Struggling to get your favorite shows and movies from other regions on your Samsung Smart TV? You’re not alone! Many people wonder how to put a VPN like Surfshark directly on their Samsung TV, especially when they hit those annoying geo-blocks. The quick answer is: you can’t directly install the Surfshark app on your Samsung Smart TV. Samsung TVs use their own Tizen operating system, which just doesn’t support native VPN apps. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! You’ve actually got a few clever ways to get Surfshark working with your Samsung TV, letting you unblock content and beef up your privacy.

This guide will walk you through the most popular and effective methods, from the super simple Smart DNS setup to more comprehensive solutions like setting up Surfshark on your home router. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including why you’d even want a VPN on your TV in the first place, Surfshark’s awesome features, and how to pick the best setup for your home. By the end, you’ll be streaming securely and freely, just like you wanted. So, let’s get your Samsung TV ready for some global entertainment with Surfshark!

Table of Contents

Why You’d Want Surfshark on Your Samsung TV

why bother with a VPN for your TV? Think about it: your Samsung Smart TV is probably one of your main gateways to entertainment. But often, it’s also where you run into frustrating roadblocks. Here’s why Surfshark can make a big difference for your streaming experience:

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Bypass Geo-Restrictions: This is probably the biggest reason. Ever tried to watch a show on Netflix or another streaming service, only to be told it’s “not available in your region”? That’s geo-blocking, and it’s a real buzzkill. A VPN like Surfshark helps you get around these digital borders by making it look like you’re browsing from a different country. With Surfshark’s impressive network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries, you can virtually teleport your TV to almost any corner of the globe and unlock tons of content. Imagine finally catching that series everyone’s talking about!
Stop ISP Throttling: Sometimes, when you’re streaming in high definition, your internet service provider ISP might intentionally slow down your connection. This is called throttling, and it happens because heavy streaming uses a lot of bandwidth. When you use Surfshark, your internet traffic gets encrypted, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. If they don’t know you’re streaming, they can’t slow you down on purpose, leading to smoother, buffer-free playback.
Enhance Your Online Privacy: Even on your TV, your online activity isn’t always private. ISPs can track your viewing habits, and this data might be used for targeted ads or even sold to third parties. Surfshark encrypts your data, keeping your streaming habits and other online activities private and secure. It also hides your real IP address, adding an extra layer of anonymity. Surfshark has a strict no-activity-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of what you do online, which is a big win for privacy.
Protect All Your Devices with router setup: While your Samsung TV itself might not run a VPN app, setting up Surfshark on your router protects every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network. This means your TV, phone, laptop, gaming console, and even smart home gadgets are all covered, all the time. And here’s a cool thing about Surfshark: it offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription, so you don’t have to worry about how many devices you’re protecting. It’s a fantastic deal for a whole household.
Fast and Reliable Streaming: Nobody likes buffering. Surfshark is known for its consistently fast connections, thanks to its extensive server network and advanced protocols like WireGuard. This means you can stream in HD and even 4K without annoying lags, making your viewing experience much more enjoyable.

So, while directly installing a VPN app on your Samsung TV isn’t an option, the benefits of using Surfshark with it are pretty clear. Let’s look at how you can actually make that happen.

The Reality: No Direct App for Samsung Smart TVs

Here’s the deal: if you’ve been scrolling through the Samsung App Store or Smart Hub looking for the Surfshark app, you won’t find it. Samsung Smart TVs run on a proprietary operating system called Tizen OS. This system doesn’t natively support VPN applications, meaning you can’t just download and install Surfshark or most other VPNs directly onto your TV like you would on a phone or computer.

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Even trying to “sideload” an Android APK file won’t work because Tizen isn’t Android-based. This is a common limitation for many smart TVs that don’t run on Android TV. But, as I mentioned, there are several clever workarounds that let you enjoy all the benefits of Surfshark on your Samsung TV. Let’s dive into those methods now.

Method 1: Easy Peasy with Surfshark Smart DNS

Setting up Surfshark’s Smart DNS is often touted as the easiest and quickest way to get started with unblocking content on your Samsung TV. It’s a good option if you’re mainly looking to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming and aren’t as concerned about full encryption for your TV’s traffic.

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What is Smart DNS?

Smart DNS works by re-routing your DNS queries through a server in a different location, typically the US. This makes it seem like your TV is in that region, allowing you to access content that might otherwise be blocked. The big advantage here is its simplicity and speed, as it doesn’t encrypt your data, so there’s no speed slowdown from encryption.

However, the lack of encryption is also its main drawback. While it unblocks content, it doesn’t provide the same level of privacy and security as a full VPN connection. Plus, Surfshark’s Smart DNS usually gives you a US-based IP address only. So, if you’re trying to access content from other countries, this might not be your go-to.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Smart DNS on Your Samsung TV

Here’s how you can get Surfshark’s Smart DNS up and running on your Samsung TV:

Activate Smart DNS in Your Surfshark Account:
- First, you need an active Surfshark subscription Smart DNS is included in all plans.
- Log in to your Surfshark account on their website.
- Look for the “Smart DNS” section. You might find it under “VPN” then “Manual setup” or directly on your dashboard.
- If you haven’t used it before, click the “Activate” button. Surfshark will then pick up your current public IP address and enable Smart DNS for your network. They might send you an email once it’s ready.
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- Once activated, your Surfshark account dashboard should display the DNS Server IP addresses you need. Keep these handy!
Change Your Samsung TV Network Settings:
- Grab your Samsung TV remote and turn on your TV.
- Press the Menu button.
- Navigate to Settings or often a gear icon.
- Select Network.
- Go to Network Status.
- At the bottom of the Network Status screen, you should see an IP Settings button. Click it.
- Now, find the DNS settings.
- Choose Enter manually or “Manual DNS setting”.
- Enter the Smart DNS IP address or primary DNS that you got from your Surfshark account. There might be a secondary DNS server too, so enter that if available. Don’t worry if the IP address on your TV looks different from the one Surfshark activated Smart DNS for. your TV shows an internal IP, while Smart DNS uses your external public IP.
- Click OK or Confirm to save the changes.
- Restart your TV and/or your router for the changes to take full effect.

That’s it! Your Samsung TV should now be routing its DNS requests through Surfshark’s Smart DNS. You can test it by trying to access a geo-restricted streaming service you couldn’t before.

Method 2: The Whole Home Solution – Surfshark on Your Router

If you’re serious about protecting all your devices, including your Samsung TV, with full VPN encryption, then setting up Surfshark on your Wi-Fi router is the way to go. This method is a bit more technical, but once it’s done, every device connected to that router automatically gets VPN protection.

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What It Is and Its Trade-offs

When Surfshark is installed directly on your router, all internet traffic flowing through that router is encrypted and routed through the VPN server you choose. This means your Samsung TV and everything else is automatically protected without needing individual app installations.

Pros:
- Covers All Devices: This is the biggest perk. One setup, and your entire home network is secure, including devices that don’t support VPN apps natively like your Samsung TV, gaming consoles, or smart home devices.
- Always-On Protection: Once configured, your VPN is always active for devices connected to that router.
- Full Encryption: Unlike Smart DNS, this method gives you the full security and privacy benefits of Surfshark’s strong encryption like AES-256 and secure protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
- Unlimited Devices: Since Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, this is a perfect way to leverage that for your whole household.
Cons:
- Technical Setup: This can be more involved. You might need to flash new firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato onto your router if it’s not VPN-compatible out of the box, which carries some risk.
- Speed Impact: Running a VPN on a router can sometimes lead to a slight decrease in internet speed, as the router’s processor has to handle all the encryption and decryption for multiple devices.
- Limited Features: You might lose access to some advanced Surfshark app features, like the Kill Switch or Bypasser split tunneling, which are usually managed within the individual app.
- Server Switching: Changing VPN server locations means logging into your router’s admin panel each time, which isn’t as convenient as clicking a button in an app.

How to Set Up Surfshark on a Compatible Router

The exact steps for setting up Surfshark on a router can vary a lot depending on your router’s brand and model. However, here’s a general outline, and I highly recommend checking Surfshark’s own support guides for your specific router model for detailed instructions:

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- First things first, find out if your router is VPN-compatible. Many newer routers from brands like Asus, GL.iNet, TP-Link Deco, Keenetic, and others support VPN clients like OpenVPN or WireGuard natively.
- Check your router’s user manual, look for its model number online, or log into your router’s settings to see if there’s a “VPN” or “VPN Client” tab under advanced settings.
- If your router isn’t compatible, you might be able to flash it with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. Be careful though, this can be complex and, if done incorrectly, might damage your router. Surfshark itself doesn’t take responsibility for issues from custom firmware installation.
Access Your Router’s Control Panel:
- Open a web browser on your computer.
- Type your router’s IP address into the address bar and press Enter. This is often called the “Default Gateway” and can usually be found in your computer’s network settings e.g., ipconfig on Windows or Network settings on Mac.
- Log in using your router’s administrator username and password. If you haven’t changed it, these are often on a sticker on the back of the router or can be found in the manual.
Download Surfshark Configuration Files:
- Go to the “Manual setup” section often under the “VPN” tab.
- Choose “Router” or the specific VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard you want to use.
- Download the necessary configuration files usually .ovpn files for OpenVPN or specific WireGuard keys and note down your service credentials username and password.
Configure VPN Settings on Your Router:
- In your router’s control panel, find the “VPN Client” section it might be under “Advanced Settings” or “Network”.
- You’ll typically need to:
  - Enable the VPN Client.
  - Select the VPN protocol OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc..
  - Upload the configuration files you downloaded from Surfshark.
  - Enter your Surfshark service credentials.
  - Choose a VPN server location.
- Save and apply your settings. Your router might restart.
Connect Your Samsung TV to the VPN-Enabled Wi-Fi:
- Once your router has restarted and the VPN is active, simply connect your Samsung Smart TV to your home Wi-Fi network as usual.
- Since the VPN is running on the router, all devices connected to it, including your TV, will now be protected by Surfshark!

To verify it’s working, you can try accessing geo-restricted content. Keep in mind that for optimal speeds, you usually want to connect to a VPN server that’s geographically closer to you. Surfshark VPN in Switzerland: Your Ultimate Guide for Digital Freedom and Security!

Method 3: Turning Your PC into a Virtual Router with Surfshark

If setting up Surfshark on your physical router feels too daunting or your router isn’t compatible, don’t worry! You can use your Windows PC or even a Mac in some scenarios to create a virtual router, sharing its Surfshark VPN connection with your Samsung TV. This is a neat trick that doesn’t require any new hardware.

This method involves setting up a mobile hotspot on your computer, but instead of sharing your regular internet, you share the internet connection that’s already protected by Surfshark. Your Samsung TV then connects to this new Wi-Fi hotspot.

*   No Special Router Needed: You don’t need to buy a new VPN-compatible router or mess with firmware.
*   Full VPN Encryption: Unlike Smart DNS, this method provides full VPN encryption to your TV.
*   Easier Server Switching: Since the VPN app is on your PC, changing server locations is as easy as clicking a button in the Surfshark app.

*   PC Must Stay On: For your TV to have VPN access, your computer needs to be turned on and connected to the VPN, actively broadcasting the hotspot.
*   Potential Speed Impact: Your PC’s hardware and Wi-Fi adapter quality can affect the speed of the shared connection.
*   Setup Complexity Windows: While not as complex as a router setup, getting the sharing settings just right on Windows can sometimes be a bit tricky.

Windows PC as a VPN Hotspot

Here’s a general guide for setting up your Windows PC as a virtual router with Surfshark: Navigating the Digital Waters: Can Surfshark VPN Still Work in Russia?

Install Surfshark on Your PC:
- Make sure you have an active Surfshark subscription and the Surfshark app installed on your Windows computer.
- Log into the app and connect to your desired VPN server. For streaming, WireGuard is often recommended for its speed.
Enable Mobile Hotspot on Windows 10/11:
- Go to your PC’s Settings Windows key + I.
- Click on Network & Internet.
- Select Mobile hotspot.
- Toggle the “Mobile hotspot” switch to On.
- Make a note of the Network name SSID and Network password that Windows provides. You can also click “Edit” to customize these.
Share Your VPN Connection:
- This is the crucial step. You need to tell Windows to share the VPN connection, not your regular internet connection, through the hotspot.
- Right-click the Start button and select Network Connections or go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- You’ll see a list of network adapters. One of them should be labeled something like “Surfshark WireGuard” or “Surfshark Data Channel Offload” if you’re using OpenVPN, it might be “TAP-Windows Adapter V9” with “Surfshark” in the name. This is your VPN adapter.
- Right-click on your Surfshark VPN adapter e.g., “Surfshark WireGuard” and select Properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection”.
- In the drop-down menu under “Home networking connection,” select the adapter that corresponds to your Mobile Hotspot. This adapter will usually be named something like “Local Area Connection *” or “Ethernet *” followed by a number, or it might explicitly say “Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter”. This is the part that sometimes requires a bit of trial and error to find the correct one.
- Click OK.
Connect Your Samsung TV:
- On your Samsung Smart TV, go to its Network Settings.
- Find the Wi-Fi network the hotspot name/SSID you just created on your PC.
- Select it and enter the password.
- Your TV should now connect to the internet through your VPN-protected PC hotspot.

If you run into issues, Surfshark’s support team can help, or you might find solutions on online forums like Reddit where users share troubleshooting tips. Surfshark VPN and Rutracker: Your Complete Guide to Safe Access

What About Mac?

While it’s technically possible to share a VPN connection from a Mac, it’s generally more complex and less straightforward than on Windows, often requiring third-party software or specific network configurations. For simplicity and widespread compatibility with Samsung TVs, the Windows virtual router method is usually preferred. Surfshark does have excellent apps for macOS, which are great for protecting your Mac itself.

Method 4: Screen Mirroring or Casting A Quick Workaround

This isn’t a true VPN on your Samsung TV, but it’s a super simple workaround for getting VPN-protected content onto your big screen. If you have Surfshark installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can just mirror that device’s screen to your Samsung TV.

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1. Install the Surfshark app on your phone iOS or Android or tablet.
2. Open Surfshark and connect to your desired VPN server.
3. Open the streaming app on your phone/tablet e.g., Netflix, Hulu.
4. Use your phone’s built-in screen mirroring feature like Smart View on Samsung phones or similar casting options to cast your phone’s screen to your Samsung Smart TV.
- Simple and Quick: No complex network settings or router configurations.
- Uses Existing Apps: You use the apps you’re already familiar with on your phone.
- Phone is Tied Up: Your phone needs to remain active and mirroring for the duration of your viewing.
- VPN on Phone, Not TV: The VPN protection is on your phone, not directly on the TV itself.
- Potential Quality Issues: Streaming quality can sometimes be inconsistent with screen mirroring, and battery drain on your phone can be significant. Surfshark VPN Ranking: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Method 5: Using a Streaming Device with Surfshark

This method is perhaps one of the most practical and effective ways to get Surfshark working with your Samsung TV if you don’t want to mess with your router or keep a PC running. It involves using a separate streaming device that does support VPN apps.

 1.  Get a streaming device that runs on an Android-based operating system. Popular examples include:
    *   Amazon Fire TV Stick: These are very popular and affordable.
    *   Android TV Box: Many brands offer these.
    *   Google Chromecast with Google TV.
 2.  Plug the streaming device into one of your Samsung TV's HDMI ports.
 3.  On the streaming device, go to its app store e.g., Amazon Appstore for Fire Stick, Google Play Store for Android TV.
4.  Search for and install the Surfshark app directly onto the streaming device.
 5.  Open the Surfshark app on the streaming device, log in, and connect to your chosen VPN server.
6.  Now, any streaming app you open *on that device* will be protected by Surfshark, and the content will display on your Samsung TV.

*   Direct App Support: You get the full Surfshark app experience with all its features like Kill Switch, Bypasser on the streaming device.
*   Dedicated Streaming Device: Frees up your phone and doesn't require a PC to stay on.
*   Full VPN Encryption: Offers robust security and privacy for your streaming activities.

*   Additional Hardware Cost: You need to purchase a separate streaming device if you don't already own one.

This method gives you the best of both worlds: the power of Surfshark’s VPN and the ease of a dedicated app, all while using your Samsung TV as the display.

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Picking the Right Method for You

With a few options on the table, how do you choose the best one for your situation?

For Quick Geo-Unblocking No Encryption Needed: Smart DNS. This is your go-to if you just want to access blocked content, don’t need the extra security of encryption, and prefer a super easy setup. Remember, it usually offers a US IP address only.
For Whole-Home Protection Advanced Users: Router VPN. If you’re comfortable with a bit of technical setup and want every device in your home, including your Samsung TV, to always be protected by a VPN, then this is the most robust solution. It offers full encryption and only requires one setup for all your devices.
For Convenient VPN Sharing Windows PC: Virtual Router. If you have a Windows PC that’s often on and connected to Surfshark, turning it into a virtual router is a great way to share the VPN with your TV without buying new hardware. It’s a good middle ground between Smart DNS and a dedicated router VPN.
For Casual Viewing Smartphone/Tablet: Screen Mirroring. When you just want to quickly show something from your phone with VPN protection on your TV, mirroring is a straightforward option, albeit less ideal for long-term dedicated streaming.
For the Best App Experience Extra Hardware: Streaming Device. If you want the full Surfshark app features and a dedicated, always-ready VPN streaming solution on your TV without router hassle, investing in an Android-based streaming device is highly recommended.

Consider your tech comfort level, your budget, and what you prioritize ease of use vs. full security when making your choice.

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Getting the Most Out of Surfshark with Your Samsung TV

Once you’ve got Surfshark connected to your Samsung TV using one of these methods, here are a few tips to enhance your experience:

Choose the Right Server: Surfshark boasts over 3200 servers in 100 countries. For streaming, always try to connect to a server in the country where the content you want to watch is available. For example, if you want to watch a show exclusive to US Netflix, connect to a US server. For the best speed, often the closest server to your physical location within that country is ideal.
Experiment with Protocols Router/Virtual Router: If you’ve set up Surfshark on your router or virtual router, you might have options to switch VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard is generally praised for its speed and efficiency, making it great for streaming in HD or 4K. If you experience issues, trying a different protocol can sometimes help.
Keep Surfshark Updated: If you’re using a virtual router, ensure your Surfshark app on your PC is always updated to the latest version to benefit from performance improvements and new features.
Leverage Unlimited Connections: Don’t forget, one Surfshark subscription means unlimited simultaneous connections. So, while your TV is enjoying VPN benefits, your phone, tablet, and laptop can also be protected at the same time.
Contact Support When Needed: If you hit a snag during setup or while using Surfshark, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer support. Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, and their team is usually very helpful in guiding you through any issues.
Take Advantage of the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re still on the fence, remember that Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it out risk-free to see if it meets your needs for your Samsung TV and other devices.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the expanded world of content and enhanced privacy that Surfshark brings to your Samsung Smart TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Surfshark directly from the Samsung Smart TV App Store?

No, unfortunately, you cannot. Samsung Smart TVs run on their own Tizen operating system, which does not support native VPN applications like Surfshark. You won’t find the Surfshark app in the Samsung App Store or Smart Hub.

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What’s the easiest way to use Surfshark with my Samsung Smart TV?

The easiest and fastest method is usually setting up Surfshark’s Smart DNS. This involves activating Smart DNS in your Surfshark account and then manually changing the DNS server settings in your Samsung TV’s network menu. It’s great for unblocking content but doesn’t provide full VPN encryption.

Will using Surfshark on my Samsung TV slow down my internet speed?

Any VPN can potentially cause a slight reduction in speed due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. However, Surfshark is known for its fast speeds, especially when using protocols like WireGuard, which makes it suitable for HD and 4K streaming. Smart DNS, since it doesn’t encrypt traffic, often has less impact on speed.

Does Surfshark offer a Smart DNS feature, and is it included in my subscription?

Yes, Surfshark does offer a Smart DNS service, and it’s included with every Surfshark VPN plan at no extra cost. You just need to activate it through your Surfshark account dashboard.

What are the main differences between using Smart DNS and a VPN on my router for my Samsung TV?

The main differences are encryption and coverage. Smart DNS is easier to set up and usually just unblocks content often providing a US IP address, but it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic, so it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy and security. A VPN set up on your router, however, encrypts all traffic for every device connected to that Wi-Fi network, providing full security and privacy benefits, but it’s more technical to set up. Level Up Your Downloads: A Deep Dive into Surfshark and qBittorrent

Can I connect multiple devices to Surfshark if I set it up for my Samsung TV?

Absolutely! One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections. So, whether you set it up on your router protecting everything connected to it or use a virtual router from your PC, all your devices can benefit from Surfshark’s protection without needing separate subscriptions or counting device limits.

What should I do if my router isn’t compatible with VPNs for a direct setup?

If your router doesn’t support VPN clients, you have a few options. You could try flashing it with custom firmware like DD-WRT though this can be risky, or you can set up a virtual router on a Windows PC to share its VPN connection with your TV. Alternatively, consider using Surfshark’s Smart DNS, screen mirroring from a VPN-enabled phone, or purchasing an Android-based streaming device like a Fire Stick where you can install the Surfshark app directly.

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