How to Use Surfshark VPN on Your TV

So, you’re ready to level up your TV experience with Surfshark VPN? That’s awesome! Here’s how to get Surfshark VPN on your TV, so you can access all sorts of content and keep your streaming private and secure. It really isn’t as complicated as it might sound, even if your TV doesn’t have a direct VPN app. We’ll cover everything from direct app installs for Android TVs to clever workarounds for other popular brands like Samsung, LG, Apple TV, and Roku. By the end of this, you’ll be set up for a much more open and secure streaming world.

Using a VPN on your smart TV is actually a pretty big deal, offering a ton of perks that go beyond just watching shows. Think about it: our smart TVs are always connected to the internet, and just like our phones or computers, they can be vulnerable. A VPN wraps your TV’s internet connection in encryption, making sure your viewing habits and personal data stay private from your Internet Service Provider ISP, advertisers, and even potential hackers. This is super important because nobody wants their online activities being tracked or their information exposed.

Beyond privacy, a VPN can really supercharge your streaming. Ever hit that annoying “content not available in your region” message? A VPN helps you get around those pesky geo-restrictions by masking your IP address and letting you choose a virtual location anywhere Surfshark has servers. This means you can unlock a whole new library of movies and shows from different countries on services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Plus, a good VPN like Surfshark can prevent your ISP from deliberately slowing down your internet speed when you’re streaming a lot that’s called bandwidth throttling, which means less buffering and smoother playback. So, whether you’re trying to catch live sports from another country or just enjoy your favorite series without interruptions, Surfshark on your TV is a must.

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Understanding TV Compatibility for VPNs

Before we jump into the “how-to,” it’s good to know that not all TVs are created equal when it comes to VPNs. The method you’ll use really depends on your TV’s operating system OS.

Generally, you’ll find smart TVs fall into a few categories:

• Android TV / Google TV: These TVs are often the easiest to set up with a VPN because they usually support direct VPN app installations from the Google Play Store. Think brands like Sony, Philips, TCL some models, Hisense some models, and streaming devices like Nvidia Shield TV or Chromecast with Google TV.
• Amazon Fire TV / Fire TV Stick: These devices run on a customized Android-based OS and also allow for direct VPN app downloads from the Amazon Appstore, making setup pretty straightforward.
• Apple TV tvOS 17+: Good news! Newer Apple TV models HD and 4K, running tvOS 17 or later now have a dedicated Surfshark app available in their App Store, which simplifies things immensely.
• Non-Android Smart TVs Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, Roku: This is where it gets a little trickier. TVs running Samsung’s Tizen OS, LG’s webOS, or Roku devices typically do not support direct VPN app installations. But don’t worry, there are still excellent workarounds! We’ll explore methods like Smart DNS, setting up a VPN on your router, or creating a virtual router from your computer.

Knowing your TV’s operating system is the first step to picking the best setup method.

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Method 1: Direct App Installation For Android TV, Google TV, and Apple TV

If you’re lucky enough to have an Android TV, Google TV, an Amazon Fire TV device, or a newer Apple TV, this is probably the easiest way to get Surfshark running. You can just download the app directly, like you would on your phone.

For Android TV / Google TV / Amazon Fire TV

Many modern smart TVs from brands like Sony, Philips, TCL, and Hisense run on Android TV or Google TV. Plus, popular streaming sticks like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast with Google TV, and Nvidia Shield TV also fall into this category. How to Completely Uninstall Surfshark VPN from Ubuntu

Here’s how you can get Surfshark on them:

1. Open the App Store: On your Android TV or Google TV, head over to the Google Play Store. If you’re using an Amazon Fire TV device, open the Amazon Appstore.
2. Search for Surfshark VPN: Use the search function to look for “Surfshark VPN”.
3. Install the App: Click “Install” or “Get” to download and install the app on your device.
4. Open and Log In: Once it’s installed, open the Surfshark app. You’ll need to log in with your Surfshark account credentials your email and password.
5. Connect to a Server: After logging in, you’ll see a list of server locations. Choose the country you want to connect to, and click “Connect.” For example, if you want to access content from the US, pick a US server.
6. Grant Permissions First Time: The first time you connect, the app might ask for permission to set up VPN configurations. Just hit “Allow” or “OK” to proceed.
7. You’re Connected! The app’s interface will usually change to show you that you’re connected, sometimes turning blue or displaying your new IP address.

That’s it! Your streaming device is now protected by Surfshark, and you can enjoy secure, unrestricted streaming. Remember, you can often enable features like “Auto-connect” in the app settings to ensure you’re always protected when your TV is on. Also, consider enabling the Kill Switch feature for added security, which blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

For Apple TV tvOS 17 or later

If you have a newer Apple TV Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K running tvOS 17 or later, you’re in luck! Surfshark now has a native app specifically for Apple TV, making it super easy.

1. Subscribe to Surfshark: First, make sure you have an active Surfshark subscription. One account covers unlimited devices, which is pretty handy.
2. Open the App Store: On your Apple TV, go to the App Store.
3. Search and Download: Search for “Surfshark VPN” and click “Get” to download and install the app.
4. Launch and Log In: Open the Surfshark app. You can usually sign in using your Surfshark credentials directly, or often, there’s an easy QR code method where you scan it with your phone.
5. Choose a Server: Browse the list of server locations and select the country you want your Apple TV to appear from.
6. Configure VPN: When you connect for the first time, a pop-up will ask you to configure a VPN. Just say “Yes” or “Allow”.
7. Enjoy: Once connected, the app’s UI might turn blue and show your new IP address, confirming your Apple TV is now using Surfshark. You can leave the app running in the background as you stream.

Method 2: Smart DNS For Smart TVs without Direct App Support

For TVs like Samsung Tizen OS, LG webOS, and Roku, which don’t support direct VPN apps, Surfshark offers a handy feature called Smart DNS. Smart DNS is a clever way to unblock geo-restricted content without the full encryption of a VPN. This means you might get faster streaming speeds because your data isn’t being encrypted and decrypted. However, it also means you won’t get the same level of security and privacy that a full VPN connection provides.

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Surfshark’s Smart DNS is primarily designed to unlock US and UK streaming libraries.

Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Activate Smart DNS in Your Surfshark Account

1. Log In: Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account dashboard.
2. Find Smart DNS: Navigate to the “Smart DNS” section. You might find it under “My Account” or “Services” or “VPN” then “Manual setup” and then choose “TV or console”.
3. Activate: Click on “Activate Smart DNS” or “Get Started”. Surfshark will automatically detect your IP address. Important: Make sure you are not connected to a VPN when you activate Smart DNS, as it needs your real IP address for activation.
4. Get DNS Server Addresses: After activation which might take a few minutes, Surfshark will provide you with two DNS server IP addresses. Write these down, as you’ll need them for your TV. Remember, Smart DNS can only be activated for one IP address, so if your home IP changes, you’ll need to update it in your Surfshark account.

Step 2: Configure Smart DNS on Your TV

The steps can vary slightly depending on your TV brand.

For Samsung Smart TV Tizen OS:

1. Go to Network Settings: On your Samsung TV, navigate to Settings > Network > Network Status > IP Settings.
2. Change DNS Settings: Select DNS Setting and switch it to Enter Manually.
3. Enter DNS Address: Type in one of the Surfshark Smart DNS server addresses you got from your account. You usually only need to enter the first one.
4. Save and Restart: Save the settings and then restart your Samsung TV to apply the changes.

For LG Smart TV webOS:

1. Access Network Settings: On your LG TV, go to Settings > Network > Network Connection.
2. Configure Connection: Select your current Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, then look for options like Advanced Wi-Fi Settings or IP Settings.
3. Manual DNS Input: Change the DNS settings from “Automatic” to “Manual.”
4. Enter Surfshark DNS: Input one of the Surfshark Smart DNS addresses.
5. Apply and Restart: Save the changes and restart your LG TV.

For Apple TV Older generations or if not using the app:

1. Go to Network Settings: From the main menu, go to Settings > Network.
2. Configure DNS: Select the network you’re connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then go to Configure DNS and switch it to Manual.
3. Input DNS Address: Enter one of the Surfshark DNS addresses provided earlier and confirm.
4. Restart: Restart your Apple TV to make sure the new settings kick in.

For Roku TV:

Roku devices typically don’t have advanced network settings that allow you to change DNS addresses directly. Some sources suggest Smart DNS can work, while others indicate it won’t. If you find your Roku doesn’t let you manually change DNS, you’ll need to rely on the router setup method Method 3 or a virtual router Method 4. All About Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom and Security

After setting up Smart DNS, you can often confirm it’s working by going back to the Smart DNS section in your Surfshark account, where there might be an option to verify the setup. If you run into issues like content still being blocked, try clearing your TV’s cache or re-entering the DNS addresses.

Method 3: Router Setup Protect All Devices at Once

Installing Surfshark on your home router is a powerful solution because it protects every device connected to your network, including your smart TV, game consoles, phones, and computers, all at once. This is often the recommended method for TVs that don’t support direct VPN apps, like Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and Roku.

However, this method is a bit more technical and requires a VPN-compatible router. Not all routers support VPNs out of the box, especially those provided by your ISP. Surfshark Tutorial: Your Easy Guide to Online Security

Step 1: Check Router Compatibility

1. Consult Your Router Manual: The easiest way to check is by looking at your router’s manual or searching online for your specific + “VPN compatibility”.
2. Surfshark Support: You can also contact Surfshark’s customer support or check their help center to see if your router model is supported and if they have specific guides for it e.g., Asus, DD-WRT, Tomato routers.
3. Firmware: If your router doesn’t natively support VPN client features, you might be able to flash it with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. Be aware that this can be a complex process and might void your router’s warranty.

Step 2: Get Your Surfshark Manual Setup Credentials

For router setup, you’ll need specific Surfshark service credentials username and password and server configuration files, which are different from your regular account login details.

1. Log In to Surfshark Website: Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
2. Navigate to Manual Setup: Look for a section like “VPN” then “Manual setup” or “Devices” > “Manual Setup”.
3. Find Credentials: You’ll typically find a tab or section for “Credentials” where your VPN username and password will be displayed. Copy these down carefully.
4. Download Configuration Files: Go to the “Locations” tab or “Configuration files” section. You’ll need to download the OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration files for the server location you want your TV to connect through. OpenVPN UDP is often recommended for most users due to its balance of speed and security.

Step 3: Configure Your Router

This is the most technical part, as router interfaces vary greatly. Here’s a general outline, but you’ll need to follow Surfshark’s specific guide for your router model.

1. Access Router Control Panel: Open a web browser on your computer connected to the router and type your router’s IP address into the address bar common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
   • Finding your router’s IP:
     • Windows: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for “Default Gateway”.
     • macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > TCP/IP, and look for “Router”.
2. Log In: Enter your router’s admin username and password. If you haven’t changed them, they might be on a sticker on the router or in the manual.
3. Find VPN Settings: Look for a “VPN” or “Advanced” tab in the router’s interface. It might be labeled “VPN Client,” “OpenVPN Client,” or similar.
4. Install/Configure VPN:
   • Upload Config File: You’ll usually find an option to upload the OpenVPN configuration file .ovpn you downloaded from Surfshark.
   • Enter Credentials: Input the Surfshark VPN username and password you copied earlier.
   • Select Protocol: Choose the VPN protocol OpenVPN or WireGuard.
   • Save & Apply: Save the settings and apply them.
5. Connect: Look for an “Activate” or “Connect” button within the VPN client section to establish the VPN connection. Some routers might need a reboot after configuration.

Step 4: Connect Your TV to the Router

Once your router is running the VPN, simply connect your smart TV to that Wi-Fi network. All its internet traffic will now be routed through Surfshark’s VPN server.

• Verify Connection: To confirm it’s working, visit a website like “What is my IP address?” on a device connected to your router like your phone or computer. The IP address shown should match the location of your chosen VPN server, not your actual location.

Method 4: Virtual Router Sharing VPN from PC/Mac

If setting up a VPN on your physical router seems too daunting or your router isn’t compatible, you can turn your Windows PC or Mac into a virtual router or a Wi-Fi hotspot that shares its VPN connection. Your TV then connects to this virtual hotspot for VPN protection. This is a great solution for Samsung, LG, and Roku TVs that can’t run VPN apps directly. Mastering Surfshark VPN in Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide

For Windows PC

This method is quite common and effective.

1. Install Surfshark on your PC: Make sure you have the Surfshark VPN app installed and logged in on your Windows computer.
2. Connect to a Surfshark Server: Open the Surfshark app on your PC and connect to your desired server location.
3. Enable Mobile Hotspot:
   • Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
   • Toggle the switch at the top to On to enable the mobile hotspot.
   • Click Edit to set a name SSID and password for your new Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Share VPN Connection:
   • Go back to Network & Internet settings or right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select “Open Network & Internet settings”.
   • Click on Change adapter options or “More network adapter options”.
   • You’ll see a list of network adapters. Identify your Surfshark VPN adapter it might be named something like “Surfshark VPN” or have “TAP-Windows Adapter V9”.
   • Right-click on the Surfshark VPN adapter 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 “Home networking connection” dropdown menu, select the mobile hotspot adapter you just created it might be labeled “Local Area Connection X” or by your hotspot’s name.
   • Click OK.
5. Connect Your TV: On your smart TV, scan for Wi-Fi networks and connect to the hotspot name SSID you just created on your Windows PC. Your TV’s traffic will now go through your PC’s VPN connection.

For macOS L2TP/IPSec workaround for older macOS versions. newer versions might be more restrictive

Sharing a VPN-protected connection over Wi-Fi is generally more challenging on macOS, as it doesn’t natively support it as easily as Windows, especially with modern VPN protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. Older methods like L2TP/IPSec are often deprecated by VPNs due to security concerns. If your Mac supports setting up an L2TP/IPsec VPN, you might be able to share it.

However, the most reliable workaround for Mac users is often to use Ethernet sharing if your TV has an Ethernet port, or connect a dedicated streaming device like a Fire TV Stick to your TV and install Surfshark on that device.

Here’s a general idea for macOS, though it’s less straightforward and might not work for all setups/VPN protocols: How to Get Surfshark VPN on Your Samsung TV for Unrestricted Streaming

1. Install Surfshark on your Mac: Make sure the Surfshark app is installed and running on your macOS device.
2. Connect to a Surfshark Server: Open the Surfshark app and connect to your desired server.
3. System Settings: Go to System Settings > Sharing.
4. Internet Sharing: Select “Internet Sharing” but do not enable it yet.
5. Configure Sharing:
   • “Share your connection from”: Choose the network interface that Surfshark is using this can be tricky, as it might appear as a VPN interface.
   • “To computers using”: Check the Wi-Fi box.
   • Click Wi-Fi Options to set up a network name and password for your shared Wi-Fi network.
6. Enable Internet Sharing: Now, check the box next to “Internet Sharing” to enable it. Confirm any pop-ups.
7. Connect Your TV: On your smart TV, find the Wi-Fi network your Mac is broadcasting and connect to it using the password you set.

If you face issues with macOS, consider connecting your Mac to the TV via HDMI and screen mirroring, or investing in a dedicated streaming device like a Fire TV Stick or Android TV box that natively supports VPN apps.

Choosing the Right Method for You

With all these options, how do you pick the best one for your TV?

• Easiest Setup: If you have an Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV tvOS 17+, go for the Direct App Installation. It’s the most user-friendly and gives you full VPN features and easy server switching.
• Quick Geo-Unblocking Less Security: If your TV doesn’t support VPN apps and your main goal is just to access geo-restricted content from the US or UK without needing full encryption, Smart DNS is a good, simpler option. It’s faster for streaming but remember, no encryption means less privacy.
• Whole Home Protection More Technical: For comprehensive protection of all devices on your home network, including all your smart TVs Samsung, LG, Roku, older Apple TV models, setting up Surfshark on your Router is the way to go. It’s more technical initially but set it once and forget it.
• Flexible & Temporary Protection: If you don’t want to mess with your router settings or your router isn’t compatible, using a Virtual Router from a Windows PC is a great flexible option. Just remember your computer needs to stay on and connected to the VPN.
• External Streaming Devices: An increasingly popular and often hassle-free solution is to get an external streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or an Android TV box e.g., Nvidia Shield TV. These devices directly support the Surfshark VPN app, and you just plug them into your TV’s HDMI port. This allows you to bypass the smart TV’s limited OS and get full VPN functionality with ease.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly the first time. Here are some common issues and what you can do:

• Connection Drops or VPN Not Connecting:

  • Check Internet Connection: Make sure your TV or the device sharing the VPN has a stable internet connection.
  • Try Different Servers: Sometimes a specific server might be overloaded or experiencing issues. Try connecting to a different server location.
  • Enable Auto-Connect/Kill Switch: If your method allows, enable auto-connect in the Surfshark app settings to automatically reconnect if the VPN drops. A Kill Switch can also prevent your real IP from leaking if the VPN disconnects.
  • Reboot: A simple reboot of your TV, router, or computer if using a virtual router can often resolve minor glitches.
  • Check Credentials: Double-check your Surfshark login details or manual setup credentials for router/virtual router.
  • Contact Support: If all else fails, Surfshark has 24/7 customer support that can help diagnose specific problems.

• Geo-Restriction Still Detected:

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  • Clear Cache: Your TV or streaming app might be storing old location data. Try clearing the cache of the streaming app or device. On Smart TVs, this might involve going into app settings or doing a full power cycle.
  • Change Server/Country: Connect to a different server in the desired country, or try a different country altogether.
  • Verify IP: Use a website like “What is my IP?” on a browser on your TV if available or a connected device to confirm your IP address shows the VPN’s location.
  • Restart DNS/Router: If using Smart DNS, ensure it’s activated for your current public IP address and restart your TV. If using a router VPN, restart the router.

• Slow Streaming Speeds:

  • Connect to Closer Servers: The further the VPN server is from your physical location, the more your speed might be affected. Try connecting to a server closer to you.
  • Try Different Protocols: If your setup allows, experiment with different VPN protocols e.g., WireGuard vs. OpenVPN. WireGuard is often recommended for its speed.
  • Use Smart DNS if speed is priority over security: Remember, Smart DNS typically offers faster speeds than a full VPN because there’s no encryption overhead.
  • Check ISP Throttling: Sometimes, ISPs throttle specific types of traffic. A VPN can help bypass this, but if speeds are still slow, check your base internet speed without the VPN.

• Smart DNS Internet Connection Loss:

  • This usually happens if your public IP address changes after activating Smart DNS. You need to reactivate Smart DNS for your new IP address in your Surfshark account.

By following these tips, you should be able to get Surfshark running smoothly on your TV and enjoy a more open and secure streaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Surfshark directly on my Samsung Smart TV?

Unfortunately, no. Samsung Smart TVs run on Tizen OS, which doesn’t natively support VPN apps like Surfshark. You can’t download the app directly from the Samsung App Store. However, you can still use Surfshark on your Samsung TV through workarounds like Smart DNS, setting up the VPN on your router, or creating a virtual router hotspot from a Windows PC.

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How do I get Surfshark on my LG Smart TV?

Similar to Samsung, LG Smart TVs use webOS and typically don’t allow direct installation of VPN apps. To use Surfshark on your LG TV, you’ll need to use alternative methods. The most common ways are setting up Surfshark’s Smart DNS, installing Surfshark on your home router, or creating a virtual router hotspot from a Windows PC to share the VPN connection.

Does Surfshark have an app for Apple TV?

Yes! If you have an Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K running tvOS 17 or later, you’re in luck. Surfshark now offers a dedicated app that you can download directly from the Apple TV App Store, making installation and use very straightforward. For older Apple TV models, you would need to use Smart DNS or a router VPN.

Is it legal to use a VPN on my smart TV?

Yes, using a VPN on your smart TV is legal in most countries. VPNs are a legitimate tool for online privacy and security. However, it’s important to remember that using a VPN does not give you permission to engage in illegal activities or violate the terms of service of streaming platforms. Always use a VPN responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

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

Any VPN can potentially slow down your internet connection because your data travels through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. The actual speed impact depends on several factors, including your original internet speed, the distance to the VPN server, server load, and the VPN protocol used. Surfshark is known for its fast speeds, especially with protocols like WireGuard. Connecting to a server closer to your physical location often minimizes speed loss. If speed is your top priority and you don’t need full encryption, Smart DNS can offer faster streaming. Why Your Surfshark VPN Might Be Dragging on Firestick

Can I use Surfshark on Roku TV?

You can’t install the Surfshark app directly on a Roku TV because Roku devices don’t support native VPN apps. However, you can still use Surfshark with your Roku by setting up the VPN on your home router, or by creating a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using a Windows PC and then connecting your Roku to that hotspot. Smart DNS might also be an option, but its effectiveness can vary with Roku.

Do I need a special router to use Surfshark VPN on my TV?

You don’t necessarily need a “special” router, but you do need a router that is VPN-compatible. Many standard routers, especially those provided by ISPs, do not have built-in VPN client capabilities. If your router doesn’t support VPN client features, you might need to purchase a new VPN-compatible router or, in some cases, flash your existing router with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato though this is more advanced. Surfshark provides guides for various compatible router models.