Trying to figure out if Surfshark VPN still works in Russia can feel like trying to catch smoke – it’s complicated, and the situation changes fast. To really get a grip on it, you need to understand the challenges, Surfshark’s unique features, and what users on the ground are actually experiencing. The short answer is: it’s a mixed bag, and it’s getting harder. While Surfshark offers some powerful tools designed to bypass strict censorship, Russia’s aggressive blocking efforts mean that even top-tier VPNs face significant hurdles, and what works one day might not the next.

For anyone in Russia looking to access a more open internet, a Virtual Private Network VPN like Surfshark has always been a go-to. It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, letting you bypass government-imposed restrictions and access content that might otherwise be blocked. But Russia has been tightening its grip on the internet for years, making it increasingly difficult for VPNs to operate effectively. We’re talking about a where foreign websites and social media platforms are frequently blocked, and the government is actively trying to create a “sovereign internet” that it can fully control.

Surfshark, based in the Netherlands, does not have physical servers in Russia anymore, having pulled them out in March 2022 due to the ongoing conflict. This means that while you can’t get a direct Russian IP address through Surfshark, you can still connect to its vast network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries worldwide to access global content. The company prides itself on a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited by Deloitte multiple times, with the latest re-verification in mid-2025. This means Surfshark doesn’t track, collect, or store your browsing history, IP address, or any other online activity, which is super important when you’re dealing with a highly surveilled internet environment. This commitment to privacy is a major reason why many people consider Surfshark to be a reliable choice in less restricted areas.

However, the reality on the ground in Russia is far from simple. While some reports suggest Surfshark can still work, especially with manual connection methods, user experiences shared on platforms like Reddit paint a picture of frequent disruptions and outright blocking across various protocols. Russia has been investing heavily in technology to detect and block VPN traffic, moving beyond just blocking specific VPN services to blocking the protocols they use. This means that even advanced features might struggle against sophisticated government censorship.

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So, while Surfshark remains a strong contender in the VPN market globally, its performance in Russia is inconsistent and challenging. If you’re trying to use Surfshark in Russia, be prepared for potential connection issues and the need for constant vigilance and troubleshooting. It’s not as straightforward as it once was, and adapting your approach will be key.

Table of Contents

Understanding Russia’s Internet Censorship Landscape

Before we dive deeper into Surfshark, it’s really important to get why using a VPN in Russia is such a big deal. The internet there is one of the most restrictive globally, and it’s constantly . We’ve seen a steady increase in censorship since 2011, with new laws and technical measures making it harder for citizens to access unbiased information and popular global platforms.

Back in 2017, Russia passed a law banning VPNs and anonymizers that didn’t comply with government blacklists. Then, in 2019, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media Roskomnadzor started demanding that VPN services connect to their Federal State Information System FGIS to filter traffic – something most reputable VPNs, including Surfshark, refuse to do to protect user privacy.

The situation escalated significantly, especially after February 2022. Western media outlets, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram owned by Meta, labeled an extremist organization, and even services like YouTube have faced severe blocking or throttling, making them virtually unusable. In March 2024, Russia introduced further legislation, targeting the advertising of VPN services and pushing for their removal from app stores. There are even reports of Russia testing a “sovereign internet” that can completely cut off regions from the global web, which could render many VPNs useless during such shutdowns.

What this all means is that the Russian government isn’t just playing whack-a-mole with VPN websites. they’re actively trying to block VPN protocols themselves using sophisticated deep-packet inspection DPI techniques. This is why even a robust VPN like Surfshark faces an uphill battle. It’s a constant cat-and-mouse game, where VPN providers develop new ways to circumvent blocks, and the Russian authorities respond with more advanced blocking methods. Surfshark VPN and Rutracker: Your Complete Guide to Safe Access

Surfshark’s Arsenal Against Restrictions: Camouflage and NoBorders Modes

So, knowing how tough Russia’s internet censorship is, you might wonder how Surfshark even stands a chance. Well, Surfshark has some specific features built for situations like this, which is why it’s often listed among VPNs attempting to work in highly restricted regions.

The two big ones are Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.

Camouflage Mode Obfuscation

Think of Camouflage Mode as a disguise for your VPN traffic. When you use a VPN, your internet service provider ISP can usually tell that you’re using one, even if they can’t see what you’re doing. In places like Russia, where VPN use is heavily scrutinized or blocked, this detection alone can lead to your connection being throttled or cut off. Surfshark VPN: The Real Talk from Reddit – Is It Worth Your Money in 2025?

Camouflage Mode also known as obfuscation scrambles your VPN traffic to make it look like regular, unencrypted internet traffic. It basically hides the fact that you’re using a VPN at all, making it much harder for deep packet inspection DPI systems used by governments to detect and block your connection. This is super important because if your ISP or government can’t tell you’re using a VPN, they’re less likely to interfere. This feature works with specific algorithms on OpenVPN protocols to make your traffic appear normal.

NoBorders Mode

This one’s pretty clever. NoBorders Mode is designed specifically for when you’re on a restricted network. If the Surfshark app detects that your network is being limited like by a school firewall, an internet provider, or, yes, government censorship, it automatically kicks into NoBorders mode.

Once activated, NoBorders mode gives you a list of servers that are optimized to work best under those specific network restrictions. It essentially helps you find a path through the blocks. This is a critical feature for users in countries with strict internet censorship, as it aims to provide access to the open internet even when the odds are stacked against you.

Other Key Security Features

Beyond these two, Surfshark packs other essential security features that are vital when trying to maintain privacy and access in a challenging environment:

AES-256-GCM Encryption: This is military-grade encryption, the same standard used by government and financial institutions. It makes your data nearly impossible to intercept and decipher. So, even if someone manages to peek at your traffic, it’ll just look like gibberish.
Kill Switch: This is a non-negotiable feature for anyone in a high-risk area. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the Kill Switch immediately cuts off your internet access. This prevents your real IP address and unencrypted data from being accidentally exposed, keeping you protected even during connection hiccups.
Secure Protocols: Surfshark supports several protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. While Russia is actively trying to block these, having multiple options means you can try different ones to see what might work. WireGuard is often praised for its balance of speed and security, which can be useful when you need to maintain a stable connection. However, recent reports from Russia indicate that even WireGuard has been facing blocks.
Private DNS and Leak Protection: Surfshark uses private DNS on each server and offers IPv6 leak protection, which helps prevent your real IP address from being revealed through DNS requests or IPv6 traffic. This is another layer of defense against surveillance.
Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: This feature routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers instead of just one, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it even harder to trace your online activities. It’s like having a double disguise.
CleanWeb: This built-in feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, which not only improves your browsing experience but also adds a layer of security by preventing malicious content and tracking.

These features collectively make Surfshark a well-equipped tool for privacy and access, especially in restrictive environments. But, as we’ll see, even with these defenses, Russia’s aggressive blocking can still pose significant problems. Surfshark VPN Ranking: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Surfshark VPN in Russia: Real-World Experiences and Challenges

Surfshark has all these cool features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders, which sound great on paper. But what’s the actual experience like for people trying to use Surfshark VPN in Russia right now? This is where it gets a bit messy and frustrating for users.

If you look at discussions on places like Reddit, you’ll find a lot of people talking about how Surfshark не работает в россии Surfshark isn’t working in Russia or that Surfshark vpn заблокирован Surfshark VPN is blocked. It’s clear that while Surfshark might have worked reliably for many in the past, the situation has become increasingly difficult.

Users have reported significant issues, especially since late 2023 and into 2024. For instance, some folks on Reddit mentioned that around May 2024, both Surfshark’s apps and manual OpenVPN connections stopped working. Another user in July 2024 claimed that IKEv2, which was previously a workaround, also ceased to function, leaving Surfshark “completely inaccessible in Russia at the moment via any protocol / any location combination”. These reports suggest that Russia’s blocking efforts are becoming more comprehensive and are targeting various VPN protocols that Surfshark relies on. Surfshark VPN on Roku TV: Your Ultimate Streaming Upgrade Guide

Surfshark’s support teams themselves have acknowledged service disruptions in Russia, advising users to try manual connection methods, particularly with WireGuard. However, even this isn’t a guaranteed fix, with some users reporting that WireGuard also eventually stopped working on Windows, though Android sometimes had better luck on different ISPs.

One major challenge is the dynamic nature of these blocks. What might work one day, or on one internet service provider ISP, might not work the next. This “cat and mouse” game means users often have to constantly troubleshoot, switch protocols, or even try different servers to find a working connection, which can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. The Russian government’s strategy of blocking VPN protocols themselves, rather than just IP addresses of VPN servers, makes it a much harder problem to solve.

It’s also worth noting that while some VPN review sites still list Surfshark as a viable option for Russia, often highlighting its affordability and features like obfuscation, the direct user feedback often presents a bleaker picture. This discrepancy highlights how quickly the situation on the ground can change compared to general reviews.

The takeaway here is that while Surfshark is genuinely designed with features to combat censorship, Russia’s aggressive and internet restrictions mean that Surfshark vpn russia isn’t a simple “yes, it works” anymore. It’s more of a “maybe, with a lot of effort and no guarantees.”

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Keeping Your Connection Alive: Tips and Workarounds If Surfshark is Giving You Trouble

If you’re finding that Surfshark vpn is down or struggling to connect in Russia, don’t throw in the towel just yet. The key in a highly restricted environment is often to be persistent and try different approaches. Here are some tips and workarounds that users and Surfshark itself often suggest:

1. Try Different Protocols

This is probably the first thing you should tinker with. Surfshark offers a few VPN protocols, and some are better at bypassing censorship than others:

OpenVPN UDP/TCP: While OpenVPN UDP is usually faster, OpenVPN TCP is often more resilient in restricted networks because it can sometimes look more like regular HTTPS traffic. Some users in Russia have reported issues with OpenVPN, but it’s still worth trying both TCP and UDP settings.
WireGuard: This is a newer, faster, and more efficient protocol. Surfshark support has sometimes recommended WireGuard manual connections for users experiencing disruptions in Russia. However, it’s also been reported that WireGuard faces blocking. Still, it’s usually one of the best for speed and security when it can connect.
IKEv2: This protocol is generally good for mobile users because it handles network changes well, but like others, it’s also been reported to be blocked by Russian authorities.

To change protocols, just head into your Surfshark app’s settings, usually under “VPN Settings” or “Protocol.” Experiment with each one to see if you can establish a connection.

2. Enable Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode

These are Surfshark’s dedicated features for restricted networks, as we talked about earlier. Make sure they are active in your app settings. Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a Secure Surfshark VPN Hub!

Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making your traffic appear normal.
NoBorders Mode: If your app detects network restrictions, this mode should activate automatically and offer a list of servers that might work better.

You’ll usually find these options in the “Advanced” settings section of the Surfshark app.

3. Manual Connection Methods

Sometimes, the official app can be easier to detect and block. Setting up a VPN manually using a third-party client with Surfshark’s configuration files can occasionally bypass blocks that the app can’t. Surfshark provides guides for manual setups using WireGuard or OpenVPN. This involves downloading configuration files from their website and importing them into an OpenVPN or WireGuard client. This might sound a bit technical, but their guides are usually step-by-step.

4. Try Different Servers

Don’t stick to just one server location. If one isn’t working, try another in a different country. The effectiveness of a server can vary based on the specific blocking measures in place. While Surfshark doesn’t have servers in Russia, connecting to nearby countries or those with robust internet infrastructure like in Europe might sometimes yield better results.

5. Check for App Updates

Ensure your Surfshark app is always updated to the latest version. VPN providers constantly update their apps to counter new blocking techniques, and an older version might be more easily detected.

6. Adjust DNS Settings

A user on Reddit suggested that changing DNS addresses could help the Surfshark app work again in Russia. You might find this option in your device’s network settings or even within the Surfshark app itself. Switching to privacy-focused DNS servers like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Google’s 8.8.8.8 can sometimes help, though this is less about VPN obfuscation and more about general network resilience. Level Up Your Downloads: A Deep Dive into Surfshark and qBittorrent

7. Contact Surfshark Support

If you’ve tried everything and are still hitting a wall, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They often have the most up-to-date information on which servers or protocols are currently working best in highly restricted regions and might be able to offer tailored advice for your specific situation. They usually have 24/7 live chat support.

Remember, in a highly censored environment like Russia, there are no guarantees. The situation is fluid, and continuous adaptation is necessary.

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable and Trustworthy? Beyond Russia

Even with the challenges in Russia, a common question people ask is: is Surfshark vpn reliable and is surfshark vpn safe to use in general? For most users outside of heavily restricted areas, the answer is a resounding yes. Surfshark has built a strong reputation as a trustworthy VPN provider, and there are several reasons why it stands out.

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Strict No-Logs Policy, Verified by Audits

One of the most crucial aspects of any VPN is its logging policy. Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not track, collect, or store any information about your online activities, your IP address, browsing history, or connection timestamps. This is paramount for privacy, ensuring that your online actions cannot be traced back to you, even if authorities were to request data from Surfshark.

What makes this even more reliable? Surfshark’s no-logs policy isn’t just a claim. it’s been independently audited by external cybersecurity firms. Most recently, Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” auditing firms, re-verified Surfshark’s adherence to its no-logs policy in mid-2025. These audits involve a thorough examination of Surfshark’s systems, server configurations, and internal processes to ensure they truly don’t log user data. This transparency and third-party verification give users significant peace of mind.

Strong Security and Advanced Features

Beyond the no-logs policy, Surfshark incorporates a suite of security features that meet industry-leading standards:

Industry-Standard Encryption: As mentioned, it uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is considered military-grade and extremely difficult to crack.
Secure Protocols: It offers robust VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, ensuring secure and stable connections.
Kill Switch: This essential feature protects your data from accidental exposure if the VPN connection drops, which is a mark of a reliable VPN.
RAM-Only Servers: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, which means no data is permanently stored on hard drives. When the servers are rebooted, all data is wiped, adding another layer of security against data breaches or seizures. This makes it harder for anyone, including Surfshark itself, to retain user data.
Headquarters Jurisdiction: Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands. While the Netherlands is part of the “Nine Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy, verified by audits, is designed to mitigate concerns about data requests. The argument is that if there are no logs to share, the jurisdiction becomes less critical for user privacy.

Performance and User Experience

Speed: While any VPN can cause a slight slowdown, Surfshark generally offers fast speeds, particularly with the WireGuard protocol, making it good for streaming and general browsing. Some users might experience minor speed reductions, but it’s usually not enough to disrupt common online activities.
Unlimited Devices: One of Surfshark’s standout benefits is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription. This means you can protect all your devices—and even those of your family—without needing multiple subscriptions.
User-Friendly Apps: Surfshark’s apps are generally considered intuitive and easy to use across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Roku.

Is Surfshark the Best VPN?

Asking is surfshark the best vpn is tricky because “best” often depends on individual needs. However, it consistently ranks high in many expert reviews and user recommendations, often alongside giants like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, especially for its blend of features, security, and affordability. It’s a strong contender for anyone looking for a comprehensive, privacy-focused, and budget-friendly VPN solution.

So, while its performance in Russia faces unique challenges due to state-level censorship, Surfshark’s overall reliability, strong security features, and commitment to privacy make it a highly trustworthy VPN for general use worldwide. Unlocking the Internet in Qatar: My Honest Review of Surfshark VPN

Payment Methods in Russia

Getting a VPN subscription while inside Russia can be another hurdle, not just connecting to the service. With international sanctions and changes in local banking, traditional payment methods like Visa and Mastercard issued by Russian banks often don’t work for international services.

However, Surfshark and other VPN providers usually offer alternative payment methods to help users in such situations:

Cryptocurrency: This is often the most reliable way to pay for VPN services from Russia. Many VPNs, including Surfshark, accept various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. This provides a decentralized and often more private way to subscribe, bypassing traditional banking systems.
UnionPay: For some users, UnionPay might be a viable option, depending on its integration with international merchants and your specific bank.
Apple Store: If you’re an iPhone user, purchasing a Surfshark subscription directly through the Apple App Store can sometimes work, as Apple handles the payment processing. However, Russia has also pushed Apple to remove VPN apps from its App Store, so this might not always be a consistent solution.

If you’re already a subscriber and your payment method like Qiwi, which lost its license in Russia has been disrupted, you might need to contact Surfshark support to update your payment details or explore these alternative options to keep your service active. Unlock Your PS5’s Full Potential: A Gamer’s Guide to Surfshark VPN

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN blocked in Russia?

The situation for Surfshark VPN in Russia is complex and constantly changing. While Surfshark itself isn’t officially “blocked” in the same way a website might be, Russian authorities aggressively implement deep packet inspection DPI and other technologies to detect and block VPN traffic and protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. This means that while Surfshark might work for some users with specific settings or manual connections, many others report significant difficulties or complete inability to connect. So, while not outright banned by name everywhere, its functionality is severely hampered by state-level blocking measures.

Does Surfshark VPN have servers in Russia?

No, Surfshark VPN does not have physical servers located in Russia. They made the decision to close their servers in Russia in March 2022, shortly after the conflict with Ukraine began, to ensure user privacy and security. While some other VPNs might offer virtual Russian servers giving you a Russian IP address while the server is physically elsewhere, Surfshark focuses on providing a secure connection to servers in other countries worldwide, allowing users in Russia to access global content.

Is it safe to use Surfshark VPN in Russia?

Using any VPN in Russia carries inherent risks due to the government’s strict internet censorship and surveillance laws. While Surfshark has a strong, independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store your activity data, and uses robust encryption and features like Camouflage Mode to hide VPN usage, there’s always a risk that your VPN connection could drop, exposing your real IP address. It’s crucial to enable the Kill Switch feature to mitigate this risk. The Russian government has also introduced laws that could penalize individuals for accessing banned content through VPNs and fine VPN providers. It’s advisable to stay informed about local regulations and understand the potential implications. Proton VPN vs Surfshark VPN: Picking Your Perfect Privacy Partner

Why is Surfshark VPN not connecting in Russia?

There are several reasons why Surfshark VPN might not be connecting in Russia. The primary cause is Russia’s aggressive internet censorship, which actively targets and blocks VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 using sophisticated deep packet inspection DPI technology. Other factors could include your specific internet service provider ISP having more effective blocking measures, outdated app versions, or simply needing to try a different server or protocol setting within the Surfshark app or through manual connection methods.

What is Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, and how do they help in Russia?

Camouflage Mode Obfuscation is a Surfshark feature that disguises your VPN traffic, making it look like regular, unencrypted internet traffic. This makes it much harder for internet service providers and government censorship systems to detect that you’re using a VPN, helping to bypass blocks. NoBorders Mode automatically activates when the Surfshark app detects network restrictions. It then provides a list of servers that are best optimized to work under those specific restrictions, offering a path to the open internet in highly censored regions. Both features are designed to enhance connectivity and privacy in challenging environments like Russia.

Can I use Surfshark VPN for streaming and torrenting in Russia?

In theory, yes, Surfshark VPN is optimized for both streaming and torrenting, offering fast speeds and P2P-friendly servers globally. However, its effectiveness for these activities within Russia is severely impacted by the government’s strict censorship. If you manage to establish a stable connection using workarounds like Camouflage Mode or manual configurations, you might be able to stream or torrent. But given the frequent disruptions and blocking of VPN connections, reliable streaming or torrenting might be inconsistent or impossible at times.

How can I pay for Surfshark VPN if I’m in Russia?

Due to international sanctions and changes in banking services, traditional payment methods like most Visa/Mastercard from Russian banks are often not accepted for international VPN services. Surfshark typically offers alternative payment methods that are more accessible from Russia, such as cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ethereum and potentially UnionPay. Some users have also found success paying through the Apple App Store on their iOS devices. If your current payment method has been disrupted, contacting Surfshark’s customer support can help you explore available options.

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