Struggling to get Surfshark working on that specific device, or just want more control over your VPN setup? Learning how to use Surfshark OVPN files is your ticket to a more flexible and robust connection, especially when the standard app just isn’t cutting it. It’s like having the keys to customize your internet privacy, letting you tap into Surfshark’s powerful network even on devices that don’t have a dedicated app.

Let’s be real, while Surfshark’s apps are super user-friendly and great for most people, there are times you need a bit more. Maybe you’re setting up a VPN directly on your router to protect every device at home, or perhaps you’re using an older Linux distribution that doesn’t have a shiny Surfshark GUI. That’s where OVPN files come in handy. These little files hold all the instructions your OpenVPN client needs to connect to a specific Surfshark server securely. Think of it as a blueprint for a secure tunnel. With Surfshark, you’re not just getting a service. you’re getting robust security features like AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the flexibility of various protocols, including the tried-and-true OpenVPN and the speedy WireGuard. Understanding OVPN files just expands that versatility, making sure you can keep your digital life private and secure no matter where or how you connect.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Are OVPN Files, Anyway?

Before we jump into the “how-to,” let’s quickly clear up what we’re actually talking about. When people say “Surfshark OVPN file,” they’re referring to a configuration file that uses the OpenVPN protocol. OpenVPN is basically a standard in the VPN world, and for good reason! It’s an open-source VPN protocol, which means its code is out there for everyone to inspect. This transparency helps security experts around the globe constantly review and improve it, making it one of the most trusted and reliable options for securing your online connection.

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These .ovpn files are tiny text files, but they contain all the crucial details needed to establish a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a specific Surfshark VPN server. We’re talking about server addresses, port numbers, encryption keys, and other settings. Without this file, your OpenVPN software wouldn’t know how to talk to Surfshark’s servers.

Why OpenVPN is a Go-To

OpenVPN stands out for a few key reasons:

Rock-Solid Security: It uses some really strong encryption algorithms, like AES-256, which basically scrambles your data so thoroughly that it’s practically impossible for anyone to read it if they intercept it.
Open-Source and Audited: Like I mentioned, because it’s open-source, it’s constantly vetted by security professionals. This means potential vulnerabilities are usually spotted and fixed pretty quickly, adding a huge layer of trust.
Wide Compatibility, Especially with Routers: This is a big one. While many VPNs are pushing newer, faster protocols like WireGuard and Surfshark does too!, OpenVPN is often the only protocol many routers natively support. This makes it super versatile for securing your whole home network.

OpenVPN TCP vs. UDP: A Quick Look

When you’re downloading your OVPN files, you might notice an option to choose between TCP and UDP. Don’t sweat it too much, but here’s the quick rundown: Surfshark VPN: How Many Users and Devices Can You Really Connect?

UDP User Datagram Protocol: This is generally faster. It’s like sending a postcard – it gets there quickly, but there’s no guarantee it arrived or that all the pieces are intact. For things like streaming, gaming, or general browsing where speed is key, UDP is usually the way to go. Most of the time, Surfshark will recommend UDP.
TCP Transmission Control Protocol: This is more reliable but can be a bit slower. Think of it as sending a registered letter – it makes sure every packet of data arrives and is in the correct order. It has built-in error checking. If you’re on an unreliable network or dealing with some really restrictive firewalls, TCP can sometimes provide a more stable connection.

Leading VPN providers like Surfshark let you pick which OpenVPN protocol you want to use, so you can always switch it up depending on what you’re doing online.

Why You Might Want to Go Manual with Surfshark OVPN Files

You might be wondering, “Why bother with OVPN files when Surfshark has such great apps?” That’s a fair question! Most of the time, the official Surfshark app is your best bet because it’s super easy to use and has all the extra features like CleanWeb and Kill Switch built-in. But there are definitely situations where going the manual OpenVPN route with an .ovpn file is a must.

Here are a few scenarios where this approach really shines: Surfshark obfuscation

Devices Without Native Apps: This is probably the biggest reason. While Surfshark has apps for pretty much all major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux with a GUI app for Ubuntu and other Debian-based distros, Android, and iOS, there are still some devices where a dedicated app isn’t available. Think about certain smart TVs, older versions of operating systems, or even some niche Linux distributions. An OpenVPN client, paired with a Surfshark .ovpn file, often lets you connect securely where an app can’t.
Routers, Routers, Routers! This is where manual OpenVPN setup truly becomes powerful. If you install Surfshark directly on your compatible router, every single device connected to that router – your smart fridge, gaming console, Apple TV, older laptop – instantly gets VPN protection without needing individual app installations. It’s a fantastic way to cover your entire home network with just one setup.
Advanced Control and Customization: For those who like to tinker and understand exactly what’s going on, manual OpenVPN setup offers more transparency. You’re configuring the connection directly, giving you a deeper insight into your VPN tunnel. While the average user might not need this, power users appreciate the granular control.
Troubleshooting Connectivity in Restrictive Networks: Sometimes, in very restrictive networks like certain public Wi-Fi spots or regions with strict internet censorship, the standard VPN app might struggle to connect. Manually configuring OpenVPN can sometimes bypass these blocks because it allows for specific port changes or other tweaks that the app might not expose.
Avoiding App Conflicts: On rare occasions, you might experience a conflict between the Surfshark app and other software on your device. Using a standalone OpenVPN client can help isolate the VPN connection, preventing potential issues.

So, while the Surfshark app is usually the path of least resistance, knowing how to use OVPN files adds a whole new level of flexibility and control to your VPN experience. It empowers you to truly protect all your devices, not just the mainstream ones.

Getting Your Hands on Surfshark OVPN Files and Credentials

Alright, you’re convinced! You want to set up Surfshark using OVPN files. The good news is, getting them is pretty straightforward. You’ll need two main things: the actual .ovpn configuration files and some special manual setup credentials. It’s important to remember that these aren’t your regular Surfshark login email and password. they’re unique credentials specifically for manual VPN connections.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to grab everything you need: Surfshark VPN in the Netherlands: Your Digital Companion

Log into Your Surfshark Account: First things first, head over to the Surfshark website and log into your account dashboard.
Navigate to Manual Setup: Once you’re logged in, look for a section related to “VPN” or “Manual Setup.” You’ll usually find this by clicking on “VPN” in the left-hand menu, then selecting “Manual Setup”.
Choose OpenVPN Protocol: On the Manual Setup page, you’ll likely see options for different protocols. Select OpenVPN.
Generate/Find Your Credentials: This is a crucial step! On the OpenVPN manual setup page, you’ll see a tab or section for “Credentials.” If you haven’t done this before, click the button to “Generate credentials”. You’ll get a unique username and a password. Write these down or copy them to a secure place immediately! You’ll need them every time you set up a new OpenVPN connection. Keep this tab open, too, as you’ll be switching back and forth.
Download the OVPN Configuration Files: Now for the .ovpn files themselves. Still on the Manual Setup page usually under a “Locations” or “Files” tab, you’ll see a list of server locations.
- You can often download individual .ovpn files for specific servers. Click on the server location you want to connect to, and then you’ll usually be prompted to choose between UDP and TCP protocols. As we discussed, UDP is generally faster, while TCP might be more stable in tricky networks. Download the one you prefer.
- Quick Tip: For many router setups, or if you just want to download all available configuration files in one go, Surfshark often provides a direct download link. You can usually find a link like https://api.surfshark.com/v1/server/configurations. This will download a .zip archive containing all the .ovpn files. If you download a zip, make sure to extract the files to a folder you can easily find, like your “Downloads” folder or a dedicated “Surfshark OVPN” folder.

That’s it! Once you have your unique manual credentials and your chosen .ovpn files downloaded, you’re ready to move on to setting up your OpenVPN client on your device.

Setting Up Surfshark OpenVPN: Step-by-Step Guides for Popular Platforms

Now that you have your Surfshark OVPN files and manual credentials, let’s get them working! The process varies slightly depending on your operating system or device, so I’ll walk you through the most common setups.

Windows: Using OpenVPN Connect or OpenVPN GUI

For Windows users, you’ve got a couple of popular OpenVPN clients you can use: OpenVPN Connect the official app or OpenVPN GUI. Both work great, but the steps are a little different. I’ll focus on OpenVPN Connect as it’s often a bit more user-friendly. Surfshark VPN for NFL: Your Ultimate Guide to Uninterrupted Football Season

Download and Install OpenVPN Connect: Head over to the official OpenVPN website openvpn.net and download the OpenVPN Connect app for Windows. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. It’s a pretty standard installation process, just click “Next” a few times and agree to the terms.
Import Your OVPN File:
- Once OpenVPN Connect is installed, launch it.
- You’ll usually see an option to “Upload File” or “Import File” at the top of the application.
- Click on that, then navigate to where you saved your Surfshark .ovpn files. You can either drag and drop the file or click “Browse” to select it.
- Repeat this step for each server location .ovpn file you want to add.
Enter Your Surfshark Credentials:
- After importing, a new profile for that server will appear.
- Click on the profile. It will ask for your username and password. This is where you use those special manual setup credentials you generated on the Surfshark website, not your regular email and password.
- Crucial Tip: Tick the “Save password” field if you don’t want to enter it every time.
Connect to the VPN:
- Click the “Connect” button.
- You might see a notification about an external certificate being missing. you can usually just proceed.
- The connection status will show. Once it turns green or says “Connected,” you’re all set!

To disconnect, simply click the “Disconnect” button within the OpenVPN Connect app.

macOS: The Tunnelblick Approach

For macOS, Tunnelblick is the go-to OpenVPN client. It’s free, open-source, and integrates nicely with macOS.

Download and Install Tunnelblick: Visit the official Tunnelblick website tunnelblick.net and download the latest stable version.
- Open the downloaded .dmg file.
- Double-click the Tunnelblick icon and follow the installation instructions. You’ll likely need to grant permissions and enter your Mac’s admin password.
- During setup, when it asks about configuration files, select “I have configuration files”.
Import Your OVPN Files:
- Once Tunnelblick is installed, you can find its icon in your Mac’s menu bar usually near the clock.
- Open your “Downloads” folder or wherever you saved your Surfshark .ovpn files.
- Drag and drop the .ovpn files onto the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar.
- A pop-up will ask if you want to install configurations for “Only Me” or “All Users.” “Only Me” is usually sufficient. Again, you might need to enter your admin password.
Enter Your Surfshark Credentials and Connect:
- Click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar, then select the server location you just imported.
- Click “Connect.”
- A window will pop up asking for your username and password. Enter your Surfshark manual setup credentials here.
- Highly Recommended: Check both “Save in Keychain” boxes. This saves your credentials securely so you don’t have to type them in every time.
- Click “OK.”
- Tunnelblick will show a connection status. It’ll turn green and say “Connected” once everything is established.

To disconnect, click the Tunnelblick icon and choose “Disconnect” from the menu.

Linux: Command Line Power

Linux offers a lot of flexibility, and setting up OpenVPN manually is a classic way to ensure compatibility, especially on distros without a dedicated Surfshark GUI app or for more control. I’ll use apt commands, common for Ubuntu/Debian-based systems.

Open Your Terminal: You can usually do this with Ctrl+Alt+T or by searching for “Terminal” in your applications.
Install OpenVPN: Type the following command and press Enter. You might need to enter your system password.
```
sudo apt-get install openvpn unzip
```
unzip is important if you downloaded a .zip archive of OVPN files.
Download Configuration Files: Navigate to the OpenVPN directory.
cd /etc/openvpn
Then, download the Surfshark configuration files directly.
sudo wget https://api.surfshark.com/v1/server/configurations
If you downloaded a .zip file from the website manually, you’d transfer it to this directory and unzip it. If you used the wget command above, you then need to unzip them:
sudo unzip configurations
You can then list the files to see them: ls.
Create a Credentials File Optional, but Recommended: To avoid typing your username and password every time, create a file to store them.
sudo nano /etc/openvpn/auth.txt
In this file, put your Surfshark manual setup username on the first line and your Surfshark manual setup password on the second line. Save and exit Ctrl+X, Y, Enter.
Important: Secure this file! Change its permissions so only root can read it:
sudo chmod 600 /etc/openvpn/auth.txt
Connect to the VPN:
- Choose a server from the list you downloaded e.g., us-nyc.udp.ovpn for New York, UDP.
- Use the openvpn command, pointing it to your config file and if you made one your credentials file.
  sudo openvpn –config /etc/openvpn/us-nyc.udp.ovpn –auth-user-pass /etc/openvpn/auth.txt
“` * Replace us-nyc.udp.ovpn with the actual file name of the server you want. Unlocking Netflix with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Streaming Guide
- If you didn’t create auth.txt, just use sudo openvpn --config /etc/openvpn/us-nyc.udp.ovpn and it will prompt you for username and password.
- When you see “Initialization Sequence Completed” in the terminal, you’re connected!

To disconnect, simply press Ctrl+C in the terminal window where OpenVPN is running.

Routers: Securing Your Entire Home Network

Installing Surfshark on a router using OVPN files is fantastic because it protects every device connected to your home network, even those that can’t run a VPN app directly. The exact steps vary a lot by router brand and firmware e.g., TP-Link, Asus, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, but the general process is similar.

Access Your Router’s Admin Panel: Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Log in with your router’s admin username and password. If you don’t know it, check the router’s manual or a sticker on the device.
Navigate to VPN Client Settings: Look for a “VPN” or “Advanced Settings” section. Within that, you should find a “VPN Client” option. You’ll need to enable it.
Add a New OpenVPN Connection: There will usually be an “Add,” “Add Profile,” or “Set up manually” button in the VPN client section.
Select OpenVPN and Import OVPN File:
- Choose “OpenVPN” as the VPN type.
- You’ll see an option to “Import .ovpn file” or “Choose File.” Click this and upload one of the Surfshark .ovpn files you downloaded earlier.
- Important: Some routers like TP-Link models only let you upload one .ovpn file at a time, so you’ll have to choose your preferred server.
Enter Surfshark Credentials:
- Your router’s interface will ask for a username and password. Enter the Surfshark manual setup credentials you generated earlier.
- Give the connection a descriptive name e.g., “Surfshark US New York”.
Save and Apply Settings: Click “Save” or “Apply Settings.” Your router will then try to establish the OpenVPN connection.
Assign Devices If Applicable: Some routers allow you to select which devices on your network use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet. Look for a “Device List” or “VPN Client List” and assign devices as needed.
Verify Connection: Once connected, visit a site like surfshark.com/what-is-my-ip from a device connected to your router to confirm your IP address and location match the Surfshark server.

A Note on Routers and WireGuard: While OpenVPN is widely supported, if your router firmware supports WireGuard, it’s often recommended for better speed and efficiency, especially on less powerful router hardware. Surfshark also provides WireGuard configuration files for manual setup on compatible routers. If your router supports it, it might be worth exploring that option for a potentially faster experience.

OpenVPN vs. WireGuard: Which Surfshark Protocol is Right for You?

When you’re setting up a VPN, especially manually, you’ll often see options for different protocols. With Surfshark, two of the big players are OpenVPN and WireGuard. Both are excellent for security, but they have their own strengths and ideal use cases. Thinking about which one to pick? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

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OpenVPN: The Reliable Classic

OpenVPN has been around for a while, and it’s earned its reputation as a highly secure and versatile VPN protocol.

Pros:
- Battle-Tested Security: Its open-source nature means it’s been scrutinized by countless experts, making it incredibly robust and trustworthy. It uses strong encryption like AES-256.
- Extensive Compatibility: This is a huge plus, especially for manual setups. OpenVPN is supported by a vast range of devices and operating systems, and, crucially, it’s often the default or only option for VPN functionality on many routers.
- Configurable: It offers a lot of options for customization, which can be useful for advanced users or in very specific network environments.
Cons:
- Potentially Slower: Because it’s so feature-rich and robust, OpenVPN can sometimes be a bit slower than newer protocols, especially WireGuard. This is more noticeable on slower internet connections or when connecting to distant servers.
- More Code: It has a larger codebase, which, while thoroughly audited, is theoretically more complex to manage than WireGuard’s streamlined code.

WireGuard: The Speedy Newcomer

WireGuard is a much newer VPN protocol that’s quickly gained popularity for its impressive speed and efficiency.

*   Blazing Fast: WireGuard was designed from the ground up for speed. It's often significantly faster than OpenVPN, making it excellent for streaming, gaming, and general browsing where low latency is important. Surfshark itself highlights WireGuard as its fastest protocol.
*   Lightweight and Simple: It has a remarkably small codebase around 4,000 lines compared to OpenVPN's tens of thousands. This makes it easier to audit and potentially less prone to vulnerabilities.
*   Efficient: Its lean design means it uses less battery on mobile devices and less CPU on your computer or router, which can be a big advantage.
*   Less Mature but still very secure: Being newer, it doesn't have the decades of real-world testing that OpenVPN does, although it's been rigorously reviewed and is considered highly secure.
*   Less Widely Supported on Older Hardware: While growing rapidly, it might not be supported on as many older devices or router firmwares as OpenVPN.
*   Doesn't Obfuscate Naturally: WireGuard doesn't inherently obfuscate your VPN traffic, meaning it's apparent you're using a VPN. However, with a service like Surfshark that has features like Camouflage Mode, this isn't usually an issue for the end-user.

When to Choose Which with Surfshark

Choose WireGuard if:
- Speed is your top priority: You’re streaming high-definition content, engaging in online gaming, or frequently downloading large files.
- You’re using a modern device that fully supports it.
- You want a more efficient connection for mobile devices to save battery.
Choose OpenVPN if:
- Compatibility is key: You’re setting up Surfshark on a router that only supports OpenVPN, or on an older/niche device.
- You’re on a highly restrictive network and need the added reliability of TCP, or if you’re experiencing connection issues with WireGuard.
- You prioritize the absolute longest-standing, most audited protocol for maximum peace of mind.

Ultimately, Surfshark makes it easy to switch between protocols within its apps, or by selecting different .ovpn files for manual OpenVPN setups or WireGuard configs. So, you don’t have to be stuck with one choice forever. you can experiment to find what works best for your specific needs and situation!

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Troubleshooting Common Surfshark OpenVPN Issues

Even when you follow all the steps perfectly, technology can sometimes throw a curveball. If you’re having trouble getting your Surfshark OpenVPN connection to work, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and what you can do to fix them, just like a pro.

1. Incorrect Manual Credentials

This is probably the most common culprit! Remember, the manual setup credentials you generated on the Surfshark website are different from your regular email and password that you use to log into the Surfshark app or website.

Solution: Double-check your username and password. Go back to your Surfshark account dashboard, navigate to “Manual Setup” for OpenVPN, and make sure you’re using the exact credentials provided there. Copy and paste them carefully to avoid typos. If you suspect they might be compromised or you just can’t remember, generate new ones on the Surfshark site.

2. Firewall Interference

Your device’s firewall or your router’s firewall might be blocking the OpenVPN connection.

Solution: Temporarily disable your device’s firewall Windows Defender Firewall, macOS Firewall, or your Linux firewall like UFW to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you’ll need to create an exception for your OpenVPN client e.g., OpenVPN Connect, Tunnelblick in your firewall settings. For router firewalls, you might need to check your router’s documentation or contact Surfshark support for specific port forwarding advice, though this is rarely necessary.

3. Outdated OpenVPN Client or Operating System

Using an old version of OpenVPN software or an outdated operating system can sometimes lead to compatibility problems. Surfshark VPN Mobile: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Safe on the Go

Solution: Make sure your OpenVPN client OpenVPN Connect, Tunnelblick, or the OpenVPN package on Linux is up to date. Similarly, ensure your operating system is running its latest updates. Sometimes a simple software update can clear up unexpected glitches.

4. Server Issues or Incorrect OVPN File

The specific server you’re trying to connect to might be having issues, or the .ovpn file might be corrupted or outdated.

Solution:
- Try a different server: Download another .ovpn file for a different Surfshark server location and try connecting to that.
- Re-download the OVPN file: Delete the problematic .ovpn file and download a fresh copy from the Surfshark manual setup page.
- Try a different protocol TCP vs. UDP: If you downloaded a UDP file, try a TCP file for the same server, or vice-versa. TCP can sometimes be more stable on problematic networks.

5. Network Restrictions

Some extremely restrictive networks like corporate or institutional networks, or those in countries with heavy internet censorship might actively try to block VPN traffic.

*   Switch Protocols: If you're using OpenVPN UDP, try OpenVPN TCP. Sometimes one works where the other fails.
*   Check for Obfuscation: While OpenVPN itself doesn't offer direct obfuscation, Surfshark's native apps have features like Camouflage Mode obfuscation that make VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. If available, using the native app with this feature might be more effective in highly restricted environments. If you *must* use OpenVPN, you might need to consult Surfshark's support for specific configurations if they have any for such situations.

6. DNS Leaks or IP Exposure

Even if you connect, you might worry if your VPN is truly working.

Solution: After connecting, always verify your connection. Head to a site like surfshark.com/what-is-my-ip or dnsleaktest.com to confirm that your IP address and DNS servers match the VPN server location and that there are no leaks. If you see your real IP or DNS, your VPN isn’t protecting you, and you need to investigate further, perhaps trying different servers or reviewing your setup steps.

If you’ve tried these common fixes and you’re still stuck, remember that Surfshark has 24/7 customer support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them. they’re usually pretty good at walking you through more specific troubleshooting steps for your device or router.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surfshark OVPN file?

A Surfshark OVPN file is a configuration file specifically designed for the OpenVPN protocol. It contains all the necessary server details, encryption settings, and other parameters that an OpenVPN client needs to establish a secure and encrypted connection to a Surfshark VPN server. You use these files for manual setups on devices or routers where a dedicated Surfshark app might not be available or when you want more control.

How do I download Surfshark OpenVPN config files?

You can download Surfshark OpenVPN config files directly from your Surfshark account dashboard. After logging in, navigate to “VPN” then “Manual Setup,” select the “OpenVPN” protocol, and then choose your desired server locations to download individual .ovpn files often with options for UDP or TCP. Alternatively, Surfshark provides a direct link like https://api.surfshark.com/v1/server/configurations to download a .zip file containing all server configurations.

Are Surfshark’s manual OpenVPN credentials the same as my login details?

No, your manual OpenVPN credentials are not the same as your regular Surfshark login email and password. When setting up OpenVPN manually, you need to generate specific, unique credentials a username and password from the “Manual Setup” section of your Surfshark account dashboard. It’s essential to use these special credentials for your OpenVPN client.

Can I use Surfshark OVPN files on my router?

Absolutely! Using Surfshark OVPN files on a compatible router is one of the most popular reasons for manual OpenVPN setup. This allows you to protect every device connected to your Wi-Fi network with a single VPN connection, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that don’t support VPN apps directly. You’ll typically upload the .ovpn file and enter your manual credentials in your router’s admin interface. Setting Up Surfshark VPN: A Guide Beyond L2TP

Is OpenVPN better than WireGuard for Surfshark?

Neither OpenVPN nor WireGuard is universally “better”. it depends on your priorities. WireGuard is generally faster and more efficient, making it ideal for activities like streaming and gaming, and it uses less battery on mobile devices. OpenVPN is known for its strong, battle-tested security, broad compatibility especially with routers, and open-source nature, making it a highly trusted choice. Surfshark supports both, so you can choose the protocol that best fits your needs for speed, security, and device compatibility.

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Mastering Surfshark OVPN Files: Your Ultimate Guide to Manual Connections