Struggling to watch your favorite Paramount Plus shows because of where you are in the world? You’re not alone, and I’ve got a fantastic trick up my sleeve: using Surfshark VPN. With Surfshark, you can bypass those pesky geo-restrictions and enjoy everything Paramount Plus has to offer, whether you’re traveling for work, on vacation, or just living in a region where it isn’t fully available. It’s truly a must for streaming.
Paramount Plus, with its treasure trove of movies, exclusive series, live sports, and content from big names like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, and MTV, is a streaming service many of us can’t get enough of. But here’s the catch: a lot of its content is locked behind geographical borders, mainly in the US. If you’re outside its primary service areas like the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, the UK, or Latin America, you’ll hit a wall. That’s where a good VPN like Surfshark steps in. It lets you virtually change your location, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a supported region. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get Surfshark and Paramount Plus working together seamlessly, so you can dive into your entertainment without any interruptions.
Why You Need a VPN for Paramount Plus
Let’s face it, nothing’s more frustrating than trying to watch a show you’re excited about only to be greeted by a “Content unavailable in your region” message. This isn’t just a random act of digital meanness. it’s due to something called geo-restrictions.
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Paramount Plus, like many other streaming services, has licensing agreements that dictate where certain content can be shown. These agreements mean they have to enforce geographical boundaries, often using your IP address to figure out where you are. If your IP address doesn’t match a licensed region like the US for the broadest content library, you’re out of luck.
But it’s not just about content access. There are other sneaky things happening online:
- ISP Throttling: Ever notice your internet slowing down when you’re binge-watching? Your Internet Service Provider ISP might be deliberately slowing your connection if they detect heavy streaming activity. They do this to manage network traffic, but it means a choppy, frustrating experience for you. A VPN encrypts your online activity, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing and therefore can’t slow you down on purpose.
- Privacy Concerns: Every move you make online can be tracked. Your ISP, advertisers, and even some websites can collect data on your viewing habits and online behavior. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your real IP address, routing your traffic through a secure server. This makes it much harder for anyone to snoop on what you’re doing, keeping your streaming habits and other online activities private and protected.
So, a VPN isn’t just a bypass tool. it’s a privacy and performance enhancer for your streaming life.
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Does Surfshark Really Work with Paramount Plus?
You might be wondering, “Does Surfshark actually deliver?” The short answer is yes, absolutely! Surfshark is widely recognized as one of the best VPNs for streaming, and it consistently works with Paramount Plus. Many people, including myself, have used it successfully to access different regional libraries, especially the extensive US one, from various locations around the globe.
What makes Surfshark a good choice for Paramount Plus?
Speed and Streaming Quality
Nobody wants to watch their favorite show constantly buffering, right? That’s where Surfshark really shines. In recent tests, Surfshark showed impressive average download speeds of 199.55 Mbps. To put that into perspective, Paramount Plus recommends a minimum of 3.0 Mbps for its streaming library, 8.0 Mbps for live streams, and 16.0 Mbps for 4K content. So, with Surfshark’s speeds, you’re well within the range for smooth, high-definition, and even 4K streaming without any annoying lag.
Surfshark has over 3,200 high-speed servers spread across 100 countries. This huge network includes more than 600 servers in various US cities alone. Having so many options means you’re very likely to find a fast, uncongested server that can reliably connect you to Paramount Plus. Surfshark Saying “Another VPN Detected”? Here’s How to Fix It!
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Paramount Plus, like other big streaming services, tries to detect and block VPNs. They do this by identifying and blacklisting IP addresses that are known to belong to VPN servers. This is often why free VPNs fail – they have fewer servers, and their IP addresses get flagged quickly.
Surfshark, however, is constantly working to get around these blocks. Its vast network and regular updates help ensure that you can consistently find a working server to access Paramount Plus content from anywhere. It acts like a digital disguise, giving you a temporary IP address from your chosen location, fooling Paramount Plus into thinking you’re right there.
How to Use Surfshark VPN with Paramount Plus
Getting Surfshark set up and running with Paramount Plus is usually pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to do it across different devices.
Does Surfshark Have Onion Over VPN?
On Desktop Windows/macOS
This is probably the easiest way to get started.
- Get a Surfshark Subscription: First things first, you’ll need a Surfshark account. Head over to their official website and choose a plan that works for you.
- Download the App: Once you’ve signed up, download the Surfshark app for your Windows or macOS computer from their website.
- Install and Log In: Follow the installation prompts, then open the app and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a Server: Look for a server location where Paramount Plus is available and has a strong content library. The United States is usually your best bet for the most extensive collection. Just pick a US city and hit “Connect.”
- Clear Your Browser Data: This step is crucial! Your browser might have stored old cookies or cache files that reveal your real location. To avoid conflicts, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. You can usually find this option in your browser’s settings under “Privacy” or “History.”
- Go to Paramount Plus: Open your web browser, navigate to the Paramount Plus website, log in, and start streaming!
On Mobile Android/iOS
Using Surfshark on your phone or tablet is just as simple.
- Subscribe to Surfshark: If you haven’t already, sign up for Surfshark.
- Download the App: Go to your device’s app store Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS and search for the Surfshark VPN app. Download and install it.
- Log In and Connect: Open the app, log in, and connect to a server in a Paramount Plus-supported region, like the US.
- Turn Off Location Services: On mobile devices, your phone’s GPS can sometimes leak your real location. Make sure to turn off location services for the Paramount Plus app or even for your entire device while streaming.
- Clear App Cache if needed: If you’re still having trouble, you might need to clear the cache for the Paramount Plus app. On Android, you can usually do this in your phone’s app settings. For iOS, a quick uninstall and reinstall of the Paramount Plus app often does the trick.
- Open Paramount Plus: Launch the Paramount Plus app, log in, and enjoy your shows!
On Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Things get a little different here, as many smart TVs and streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast don’t natively support VPN apps. But don’t worry, you’ve got a couple of solid options.
- Router Setup: This is often the best solution for smart TVs and gaming consoles because it protects every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
- Check Router Compatibility: Not all routers support VPN installation directly. You’ll need a compatible router often one that can run custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT.
- Follow Surfshark’s Router Guide: Surfshark provides detailed instructions on how to set up their VPN on various routers. You’ll usually find this in their help center.
- Connect to a US Server: Once the VPN is set up on your router, configure it to connect to a US server.
- Connect Your Smart TV/Device: Your smart TV or streaming device will now automatically be using the VPN connection when it connects to your home Wi-Fi.
- Access Paramount Plus: Open the Paramount Plus app on your TV, log in, and start watching.
- Smart DNS: Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature. This changes your DNS settings to mask your location without encrypting your data. It’s faster because there’s no encryption overhead, but it offers less privacy.
- Activate Smart DNS: You can usually activate Smart DNS through your Surfshark account dashboard on their website.
- Configure Your Device: Follow Surfshark’s instructions to change the DNS settings on your smart TV or streaming device to use their Smart DNS. This usually involves going into your device’s network settings.
- Restart and Stream: Restart your device, and you should be able to access Paramount Plus.
On Gaming Consoles PS4/PS5, Xbox
Similar to smart TVs, gaming consoles like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles don’t have native VPN app support. But you can still get Surfshark working with them through a few methods:
- VPN Router Setup: As mentioned above, setting up Surfshark on your router is the most comprehensive way. Once configured, your PS4/PS5 or Xbox will connect to the internet through the VPN-enabled router, giving it a US IP address.
- Share VPN Connection from PC/Mac: You can share your computer’s VPN connection with your console via an Ethernet cable.
- Install Surfshark on your PC/Mac: Download and install the Surfshark app on your computer.
- Connect to a US server: Open Surfshark and connect to a US server.
- Connect PC to Console: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your PC and the other into your PS4/PS5 or Xbox.
- Configure Network Sharing Windows: On Windows, go to “Network and Sharing Center,” then “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on your Surfshark VPN connection, go to “Properties,” then the “Sharing” tab. Check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” and select your Ethernet connection from the dropdown.
- Configure Network Sharing macOS: On Mac, go to “System Settings” > “General” > “Sharing” > “Internet Sharing.” In “Share your connection from,” choose Wi-Fi, and in “To devices using,” select “Ethernet adapter.” Make sure Internet Sharing is on.
- Configure Console: On your PS4/PS5 or Xbox, go to network settings and set up an internet connection using a LAN cable. Choose “Easy” or automatic settings, and when prompted, select “Do Not Use a Proxy Server”.
- Test Connection: Test your console’s internet connection. If all goes well, it should now be connected through the VPN!
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What Makes Surfshark a Great Choice for Streaming?
Beyond just unblocking Paramount Plus, Surfshark brings a lot to the table that makes it an excellent overall choice for anyone who loves to stream.
Unlimited Devices
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a rare perk in the VPN world, where most providers limit you to 5-10 devices per account. With Surfshark, you can literally install the app on every device you own – your phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, even share it with your family – all under a single subscription. This is perfect for households with multiple gadgets or for sharing with family members who also want to stream safely.
Robust Security and Privacy
While we’re talking about streaming, privacy and security are still super important. Surfshark doesn’t cut corners here:
- Strong Encryption: It uses industry-leading AES-256 VPN encryption to secure your data. This means your online activities, including your streaming habits, stay private and protected from prying eyes.
- No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t track or store what you do online. Your browsing history, IP addresses, and connection timestamps are not collected, ensuring your anonymity.
- Kill Switch: This is a vital security feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet access, preventing your real IP address or unencrypted data from being exposed.
- CleanWeb: Surfshark also comes with CleanWeb, which blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts, making your streaming experience smoother and safer by getting rid of annoying pop-ups and potential threats.
Plenty of Server Options
With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers a huge network. This wide distribution means you’ll always find a server nearby for the best possible speeds, and crucially, plenty of options in key streaming regions like the US. This helps in bypassing geo-restrictions effectively, as you can simply switch to another server if one particular IP address gets flagged. Surfshark or vpn
User-Friendly Experience
Surfshark’s apps are designed to be easy to use across all platforms, whether you’re on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it simple to connect to a server, change settings, and get straight to watching your content, even if you’re new to VPNs.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Surfshark Isn’t Working with Paramount Plus
Sometimes, even with the best VPNs, you might run into a hiccup or two. Paramount Plus is constantly trying to detect and block VPNs, so it’s a bit of a cat-and-mouse game. If Surfshark isn’t working with Paramount Plus, don’t panic! Here are some common fixes you can try:
Try a Different Server
This is often the quickest and most effective solution. Paramount Plus might have blacklisted the specific IP address of the server you’re currently connected to. Simply disconnect from your current server and connect to a different US server. Surfshark has many US servers, so you have plenty of options to try. Which is Better: NordVPN or Surfshark VPN? (2025 Ultimate Showdown)
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
As I mentioned before, old cookies and cache data in your browser can reveal your real location, even if your VPN is active. Clear them out to ensure Paramount Plus only sees your VPN-assigned IP address. If you’re using the Paramount Plus app, try clearing its cache on Android or reinstalling it on iOS.
Update Your Surfshark App
An outdated VPN app can sometimes lead to connectivity issues or make it easier for streaming services to detect your VPN. Make sure your Surfshark app is always up to date by checking for updates in the app itself or through your device’s app store.
Switch VPN Protocols
VPN protocols determine how your data is encrypted and transmitted. Surfshark offers several protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Sometimes, switching to a different protocol in your Surfshark app settings can help bypass detection, as some protocols might be more effective at slipping past geo-restrictions than others.
Turn Off Location Services
For mobile devices, your phone’s built-in GPS can sometimes override your VPN’s location. If you’re still having trouble, try turning off location services completely on your device, or at least for the Paramount Plus app.
Contact Surfshark Support
If you’ve tried all these steps and are still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They offer 24/7 live chat and email support [email protected]. Their team is usually very helpful and can often guide you to a specific server that’s currently working well with Paramount Plus, or provide more advanced troubleshooting steps. They even have an extensive help center with over 250 articles to help you out. Surfshark OpenVPN: Your Comprehensive Guide to Manual Setup and Beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN with Paramount Plus?
Using a VPN is generally legal in most countries, and there’s no law against using one to enhance your online privacy or access content. However, using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions might go against Paramount Plus’s Terms of Service. While Paramount Plus tries to block VPNs, it’s highly unlikely they would ban your account for using one. they’ll typically just block the detected VPN IP address.
Why is Paramount Plus blocking my VPN?
Paramount Plus, like many other streaming services, invests in technology to detect and block IP addresses associated with VPN servers. This is to uphold its licensing agreements, which dictate where certain content can be streamed. They don’t specifically target Surfshark, but rather any VPN attempting to bypass their geo-restrictions.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Paramount Plus?
While tempting, I generally wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN for streaming Paramount Plus. Free VPNs often have limited servers that get easily detected and blocked, slower speeds, data caps, and can sometimes even compromise your privacy and security by logging your activity or displaying intrusive ads. A reliable paid VPN like Surfshark offers better performance, security, and a much more consistent streaming experience. How to Change Location on Surfshark VPN
Does Surfshark slow down my internet connection too much?
Any VPN will introduce a slight slowdown because your data has to travel through an additional server and be encrypted. However, premium VPNs like Surfshark are designed to minimize this impact. With average download speeds of 199.55 Mbps in recent tests, Surfshark is more than fast enough for seamless 4K streaming on Paramount Plus, so you’re unlikely to notice any significant slowdown in your viewing experience.
Can I watch Paramount Plus content from other countries with Surfshark?
Yes, absolutely! Paramount Plus has different content libraries depending on the region. By connecting to a Surfshark server in countries where Paramount Plus is available like the US, Canada, Australia, or parts of Europe, you can access the content library specific to that region. This is great for exploring different shows and movies that might not be available in your home country’s Paramount Plus library.
How many devices can I use with one Surfshark subscription?
One of the best things about Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install and use Surfshark on as many devices as you own—your phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, smart TV, and even share it with your entire family—all under a single subscription. It’s a fantastic value, especially for households with many internet-connected gadgets.
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