Thinking about manually setting up Surfshark OpenVPN? It might seem a bit technical, but trust me, it’s a powerful way to take control of your online security and privacy, especially when the standard app just won’t cut it. This guide will walk you through everything, from getting those tricky configuration files to setting it up on your router or even your Linux machine, making sure you get a robust and customizable VPN experience.

OpenVPN is a widely-used VPN protocol, and for good reason—it’s known for its strong encryption and broad compatibility across different platforms. While Surfshark’s dedicated apps are super user-friendly, sometimes you need to go the manual route. Maybe you’re setting up a VPN on a device without a native app, like certain routers, or perhaps you’re in a restrictive network environment where custom configurations are essential. Whatever your reason, mastering Surfshark OpenVPN manual setup opens up a world of possibilities for keeping your data safe.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get your Surfshark OpenVPN config files and credentials, then show you step-by-step how to set up OpenVPN on various devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even your router. We’ll also talk about the difference between OpenVPN UDP and TCP, and how OpenVPN stacks up against newer protocols like WireGuard. Plus, we’ll tackle common troubleshooting issues so you’re never left in the dark.

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Table of Contents

Why Choose OpenVPN with Surfshark?

You might be wondering, “Why bother with manual OpenVPN when Surfshark has such great apps?” That’s a fair question! While Surfshark’s native apps are fantastic for most users, offering features like CleanWeb for blocking ads and trackers, MultiHop for double VPN, and a kill switch, OpenVPN manual setup provides a few distinct advantages:

Wider Device Compatibility: OpenVPN is highly versatile. It lets you use Surfshark on devices that don’t have a native app, like many routers or specific Linux distributions. This means you can protect your entire home network with a single VPN connection through your router.
Enhanced Control and Customization: With manual setup, you have more control over your connection. You can tweak specific settings in the configuration files to optimize performance or bypass certain network restrictions.
Circumventing Restrictions: In heavily restricted regions or networks like some workplaces or schools, manual OpenVPN configurations can sometimes be more effective at bypassing blocks than standard VPN apps, which might be more easily detected. OpenVPN also supports obfuscation, a feature that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, which can be useful in highly restrictive environments.
Open-Source Security: OpenVPN is an open-source protocol, meaning its code is publicly available and constantly audited by security experts. This transparency builds trust and helps quickly identify and fix any potential vulnerabilities. It has been thoroughly stress-tested, patched, and updated over its 22-year history.

So, while the apps are great for everyday use, manual OpenVPN with Surfshark is like having a specialized tool for specific, more demanding tasks.

Getting Your Surfshark OpenVPN Configuration Files and Credentials

Before you can set up OpenVPN manually, you need two crucial things from Surfshark: your unique manual setup credentials and the server configuration files usually with a .ovpn extension. These aren’t your regular Surfshark account email and password, so keep that in mind!

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Here’s how you get them:

Log in to Your Surfshark Account: Head over to the Surfshark website and log into your account dashboard.
Navigate to Manual Setup: Once logged in, look for a section like “VPN” or “Manual Setup.” You’ll usually find it under your account settings or a dedicated “Manual Setup” tab.
Select OpenVPN Protocol: On the manual setup page, you’ll need to choose “OpenVPN” as your protocol.
Generate Credentials: You’ll see a section for credentials. If you haven’t generated them before, click “Generate credentials.” This will give you a unique username and password specifically for manual OpenVPN connections. Make sure to copy these and save them securely, as you’ll need them every time you connect manually. You can use the same credentials for all your manual connections, so no need to generate new ones for every device.
Download Configuration Files: Now, look for the “Locations” or “Configuration files” section. You’ll see a list of Surfshark servers. You can often download a .ovpn file for each specific server location. Surfshark typically offers both UDP and TCP versions of these files. We’ll talk more about the difference between UDP and TCP later, but for now, generally, UDP is recommended for faster speeds, while TCP is more reliable. Download the .ovpn file for the server location and protocol you want to use. Some sources suggest you can download all configs at once.

Quick Tip: Keep this browser tab open or save these credentials in a text file because you’ll be pasting them into your OpenVPN client or router settings pretty soon.

Setting Up Surfshark OpenVPN on Different Devices

Once you have your credentials and configuration files, you’re ready to get things set up. The process varies slightly depending on your device.

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Windows

Setting up OpenVPN on Windows involves using a dedicated OpenVPN client. The most common one is the OpenVPN GUI or OpenVPN Connect app.

Download and Install OpenVPN Connect or GUI:
- Go to the OpenVPN website and download the official OpenVPN Connect app for Windows available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
- Run the installer, accept the license agreement, and follow the prompts. You’ll need to grant permissions for the app to manage network and VPN settings.
Import Configuration Files:
- Open the OpenVPN Connect app.
- You’ll likely see an option to “Upload File” or “Import File.” Click on it and browse to the .ovpn file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Alternatively, you can drag and drop the .ovpn file directly into the app.
Enter Credentials:
- Once the file is imported, the app will ask for your Surfshark OpenVPN manual username and password. This is where those special credentials you generated earlier come in handy.
- Crucially, tick the “Save password” field if you want to avoid re-entering them every time you connect.
Connect:
- Click “Connect.” You might get a notification about a missing external certificate. usually, you can continue past this.
- If successful, the connection status will turn green, and you’ll see a notification that you’re connected to the VPN.

To disconnect, just click the disconnect button in the OpenVPN Connect app.

macOS

For macOS, a popular and reliable OpenVPN client is Tunnelblick.

Download and Install Tunnelblick:
- Go to the Tunnelblick website and download the latest version.
- Open the downloaded installation package and follow the prompts. You’ll need to confirm the action by pressing “Open” and set your preferences, typically leaving default entries is fine.
- Once Tunnelblick is installed, you can usually just double-click your downloaded .ovpn configuration file from Surfshark. Tunnelblick will ask if you want to install it for all users or just yourself.
- Alternatively, you can open the Tunnelblick app usually found in your Applications folder or by clicking its icon in the menu bar and then drag and drop the .ovpn file onto its icon.
Enter Credentials and Connect:
- After importing, click on the configuration file of the specific location you want to connect to in Tunnelblick.
- Enter your Surfshark service credentials the manual username and password.
- Remember to check both “Save in Keychain” boxes if you want to store your credentials for future connections.
- Click “Connect.” You’ll see a pop-up showing the connection status, turning from yellow to green when successful.

To disconnect, click the Tunnelblick icon in the menu bar and select “Disconnect”. Getting Surfshark’s OpenVPN Up and Running on Your Mac: A Complete Guide

Linux

Setting up Surfshark OpenVPN on Linux typically involves using the command line, though some distributions might offer a GUI for NetworkManager. This guide will focus on the command-line approach, often used for Debian-based distros like Ubuntu.

Install OpenVPN:
- Open your terminal usually Ctrl+Alt+T.
- Install the OpenVPN and unzip packages: sudo apt-get install openvpn unzip for Debian/Ubuntu. You might need to enter your computer’s password.
Navigate to OpenVPN Directory:
- Change to the OpenVPN configuration directory: cd /etc/openvpn.
Download Configuration Files:
- You can download all Surfshark OpenVPN config files directly using wget: sudo wget https://my.surfshark.com/vpn/api/v1/server/configurations.
- Then unzip them: sudo unzip configurations.
- You might want to remove the .zip file after extracting: sudo rm configurations.
Get Your Credentials:
- If you haven’t already, go to the Surfshark website and generate your manual OpenVPN username and password, as described earlier.
- For easier connections, you can create a separate file for your credentials. In /etc/openvpn/ or a secure location, create a file, for example, auth.conf, and put your username on the first line and password on the second line. Make sure to secure this file with chmod 600 auth.conf.
Connect to a Server:
- List the available .ovpn files to see your server options: ls.
- Choose a server and connect using the command: sudo openvpn .ovpn. For example, sudo openvpn us-nyc.udp.ovpn.
- The terminal will prompt you for your Surfshark manual service credentials username and password. If you created an auth.conf file, you can modify the .ovpn file to reference it e.g., auth-user-pass auth.conf.
- Once 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

Setting up Surfshark OpenVPN on your router is a must because it protects all devices connected to your home network, even those that can’t run a VPN app themselves, like smart TVs or gaming consoles. The process can vary quite a bit depending on your router’s brand and firmware e.g., Asus, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, TP-Link, but the general steps are similar.

Key things you’ll need:

Your router’s administrative access usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser.
Your Surfshark manual OpenVPN username and password.
The .ovpn configuration files you downloaded.

General Steps using a TP-Link router as an example, based on search results: What is the Use of Surfshark VPN? Your Guide to Online Freedom and Security

Log in to your router’s web interface: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address e.g., 192.168.1.1. Enter your router’s username and password default is often admin/admin for new routers.
Navigate to VPN Settings: Look for an “Advanced” tab, then “VPN Client” or a similar “VPN” section.
Enable VPN Client: There should be an option to “Enable VPN Client.” Make sure to check this box and save your settings.
Add a New VPN Profile: Look for an “Add” button or “Add Profile” in the VPN Client section.
Configure OpenVPN:
- Select “OpenVPN” as the VPN Type or Protocol.
- Give your connection a descriptive name e.g., “Surfshark New York”.
- Enter your Surfshark manual OpenVPN username and password into the respective fields.
- Upload the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded from Surfshark for your desired server location and protocol UDP/TCP.
Save and Apply: Click “Save” or “Apply Settings”.
Assign Devices if applicable: Some routers require you to manually assign which devices on your network will use the VPN tunnel. In the “Device List” or similar section, check the devices you want to connect via the VPN.
Enable the Connection: Once everything is configured, enable the VPN connection in the “Server List” area.

Important Notes for Routers:

Firmware: Not all routers support OpenVPN client functionality out of the box. You might need to flash your router with custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT if it doesn’t. Always be careful when flashing firmware, as incorrect steps can damage your router.
Performance: Router VPN performance depends on your router’s processor. Older or less powerful routers might experience significant speed drops when running a VPN.
Specific Guides: Surfshark’s help center often has detailed instructions for specific router brands and firmware e.g., TP-Link Deco, GL.iNet, Keenetic, Asus VPN Fusion, OpenWRT, DD-WRT, AsusWRT, Tomato, etc.. If you’re stuck, checking their official guides for your exact router model is always the best approach.

Surfshark OpenVPN vs. WireGuard: Which One Should You Use?

When you’re setting up a VPN, you’ll often come across different “protocols,” which are essentially the rules that govern how your VPN connection is established and secured. OpenVPN and WireGuard are two of the most popular, and Surfshark supports both. So, which one is better, or rather, which one is better for you?

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OpenVPN

OpenVPN has been around since 2001, making it a seasoned veteran in the VPN world.

Pros:

Security and Reliability: It’s renowned for its robust security, strong encryption, and has been extensively audited and tested over the years, proving its reliability.
Versatility: OpenVPN can run over both TCP and UDP protocols more on that next!, which makes it highly adaptable to various network conditions and firewalls.
Obfuscation: It supports obfuscation, a feature that can disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for restrictive networks or governments to detect and block your VPN usage. This is a big plus if you’re connecting from a highly censored region like China.
Open Source: Being open-source, its code is transparent and constantly scrutinized by the community, adding another layer of trust.

Cons:

Speed: Generally, OpenVPN tends to be slower than WireGuard. Its comprehensive feature set and heavier codebase can introduce more overhead, affecting speeds.
Configuration: It can be more complex to set up manually compared to WireGuard, requiring configuration files and sometimes more steps.

WireGuard

WireGuard is the newer kid on the block, first released in 2015, and has quickly gained traction for its modern approach.

Speed and Efficiency: This is WireGuard’s biggest selling point. It’s designed to be much faster and more efficient than OpenVPN due to its leaner codebase around 4,000 lines compared to OpenVPN’s hundreds of thousands and modern cryptographic principles. Many tests show WireGuard consistently outperforming OpenVPN in terms of speed. Mastering Surfshark OVPN Files: Your Ultimate Guide to Manual Connections
Simplicity: It’s easier to set up and configure than OpenVPN, especially within VPN apps.
Modern Cryptography: WireGuard uses up-to-date cryptographic techniques, which contribute to its strong security.
Low Resource Usage: Its lightweight nature means it uses fewer system resources, which can be beneficial for mobile devices or routers.
Newer Protocol: While rigorously tested, it hasn’t been around as long as OpenVPN, so it hasn’t faced the same amount of real-world, long-term stress testing.
No Built-in Obfuscation: WireGuard doesn’t natively support obfuscation. If you need to hide your VPN usage, you’d typically need to switch to OpenVPN. Surfshark VPN: How Many Users and Devices Can You Really Connect?
UDP Only: WireGuard primarily uses UDP, which means it might struggle in networks where UDP traffic is blocked.
IP Management: Originally, WireGuard had some privacy concerns related to static IP addresses for users, but VPN providers like Surfshark have implemented solutions like dynamic IP functionalities to address this.

The Verdict: OpenVPN or WireGuard?

Honestly, there’s no single “better” protocol. it depends on your priorities.

For Speed and Simplicity: If your main goal is blistering speeds for streaming, gaming, or large downloads, and you prefer a straightforward setup, WireGuard is often the better choice. Surfshark’s apps usually default to WireGuard or a similar optimized protocol like their own modified version.
For Maximum Compatibility, Security, and Obfuscation: If you need to bypass tough censorship, connect on a restrictive network, or prefer the battle-tested reliability and versatility of an open-source protocol with both UDP and TCP options, then OpenVPN is your go-to.

Many leading VPN providers, including Surfshark, let you choose between these protocols within their apps. This flexibility means you can switch based on your current needs.

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OpenVPN UDP vs. TCP: What’s the Difference and Which to Choose?

When you’re dealing with OpenVPN, you often see two options: UDP and TCP. These are two different communication protocols that OpenVPN can run over, and they behave quite differently, impacting your VPN experience.

OpenVPN UDP User Datagram Protocol

Think of UDP like sending a postcard. You write the message, put a stamp on it, and send it off. You don’t get a confirmation that it arrived, or if it arrived in order. If a postcard gets lost, it’s just lost.

Speed: UDP is generally much faster than TCP. Since it doesn’t bother with error-checking or re-sending lost packets, it can transmit data more quickly. This is why it’s often recommended for activities where speed is critical.
Low Latency: Because of its speed, UDP offers lower latency, which is fantastic for things like online gaming, video conferencing, and streaming, where real-time data flow is essential, and a few dropped packets won’t ruin the experience.
Less Reliable: Data packets can sometimes get lost or arrive out of order, and UDP won’t try to re-send them. For most VPN uses like streaming, this isn’t a huge deal, but for very sensitive data, it could be an issue. Surfshark VPN in the Netherlands: Your Digital Companion
Can be Blocked: Some firewalls are configured to block UDP traffic more aggressively than TCP, as UDP is often associated with less critical or streaming applications.

OpenVPN TCP Transmission Control Protocol

Now, imagine TCP like sending a registered letter. Every time a part of your letter a data packet is sent, the recipient sends back a confirmation. If a part goes missing or arrives out of order, the sender is notified and re-sends it until everything arrives correctly and in the right sequence.

Reliability: TCP ensures that all data packets are delivered, and in the correct order. This makes it more reliable for tasks where data integrity is paramount.
Bypassing Firewalls: Because TCP is the backbone of most internet traffic like web browsing and email, it’s less likely to be blocked by strict firewalls or network restrictions. If you’re having trouble connecting with UDP, switching to TCP might help you get through.
Slower Speeds: The constant back-and-forth for acknowledgments and re-sending lost packets creates more “overhead,” which inevitably slows down the connection. Surfshark VPN for NFL: Your Ultimate Guide to Uninterrupted Football Season
Higher Latency: The reliability features can lead to higher latency, making it less ideal for real-time applications where speed is key.

Which one should you pick?

For most everyday use, especially streaming, gaming, and general browsing where speed is important, start with OpenVPN UDP. It generally offers a faster experience.
If you’re experiencing connection issues, slow speeds, or frequent disconnections with UDP, especially on a public Wi-Fi or a restrictive network, try switching to OpenVPN TCP. It might be slower, but it’s often more stable and can bypass blocks where UDP might fail. TCP is also better for tasks like file transfers where every bit of data needs to arrive perfectly.

Surfshark, like other leading VPN providers, allows you to easily switch between OpenVPN UDP and TCP within their app settings or by choosing the appropriate .ovpn configuration file for manual setup.

Troubleshooting Surfshark OpenVPN Not Working

Even with the best VPNs, sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your Surfshark OpenVPN connection isn’t working, don’t worry, there are several common troubleshooting steps you can try.

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Here’s a checklist to help you get back online:

Check Your Internet Connection: This might sound basic, but ensure your underlying internet connection is stable and working without the VPN. A spotty or slow connection can prevent your VPN from connecting properly. Try restarting your router.
Verify Your Credentials: Double-check that you’re using the specific manual OpenVPN username and password provided by Surfshark, not your regular account login details. These are different!
Ensure Correct Configuration File: Make sure you downloaded the correct .ovpn file for the server location and protocol UDP/TCP you intend to use. Sometimes a corrupted or incorrect file can cause issues. Try re-downloading the .ovpn file.
Try a Different Server: The server you’re trying to connect to might be temporarily overloaded or experiencing issues. Switch to a different Surfshark OpenVPN server location.
Switch Protocols UDP to TCP, or vice-versa: If you’re using OpenVPN UDP and it’s not connecting, try switching to OpenVPN TCP. TCP is more reliable and can sometimes bypass network restrictions that block UDP traffic.
Disable Interfering Software:
- Firewalls and Antivirus: Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the VPN connection, mistaking it for a threat. Temporarily disable them and try connecting. If it works, you’ll need to add an exception for your OpenVPN client or Surfshark.
- Other VPNs: If you have another VPN application installed, it could conflict with Surfshark. Make sure only one VPN client is active at a time.
Update OpenVPN Client/Surfshark App: Ensure your OpenVPN Connect app or Tunnelblick/OpenVPN GUI is up to date. Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues. If you’re using Surfshark’s native app, make sure it’s also the latest version.
Restart Everything: A classic IT trick! Restart your OpenVPN client, your device computer/phone, and even your router. This can often resolve temporary glitches.
Check Ports: Surfshark typically uses port 1194 for OpenVPN. Ensure that this port isn’t blocked by your router or network firewall.
Disable IPv6: In some cases, IPv6 protocol on your network can cause connectivity issues with VPNs. Try disabling IPv6 on your device or router.
Test on a Different Network: If possible, try connecting from a different network e.g., switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data hotspot. If it works on another network, the issue might be with your primary network’s settings or restrictions.
Contact Surfshark Support: If you’ve tried all these steps and still can’t connect, it’s time to reach out to Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support. They can provide specific guidance and diagnose the issue further. They are experts in troubleshooting specific connection problems.

Remember, connection issues are often temporary, so a bit of patience and systematic troubleshooting usually resolves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Surfshark OpenVPN config files, and where can I download them?

Surfshark OpenVPN config files are .ovpn files that contain all the necessary server information and settings for your OpenVPN client to establish a connection to a specific Surfshark VPN server. You can download these files from your Surfshark account dashboard under the “Manual Setup” section, usually after selecting “OpenVPN” as your protocol. They offer files for various server locations and both UDP and TCP protocols.

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How do I get my Surfshark OpenVPN username and password?

Your Surfshark OpenVPN username and password are special credentials specifically generated for manual OpenVPN connections, and they are different from your regular Surfshark account login email and password. To get them, log into your Surfshark account on their website, go to “VPN” > “Manual Setup,” select “OpenVPN,” and then click “Generate credentials.” You’ll see a unique username and password that you should save securely.

Can I use Surfshark OpenVPN on my router?

Yes, you absolutely can! Setting up Surfshark OpenVPN on a compatible router allows all devices connected to that router’s network to be protected by the VPN, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that don’t support native VPN apps. The process involves logging into your router’s admin panel, navigating to VPN client settings, uploading the .ovpn config file, and entering your Surfshark manual OpenVPN credentials. Surfshark provides detailed guides for various router models like Asus, DD-WRT, and TP-Link.

What’s the difference between Surfshark OpenVPN UDP and TCP?

OpenVPN UDP User Datagram Protocol is generally faster and offers lower latency because it doesn’t prioritize error-checking or re-sending lost data packets. It’s great for streaming, gaming, and video calls. OpenVPN TCP Transmission Control Protocol is more reliable because it ensures all data packets are delivered in order and re-sends any lost ones. While slower due to this overhead, TCP is often more stable and better at bypassing restrictive firewalls, making it suitable for file transfers or connecting on challenging networks.

Why is my Surfshark OpenVPN not connecting?

Several reasons could prevent your Surfshark OpenVPN from connecting. Common culprits include an unstable internet connection, incorrect manual credentials, an overloaded VPN server, interference from your firewall or antivirus software, or an outdated OpenVPN client. You should try checking your internet, verifying credentials, switching servers or protocols UDP to TCP, disabling conflicting apps, and restarting your devices. If issues persist, contacting Surfshark support is a good next step. Surfshark VPN: Your Gateway to Unlimited Device Protection

Is WireGuard better than OpenVPN with Surfshark?

Neither WireGuard nor OpenVPN is universally “better”. they excel in different areas. WireGuard is a newer protocol known for its superior speed, efficiency, and simpler codebase, making it excellent for fast connections like streaming and gaming. OpenVPN, on the other hand, is a highly secure, battle-tested protocol with broader compatibility and the ability to run over both UDP and TCP, offering features like obfuscation to bypass tough network restrictions. Your choice depends on whether speed WireGuard or reliability and advanced circumvention OpenVPN is your priority.

Can I set up Surfshark OpenVPN on Android or iOS?

Yes, you can manually set up OpenVPN on Android and iOS devices using the OpenVPN Connect app. After downloading the app from your device’s app store, you’ll need to get your Surfshark manual OpenVPN credentials and the .ovpn configuration files from your Surfshark account. Then, import the .ovpn file into the OpenVPN Connect app and enter your credentials to establish the connection. While Surfshark has dedicated apps for these platforms which are easier to use, manual setup is an option if needed.

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