Surfshark ubiquiti

If you’re looking to get Surfshark VPN running on your Ubiquiti network gear, you’re in for a treat – and a bit of a journey! It’s definitely achievable, and when you get it right, it brings network-wide protection that’s super handy.

Setting up a VPN like Surfshark directly on your Ubiquiti router, whether it’s a UniFi Dream Machine UDM, a UniFi Security Gateway USG, or an EdgeRouter, means every device connected to your network gets that sweet VPN protection. Think about it: your smart TV, gaming console, smart home gadgets, phones, laptops – everything is covered without needing individual VPN apps on each. This is particularly great because Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, so you’re maximizing that value across your entire home.

However, let’s be real, this isn’t always a “click-and-go” situation. While Surfshark offers fantastic apps for individual devices, getting it to play nice with advanced routers like Ubiquiti can sometimes feel like trying to solve a puzzle. You might run into specific quirks with different VPN protocols or routing configurations, especially when you’re looking for the best performance. But don’t worry, this guide is here to walk you through everything, making it as clear and straightforward as possible so you can enjoy a more secure and private network. How to Use Surfshark VPN on Your TV

Why a VPN on Your Ubiquiti Router?

You might be wondering, “Why bother with a router VPN when I can just use the app on my phone or laptop?” Well, there are some pretty compelling reasons to go the router route, especially with Ubiquiti.

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• Network-Wide Protection: This is probably the biggest perk. Once your Ubiquiti router is connected to Surfshark, every device on your network is automatically protected. No more forgetting to turn on the VPN on your tablet or manually configuring it on each new gadget. It’s set and forget, blanketing your entire digital home with security.
• Protecting Non-VPN Devices: Have a smart TV, a game console, or an IoT device that doesn’t support VPN apps? A router VPN is your hero. It extends Surfshark’s protection to devices that wouldn’t normally get it, keeping all your data encrypted and your online activities private, even on those less-smart smart devices.
• Bypassing Device Limits: While Surfshark already offers the awesome benefit of unlimited simultaneous connections, putting it on your router centralizes that protection. You’re not just covering individual devices. you’re securing the source of their internet connection. It’s like having a bouncer at the front door of your digital home.
• Centralized Management: Once you’ve got it configured, managing your VPN connection for your entire network becomes a lot simpler. You typically manage it all from your router’s interface, rather than juggling multiple app settings.

Understanding Your Tools: Surfshark and Ubiquiti

Before we jump into the setup, let’s get a quick refresher on the two main players here: Surfshark and Ubiquiti. Knowing a bit about what each does helps in understanding why and how they work together.

Surfshark: Your Digital Shield

Surfshark is a highly-rated VPN service known for its balance of security, speed, and affordability. It’s a European VPN service, founded in Lithuania, with its headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In 2021, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, but both companies operate independently.

Here’s what makes Surfshark stand out for a router setup:

• No-Logs Policy: Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect data on your online activities. This is super important for privacy.
• Strong Encryption: It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is basically top-tier security to keep your data safe from prying eyes.
• VPN Protocols: Surfshark supports several protocols, most notably OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are key for router configurations. We’ll talk more about these in a moment.
• Server Network: Surfshark boasts a large network of over 3,200 servers across 100 countries. This gives you plenty of options for connecting to different locations, which is great for speed and accessing geo-restricted content.
• Extra Features: While some app-specific features might not transfer to a router setup, Surfshark still offers great core VPN benefits. Their CleanWeb feature helps block ads and malware, and MultiHop or Dynamic MultiHop routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption, though this can impact speed. They also have a reliable Kill Switch which disconnects your internet if the VPN drops unexpectedly.

Ubiquiti UniFi Ecosystem: Your Network’s Brain

Ubiquiti’s UniFi line is popular for building robust and scalable networks, often used by businesses and advanced home users. When we talk about setting up a VPN client, we’re mainly looking at your UniFi Gateway device. Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Secure and Free Browsing in Taiwan and Beyond

• UniFi Dream Machine UDM/UDM Pro/UDM SE: These are all-in-one network appliances that act as your router, UniFi Controller, and sometimes a switch and NVR. They are powerful and increasingly capable of handling VPN client configurations directly through the UniFi Network application’s GUI.
• UniFi Security Gateway USG: This is a dedicated router that works with a separate UniFi Controller like a Cloud Key or a software controller on a Raspberry Pi. USGs also support VPN client functionality.
• EdgeRouter: This is Ubiquiti’s line of more traditional, command-line-centric routers. They offer immense flexibility and control, often making them a solid choice for advanced VPN configurations, including WireGuard, if you’re comfortable with SSH.

UniFi Gateways support three types of VPNs: VPN Server, VPN Client, and Site-to-Site VPN. For our purposes, we’re focusing on the VPN Client, which routes your network’s traffic through an externally hosted VPN server, like one from Surfshark.

Choosing Your VPN Protocol: OpenVPN vs. WireGuard

When you set up a VPN on your router, you usually have a choice between different VPN protocols. For Surfshark and Ubiquiti, your main contenders will be OpenVPN and WireGuard. Each has its pros and cons, and your choice can significantly impact performance and stability.

OpenVPN: The Tried and True Workhorse

OpenVPN is a mature, open-source VPN protocol that’s widely considered secure and reliable.

• Pros:
  • Strong Security: It’s been rigorously audited and is highly secure, using AES-256 encryption.
  • Wide Compatibility: Many routers, including Ubiquiti UniFi and EdgeRouter devices, natively support OpenVPN client configurations.
  • Reliability: It’s known for stable connections, even over less-than-perfect networks.
• Cons:
  • Speed: Generally, OpenVPN is slower than WireGuard. On UniFi devices, users often report significant speed drops, sometimes from 500 Mbps down to 100 Mbps or even 20 Mbps with OpenVPN TCP. This is a common trade-off for its robust nature.
  • Configuration Complexity: While supported, setting it up manually can involve dealing with .ovpn configuration files, which require precise input into your router’s interface.

For router setups, Surfshark generally recommends OpenVPN due to its wide native support.

WireGuard: The New Speed Demon

WireGuard is a much newer VPN protocol designed to be faster, simpler, and more efficient than older protocols like OpenVPN. How to Completely Uninstall Surfshark VPN from Ubuntu

*   Blazing Speed: WireGuard is incredibly fast and efficient, often offering speeds much closer to your native internet connection. If you have a fast internet connection e.g., 500 Mbps or 1 Gbps and want to retain as much of that speed as possible, WireGuard is your best bet.
*   Lightweight: It has a much smaller codebase around 4,000 lines of code compared to OpenVPN, making it easier to audit and potentially more secure against new vulnerabilities.
*   Modern Encryption: Uses state-of-the-art cryptographic primitives.
*   Ubiquiti UniFi GUI Challenges: This is where things get a bit tricky for UniFi users. While UniFi Gateways UDM/USG *do* technically support WireGuard VPN clients, integrating them with third-party providers like Surfshark via the GUI can be inconsistent or lead to issues. Many users on Ubiquiti forums report instability, connection drops, or traffic not routing correctly when using Surfshark's WireGuard configs directly in the UniFi GUI. Sometimes, specific MTU Maximum Transmission Unit adjustments or custom SSH scripts are needed for it to work reliably, which is beyond a simple GUI setup.
*   EdgeRouter Support: EdgeRouters often offer more direct command-line configuration options for WireGuard, making them a more reliable choice for advanced users comfortable with SSH.

My Two Cents: If you’re using a UniFi Dream Machine or USG and want the easiest, most stable experience, start with OpenVPN. If you crave speed and are comfortable with potentially more advanced troubleshooting or have an EdgeRouter, then WireGuard is worth exploring, but be prepared for a bit more tinkering.

Pre-setup Checklist: Gather Your Tools

Before we dive into the configurations, let’s make sure you have everything ready. This will save you a lot of backtracking and frustration.

1. Active Surfshark Subscription: You’ll need an active account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up on their website.
2. Compatible Ubiquiti Device:
   • A UniFi Gateway like a UniFi Dream Machine Pro/SE, UniFi Dream Router, or UniFi Security Gateway – USG.
   • Or, an EdgeRouter e.g., EdgeRouter X, EdgeRouter Lite.
3. Access to Your Router’s Admin Interface:
   • For UniFi devices, this means access to your UniFi Network Application either cloud-hosted, on a Cloud Key, or integrated into your UDM.
   • For EdgeRouters, you’ll need access to the EdgeOS web GUI or SSH.
4. Basic Networking Knowledge: Understanding concepts like IP addresses, subnets, and firewall rules will be helpful, but I’ll guide you as much as possible.
5. Surfshark Manual Setup Credentials: These are not your regular email and password.
   • For OpenVPN: You’ll need a specific username and password for manual setups, plus .ovpn configuration files.
   • For WireGuard: You’ll need to generate a key pair and download a .conf configuration file.

How to Get Your Surfshark Manual Setup Credentials:

1. Log into your Surfshark account on their website.
2. Go to VPN > Manual setup.
3. Choose either OpenVPN or WireGuard protocol.
   • For OpenVPN, you’ll find a unique set of credentials username and password and links to download .ovpn config files for various server locations. Make sure to download the UDP versions for better performance if available.
   • For WireGuard, you’ll need to generate a new key pair if you don’t have one. Then, you can choose a server location and download the .conf configuration file. Keep your key pair safe. you won’t be able to see the private key again after generating it.

Pro Tip: Download a few .ovpn or .conf files for different server locations e.g., one close to you for speed, one in a different region for content access.

Setting Up Surfshark OpenVPN on UniFi Dream Machine/USG

This is generally the more stable and straightforward method for UniFi users. I’ll assume you’re using the UniFi Network Application. Is Surfshark VPN Free to Use? The Real Deal

Step 1: Get Your Surfshark OpenVPN Files

As mentioned in the checklist, head over to the Surfshark website, log in, go to VPN > Manual setup, select OpenVPN, and grab your manual username and password. Download the .ovpn files for the server locations you want to use. Pick UDP files if you can for better speed.

Step 2: Access Your UniFi Network Application

Open your web browser and go to your UniFi Controller’s IP address or unifi.ui.com. Log in with your Ubiquiti credentials.

Step 3: Create the VPN Client

1. In the UniFi Network Application, navigate to Settings the gear icon > VPN.

2. You should see a section for VPN Client. Click “Create New” or the “+” button.

3. Choose OpenVPN. All About Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom and Security

4. Fill in the details:
   * Name: Give it a descriptive name, like “Surfshark-US-NewYork” or “Surfshark-Germany.”
   * Server Address: Open one of the .ovpn files you downloaded with a text editor like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac. Look for a line that starts with remote followed by an IP address or hostname and a port number. Copy the IP address or hostname. e.g., us-nyc.prod.surfshark.com
   * Port: From that same remote line, copy the port number usually 1194 for UDP or 443 for TCP.
   * Protocol: Select UDP recommended for speed or TCP, matching the .ovpn file you’re using.
   * Authentication: Choose “Username & Password.”
   * Username & Password: Enter the specific manual setup credentials you got from the Surfshark website, not your regular Surfshark account login.
   * Enable: Make sure this is toggled On.

5. Upload the CA Certificate and potentially TLS-Auth Key:

   • Back in your .ovpn file, you’ll find sections like <ca> and </ca>. Copy everything between these tags, including the -----BEGIN CERTIFICATE----- and -----END CERTIFICATE----- lines. Paste this into the CA Certificate field in UniFi.
   • You might also see <tls-auth> and </tls-auth> sections. If present, copy that content into the TLS Auth Key field. The key-direction line e.g., key-direction 1 should be noted. you might need to manually set this in UniFi if an option appears, or add it to an advanced configuration box if one is available.
   • Some UniFi versions or specific configurations might require you to manually paste parts of the .ovpn file into an “Advanced Configuration” or “Custom Options” text box. Look for cipher, auth, fast-io, persist-key, persist-tun, remote-cert-tls server, etc., and ensure they are compatible or add them if needed.
6. Click “Add” or “Save.” Your UniFi device will provision and attempt to connect to the Surfshark VPN server.

Step 4: Configure Routing for VPN Traffic

This is a crucial step to ensure your network traffic actually goes through the VPN.

1. In the UniFi Network Application, go to Settings > Routing & Firewall.
2. Navigate to the Static Routes tab. Or, in newer UniFi OS versions, this might be under Traffic Management > VPN Traffic or similar.
3. You have a few options for routing:
   * Route All Traffic Through VPN Less common/More Complex in UniFi GUI: While you can attempt to route all WAN traffic through the VPN, it’s often more challenging to implement purely through the UniFi GUI without advanced JSON configuration or SSH for USG. For UDM, it might be more straightforward if the “VPN Client” section provides a “Route All Traffic” option. Be careful with this, as misconfiguration can cut off all internet access.
   * Policy-Based Routing Recommended for UniFi: This lets you direct specific devices, networks VLANs, or even client groups through the VPN, while others use your regular internet connection. This is often the most practical and flexible approach. Surfshark Tutorial: Your Easy Guide to Online Security
   • Still in Routing & Firewall, look for Traffic Routes or Route Rules.
   • Create a new rule.
   • Interface: Select your newly created Surfshark VPN client.
   • Source: Define what traffic you want to route. You can select:
     • Network: e.g., your “IoT VLAN” or “Guest Wi-Fi VLAN”
     • Device: select a specific device by MAC address or IP
     • Client Group: if you’ve set these up
   • Destination: Usually “Any” or “Internet” to route all traffic from the specified source through the VPN.
   • Action: Choose “Route via VPN” or select your VPN client interface.
   • Save the rule.

Step 5: Firewall Considerations

While UniFi often handles basic firewall rules for VPN clients automatically, sometimes you might need to adjust or add rules, especially if you set up custom VLANs or policy-based routing.

• Ensure traffic originating from your VPN-routed networks is allowed out through the VPN interface and not directly to your WAN.
• Make sure nothing on your LAN is trying to use DNS servers outside the VPN if you want full anonymity. Consider setting your UniFi Network to use Surfshark’s DNS servers or a reliable third-party one like Quad9 or Cloudflare on your VPN-routed networks. Surfshark’s DNS addresses are 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92.

Step 6: Test the Connection

1. Connect a device or a device on the specific VLAN/network you configured to your UniFi network.
2. Visit a website like whatismyip.com.
3. If the VPN is working correctly, you should see an IP address and location matching the Surfshark server you connected to, not your actual ISP’s IP address.

If it’s not working, don’t panic! We’ll cover troubleshooting later.

Exploring WireGuard on Ubiquiti UniFi vs. EdgeRouter

WireGuard offers fantastic speed, but its integration with third-party VPN providers on Ubiquiti, especially UniFi, can be a mixed bag.

WireGuard on UniFi Dream Machine/USG

UniFi Gateways do have native WireGuard VPN client support in their GUI. You can follow similar steps to the OpenVPN setup:

1. Get Surfshark WireGuard Configuration: Log into Surfshark, go to VPN > Manual setup, select WireGuard, generate a new key pair if you don’t have one copy and save your private key immediately!, then download the .conf file for your chosen server. Mastering Surfshark VPN in Thailand: Your Ultimate Guide

2. In UniFi Network Application, go to Settings > VPN > VPN Client > Create New.

3. Choose WireGuard.

4. Fill in the details from your downloaded .conf file:
   * Name: Give it a clear name.
   * Private Key: Paste the private key you saved earlier this is your key, not Surfshark’s.
   * Server Address Endpoint: Look for the Endpoint line in your .conf file. It will be an IP address or hostname followed by a port e.g., us-nyc.prod.surfshark.com:51820.
   * Public Key Peer Public Key: Look for the PublicKey line under in your .conf file. This is Surfshark’s public key.
   * Allowed IPs: This is critical. For routing all traffic from a specific subnet or client through the VPN, you typically use 0.0.0.0/0. If Surfshark provides specific AllowedIPs in their .conf file, use those.
   * DNS Servers: Use Surfshark’s DNS servers 162.252.172.57, 149.154.159.92 or a reliable third-party alternative.
   * Persistent Keepalive: Often 25 seconds is recommended.
   * Interface IP: This is your WireGuard client IP, found in the Address line under in your .conf file e.g., 10.14.0.2/16.
   * MTU: This is a common point of failure for WireGuard on UniFi with third-party VPNs. Many users report success by manually setting the MTU lower, sometimes to 1300 or 1420. Experiment if you face connectivity issues or slow speeds.
   * Enable: Toggle On.

5. Click “Add” or “Save.”

Important Note on UniFi WireGuard with Surfshark:
The Ubiquiti community frequently discusses issues with Surfshark’s WireGuard client on UDM/USG, especially regarding stability and routing. Users often report the VPN connecting but traffic not routing or experiencing slow, unstable connections. This might be due to MTU mismatches or other underlying complexities in how UniFi implements third-party WireGuard clients. While UniFi does support WireGuard clients, it might not be a “just works” experience with Surfshark without some advanced tweaking or waiting for future firmware improvements. How to Get Surfshark VPN on Your Samsung TV for Unrestricted Streaming

If you encounter issues with WireGuard on UniFi, consider these:

• Check MTU: This is a frequently cited solution. Try setting it to 1300 or 1420 in the UniFi WireGuard client settings.
• Routing Rules: Double-check your policy-based routing to ensure the correct traffic is directed through the WireGuard interface.
• Server Choice: Try different Surfshark WireGuard server locations.
• Fall Back to OpenVPN: If WireGuard proves too unstable or complex on your UniFi device, OpenVPN, despite being slower, might offer a more reliable experience for now.

WireGuard on Ubiquiti EdgeRouter

EdgeRouters offer more granular control via the command line SSH, making them a solid choice for WireGuard client setups. This guide will provide a general overview, as exact commands can vary slightly by EdgeOS version.

1. Get Surfshark WireGuard Configuration: Same as for UniFi – log into Surfshark, get your private key, and download the .conf file.
2. SSH into Your EdgeRouter: Use a tool like PuTTY Windows or Terminal macOS/Linux to SSH into your EdgeRouter’s IP address.
   • ssh ubnt@your_edgerouter_ip replace ubnt with your admin username.
   • Enter your password.
3. Enter Configuration Mode:
   • configure
4. Configure the WireGuard Interface:
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 address <Your_Interface_IP_from_Surfshark_conf>/<Subnet_mask_from_Surfshark_conf> e.g., set interfaces wireguard wg0 address 10.14.0.2/16
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 listen-port <Port_from_Surfshark_conf_Endpoint> e.g., set interfaces wireguard wg0 listen-port 51820 – this is less common for client but good to set if provided
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 private-key <Your_Private_Key_from_Surfshark>
5. Configure the Peer Surfshark Server:
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer <Surfshark_Server_Public_Key>
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer <Surfshark_Server_Public_Key> endpoint <Surfshark_Server_Endpoint_IP_or_Hostname>:<Port> e.g., set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer ... endpoint us-nyc.prod.surfshark.com:51820
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer <Surfshark_Server_Public_Key> allowed-ips 0.0.0.0/0 This routes all traffic from the EdgeRouter through the VPN. Adjust if you need policy-based routing later.
   • set interfaces wireguard wg0 peer <Surfshark_Server_Public_Key> persistent-keepalive 25 Optional, but often recommended for stability
6. Commit and Save:
   • commit
   • save
   • exit
7. Firewall and Routing:
   • This is the most complex part. You’ll need to create firewall rules to allow WireGuard traffic and ensure your internal networks route through wg0 the WireGuard interface rather than eth0 your WAN.
   • For routing all traffic: You’ll typically need to adjust your default route or use policy-based routing. A simple way to try routing all traffic for specific devices or subnets is with policy-based routing PBR. For example:
     • set firewall group network-group VPN_CLIENTS network 192.168.1.0/24 Define your network that should use VPN
     • set protocols static table 5 interface-route 0.0.0.0/0 next-hop-interface wg0 Create a route table for VPN traffic
     • set firewall modify SOURCE_ROUTE rule 10 description "Traffic to VPN"
     • set firewall modify SOURCE_ROUTE rule 10 source group network-group VPN_CLIENTS
     • set firewall modify SOURCE_ROUTE rule 10 modify table 5
     • set interfaces ethernet ethX vif Y firewall in modify SOURCE_ROUTE Apply the rule to your internal LAN/VLAN interface
   • Don’t forget NAT masquerade for the VPN interface if you’re routing internal networks:
     • set nat rule 5000 type masquerade
     • set nat rule 5000 outbound-interface wg0
     • set nat rule 5000 protocol all
   • Crucially, you need to allow the WireGuard UDP traffic itself to bypass the VPN tunnel to actually establish the tunnel. This means excluding the remote WireGuard server’s IP from being routed through the tunnel. This is an advanced topic that often requires specific firewall mark rules.

My Take on EdgeRouter WireGuard: If you’re comfortable with the command line, an EdgeRouter can be a powerhouse for a Surfshark WireGuard client. However, configuring the routing and firewall rules to achieve network-wide VPN or policy-based routing requires a good understanding of EdgeOS and can be quite involved. There are many community guides for WireGuard on EdgeRouters, but you’ll need to adapt them for Surfshark’s specific configurations.

Troubleshooting Common Headaches

Even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are some common issues you might run into when setting up Surfshark on your Ubiquiti router, and how to tackle them:

• VPN Connected, But IP Address Hasn’t Changed / No Internet: Tarif Surfshark VPN: Deciphering the Cost and Value in 2025

  • Check Routing Rules: This is the most frequent culprit. Ensure your policy-based routing rules are correctly configured and applied to the right networks/devices. The UniFi Controller might show “Connected,” but if traffic isn’t routed through it, your IP won’t change.
  • DNS Leaks: Your VPN might be connected, but your DNS requests could still be going to your ISP. Manually set DNS servers on your UniFi network or the specific VLANs to Surfshark’s DNS 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92 or a public, privacy-focused one like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.
  • Firewall Blocks: A misconfigured firewall rule might be blocking traffic from going through the VPN interface or preventing the VPN tunnel itself from establishing.
  • MTU Issues especially WireGuard: If your WireGuard connection shows as connected but you have no internet or extremely slow speeds, try reducing the MTU setting in your WireGuard client configuration e.g., to 1300 or 1420.
  • Restart Router: A classic IT fix, but sometimes just restarting your Ubiquiti device can resolve weird routing or connection glitches.

• Slow Speeds:

  • Protocol Choice: OpenVPN is inherently slower than WireGuard. If you’re using OpenVPN and experiencing slow speeds, that’s somewhat expected.
  • Server Distance: The further the VPN server is from your physical location, the slower your speeds will likely be. Connect to a Surfshark server closer to you.
  • Server Load: Some servers might be more congested than others. Try switching to a different server location or a different server within the same location.
  • Double VPN MultiHop: While great for privacy, using Surfshark’s MultiHop feature will significantly reduce your speed due to the double encryption.
  • Router Processing Power: Older USGs or lower-end EdgeRouters might struggle to encrypt/decrypt traffic at very high speeds, becoming a bottleneck. UDMs are generally more powerful.
  • ISP Throttling: Unlikely if you’re using a VPN, but some ISPs might throttle certain types of traffic.

• “The app couldn’t reach Surfshark systems” if on a device connected to VPN router, or login issues:

  • This error usually pops up on the Surfshark app itself, often due to network connectivity issues or an outdated app. If your router VPN is active, the issue could be a conflict.
  • Update the App: Make sure your Surfshark app on your device is the latest version.
  • Disable Other VPNs/Firewalls: If you have another VPN service running on the device, or an aggressive antivirus/firewall, it can interfere. Disable them temporarily to test.
  • Restart Everything: Restart your device, the Surfshark app, and even your router.
  • Login Credentials: Double-check your Surfshark login credentials. If you see “too many login attempts,” your IP might be temporarily blocked usually for 10 minutes. Try restarting your router to get a new IP if you have a dynamic one, or try logging in from a different network.

Keeping Things Smooth: Best Practices

Once you’ve got your Surfshark VPN running on your Ubiquiti router, a few habits can help keep everything performing optimally:

• Regularly Update Surfshark Config Files: VPN providers update their server infrastructure and configuration files. It’s a good idea to periodically check your Surfshark dashboard for new or updated .ovpn or .conf files and re-upload them to your router if necessary.
• Keep Ubiquiti Firmware Updated: Ubiquiti frequently releases firmware updates for UniFi and EdgeMAX devices. These often include performance improvements, security patches, and better VPN stability. Always update your router’s firmware after checking release notes for any known issues.
• Monitor Connection Status: Occasionally check your UniFi dashboard or EdgeOS to ensure your VPN client connection is still active and stable. A quick whatismyip.com check on a connected device can also confirm your public IP.
• Leverage Policy-Based Routing: Instead of routing all your network traffic through the VPN which can impact speed globally, consider using policy-based routing to send only specific devices, VLANs, or applications through the VPN. This gives you more control and can improve overall network performance for devices that don’t need VPN protection.
• Use Strong Passwords: For both your Surfshark account and your Ubiquiti admin interfaces, use strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Surfshark WireGuard on my UniFi Dream Machine Pro?

Yes, UniFi Dream Machines like the UDM Pro/SE have native WireGuard VPN client support through the UniFi Network application GUI. However, some users have reported instability or difficulty getting Surfshark’s WireGuard configs to consistently route all traffic, sometimes requiring MTU adjustments like setting it to 1300 or 1420 or advanced troubleshooting. For many, OpenVPN proves to be a more stable though slower option on UniFi devices.

What kind of Ubiquiti router is best for Surfshark VPN?

For ease of use with the UniFi ecosystem and decent performance, a UniFi Dream Machine Pro or SE is a good choice, especially for OpenVPN. If you’re more technically inclined and prefer WireGuard or more granular control, an EdgeRouter like an EdgeRouter X or 4 can be excellent, as EdgeOS offers more flexibility for command-line configurations. For beginners, setting up OpenVPN on any UniFi Gateway is often the most straightforward starting point. Surfshark VPN Stock Symbol: Can You Invest in This Popular VPN?

Will setting up Surfshark on my router slow down my internet speed?

Yes, using a VPN on your router will almost always introduce some speed overhead due to the encryption and routing process. OpenVPN typically causes a more noticeable speed drop compared to WireGuard. The degree of slowdown also depends on your router’s processing power, the distance to the VPN server, and server load.

How do I get Surfshark’s configuration files for my Ubiquiti router?

You need to log into your Surfshark account on their official website. Go to the “VPN” section, then select “Manual setup.” Here, you can choose either OpenVPN or WireGuard. For OpenVPN, you’ll find manual credentials username and password and downloadable .ovpn files. For WireGuard, you’ll generate a key pair and then download a .conf file for your desired server location.

Why is my UniFi VPN client connected but my IP address isn’t changing?

This is a common issue and usually points to a problem with your routing configuration. The VPN client might successfully connect to the Surfshark server, but your UniFi gateway isn’t directing your network’s internet traffic through that VPN tunnel. Double-check your policy-based routing rules in the UniFi Network Application to ensure they correctly specify which networks or devices should use the VPN client interface. Also, ensure there are no DNS leaks by setting custom DNS servers that are privacy-focused.

Can I have different devices on my Ubiquiti network use different Surfshark VPN servers?

Yes, through policy-based routing PBR on your UniFi or EdgeRouter device. You can create separate VLANs virtual local area networks or client groups, then configure routing rules to direct traffic from one VLAN through a Surfshark VPN client to a server in one country, and traffic from another VLAN through a different Surfshark VPN client to a server in another country if your router supports multiple VPN client connections. This offers great flexibility for advanced users.

What should I do if my Surfshark app on a device connected to the Ubiquiti VPN router shows “The app couldn’t reach Surfshark systems”?

This error typically indicates a connectivity problem between the Surfshark app and its servers, which could be related to your network setup, even if your router VPN is active. First, try restarting the Surfshark app and your device. If the issue persists, try temporarily disabling the router VPN if you have it set up and see if the app connects directly. Also, ensure the Surfshark app is updated, and check for any conflicting firewall or antivirus software on your device. If all else fails, contact Surfshark support for specific guidance. What’s the Big Deal About Static IP Addresses, Anyway?