Trying to get Surfshark VPN on your Samsung TV to unlock a world of streaming content or just boost your privacy? You’ve come to the right spot! The quickest way to understand how to use Surfshark on your Samsung Smart TV is to know that, unfortunately, you can’t just download an app directly from the Samsung App Store. Samsung TVs, especially the newer ones, run on a system called Tizen OS, which doesn’t support native VPN applications. This means no direct Surfshark VPN app is available for download there. But don’t worry, there are some pretty clever workarounds to get Surfshark working with your Samsung TV, so you can still enjoy all those geo-restricted shows and movies and keep your online activity private.

I remember my first time trying to figure this out, it felt like hitting a brick wall! Most smart TVs, like those from Samsung and LG, just don’t have the ability to install VPN apps directly. It’s not like your phone or computer where you just click “install.” But with a VPN like Surfshark, which offers some great features, you absolutely can bypass these limitations. You’re looking at options like setting up Smart DNS, configuring your home router with Surfshark, or even turning your computer into a virtual router. Each method has its own steps and perks, so we’ll walk through them all to help you find the best fit for your setup. Plus, Surfshark is known for its unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices, not just your TV, with one subscription, which is a big win for families or anyone with a lot of gadgets.

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Why Even Bother with a VPN on Your Samsung TV?

You might be thinking, “Why go through all this trouble for my TV?” Well, there are a few really good reasons why slapping a VPN on your Samsung Smart TV is a smart move:

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Unlock Global Content: This is probably the biggest reason for most folks. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others have different libraries depending on where you are in the world. What’s available in the US might not be in Europe, and vice-versa. A VPN lets you virtually change your location, making it look like you’re browsing from a different country. So, if you’re in the UK and want to watch a show only on US Netflix, Surfshark can help you make that happen.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Beyond streaming libraries, some apps or services are just flat-out unavailable in certain regions. A VPN helps you get around these geographical blocks, giving you access to a much wider range of online content and services.
Stop ISP Throttling: Ever notice your internet speed slows down when you’re binging a show, especially in HD or 4K? Your Internet Service Provider ISP might be intentionally slowing down your connection, a practice known as bandwidth throttling, especially for data-heavy activities like streaming. When you use Surfshark, your online activity is encrypted, so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing. If they don’t know you’re streaming, they can’t throttle you, ensuring smoother, buffer-free viewing.
Enhance Privacy and Security: Smart TVs, just like any other internet-connected device, can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your online privacy from snoopers, hackers, and even your ISP. This means your viewing habits stay private, and your data is more secure. Surfshark uses advanced AES-256 encryption, which is top-tier stuff, to keep your data safe.

So, while setting it up might take a few extra steps, the benefits are totally worth it, especially if you love to stream!

The Main Hurdle: Samsung TV’s Tizen OS

As I mentioned, the big reason you can’t just download Surfshark directly is that most modern Samsung Smart TVs run on Tizen OS. This operating system is a bit closed off compared to, say, Android TV, which does let you install VPN apps from the Google Play Store. Tizen OS simply doesn’t have native support for VPN applications, meaning there’s no official Surfshark app in the Samsung App Store or Smart Hub. Even trying to sideload an Android APK file won’t work because Tizen doesn’t support third-party Android apps.

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But don’t let that discourage you! Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and with Surfshark, there are multiple reliable ways to get your Samsung TV hooked up to a VPN.

How to Get Surfshark VPN Working on Your Samsung TV

Since you can’t install the app directly, we’ll need to use some clever workarounds. The most popular and effective methods include using Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature, setting up Surfshark on your Wi-Fi router, or creating a virtual router from your computer.

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Let’s break down each method.

Method 1: Smart DNS The Easiest Route for Geo-Unblocking

If your main goal is to unblock geo-restricted streaming content without full VPN encryption, Smart DNS is usually the easiest and fastest way to go. Surfshark includes Smart DNS in its plans. It changes your DNS settings, making it appear as though you’re in a different location, typically the US. Keep in mind, though, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic like a full VPN, so it won’t offer the same level of privacy or security.

Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Activate Smart DNS in Your Surfshark Account

Log in to your Surfshark account: Head over to the Surfshark website and log in.
Find the Smart DNS section: Once logged in, you’ll usually find the “Smart DNS” area under “My Account” or “VPN” then “Manual Setup”.
Activate it: If you haven’t used it before, click “Activate Smart DNS”. It might take a few minutes for the service to activate. Once it’s ready, you’ll see two DNS server IP addresses pop up on your dashboard. Make sure to note these down!
- Important Note: Surfshark will pick up your current external/public IP address to activate Smart DNS for your network. Your TV’s internal IP like 192.168.x.x is different but doesn’t affect the Smart DNS setup, so don’t worry about that.

Step 2: Configure Your Samsung Smart TV’s DNS Settings

Now, we’ll tell your TV to use Surfshark’s Smart DNS servers.

Turn on your Samsung Smart TV.
Press the “Menu” or “Home” button on your remote.
Navigate to “Settings.”
Select “Network.”
Go to “Network Status.”
Click on “IP Settings” often found at the bottom of the Network Status screen.
Select “DNS Settings.”
Choose “Enter Manually.”
Input the primary DNS server IP address you got from your Surfshark account.
Save the settings. You might need to restart your TV 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 try accessing a geo-restricted streaming service to see if it works. If you’re still seeing geo-restriction messages, try clearing your Samsung TV’s app cache and cookies, then restart the TV and the app. How to Turn Off Surfshark VPN: Your Go-To Guide for Every Device

Method 2: Install Surfshark on Your Wi-Fi Router Whole-Home Protection

This method is a must because it protects every single device connected to your home Wi-Fi network, including your Samsung TV, with full VPN encryption. No need to configure each device separately! The downside? It’s a bit more technical, and not all routers are compatible with VPNs.

Step 1: Check Router Compatibility

First things first: does your router even support VPN client software? Many modern routers do, but older or ISP-provided routers might not.

Look for a “VPN Client” section in your router’s administration panel you usually access this by typing your router’s IP address, like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, into a web browser.
Check your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. They’ll usually list if it supports VPNs and which protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard it can handle.
Surfshark provides guides for many compatible routers, including Asus, GL.iNet, Keenetic, FRITZ!Box, OpenWRT, DD-WRT, and Tomato.

If your router isn’t compatible, you might need to flash it with new firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato, but be warned: this can be tricky and could potentially damage your router if done incorrectly. If you’re not comfortable with that, buying a new VPN-compatible router or a pre-configured one though they can be pricier might be a better option.

Step 2: Get Surfshark Configuration Files

Log in to your Surfshark account on their website.
Go to “Manual Setup” or “VPN” then “Manual Setup” depending on the interface and select “Router.”
Choose your preferred VPN protocol. OpenVPN is a common and reliable choice for routers. WireGuard offers faster speeds, but not all routers support it.
Download the configuration files for the server location you want. You’ll usually get a .ovpn file for OpenVPN. You’ll also typically find your VPN username and password for manual setup in this section of your Surfshark account.

Step 3: Configure Your Router

This is where the steps can vary a lot depending on your router’s make and model. Here’s a general outline:

Access your router’s admin panel: Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter.
Log in: Use your router’s administrative username and password. If you’ve never changed them, they might be on a sticker on the router itself.
Find VPN settings: Look for a section like “VPN,” “VPN Client,” or “Advanced Settings”.
Upload the configuration file: You’ll typically find an option to “Import” or “Upload” an OpenVPN configuration file. Upload the .ovpn file you downloaded from Surfshark.
Enter your Surfshark credentials: Input the VPN username and password you obtained earlier from your Surfshark account.
Save and Apply: Make sure to save and apply the changes. Your router should then establish a VPN connection. You might see a “Connection Status” that indicates if it’s successful.

Step 4: Connect Your Samsung TV to the Router

Once your router is set up with Surfshark, all you have to do is connect your Samsung TV to that Wi-Fi network or via an Ethernet cable. No special settings are needed on the TV itself! Your TV will automatically be protected by the VPN. Mastering Surfshark OVPN Files: Your Ultimate Guide to Manual Connections

To confirm it’s working, you can try accessing geo-restricted content or use a “What is my IP?” website on your TV’s browser if it has one, or a connected device to check if your IP address reflects the VPN server location.

Method 3: Create a Virtual Router VPN Hotspot from Your Computer

This is a pretty neat trick if you have a Windows PC or even a macOS device though Windows is generally easier for Wi-Fi sharing and don’t want to mess with your main router. You essentially turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot that broadcasts a VPN-protected connection. Your Samsung TV then connects to this hotspot.

For Windows PC Recommended for ease of use

Install Surfshark on your Windows PC: If you haven’t already, download and install the Surfshark application on your computer.
Connect to a Surfshark server: Open the Surfshark app on your PC and connect to your desired server location. For streaming, WireGuard is often recommended for its speed.
Set up a Mobile Hotspot:
- Press the Windows Key + S and type “Mobile hotspot settings”.
- Click on the “Mobile hotspot settings” result.
- Turn on the “Mobile hotspot” toggle.
- You can click “Edit” to set a custom network name SSID and password for your hotspot.
- Under “Share my internet connection from,” make sure it’s set to the connection your PC uses e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Crucially, under “Share my internet connection over,” select “Wi-Fi.”
Share your VPN connection:
- Go to “Related settings” and click “Change adapter options.”
- Find your VPN connection it might be labeled “Surfshark TAP” or similar. Right-click on it 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.”
- From the dropdown menu below it, select the name of the Mobile Hotspot you just created.
- Click “OK.”
Connect your Samsung TV to the hotspot: On your Samsung TV, go to your network settings, find the Wi-Fi network name of the hotspot you just created, and connect to it using the password you set.

Now, your Samsung TV’s internet traffic will go through your PC’s VPN connection. Remember, your PC needs to stay on and connected to the VPN for this to work.

For macOS More Complex for Wi-Fi Sharing

Sharing a VPN connection over Wi-Fi from macOS is a bit more involved and often requires specific VPN protocols like L2TP/IPSec, which many VPNs including Surfshark for its macOS app, due to security reasons have discontinued support for connection sharing. A more reliable method for macOS is to share the VPN connection via an Ethernet cable to your TV.

Install Surfshark on your Mac and connect to a server.
Connect your Mac to your router via an Ethernet cable.
Go to System Settings > Sharing > Internet Sharing.
Select your VPN connection from the “Share your connection from” dropdown menu.
In the “To computers using” box, check “Ethernet.”
Click the box next to “Internet Sharing” in the left panel and click “Start” when prompted.
Connect your Samsung TV to your Mac using an Ethernet cable. Set your TV to use a wired connection.

This method ensures your TV uses the VPN, but it does mean a cable running between your Mac and TV. Surfshark VPN: How Many Users and Devices Can You Really Connect?

Method 4: Screen Mirroring from Your Phone/Tablet

This is another simple workaround, though it might not be ideal for everyone. If you have Surfshark installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can connect to a VPN server there and then mirror your device’s screen to your Samsung TV.

Install Surfshark on your phone/tablet.
Open the Surfshark app and connect to a VPN server. Choose a server location based on the content you want to access.
Ensure your phone/tablet and Samsung TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
On your phone/tablet, activate screen mirroring often called “Smart View” on Android, or “Screen Mirroring” on iOS.
Select your Samsung Smart TV from the list of available devices.
Whatever you play on your phone, with the VPN running, will now show up on your TV, protected by Surfshark.

This method is quick and requires minimal technical setup, but the quality might not always be perfect, and your phone needs to stay connected and active for mirroring.

Method 5: Using a Streaming Device with VPN Support

If you don’t want to deal with router configurations or virtual hotspots, getting a streaming device that does support VPN apps can be a great option. Devices like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV run on Android, which means you can directly download and install the Surfshark app on them.

Get a compatible streaming device e.g., Fire TV Stick, Android TV box.
Plug it into an HDMI port on your Samsung TV.
Go to the device’s app store Google Play Store for Android TV, Amazon Appstore for Fire TV.
Search for “Surfshark VPN” and install the app.
Open Surfshark, log in, and connect to your desired server.
Now, any app you use on that streaming device will be VPN-protected, and you can watch it on your Samsung TV!

This is often the most straightforward solution for native app experience if you’re willing to invest in an extra gadget. Surfshark obfuscation

Choosing the Best Method for You

Each method has its pros and cons, so the “best” one really depends on your needs:

Smart DNS: Best for simple geo-unblocking, easiest setup, but no encryption and often limited to US content. Good if privacy isn’t your top concern but access is.
VPN Router: Offers full VPN protection encryption, IP masking for all devices on your network, including your TV. This is the most comprehensive solution. It’s more complex to set up initially, and requires a compatible router.
Virtual Router PC Hotspot: A good balance of convenience and full VPN protection if you have a spare Windows PC. You get encryption and geo-unblocking. Requires your computer to be on.
Screen Mirroring: Super easy to set up if you already have Surfshark on your phone/tablet. Great for occasional use, but might impact video quality or battery life.
Streaming Device: Offers a dedicated VPN app experience, full encryption, and broad unblocking if the device supports it. Requires an extra purchase.

Why Surfshark is a Great Choice for Your Smart TV

Regardless of how you connect it, Surfshark brings a lot to the table that makes it ideal for streaming on your Samsung TV:

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Unlimited Devices: This is a huge selling point. With one Surfshark subscription, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. So, while your TV is enjoying VPN protection, your phone, laptop, and other devices can too, without extra cost. This is super convenient for families.
Blazing Fast Speeds: Streaming in HD or 4K requires fast, stable connections, and Surfshark consistently ranks high in speed tests. This means less buffering and more seamless watching, especially with their WireGuard protocol.
Massive Server Network: Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This huge network means you’ll almost always find a server in the region you need to unblock content, and you’ll likely get a fast connection.
Strong Unblocking Capabilities: Surfshark is well-known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
Robust Security and Privacy: Even when using methods that involve full VPN encryption like router or virtual router, Surfshark uses industry-leading AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like a Kill Switch to ensure your online activities remain private and secure.
Affordable: Compared to some other premium VPNs, Surfshark often offers competitive pricing, especially on longer plans.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly right away. Here are a few quick tips if you run into problems:

Clear TV Cache/Cookies: If you’re using Smart DNS and still see geo-blocks, try clearing the cache and cookies of the streaming app on your Samsung TV. Then, restart the app or even the TV.
Restart Everything: A classic tech solution, but often effective! Restart your TV, your router if using a VPN router, and your computer if using a virtual router.
Check DNS Settings: Double-check that you’ve entered the Surfshark Smart DNS IP addresses correctly on your TV. Even a single typo can stop it from working.
Verify IP Address: For router or virtual router setups, visit an “IP checker” website on your TV’s browser to confirm that your IP address has changed to the VPN server’s location.
Switch Servers: If a particular streaming service isn’t working, try connecting to a different Surfshark server in the same country.
Contact Support: Surfshark has 24/7 customer support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you’re stuck – they can often provide specific advice for your setup.

Getting Surfshark on your Samsung Smart TV might require a little more effort than installing an app on your phone, but it’s totally doable! Whether you choose the simple Smart DNS for unblocking, the comprehensive router setup for whole-home protection, or a virtual router from your PC, Surfshark offers the tools and reliability to enhance your streaming and privacy. So go ahead, pick the method that sounds best for you, and get ready to enjoy your Samsung TV like never before!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you download Surfshark directly on Samsung Smart TV?

No, you cannot directly download or install the Surfshark VPN app on a Samsung Smart TV. Samsung Smart TVs run on Tizen OS, which does not natively support VPN applications, meaning there’s no Surfshark app available in the Samsung App Store or Smart Hub.

How do I set up Surfshark VPN on my Samsung Smart TV?

You can set up Surfshark VPN on your Samsung Smart TV using a few different methods:

Smart DNS: Configure your TV’s DNS settings with Surfshark’s Smart DNS addresses for geo-unblocking.
VPN Router: Install Surfshark directly on a compatible Wi-Fi router, which then protects all devices connected to that router, including your TV.
Virtual Router: Create a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot from a Windows PC or macOS via Ethernet that has Surfshark installed, and connect your TV to that hotspot.
Screen Mirroring: Connect your mobile device with Surfshark running to your TV via screen mirroring.
Streaming Device: Use an external streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV, which supports the Surfshark app, and connect it to your TV.

Does Surfshark work on Samsung Smart TV?

Yes, Surfshark absolutely works with Samsung Smart TVs through alternative setup methods like Smart DNS, VPN router configuration, or creating a virtual router from a computer. While you can’t install the app directly, these workarounds allow your Samsung TV to benefit from Surfshark’s features for geo-unblocking and enhanced privacy.

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What is the easiest way to use Surfshark on my Samsung TV for streaming?

For simply unblocking geo-restricted streaming content, using Smart DNS is generally the easiest method. It involves just changing a few settings in your TV’s network menu. However, remember that Smart DNS doesn’t offer the same level of encryption and privacy as a full VPN.

Can I protect all my devices, including my Samsung TV, with one Surfshark subscription?

Yes, you can! Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This means that once you have Surfshark set up on your router or virtual router, your Samsung TV, along with all your other devices like phones, laptops, and tablets, can all be protected at the same time without needing separate subscriptions.

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

Any VPN can introduce a slight reduction in internet speed due to encryption and routing traffic through a remote server. However, Surfshark is known for its fast connection speeds and robust server network, especially when using protocols like WireGuard, which minimizes this impact. In many cases, it can even help prevent ISP throttling, potentially leading to smoother streaming if your ISP was slowing you down.

Is Smart DNS as secure as a full VPN on my Samsung TV?

No, Smart DNS is not as secure as a full VPN. While Smart DNS helps you access geo-restricted content by changing your DNS servers, it does not encrypt your internet traffic or mask your IP address in the same way a VPN does. A full VPN like when Surfshark is installed on a router or used via a virtual router provides robust encryption and enhanced privacy, making your online activities much more secure. Mysterium VPN vs. Surfshark VPN: Which One Should You Pick?

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