OpenVPN is generally the more reliable and straightforward choice for Surfshark on UniFi, especially for initial setup. WireGuard can offer significantly faster speeds, but it often requires a manual MTU Maximum Transmission Unit adjustment setting MTU = 1280 in the .conf file to work correctly with UniFi gateways, and some users still report occasional instability. If speed is your absolute top priority and you’re comfortable with troubleshooting, try WireGuard with the MTU fix.

My UniFi VPN client with Surfshark is very slow. What can I do?

Slow speeds are a common complaint. First, try connecting to different Surfshark servers, especially those physically closer to your location. Server load can impact performance. Second, consider switching VPN protocols – if you’re on OpenVPN, try WireGuard with the MTU fix, as it’s designed for speed. If you’re already on WireGuard and it’s slow, ensure the MTU is correctly set. Finally, remember that your UniFi gateway’s CPU has to perform encryption and decryption, so its processing power can be a bottleneck for very high-speed internet connections.

How do I ensure my traffic doesn’t leak if the VPN connection drops on UniFi?

UniFi’s Policy-Based Routing rules have a “Kill Switch” or “Fallback disabled” option. While this is intended to stop traffic if the VPN goes down, some users report that it might not prevent leaks if the VPN interface truly becomes inactive e.g., due to credential issues. For robust leak protection, the best approach is to create a dedicated VLAN or Wi-Fi network, and then configure your PBR rules so that traffic from only that VLAN/Wi-Fi is routed through the VPN. If the VPN connection drops, devices on that specific VLAN/Wi-Fi will simply lose internet access, effectively acting as a hardware-level kill switch.