How to Use the Surfshark VPN App: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom

Struggling to figure out your new Surfshark VPN app? It’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, and I’m here to walk you through everything from getting started to unlocking its most powerful features. Surfshark has become a go-to for many because it’s super user-friendly, pretty affordable, and lets you protect all your devices at once – something not many VPNs offer. Whether you’re trying to browse privately, stream your favorite shows from anywhere, or just keep your data safe from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, Surfshark has got your back. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get Surfshark up and running on almost any device, dive into its awesome features, and even touch on some specific scenarios like using it in restrictive regions.

Getting Started: Setting Up Surfshark VPN

First things first, let’s get you set up. The basic steps are pretty much the same no matter which device you’re on: subscribe, download, install, and log in.

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1. Choosing Your Plan and Signing Up

Before you download anything, you’ll need a Surfshark subscription. Head over to the Surfshark website to pick a plan that fits what you need. They usually have a few options, like Starter, One, and One+, with longer plans often giving you the best bang for your buck. The Starter plan usually covers all the basic VPN needs perfectly.

When you sign up, you’ll create an account with your email and a strong password. You’ll also need to pop in your payment details. Surfshark often has trial periods or money-back guarantees like a 30-day one, so you can try it out and see if it’s right for you.

2. Downloading and Installing the App

Once you’ve got your subscription, you’ll usually be redirected to a download page, or you can find the apps directly on the Surfshark website under “Apps & Tools,” or in your device’s app store. Surfshark vpn huawei router

• For Windows: Visit the Surfshark website and download the Windows client. You might need to pick the 64-bit or 32-bit version depending on your system, or you can grab it from the Microsoft Store. Run the .exe installer file, accept the license agreement, and follow the prompts to install it.
• For macOS: Head to the App Store on your Mac or download the .DMG file from the Surfshark website. Drag the Surfshark icon to your Applications folder, then open it. You might need to grant some permissions for the VPN configuration.
• For iPhone/iOS iPad included: Open the App Store, search for “Surfshark VPN,” and tap ‘Get’ to download and install the app.
• For Android Phones/Tablets: Go to the Google Play Store, search for “Surfshark VPN,” and tap ‘Install’.
• For Amazon Firestick/Fire TV: From your Firestick’s home screen, navigate to the search menu, type “Surfshark VPN,” and select the app to download and install.

3. Logging In and Connecting

After installing, open the Surfshark app on your device.

• You’ll see a login screen. Enter the email address and password you used when you signed up.
• Sometimes, if you’re already logged in on another device, you might get an option to log in using a code, which can be super handy.
• The first time you connect on mobile or Mac, the app might ask for permission to add VPN configurations to your device. You’ll need to allow this for the VPN to work.
• Once logged in, you’ll usually see a prominent “Quick Connect” button. Tapping this is the fastest way to get protected, as it automatically connects you to the fastest available server, which is often the closest one to your physical location.
• You’ll see a “Connected” status, and often your new IP address and connection time will be displayed. To disconnect, just hit the “Disconnect” button.

And just like that, you’re connected! Your internet traffic is now encrypted, and your real IP address is hidden, swapped out for one from the Surfshark server.

Diving into Surfshark’s Key Features

Surfshark isn’t just about connecting to a server. it’s packed with features to boost your privacy and online experience. Let’s look at some of the best ones and how to use them. You can usually find these in the app’s ‘Settings’ or ‘VPN Settings’ section.

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1. CleanWeb Ad and Malware Blocker

Nobody likes annoying ads or accidentally stumbling onto malicious websites. CleanWeb is Surfshark’s answer to that. When it’s on, it actively blocks ads, trackers, malware, and even phishing attempts.

• How to use it: Go to the ‘Settings’ tab, then ‘VPN settings’, and you should find a toggle for ‘CleanWeb’. Just switch it on!. It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it feature that makes your browsing much cleaner and safer.

2. Kill Switch Connection Protection

Imagine your VPN connection suddenly drops. Without a Kill Switch, your internet traffic would instantly revert to your unprotected connection, exposing your real IP and online activity. The Kill Switch prevents this by automatically cutting your internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly goes down. It’s a critical safety net for your privacy.

• How to use it: You’ll typically find the ‘Kill Switch’ option in the ‘Settings’ or ‘VPN settings’ menu. Just enable the toggle. Some devices, like older Android TV boxes or Firesticks, might have limitations, but Surfshark’s Kill Switch is designed to work across many platforms.

3. Bypasser Split Tunneling

Sometimes you want certain apps or websites to use the VPN, while others use your regular, direct internet connection. That’s where Bypasser, Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, comes in handy. For example, you might want your banking app to use your direct connection some banks flag VPN usage, while a streaming app uses the VPN to access content from another country.

• How to use it: Head to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Bypasser’. From there, you can usually select specific applications or websites to be excluded from the VPN tunnel. On macOS, it even lets you bypass specific apps and websites, which is pretty neat since many VPNs struggle with split tunneling on Apple devices.

4. Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN

If you’re looking for an extra layer of security, Dynamic MultiHop also known as Double VPN is a powerful feature. It routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers in different countries, encrypting your data twice. This makes it significantly harder for anyone to trace your online activity. Surfshark’s Help Center and Customer Support: Your Go-To for Assistance

• How to use it: In the app, you’ll usually find a “MultiHop” section or server type. You can manually choose both an entry and exit server for your connection. Keep in mind that routing through two servers might slightly reduce your connection speed due to the extra distance your data travels.

5. NoBorders Mode Bypassing Restrictions

For those in regions with strict internet censorship, like certain countries, NoBorders mode is a lifesaver. It’s designed to help you bypass network restrictions by making your VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic. This is particularly useful against deep packet inspection DPI technologies that try to detect and block VPN usage.

• How to use it: Surfshark often turns on NoBorders mode automatically when it detects network restrictions. However, you can also enable it manually by going to ‘Settings’ then ‘VPN settings’ and toggling ‘NoBorders’ on. When activated, it might provide a list of servers optimized for use in restrictive environments.

6. Static IP and Rotating IP

• Static IP: With Static IP servers, you get the same IP address every time you connect to that specific server. This can be useful if you need a consistent IP for certain services, like accessing secure work networks or online banking that might flag fluctuating IPs.

• Rotating IP: On the other hand, Rotating IP changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting your VPN. This adds an extra layer of anonymity, making it even harder for anyone to track your online movements.

• How to use them: You’ll typically find these as different server types or options within the ‘Locations’ tab or server list in the Surfshark app.

7. Protocols Choosing Your Connection Type

Surfshark offers various VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Think of these as different methods for creating that secure tunnel for your data. Some are faster, some are more secure, and some are better at bypassing restrictions. WireGuard, for example, is often praised for its balance of speed and security. OpenVPN UDP is also generally recommended for its balance of speed and security, and it can help activate Camouflage Mode in restrictive regions. Does surfshark have vpn

• How to use it: You can change the connection protocol in the ‘Settings’ -> ‘VPN settings’ menu. If you’re having trouble connecting, especially in restrictive countries, switching protocols is a good troubleshooting step.

Surfshark Across Your Devices

One of the coolest things about Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install and use it on as many devices as you want with a single subscription, covering your phone, laptop, tablet, and more without extra cost.

Surfshark on Windows 10/PC/Laptop

Using Surfshark on your Windows machine is super simple.

1. Download & Install: Get the app from the Surfshark website or Microsoft Store. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps.
2. Log In: Open the app and log in with your credentials.
3. Connect: Click the “Quick Connect” button to connect to the fastest server, or choose a specific location from the server list.
4. Manage Settings: Access VPN settings to enable features like Kill Switch, CleanWeb, Auto-connect to launch with Windows, or Bypasser.
5. Verify: You can check if your IP address has changed by visiting a website like iplocation.net in your browser.

Surfshark on macOS

Setting up Surfshark on your Mac is just as easy. Watching Max with Surfshark: Your Go-To Guide for Seamless Streaming

1. Download & Install: Download the app from the App Store or Surfshark’s website. Drag it to your Applications folder and open it. You might need to approve VPN configuration.
2. Log In: Enter your Surfshark account details.
3. Connect: Click “Quick connect” for the fastest server, or select one from the “Locations” tab. You’ll need to enter your Mac user password or use Touch ID to allow the VPN configuration.
4. Manage Settings: In the app settings, you can enable auto-connect, CleanWeb, Kill Switch, and even split tunneling Bypasser for specific apps and websites.

Surfshark on iPhone/iPad iOS

Protecting your iOS device with Surfshark is quick and vital for mobile security.

1. Download & Install: Find “Surfshark VPN” in the App Store and install it.
2. Log In: Open the app and log in.
3. Allow VPN Configuration: The app will ask to add VPN configurations. tap ‘Allow’.
4. Connect: Tap “Quick Connect” or choose a server from the “Locations” list.
5. Manage Features: In settings, you can enable CleanWeb, Kill Switch, and Auto-connect. Surfshark even offers split tunneling on iOS, which is a rare and impressive feature for Apple devices.

Surfshark on Android Phones/Tablets

Using Surfshark on your Android device gives you great privacy and freedom on the go.

1. Download & Install: Get the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Log In: Open Surfshark and log in with your account details.
3. Connect: Tap “Quick Connect” for the fastest server, or pick from the server list. You’ll need to grant permission for the VPN connection.
4. Manage Features: Explore ‘Settings’ for features like CleanWeb, Kill Switch, Auto-connect, and Bypasser split tunneling. You can also choose your preferred VPN protocol here.

Surfshark on Apple TV

Apple TV doesn’t natively support VPN apps directly, but Surfshark offers a few clever ways to get it working. This is super helpful for accessing region-locked streaming content or enhancing your privacy while watching.

Method 1: Smart DNS Easiest for Streaming

This method lets you access geo-restricted content but doesn’t offer the same encryption as a full VPN.

1. Activate Smart DNS: Log into your Surfshark account on their website. Go to the Smart DNS page and click ‘Activate’. Make sure you’re not connected to a VPN so your real IP address can be detected for activation. You’ll then get a Smart DNS address.
2. Configure Apple TV: On your Apple TV, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network’. Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, then ‘Configure DNS’ and choose ‘Manual’. Enter the Smart DNS address you received from Surfshark.
3. Restart: Click ‘Done’ and restart your Apple TV to apply the changes.

Method 2: Via Router Protects All Connected Devices

Setting up Surfshark on your Wi-Fi router protects all devices connected to that network, including your Apple TV, game consoles, and smart home devices, all at once. Your Go-To Surfshark VPN Guide for Seamless Online Security

1. Check Router Compatibility: Not all routers support VPNs. Check if your router is compatible with OpenVPN client software, which Surfshark supports.
2. Download Config Files: Log into your Surfshark account on their website and download the OpenVPN configuration files for your desired server locations.
3. Configure Router: Access your router’s administration page usually by typing an IP like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser. Look for the VPN section in the settings often under ‘Advanced Settings’ or ‘Network’. Upload the OVPN configuration file and enter your Surfshark credentials.
4. Connect Apple TV: Once the router VPN is active, simply connect your Apple TV to that Wi-Fi network.

Method 3: Sharing from a PC or Mac Virtual Router

You can turn your Windows PC or Mac into a virtual router, sharing its VPN-protected internet connection with your Apple TV.

1. Install Surfshark on PC/Mac: Download and install the Surfshark app on your computer and connect to a server.
2. Enable Internet Sharing:
   • On Mac: Go to ‘System Preferences’ > ‘Sharing’ > ‘Internet Sharing’. Choose to share your connection from ‘Surfshark OpenVPN UDP’ or your VPN connection to ‘Wi-Fi’. Set up a network name and password.
   • On Windows: This usually involves configuring your VPN adapter to allow sharing and creating a Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Connect Apple TV: Connect your Apple TV to the Wi-Fi network that your computer is now sharing.

Surfshark on Amazon Firestick / Fire TV

Surfshark has a dedicated app for Firestick, making it super easy to secure your streaming and access content from different regions.

1. Search & Install: On your Firestick home screen, go to ‘Find’ then ‘Search’. Type “Surfshark” and select the app to download and install.
2. Log In: Open the app and log in with your Surfshark account. You can use email/password or a code from another device.
3. Connect: Tap “Quick Connect” for the fastest server, or pick a specific country from the list.
4. Manage Settings: You’ll find options for Auto-connect, CleanWeb, Bypasser split tunneling, Static IP, and Multi-Hop in the settings.

Using Surfshark in Restrictive Countries like China

If you’re in a country with strict internet censorship, like China, using a VPN can be tricky, but Surfshark is one of the providers that often works. It requires a bit more care, though.

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1. Install Before You Go: It’s crucial to install Surfshark on all your devices before you travel to such a country, as VPN websites and app stores might be blocked once you’re there.
2. Enable NoBorders/Camouflage Mode: Once in the country, open the Surfshark app and go to settings. Activate NoBorders mode sometimes called Camouflage Mode, which helps your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it harder for firewalls to detect and block it. This feature might activate automatically when needed.
3. Choose the Right Protocol and Server:
   • If you face connection issues, try switching VPN protocols. OpenVPN UDP is often recommended as it can activate Camouflage Mode. IKEv2 is another option to try if others fail.
   • Connect to servers in nearby, less restrictive countries like Japan or Nepal for better performance.
4. Manual WireGuard Connection: Surfshark has even suggested that manual WireGuard connections can be more reliable in China than the app’s native software during certain blocking periods. You’d need to set this up beforehand by getting WireGuard key pairs from your Surfshark account.
5. Keep the App Updated: Surfshark regularly updates its software to counter new restrictions, so always ensure you have the latest version.

Remember, while Surfshark puts a lot of effort into bypassing censorship, no VPN can guarantee 100% uptime in highly restrictive environments. Free VPNs, especially, are almost always ineffective in such regions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly, but most Surfshark issues have simple fixes:

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• Can’t connect to a server? Try switching to a different server location, or even a different server within the same country. Sometimes a specific server might be overcrowded or temporarily blocked.
• Slow speeds? Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location. Also, experiment with different VPN protocols in the settings. WireGuard is often the fastest. If you’re using MultiHop, remember that double encryption can naturally slow things down a bit.
• Website still blocked? Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Sometimes websites store your real location data. Also, ensure your Kill Switch isn’t activated if you’re trying to access local content outside the VPN.
• App crashing or not launching? Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. If not, try reinstalling it.
• In restrictive countries like China and struggling? Ensure NoBorders mode is on, try different protocols OpenVPN UDP is a good bet, and switch between several servers.

If you’re still stuck, Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to a specific country with Surfshark?

Once you’ve opened the Surfshark app and logged in, you’ll see a list of server locations, usually under a “Locations” tab or similar. You can browse or use the search bar to find the country you want. Just click or tap on the country’s name or flag, and Surfshark will connect you to the fastest server in that location.

Can I use Surfshark on more than one device?

Absolutely! One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install and use the Surfshark app on as many devices as you own phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, etc. with a single subscription, protecting your entire household. Surfshark vpn price in germany

What is “Quick Connect” and how does it work?

“Quick Connect” is a button in the Surfshark app that automatically connects you to the fastest available VPN server at that moment. It’s usually the quickest and easiest way to get protected online, as the app intelligently picks the optimal server for you, often the one closest to your physical location.

Does Surfshark work with streaming services like Netflix or Hulu?

Yes, Surfshark is widely recognized for its ability to unblock content on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can access content libraries that are specific to that region.

Is there a free version of Surfshark or a way to use it for free?

Surfshark is a premium VPN service and does not offer a free version. While you can’t use Surfshark for free indefinitely, they often provide a 7-day free trial on mobile app stores or offer a 30-day money-back guarantee with their subscription plans, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

How do I turn off Surfshark VPN on my iPhone/Android?

To disconnect from Surfshark on your iPhone or Android device, simply open the Surfshark app. On the main screen, you’ll usually see a prominent “Disconnect” button. Tap this button, and your VPN connection will be turned off, returning your device to its regular internet connection. You can also pause the connection if you need a temporary break. Crushing Geo-Restrictions: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN

What is CleanWeb, and why should I use it?

CleanWeb is a built-in feature in Surfshark that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. You should use it because it makes your browsing experience faster and safer by removing annoying advertisements and protecting you from potentially harmful websites and online threats. You can enable it in the app’s VPN settings.

What if Surfshark isn’t connecting in a restrictive country?

If you’re in a country with heavy internet censorship and Surfshark isn’t connecting, first make sure NoBorders mode is enabled in your app settings. Then, try switching to a different server location, especially in nearby, less restrictive countries. Also, try changing your VPN protocol in the settings. OpenVPN UDP is often effective as it helps to obfuscate your VPN traffic. Keeping the app updated and even trying a manual WireGuard connection if set up beforehand can also help.