question,answer,url How to connect manually using Surfshark Windows app,"In this article, you will learn how to manually connect using the Surfshark Windows app.You will need a Windows device and an active Surfshark subscription to follow along. Don’t have a subscription yet? Check outSurfshark plans.NOTE:You can connect manually using SurfsharkVPN for Windowsfrom version2.6.3and later.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, enter theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE: Keep this tab open as we'll need it forlater.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to the Locations tab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Under each flag, you will see thehostnameof this server.Copyit — you will need to enter it to connect to this server.Configure the manual connection using the Surfshark appNOTE:The setup is exactly the same if you choose to connect via OpenVPN / TCP.Launch the Surfshark app and click onConnect manually.Enter all the required details:Protocol:You can leave the default option or choose your preferred one (OpenVPN UDPorOpenVPN TCP)Service username:Surfshark service username (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Service password:Surfshark service password (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Hostname / IP:Hostname or the IP address of the server you want to connect to (refer toChoose a Surfshark serversection in this article)Port:It will change automatically. In case it does not:OpenVPN (UDP):1194OpenVPN (TCP):1443Once finished, pressConnect.When connected, you will be greeted with the following screen. To disconnect, pressDisconnect.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013538779-How-to-connect-manually-using-Surfshark-Windows-app How to connect manually using the Surfshark iOS app,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to manually connect to VPN servers on your iOS device.To set up a manual VPN connection, you will need an iOS device runningiOS 13or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE: Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOn the same page, go to theLocationstab and locate the server you wish to connect to.Tap on the server you wish to connect to.Copy theServer address– you will need to enter it later to connect.Configure the manual connection using the Surfshark appIf you haven't installed the Surfshark app yet, please follow our article onhow to set up Surfshark VPN on iOS.Launch the Surfshark app and pressLog in.TapManual connection.Fill in all the details:Protocol:You can leave the default option or choose your preferred one (OpenVPN UDPorOpenVPN TCP)Service username:Surfshark service username (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Service password:Surfshark service password (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Hostname / IP:Hostname or the IP address of the server you want to connect to (refer toChoose a Surfshark serversection in this article)Port:It will change automatically. In case it does not:OpenVPN (UDP):1194OpenVPN (TCP):1443IKEv2:4500Make sure to select which protocol you'd like to use.TapConnect.You may get pop-up if you're connecting to the VPN for the first time. TapAllow.The next thing you'll see will be the connection status window. If the connection was successful, you should see the connection status in agreen bar, your new IP address, and a button to disconnect. To disconnect, tapDisconnect.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018911294-How-to-connect-manually-using-the-Surfshark-iOS-app How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the OpenVPN GUI app on your device, which can be useful in restrictive network environments or when your computer's operating system is too old to run the Surfshark app.To set up OpenVPN on Windows, you will need a device running Windows OS, OpenVPN app, and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Download configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend theUDPprotocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the OpenVPN appDownload the OpenVPN GUI app from the links below.Windows 32-bitWindows 64-bitFind the installation file in your device'sDownloadsfolder.Double-clickthe downloaded installation file.You have toallowthe app to make changes because the OpenVPN app needs permission to manage network and VPN settings. ClickYes.PressNextto start the installation.ClickI Agree.Leave the default components checked and proceed further by clickingNext.Choose the pathwhere the OpenVPN GUI app should be installed.You can leave the default path and clickInstall.Wait until the installation is complete. Then clickNext.ClickFinish.Connect to the VPNLocate the OpenVPN GUI icon on your desktop anddouble-clickon it.The app will start in theSystem Tray.Clickthe white arrow to find the OpenVPN icon (computer with a lock) there.Import downloaded configuration files. To do this,right-clickthe OpenVPN in your system tray and chooseImport file...Navigateto the folder where your configuration files are (refer toDownload configuration filessection).They were most likely saved in yourDownloadsfolder, so you may want to look there.Choose the configuration file that you have downloaded and clickOpen.Once the file is imported, you will find it in the OpenVPN GUI app.Right-clickon the OpenVPN GUI icon again. Then, move the cursor to the name of the imported configuration file. That will open a menu with actions you can do with this file. ChooseConnect.EnterSurfshark service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection).ClickOK.If the connection is successful, the connection window disappears, and the OpenVPN GUI icon turnsgreen.To disconnect from the server,right-clickon the OpenVPN GUI icon,movethe cursor to the configuration file that is currently used, and chooseDisconnect.If you wish to connect to a different location, download the configuration for that server and repeat theConnect to the VPNsection from the beginning.NOTE:in case you were not able to connect, tryhow to set up a manual WireGuard connection on Windows.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010272839-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-in-countries-with-internet-restrictions-on-Windows How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the OpenVPN app on your Android device. This app is an alternative way of connecting to Surfshark servers that will come in handy if you can't connect to the VPN due to network restrictions or any other reasons.You will need a phone or tablet running Android and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Go to theSurfshark login pageand log in. Tap onProducts > VPN > Manual setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNDownload configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend the UDP protocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the appIf you don't have access to the Google Play Store on your device, or can not find the OpenVPN app there, download the .apk version of this app fromhere.If you have access to the Play Store, check the following steps:Launch theGoogle Play Storeapp.Use the search bar to search forOpenVPN.You may find several different apps for OpenVPN. We used the one you can see in the picture below. Press theInstallbutton.Once the installation finishes, you will find the app on your device.Add and connect to the VPN profileAs you open the OpenVPN app, you will see a screen, as in the picture below.You need to upload your configuration file (refer to theDownload configuration filesin this article). To do so, switch to theUPLOADFILEtab and tap onBROWSE.Locate your device'sDownloadsfolder and tap on the Surfshark configuration file.Confirm the action by tappingOK.Fill in the required details.NOTE: make sure to tap onSave password.Profile name: Use any nameUsername: the service username (Get your credentialssection in this article)Password: the service password (Get your credentialssection in this article)You may get a pop-up informing you about the certificate. The certificate in included in the configuration file, so clickCONTINUE.When connecting for the first time, you will see a request to set up a VPN connection. Without your permission, the OpenVPN app won't be able to make a VPN connection. Click OK.If the VPN connection is successful, you will see the connection status on your screen.It shows that you're connected, as well as some details about the connection.To disconnect from the VPN, tap on the switch (which is green now). As soon as you disconnect, the switch will turn gray.To change the VPN location, download a new configuration file for your preferred location (refer toDownload configuration filessection in this article), then add a new profile (refer toAdd and connect to the VPN profilesection of this article).Ensure that the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010272579-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-in-countries-with-internet-restrictions-on-Android How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the IKEv2 VPN connection on your iOS device.This is an alternative way of connecting to Surfshark servers that will come in handy if the Surfshark VPN app can not be installed on your iOS or it does not perform as expected.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onProducts >VPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > IKEv2to generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate new credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Find server hostnamesEvery server has a hostname that you will need to use to connect to the specific VPN location. You can find all the hostnames in theLocationstab.Here, you will see a list of all the servers.Tap on the location of your choice. Once you do, you will be able to see theserver address.Download and install the IKEv2 profileScrolldown to the bottom of theLocationstab. Tap on theIKEv2 certificateto start the download.NOTE:We highly recommend downloading them through theSafaribrowser, as other browsers may not work correctly.Once you press download, you may get a pop-up. PressAllow.When the download is complete, you will get a notification –Profile Downloaded.Open theSettingsapp.You will notice a tab sayingProfile Downloaded.Tap on it.After opening the profile, clickInstall.Confirm the installation by clickingInstallagain.When the installation is complete, tapDoneand proceed to the next step.Connect to the VPNOpen theSettingsapp on your device, go toGeneral, and tap on theVPN & Device Managementtab.SelectAdd VPN Configuration...Fill in all the required details:Type: IKEv2.Description: Your preferred name of this connection.Server: the hostname of the server. Refer to theFind server hostnamespart of this article.Remote ID: the same hostname that you entered in theServerfield.Local ID: leave empty.User Authentication: Username.Username: Your Surfshark service username. Refer to theGet your credentialspart of this article.Password: Your Surfshark service password. Refer to theGet your credentialspart of this article.Proxy: Off.PressDoneafter entering all the details.From now on, you will find the configured VPN profile in theVPNtab that you will always find inSettings > General.Move the slider to connect and disconnect from the VPN.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:How to make sure if my connection was successful?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010180680-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-in-countries-with-internet-restrictions-on-iOS How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on macOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the Tunnelblick app on your macOS device. The setup can be useful in restrictive network environments or when your computer's operating system is too old to run the Surfshark app.You will need a device running macOS and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSursfhark's pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Download configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend theUDPprotocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the Tunnelblick appDownload the Tunnelblick app from theofficial Tunnelblick website.Click thegreen arrowto download the latest Tunnelblick version.Locate the installation package in theDownloadsorRecentsfolder on your Mac.To start the installation process,double-clickon the Tunnelblick installation package.Double-clicktheTunnelblick iconin the next window.Confirm the action by pressingOpen.Set yourpreferencesfor the Tunnelblick app and clickContinue.You can leave the default entries.ClickI have configuration files(refer to theDownload configuration filessection in this article).ClickOK.Open theDownloadsfolder of your Mac and locate theSurfshark configuration filesyou already downloaded.Openthe Tunnelblick app by clicking on theTunnelblick iconin the menu bar.Click on the configuration file in yourDownloadsfolder and drag it to theConfigurationsareain the Tunnelblick app.You can also install configuration files without opening the Tunnelblick app bydraggingthem to theTunnelblick iconin the menu bar.You will get a pop-up. SelectOnly Me.You may need to enter your admin credentials to perform this action.Enter your Macadmin account passwordand pressOK.The configuration files that you just installed will appear in theConfigurations sectionon the Tunnelblick app.Connect to the VPNClickon the configuration file of a specific location and pressConnect.Enter Surfshark service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article) and clickOK.To save the service credentials for the next connection, make sure to check bothSave in Keychainboxes.You will see a pop-up window showing the connection status in the top-right corner of your screen. It will stayyellowwhile connecting and will turngreenafter the connection is successful.To disconnect from the VPN, click theDisconnectbutton.If you wish to connect to a different location, download the configuration for that server and repeat theConnect to the VPNsection from the beginning.NOTE:in case you were not able to connect, tryhow to set up a manual WireGuard connection on macOS.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010179740-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-in-countries-with-internet-restrictions-on-macOS How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Linux,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the OpenVPN app on your Linux device. This method is a proven way to easily connect to the VPN from countries with internet restrictions like China, UAE, etc.To set up OpenVPN on Linux, you will need a device running Linux OS, OpenVPN app, and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE: These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup. This is the page where all the details required for manual connection are stored.ClickDesktop or Mobile > OpenVPN. Proceed to theCredentialstab. Click on theCredentialstab at the top.NOTE:Keep this page open for now. You will need these credentials a bit later.Download and install the OpenVPN packageOpenthe terminal window.You can do that by pressingCtrl+Alt+Tkeys or navigating to it in your apps menu.Enter the following command to install all the necessary packages:sudo apt-get install openvpn unzipYou may need to enter your computer password to confirm this process. In such a case, enter thepasswordand pressEnter.Download configuration filesNavigate to the OpenVPN directory. You can do that by entering this command:cd /etc/openvpnDownloadthe Surfshark OpenVPN configuration by entering the following command:sudo wgethttps://surfshark.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/360018527519/configurations.zipExtract theconfigurations.zipby entering this command:sudo unzip configurationsEnter the following command to see the list of all the available servers:lsConnect to the VPNChoose one server from the list that you want to connect to and copy thehostname (URL)representing this server's hostname.Connect to your chosen server by entering this command:sudo openvpnFor example, if you'd like to connect to theus-slcserver, this would be the command:sudo openvpn us-slc.prod.surfshark.com_udp.ovpnEnterSurfshark service credentials(refer toGet your credentialssection in this article). PressEnter.If you can see the 'Initialization Sequence Completed'line in your terminal, you have successfully connected.Todisconnectfrom the OpenVPN connection, open the terminal and pressCtrl + C.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012116920-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-in-countries-with-internet-restrictions-on-Linux How to check if your router supports VPN,"As router options are almost infinite, you have a lot to choose from. It is a lot easier to know if your router supports a VPN connection by its category.ISP provided routersIn most cases, ISP routers, or Internet Service Provider routers, havemassive restrictions enabledon them that can only be disabled by your ISP.There is a slim chance that you can set up a VPN on a router provided by your ISP. You may not even be able to change small settings, like DNS.So, if you have an ISP router and want a VPN setup on one, you mustinvest in the other two categories.Off-the-shelf routersOTS (Off-the-shelf) routers are much easier to work with, but not all of them may support a VPN. It's important to make sure that the router you are checking out has VPN compatibility. To do that, check the following steps:Find thefeatureslist.Search forOpenVPNorWireGuard®client.NOTE:Don't mix it up with an OpenVPN server, as this is an entirely different thing.Custom firmware routersUsually, almost all custom firmware routers have VPN availability, and these are more likely to be fully customizable with many handy features.It's not hard to set up a VPN on a custom firmware router, and we haverouter guidesfor almost all custom firmware.How to know if my router is VPN-compatibleIf you're looking for a new router,here are ourtop 5 VPN routers for your home.But if you already have a router and you have decided to set up a VPN on it, you must find out if it is compatible with a VPN. There are several ways to do that:Read your router's user manual and look for OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP instructions.If you do not have the user manual at home, you can usually find it online.Find the model of your router and look for more information online. Usually, more people have the same router as you and have already tried to set up a VPN.Log into your router and check out the settings. Look for an OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP client. The most common way to do that is to find your router's IP address and enter it into the URL bar on your browser. If you don't know how to do that, checkHow to find your router's IP addressguide.Look at therouters sectionon our Help Center. We may already have a detailed tutorial for your router.What to do if my router is not VPN-compatible?If your router turns out to be incompatible with VPN, consider purchasing a new one or installing a new firmware to your current router. Here's a few suggestions:Install a widely used DD-WRT open-source firmware on your router.There are other firmware options available too. For example, Tomato firmware.Here is a list of routersthat support Tomato.Reinstalling firmware might permanently damage your router if done incorrectly. Surfshark is not responsible for any damage that might be caused by installing custom firmware.Choose a router that comes with VPN functionality by default.For general guidance, we recommend routers running AsusWRT firmware, which is really easy to set up with a VPN. Here are several Asus models running this firmware:RT-N66U, RT-AC56U, Asus N-16, RT-AC66U, RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC5300, RT-AC3200, RT-AC3100, RT-AC1750, RT-AC88U, RT-AC66RAnother VPN-friendly option is GL.iNet routers. These mini routers come with OpenWRT firmware pre-installed and already have an OpenVPN client. Here are a few models to get you started:GL-AR750S-Ext (Slate), GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango), GL-AR300M (Shadow).You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405991612946-How-to-check-if-your-router-supports-VPN What routers are not supported?,"NOTE:We highly recommend downloading Surfshark apps to ensure the best performance, security, and hassle-free setup.At the moment, we have apps forWindows,macOS,Linux,Android,iOS,Chrome,Firefox,Fire TV.If the Surfshark VPN app can not be installed on your device, youcan try setting up Surfshark Smart DNSfeature. You can use Smart DNS onApple TV(&other smart TVs),Xbox, andPlayStation.If you want to set up Surfshark on your router, you won’t be able to do so on the following ones (or at least with their default firmware):ArrisBelkinCiscoLinksys (exceptTomato supported routersfromTomato FAQlist)TRENDnetTotoLinkUbeeGoogle WiFiMost ISP-provided routersUsually, these routers do not supportOpenVPN protocolor theWireGuard protocolby default. However, you should be able to set it up with customDD-WRT firmwareand protect your home network.If you do have DD-WRT installed on your router, proceed onsetting up OpenVPN on DD-WRT routerorsetting up WireGuard on DD-WRT router.If your router supports a VPN client, setup is pretty easy. Check out ourlist of routerswhere you can find setup guides for most of them.NOTE:Surfsharkis not to be held responsible for any damage done to the router or void of warranty that could be caused by flashing your router.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010780059-What-routers-are-not-supported How to find your router's IP address,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to find your router's internal IP address.At first, you may want to try checking the default IP addresses that popular routers often use. See the common default IPs.If your router isnoton the default IPs list, you can find it yourself. Choose your device below and proceed to the suggested steps to find your router's IP.WindowsClick theWindows StartorSearchbutton and start typing ""cmd"". TheCommand Promptprogram will show up.Clickon it.You will see a new terminal window. Enter theipconfigcommand and hitenter.This command will show information about all network adapters.You should now see information about all network adapters on your device. Look underWireless LAN adapterif you’re connected to Wi-Fi orEthernet adapterif you’re connected to a wired network.Find theDefault Gatewayaddress – this is your router's IP address that you can use to log into your router.AndroidGo to your phonesettings.SelectNetwork and Internet.Select your currentWi-Finetwork.Click on thesettings cogwheel.ChooseAdvancedsettings.Look for theGatewayaddress. That is yourrouter's IP.macOSOpenSystem Preferences.SelectNetwork.Select youractive networkand clickAdvanced.Switch to theTCP/IPtab. Here, you will find yourRouter IP.iOSGo to your phoneSettingsapp and tap on theWi-Fitab.Select your currentWi-Finetwork.You will see information about this network. Scroll down a little, and you'll find theRouter'sIP.LinuxOpen a new terminal window.CTRL + Tcombination will do the trick.Enter this command:netstat -rPressEnter.You will see the information about your current network. Look for theGatewayaddress – that's yourRouter's IP.Common default IPsFind your router's brand and see what default IPs are often used.Apple:10.0.1.1Asus:192.168.1.1192.168.2.110.10.1.110.0.0.1Aztech:192.168.1.1192.168.2.1192.168.1.254192.168.254.254Belkin:192.168.1.1192.168.2.110.0.0.210.1.1.1Cisco:192.168.1.1192.168.0.30192.168.0.5010.0.0.110.0.0.2D-Link:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.0.10192.168.0.101192.168.0.30192.168.0.50192.168.1.254192.168.15.1192.168.254.25410.0.0.110.0.0.210.1.1.110.90.90.90Google:192.168.86.1192.168.0.1Huawei:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.3.1192.168.8.1192.168.100.110.0.0.138Linksys:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.1.10192.168.1.210192.168.1.254192.168.1.99192.168.15.1192.168.16.1192.168.2.1Motorola:192.168.0.1192.168.10.1192.168.15.1192.168.20.1192.168.30.1192.168.62.1192.168.100.1192.168.102.1192.168.1.254Netgear:192.168.0.1192.168.0.227Siemens:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.1.254192.168.2.1192.168.254.25410.0.0.13810.0.0.2Tenda:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1TP-Link:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.0.254Ubiquiti:192.168.1.1192.168.1.20ZTE:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.100.100192.168.1.254192.168.2.1192.168.2.254You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017586199-How-to-find-your-router-s-IP-address What is Dedicated IP?,"In this article, you will learn what Dedicated IP is and the benefits of getting one.NOTE:Dedicated IP is not included in Surfshark bundles and needs to be purchased separately. Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.What is a dedicated IP?Surfshark Dedicated IPis a private VPN IP address, which belongs to only you. Purchasing the Dedicated IP address will allow you to receive your own Surfshark IP address, which is not reachable by any other Surfshark users.The benefits of a Dedicated IPWorks with all protocols. You don't have to choose between website speed and a fixed IP. Our Dedicated IP works with all our protocols, even WireGuard®, for maximum speed.Reduce Captcha requests. Captcha requests are a common issue while using a standard VPN. Many users might be using the same IP address as you are, which causes Google to prompt you with Captcha requests. A Dedicated IP helps to minimize Captchas, as websites no longer receive multiple requests from the same IP address.Better network performance. Using a Dedicated IP, your network should become quicker than when using a normal VPN server. With such an IP, you will be the only person generating traffic.Greater security and privacy. As you are the only one using the IP address, there is a far lesser chance of malicious traffic.Eases accessing remote networks.Assessing networks remotely with a shared VPN server is tricky since you never know what address you'll get whenever you connect. That's not an issue with a dedicated static IP.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10516770619026-What-is-Dedicated-IP How to purchase a Dedicated IP,"In this article, you will learn how to purchase a Dedicated IP with Surfshark. You will need to have aSurfshark account with an active subscriptionbefore purchasing a Dedicated IP.NOTE:Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.Check the following steps on how to purchase a Dedicated IP:Openthe Surfshark dashboardand log into your account.Under the VPN tab, click onDedicated IP.In the Dedicated IP tab, click onUpgrade.In the new window, select yourpayment methodand apreferred locationfor your Dedicated IP.You will receive a confirmation of your purchase shortly.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10516725292562-How-to-purchase-a-Dedicated-IP How to set up a Dedicated IP,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a dedicated IP on your Surfshark account. You will need to have aSurfshark account with an active subscriptionbefore purchasing a Dedicated IP.NOTE:Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.Check out these steps on how to set up Dedicated IP:Openthe Surfshark dashboardand log into your account.Under theVPNtab, selectDedicated IP.Select the location of your Dedicated IP.NOTE:You won't be able to change it later, so choose carefully.In this example, we set the Dedicated IP to theUnited States – Los Angeles. Once you select your location, hitActivate.You will receive a notification confirming the setup of your Dedicated IP.On the main page of the Dedicated IP section, you will find all of the information about it. To alter the settings, tap theSettingsbutton.Here you can request to remove all of the info about your IP address or download different protocol configuration files.You may also be interested in:How to use Dedicated IP anonymously",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10516783221138-How-to-set-up-a-Dedicated-IP How to make your Dedicated IP anonymous,"In this article, you will learn how to use Surfshark's Dedicated IP anonymously. You might want that for extra privacy compared to using the regular Dedicated IP.To proceed, you will need aSurfshark subscription. Once you have it, go toyour Surfshark's dashboardand navigate toVPN > Dedicated IP.For more detailed information, see our already-existing article onhow to purchase a Dedicated IP.NOTE:Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.How does Dedicated IP anonymization work?When you anonymize your Dedicated IP address, your account information willno longer be linked to your IP address. This means that even we won't know that the IP address is yours.However, it's important that youkeep your Dedicated IP token information for yourself so that you can use it on other devices in the future.Download configuration files & save your credentialsIf you're using a router or any other manual connection, you'll need the configuration files to connect manually. Even if you don't need the setup in the future, it's worth saving these files if you change your mind. Follow the steps below to download the configuration files now.Note: You must save your credentials from the configuration files in this step, as you won’t be able to access them later.Open upSurfshark's websiteandLog in. Navigate to theDedicated IPsection. To download the configuration files, simplyclickon the configuration file (WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2).Then, proceed to press thedownloadbutton. The configuration file with all its details will be downloaded to your device afterward.ForIKEv2orOpenVPNconnections, make sure to save the credentials to a.txt fileorcloud storageof your choice by clicking on the configuration and copying them.Anonymize your Dedicated IPNOTE:Once the anonymization process starts, it cannot be undone.Click on theRemove my recordsbutton.NOTE:You will get a warning — further proceeding with these steps, you acknowledge that you will no longer have the right to claim a refund and that all the information about your Dedicated IP address will be removed from our databases.Tick both of the boxes and pressStartto continue.Download yourDedicated IPToken. Once you press theDownload tokenbutton, a .txt file with yourDedicated IP tokenwill be downloaded to your device.NOTE:Save this token on multiple devices or cloud storage, as you willno longer be able to access itafter this process is finished.Provide yourDedicated IP tokenin order to prove that you have saved it.Before the process is completed, you can access yourtoken IDin the Surfshark app's (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS)Dedicated IPtab oryour Surfshark dashboard.Enter your token and press theConfirm tokenbutton to proceed.Once you confirm your token, you are able to download theconfiguration files. Proceed by pressing thedownloadbutton for each one.NOTE:If you still need to download the configuration files, you must do it now. Otherwise, you will no longer be able to access them.You'll get an additional warning to save yourconfiguration files. We recommend double-checking that you have successfully downloaded them. By default, they go directly into your computer'sDownloadsfolder.Once you are sure that you have the configuration files saved, click theYes, I saved it button.You will receive a confirmation message stating that you have completed the anonymization process of your Dedicated IP.Connect to your Dedicated IP after anonymizing itTo connect to your Dedicated IP via the app, follow these steps. They are applicable to all versions of the Surfshark app (Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS)Open the Surfshark app and navigate to theDedicated IPtab. On Android and iOS versions of the app, it is under theLocationssection.Once there, if you haven't connected to your Dedicated IP before anonymizing it, you will be asked to input yourToken Key. Once you do so, press theActivatebutton.Now, you will get a notification that your Dedicated IP is ready to be used.If you wish to connect to your Dedicated IP manually (for example, on a router), check out ourmanual connection guides.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12482095644178-How-to-make-your-Dedicated-IP-anonymous How to set up a manual connection with Dedicated IP,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a manual connection with a Dedicated IP.If you still don't have a Dedicated IP, you can get it on ourDedicated IP order page.NOTE:Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.NOTE:A manual connection method using a Dedicated IP is available on IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols.Follow these steps:Openthe Surfshark dashboardand log into your account.Under the Dedicated IP section, click onSettings.Pick a protocol you wish to connect via a manual connection. In this example, we will be downloading aWireGuardconfiguration file.In the new pop-up, you will find the IP, your Public key, and a download button.Copyboth the IP Address and the Public key for your setup. Then, click on thedownloadbutton.For manual Dedicated IP connection setups, you must use their credentials, which are available once you click on theconfiguration file.If you have anonymized your Dedicated IP, check outthis articlefor more information.Lastly, you will need to set up the whole manual connection. Selectyour device and a protocol belowfor a manual setup guide:Windows WireGuard,Windows OpenVPNmacOS WireGuard,macOS OpenVPN,macOS IKEv2Android WireGuard,Android OpenVPN,Android IKEv2iOS WireGuard,iOS OpenVPN,iOS IKEv2Linux OpenVPN,Linux WireGuardYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10760833967506-How-to-set-up-a-manual-connection-with-Dedicated-IP How does Smart DNS work,"In this article, you will learn more about the Smart DNS feature and how it works.How does Smart DNS work?This feature changes the DNS addresses on your device from your local ones to Surfshark’s SmartDNS servers based in the US.Smart DNS does not change your IP address but makes your DNS address look like it's based in a different country (in Surfshark’s case, the US). It also does not encrypt your data.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.Do you need to use Smart DNS?If the Surfshark VPN app works on your device, you do not need to use Smart DNS. The Surfshark VPN app will offer you more functionality on any device. Smart DNS is an alternative option for devices not supporting VPN apps.How to get started with Smart DNSIt’s super easy to get started with Smart DNS. Activate it for your account, and put it on your TV or console. Surfshark’s Help Center hastutorials on how to set up Smart DNS on various devices.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012825360-How-does-Smart-DNS-work Does Surfshark support IPv6? Do I have it on my network?,"This guide will show you how to check whether your network hasIPv6.Does Surfshark support IPv6?At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations.You will not notice any difference in your daily activities if you turn IPv6 off, as there are few use cases for IPv6 yet.How to check if your network has IPv6?UseSurfshark's IP leak testto check your IP address.This page will check your current public IP address.If you haveIPv6running on your network, you will see a lengthy IP address consisting of letters, digits, and colons.If you don't haveIPv6, you will see a shorter IP address consisting only of digits and dots.If you see that IPv6 is active on your network, please disable it so you can use Surfshark without any possible interruptions.You can disable IPv6 directly onWindows,macOS,Android, andLinuxdevices.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011550239-Does-Surfshark-support-IPv6-Do-I-have-it-on-my-network I can't connect to Surfshark,"In this article, we will examine the most common issues you may encounter when connecting to Surfshark and how to solve them.Test different networksFirst of all, check if you can connect your device to the VPN on other networks. Try all the possible options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet (if possible), and mobile hotspots. If you need a guide, here’s our article onhow to use a mobile hotspot.If you cannot connect to any of these, the connection may be blocked by something. In this case, make sure to check if the IPv6 protocol is not enabled on your network, as it may cause various connection issues. You can learn more in our articleDoes Surfshark support IPv6?Change the connection protocolGo to the Surfshark application and click onSettings>VPN Settings>Protocol.Here, you will find all of the available protocols, includingOpenVPN UDP/TCPandWireGuard.NOTE:This does not apply to all router setups or Linux devices, but we still recommend trying what is available.Disable possibly interfering appsYourantivirus programor adifferent VPN applicationis another thing that may be blocking your connection.Make sure that your antivirus is disabled and any other VPN application that may be installed is removed.Update the Surfshark appYou may have an outdated Surfshark application. As various network restrictions are always created, our team is working on bypassing them in every single update.Updatingyour app will help solve this issue if this is the root cause of connectivity issues.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447865072402-I-can-t-connect-to-Surfshark I'm getting an error,"In this article, you will learn how to resolve the general issues related to Surfshark application. You might be getting error messages because of connectivity, your current location, or your network.Check out the following solutions:Updatethe Surfshark application. The latest Surfshark app versions have the latest security measures and bug fixes.Ensurethat you don't have other VPN services running while using Surfshark.Connectto Surfsharkon a different network, e.g., use mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network.You may seeError 403or theUnable to reach systemserror if you are in a country with network restrictions. In this case, please follow the stepsto connect from countries with network restrictions.If you are using a custom firewall or anti-virus application, disable it ormake an exception for Surfshark services.Reinstall theSurfshark app.Restartyour device and router.If you see theSurfshark background service is not runningerror, follow the steps in our article to resolve theSurfshark background serviceissue.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447940514706-I-m-getting-an-error I can't send emails,"In this article, you will learn about what to do if you cannot send or receive emails while connected to Surfshark.OutlookOpen theOutlookapplication on your device.On the Tools menu, click onAccount Settings.Select your email account from the list and clickChange.Select theE-mail Settingswindow, and clickMore Settings.Next, click theOutgoing Servertab and check theMy outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.Click on theAdvancedtab and change the Outgoing server (SMTP) port. Try using SSL encryption combined with the 465.ThunderbirdOpen the Thunderbird client on your device.SelectAccount Settingsfrom the Tools menu.Click onOutgoing Server (SMTP).ClickAdd, and a new window will pop up.Change the port number to465, and in theConnection Securityline, select SSL.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447995732114-I-can-t-send-emails How to troubleshoot connection issues – unable to connect,"In this tutorial, you will learn the fundamental issues that may cause connection issues on various devices and how to troubleshoot them.Change the connection protocol & VPN serverOpen the Surfshark application.Click onSettings.Click onVPN Settings.Find theProtocolsection. Here, you will find all available protocols.The OpenVPN UDP will be the best protocol to try out, as it helps you bypass some of the network restrictions that might be applied to your network. This protocol also offers a VPN connection with one of the fastest speeds.If that does not help,try connecting to a differentVPN server. In theVPNtab, click onLocationsand try a couple of different servers.Test different networksIt is worth checking if you can connect your device to the VPN onother networks. Wi-Fi, Ethernet (if possible), andmobile hotspots– try all possible options.If you cannot connect to VPN on any of these, your network may be restrictive, or the connection is possibly blocked by something. In this case, make sure to check if theIPv6 protocolis not enabled on your network, as it may cause various connection issues.NOTE:Parental ControlsandFirewallscan also cause these issuesDisable possibly interfering appsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirus programoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. To avoid this, it's important todisableyour antivirus andremoveany other VPN applications. In case Surfshark detects another VPN, you will get the following message:Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.Update the Surfshark appOnce you make sure that you cannot connect to all possible networks, different protocols do not help, the antivirus is disabled, and other VPNs are uninstalled, tryfullyreinstalling the Surfshark app.You may have an outdated Surfshark application, which could have a hard time connecting. As various network restrictions are always created, our team is working on bypassing them in every single update.Lastly, if none of the suggestions above help, it is most likely that you are connecting from a VPN-restricting network or country. In this case, please tryconnecting manually.You can also try following ourdevice-specificguides:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxFire TVYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019789439-How-to-troubleshoot-connection-issues-unable-to-connect How to fix unable to connect issues on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to resolve connection issues on your Windows device.NOTE:Although connection problems can usually be fixed with a few simple steps, different networks may have specific restrictions that could prevent the VPN connection. This means that the exact steps to resolve the issue may vary depending on the network you are trying to connect to.Update or reinstall the applicationYou may have an outdated Surfshark application, which could make it harder to connect. Our team constantly bypasses various network restrictions with each release, so be sure to update your app.If the application is indeed the newest released version, try to fully reinstall the Surfshark application.Change the serverIf restoring the application did not help, double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to our United States — Detroit server, try our Germany — Berlin server and others.You might be unable to connect toone particular serveras it could beexperiencing some issues. If so, please let our Customer Success team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.Change the connection protocolDifferent VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That said, you might have a specific port blocked on your home, work, or any other network. Make sure to test all the available protocols in the Surfshark application, as this has a high chance of resolving the issue.Open the Surfshark application and go to theSettingstab.Open theVPN Settingstab.Click onProtocol, and try connecting with all available protocols.Various connection protocols can give you specific errors. The errors tell our support a lot about the potential issue, so make sure to take a screenshot of it for later if you encounter one. If you end up reaching out to our support team, a screenshot of the error will make the troubleshooting process much quicker and easier. Seehow to take a screenshot on Windows.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check outhow to set custom DNS on a Windows device.Disable IPv6At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. That's why we recommenddisablingit for all our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience.Check out how todisable IPv6 on Windows 7orhow to disable IPv6 on Windowsif you haveWindows 8 or higher.Disable potentially interfering applicationsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirusprogramoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus andremove any other VPN applications.Restartyour device afterward.Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021520620-How-to-fix-unable-to-connect-issues-on-Windows How to fix unable to connect issues on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your Android device.NOTE:Typically, connection problems can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, due to the varying configurations of home, work, and school networks, some of them may have specific restrictions that could prevent the VPN connection from working.Change the Installation methodThere are two ways to install Surfshark on your Android device. The first one is through the Google Play Store, and the second one is by installing it directly with an.APK installation file, which can be found on theSurfshark VPN for Android download page.If you installed Surfshark with the .APK file from our website and you experience issues, try the Google Play Store version and vice versa.Update or reinstall the applicationYou may have anoutdatedSurfshark application, which could make it harder to connect. Our team constantly bypasses various network restrictions with each release, so be sure toupdate your app.If the application is indeed the newest released version, try to fully reinstall the Surfshark application.Change the serverIf restoring the application did not help, double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to our United States — Detroit server, try our Germany — Berlin server and others.You might be unable to connect toone particular serveras it could beexperiencing some issues. If so, please let our Customer Success team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.Change the connection protocolDifferent VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That said, you might have a specific port blocked on your home, work, or any other network. Make sure to test all the available protocols in the Surfshark application, as this has a high chance of resolving the issue.Open the Surfshark application and go to theSettingstab.Open theVPN Settingstab.Click onProtocol, and try connecting with all available protocols.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check outhow to set custom DNS on Android device.Disable IPv6At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. That's why we recommenddisablingit for all our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience.If you are using amobile networkconnection, checkhow to disable IPv6 on Android.If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, you can disable it throughyour routeror by contacting your Internet Service Provider and asking them to disable this feature.Disable potentially interfering applicationsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirusprogramoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus andremove any other VPN applications.Restartyour device afterward.Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021634180-How-to-fix-unable-to-connect-issues-on-Android How to fix unable to connect issues on macOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your macOS device.NOTE:Typically, connection problems can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, due to the varying configurations of home, work, and school networks, some of them may have specific restrictions that could prevent the VPN connection from working.Change the installation methodThere are two ways to install Surfshark on your macOS device. The first one is through the App Store, and the second one is by installing it directly with a.DMG installation file, which can be found on theSurfshark VPN for Mac download page.If you installed Surfshark with the .DMG file from our website and you experience issues with it, try theApp Store versionand vice versa. Make sure to use thelatestversion of the app.Change the serverIf restoring the application did not help, double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to our United States — Detroit server, try our Germany — Berlin server and others.You might be unable to connect toone particular serveras it could beexperiencing some issues. If so, please let our Customer Success team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.Change the connection protocolDifferent VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That said, you might have a specific port blocked on your home, work, or any other network. Make sure to test all the available protocols in the Surfshark application, as this has a high chance of resolving the issue.Open the Surfshark application and go to theSettingstab.Open theVPN Settingstab.Click onProtocol, and try connecting with all available protocols.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check outhow to set custom DNS on macOS device.Disable IPv6At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. That's why we recommenddisablingit for all our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience.Check out how todisable IPv6 on macOS.Disable potentially interfering applicationsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirusprogramoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus andremove any other VPN applications.Restartyour device afterward.Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021563580-How-to-fix-unable-to-connect-issues-on-macOS How to fix unable to connect issues on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your iOS device.NOTE:Typically, connection problems can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, due to the varying configurations of home, work, and school networks, some of them may have specific restrictions that could prevent the VPN connection from working.Update or reinstall the applicationYou may have anoutdatedSurfshark application, which could make it harder to connect. Our team constantly bypasses various network restrictions with each release, so be sure toupdate your app.If the application is indeed the newest released version, try to fully reinstall the Surfshark application.Change the serverIf restoring the application did not help, double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to our United States — Detroit server, try our Germany — Berlin server and others.You might be unable to connect toone particular serveras it could beexperiencing some issues. If so, please let our Customer Success team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.Change the connection protocolDifferent VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That said, you might have a specific port blocked on your home, work, or any other network. Make sure to test all the available protocols in the Surfshark application, as this has a high chance of resolving the issue.Open the Surfshark application and go to theSettingstab.Open theVPN Settingstab.Click onProtocol, and try connecting with all available protocols.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check outhow to set custom DNS on iOS device.Disable IPv6At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. We recommend disabling it for all our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience.Sadly, there is no way of disabling IPv6 directly on your iOS device. However, you candisable it through your routeror by contacting your Internet Service Provider and asking them to disable the feature.Disable potentially interfering applicationsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirusprogramoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus andremove any other VPN applications.Restartyour device afterward.Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021589119-How-to-fix-unable-to-connect-issues-on-iOS How to fix unable to connect issues on Linux,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to troubleshoot connection issues on your Linux device.NOTE:Typically, connection problems can be resolved with a few simple steps. However, due to the varying configurations of home, work, and school networks, some of them may have specific restrictions that could prevent the VPN connection from working.Change the serverIf restoring the application did not help, double-check to see if you cannot connect to various locations. For example, if you tried connecting to our United States — Detroit server, try our Germany — Berlin server and others.You might be unable to connect toone particular serveras it could beexperiencing some issues. If so, please let our Customer Success team know about the location you are struggling to connect to, and our team will take immediate action.Change the connection protocolDifferent VPN protocols use different network ports to connect. That said, you might have a specific port blocked on your home, work, or any other network.Make sure to test both of the available protocols on Linux.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS on any device can change the overall connection, increase the speed, resolve unstable connection issues, or help you connect to the VPN. Check outhow to set custom DNS on a Linux device.Disable IPv6At the moment,Surfshark does not support the IPv6 protocol. Having IPv6 enabled on your network might make it complicated to connect to our servers in some situations. That's why we recommenddisablingit for all our customers to improve the overall connectivity experience.Check out how tohow to disable IPv6 on a Linux device.Disable potentially interfering applicationsIt's possible for your VPN connection to be blocked by yourantivirusprogramoranother VPN applicationinstalled on your device. In order to avoid this, it's important to disable your antivirus andremove any other VPN applications.Restartyour device afterward.Our VPN application makes minor modifications to your connection settings, which may be flagged as a security threat by some antivirus software, resulting in a blocked connection attempt. Additionally, different VPN applications may use conflicting connection configurations, leading to connection cancellation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021674059-How-to-fix-unable-to-connect-issues-on-Linux How to fix unstable connection issues on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix unstable VPN connection issues on your Windows device.Change the default protocol used on the Surfshark appLaunchthe Surfshark app.Go toSettings > VPN Settings. This is where you will find an option to change the defaultprotocol.Try other locationsFor various reasons, such as server load or technical issues on the server, one location might provide a more stable connection than others.To change the location, open theLocationspage on your Surfshark app; here, you will find the full list of our servers. Try to test at least several different serversand see if the issue persists.Disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network control on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.This applies toother VPNs,firewalls,file-sharing apps, and especiallyanti-virus software. If you have any of those, trydisablingthem.Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Switch to a different networkConnectivity issues mightbe network-specific. This often happens if the Internet provider applies some restrictions on its network. To see if this is the case, try to check if connectivity issues remain connected to a different network.You can easily do that by sharing a mobile hotspot with your mobile device or trying a different Wi-Fi connection.Reinstall the Surfshark appSometimes, areinstall of the Surfshark appcan rectify most of the connection issues you are facing.Reboot your deviceThis may sound simple, but it will kill unnecessary apps' background processes and reset your network to give you a fresh start.Remove parental/security controls on your routerSome network providers might have enabled network security features on your network. Most often, such features are parental controls or some ""Safe DNS"" function.Setting custom DNS on your router will do the trick. Check the following steps:Navigate to your router's network settings.Change DNS to:DNS1:162.252.172.57DNS2:149.154.159.92Set custom DNSYour Internet service provider often provides default DNS servers. In many cases, it's not the best option performance-wise.Here's a guide onhow to set custom DNS.Turn off IPv6IPv6 is a networking system that some Internet networks might have. Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.Check out if youhave IPv6 on your network. If that’s the case, disable it.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010710460-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-Windows How to fix unstable connection issues on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn what might cause connectivity issues on your Android and how to fix them.Change the default protocol on your Surfshark appThis is the first solution that you should try if you notice the connection being unstable on your Android device when connected to a VPN.Launch the Surfshark app and go toSettings.Click onVPN Settingsand open theProtocoltab. This is where you will find an option to change the defaultprotocol.Change the protocol fromAutomatictoOpenVPN(UDP). If that does not help, tryOpenVPN(TCP)and the other protocols.Try other locationsFor various reasons, one location might provide a more stable connection compared to others.To change the location, open theLocationspage on your Surfshark app; here, you will find the full list of our servers. Try totest at least several different serversand see if the issue persists.Turn off battery-saving modeNOTE:Battery saving mode disables many systems on the phone, including some networking functions.Since many different Android OS versions exist, this setting might appear in a different location. But most often, you will find it if you go to your phone'sSettingsand checkBattery settings. IfBattery Saveror any similar function is on, try disabling it.Disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network control on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.That applies toanti-virus software,other VPNs,firewalls, andfile-sharing apps. If you have any of those, trydisablingthem.Thenrebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Switch to a different networkConnectivity issues might be network-specific. This often happens if the Internet provider applies some restrictions on its network. To see if this is the case, try to check if connectivity issues remain connected to a different network.You can easily do that on your Android byswitching from Wi-Fi to a mobile data networkor vice versa.Restart your AndroidIt may sound simple, but this will reset your network and give you a fresh start.Disable the IPv6IPv6 is a networking system that some Internet networks might have. Unfortunately, Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.If you’d like to disable IPv6, check out this article onhow to disable IPv6 on Android.NOTE:IPv6 can only be disabled on mobile data networks.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009860539-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-Android How to fix connectivity issues on Fire TV stick,"In this article, you will learn different ways to fix connectivity issues on the Fire TV stick.BT networksNOTE:If you can not log into your Surfshark account, skip the first suggestion.Change the protocol.Go toSettings > Protocol. Change the default protocol toOpenVPN(TCP) and try to connect. If that does not help, try the remaining protocols.Disable the BT Firewall and create an IPv6 pinhole(sounds more difficult than it actually is).2.1. Ensure you're connected to the BT network, then open a browser.2.2. Enter yourrouter's IP addressin the URL bar. In some cases, IP addresses may vary, but usually, BT users can access their router with this IP address:192.168.1.2542.3.Loginto your router's dashboard. You should find the required credentials on the back of your router unless you've set your custom ones.2.4 Navigate toAdvanced settings > Configurationand set the firewall toDisabled.2.5. Go back toAdvanced settings, select theIPv6tab, then choosePinhole. Click theCreate new IPv6 pinholebutton.Enter the following details for the new pinhole:Rule name:Surfshark, or any otherDevice:choose your Fire TV stickStart Port: 80End Port:51820Protocol:UDP or TCP2.6.Savethe settings.2.7.Rebootyour router, thenopenthe Surfshark app on your Fire TV Stick and test it again.Send diagnostics.If the second solution did not solve your issue, pleasesendusdiagnosticsand proceed to the fourth solution. By sending diagnostics, you will help Surfshark's developers solve this problem more quickly.You will find an option to send diagnostics if you open your Surfshark app, go toSettings, and scroll down to the very bottom of that page. It would also be great if you could leave a short message about the reason you're providing diagnostics to us.Reinstall the Surfshark app.After sending us the diagnostics,uninstallyour Surfshark app. Then, go to the Amazon app store andinstallthe Surfshark app again. See if that helps.If the previous suggestion did not fix the issue either, we could suggestside-loading the Surfshark app. That means installing the Surfshark app not from the Amazon app store but from an external source.Check out our article onhow to sideload apps on a Firestick.Virgin Media networksNOTE:If you can not log into your Surfshark account, skip the first suggestion.Change the protocol.Go toSettings > Protocol. Change the default protocol toOpenVPN(TCP) and try to connect. If that does not help, try the remaining protocols.Turn off the Web Safe feature (a.k.a. Virgin Media Parental controls)2.1. Log in toMy Virgin Mediaas the primary account holder.2.2. Navigate toMy Apps > Web Safe.2.3. Switch off both -Virus SafeandChild Safe.ClickApply.2.4.Restartboth your router and the Firestick. Then,testthe Surfshark app again.Send diagnostics.If the second solution did not solve your issue, pleasesendusdiagnosticsand proceed to the fourth solution. By sending diagnostics, you will help Surfshark's developers solve this problem more quickly.You will find an option to send diagnostics if you open your Surfshark app, go toSettings, and scroll down to the very bottom of that page. It would also be great if you could leave a short message about the reason you're providing diagnostics to us.Reinstall the Surfshark app.After sending us the diagnostics,uninstallyour Surfshark app. Then, go to the Amazon app store andinstallthe Surfshark app again. See if that helps.If the previous suggestion did not fix the issue either, we could suggestside-loading the Surfshark app. That means installing the Surfshark app not from the Amazon app store but from an external source.Check out our article onhow to sideload apps on a Firestick.Sky NetworksNOTE:If you can not log into your Surfshark account, skip the first suggestion.Change the protocol.Go toSettings > Protocol. Change the default protocol toOpenVPN(TCP) and try to connect. If that does not help, try the remaining protocols.Disable IPv6 on your router.2.1.Log into the router. Type192.168.0.1in the address bar of a web browser, selectAdvanced, and log in with the usernameadminand passwordsky.2.2. SelectLAN/IPsetup.2.3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.2.4. UntickEnable IPv6 on LAN side2.5. ClickApplyand save the settings.Send diagnostics.If the second solution did not solve your issue, pleasesendusdiagnosticsand proceed to the fourth solution. By sending diagnostics, you will help Surfshark's developers solve this problem more quickly.You will find an option to send diagnostics if you open your Surfshark app, go toSettings, and scroll down to the very bottom of that page. It would also be great if you could leave a short message about the reason you're providing diagnostics to us.Reinstall the Surfshark app.After sending us the diagnostics,uninstallyour Surfshark app. Then, go to the Amazon app store andinstallthe Surfshark app again. See if that helps.If the previous suggestion did not fix the issue either, we could suggestside-loading the Surfshark app. That means installing the Surfshark app not from the Amazon app store but from an external source.Check out our article onhow to sideload apps on a Firestick.Other internet providersNOTE:If you can not log into your Surfshark account, skip the first suggestion.Change the protocol.Go toSettings > Protocol. Change the default protocol toOpenVPN(TCP) and try to connect. If that does not help, try the remaining protocols.Send diagnostics.If the second solution did not solve your issue, pleasesendusdiagnosticsand proceed to the fourth solution. By sending diagnostics, you will help Surfshark's developers solve this problem more quickly.You will find an option to send diagnostics if you open your Surfshark app, go toSettings, and scroll down to the very bottom of that page. It would also be great if you could leave a short message about the reason you're providing diagnostics to us.Reinstall the Surfshark app.After sending us the diagnostics,uninstallyour Surfshark app. Then, go to the Amazon app store andinstallthe Surfshark app again. See if that helps.If the previous suggestion did not fix the issue either, we could suggestside-loading the Surfshark app. That means installing the Surfshark app not from the Amazon app store but from an external source.Check out our article onhow to sideload apps on a Firestick.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012787240-How-to-fix-connectivity-issues-on-Fire-TV-stick How to disable IPv6 on any device,"This guide will show you how to manually disableIPv6 addressaddress support on any device.When IPv6 is enabled, it can drasticallyslow down your connection speed,cause unstable connection issues, ormake it impossible to connect to the VPN server.Select your device from the list below for detailed instructions on how to disable IPv6:Windows 8, 10Windows 7macOSLinuxAndroidWhile it'snot possible to disable IPv6 on an iOS device, you can turn it off onyour routervia the admin panel or by contacting your internet service provider.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402494781458-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-any-device How to fix unstable connection issues on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn what might cause connectivity issues on your iOS device and how to fix them.Change the default protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Tap onVPN Settings.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Changeit from Automatic toOpenVPN (UDP).Connect to one of the servers and test the connectivity.IfOpenVPN (UDP)does not help, try theWireGuardprotocol as well.Disable the Low Power modeLow Powermode or other settings that optimize battery consumption on your device might disable essential networking functions. Try disabling it with the following steps:Go toSettings.Find theBatterysection.Check if theLow Powermode is on. If it is,turn it offand test the speed again.Disable interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network controls on your device. That can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection. This applies toantivirus software,other VPNs, andfile-sharing apps.If you have any of those, trydisablingthem. Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Switch to a different networkConnectivity issues might be network-specific. This often happens if the Internet Provider applies some kind of restrictions on its network. To see if that is the case, check if connectivity issues remain while connected to a different network.You can easily do that on your iOS byswitching from Wi-Fi to a mobile datanetwork or vice versa.Try other locationsFor various reasons, one location might provide a more stable connection than others.To change the location, open theLocationspage on your Surfshark app, where you will find the full list of our servers. Try totest at least several different serversand see if the issue persists.Restart your deviceEven though it may sound simple,restartingyour device will give you a fresh start.Check if you have IPv6 on your networkIPv6 is a networking system that some internet networks might have. Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.Checkif you have IPv6 on your network. Unfortunately, iOS devices do not have an option to turn it off locally. So if you find that IPv6 is on, it would be best tocontact your internet service provider and request to turn it off.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012461539-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-iOS How to fix unstable connection issues on macOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn what might cause connectivity issues on your Mac and how to fix them.If you notice the connection being unstable on your device when connected to a VPN, here is what you should try:Change the default protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Tap onVPN Settings.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Changeit from Automatic toOpenVPN (UDP).Connect to one of the servers and test the speed again.IfOpenVPN (UDP)does not help, try theWireGuardprotocol as well.Try other locationsEven if you have used theFastest serverbutton previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that areclose to your physical location.If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, there are many apps on the App Store for testing the speed. Download one and use it for speed testing purposes.Temporarily disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network controls on your device. This can sometimes interfere with your Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.This applies toother VPNs,firewalls,file-sharing apps, and especiallyanti-virus software.If you have any of those, trydisablingthem. Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Remove parental/security controls on your routerSome network providers might have enabled network security features on your network. Most often, such features are parental controls or some ""Safe DNS"" function.Setting custom DNS on your router will do the trick. To do that, you will need to navigate to your router's network settings and change the DNS to:DNS1:162.252.172.57DNS2:149.154.159.92Reboot your MacEven though this may sound simple, it often does the trick.Rebootingyour Mac will kill unnecessary apps' background processes and give you a fresh start.Set custom DNS on your machineYour internet service provider often provides default DNS servers. In many cases, they're not the best option performance-wise.Here's a guide onhow to configure custom DNS on a macOS device.Turn off IPv6 on your deviceIPv6 is a networking system that some internet networks use. Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.Seeif you have IPv6 on your networkandhow to disable IPv6 on macOS.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012470359-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-macOS How to fix unstable connection issues on Linux,"In this tutorial, you will learn what might be the reason for connectivity issues on your Linux machine and how to fix them.Try other server locationsFor various reasons, like server load or technical issues on the server, one location might provide a more stable connection than others.Connect to a different countryto see if that makes a difference.Try a different protocolYou will find differentprotocolsavailable on the Surfshark client for Linux. If you have noticed stability issues when using the UDP protocol, try switching to the other one and checking if that helps.Disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network controls on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.This applies toanti-virus software,other VPNs,firewalls, andfile-sharing apps. If you have any of those, trydisablingthem. Thenrebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Change the default DNS on your LinuxIf your PC is using a DNS from your Internet Service Provider, that might be the reason why you experience connectivity issues. Changing your default DNS to Surfshark DNS is worth taking a shot. Seehow to configure custom DNS on a Linux device.Use the following DNS addresses:DNS 1:162.252.172.57DNS 2:149.154.159.92Remove potential safety controls from your routerSome Internet Providers tend to provide their routers with parental/security controls enabled by default. Try disabling them with the following steps:Login to your router.Look for thesecurity(or similar)tab.Check if there are some security features or parental controlsenabled. If yes,disablethem.Also, you may want to change the default DNS toOpenDNSor any other that you prefer.Here areSurfshark'sDNS addresses:DNS 1:162.252.172.57DNS 2:149.154.159.92Disable IPv6IPv6 is a networking system that some internet networks might have. Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.Seeif you have IPv6 on your network, and if you need to, readhow to disable IPv6 on your Linux device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012367020-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-Linux How to connect to Surfshark on macOS from China using WireGuard® manual connection,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your macOS device.For any manual WireGuard® connection, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverOnce you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Download WireGuard®and connect to the VPNOpen the App Store on your macOS device, type inWireGuardin the search field, and install the WireGuard application.Once the installation is complete, open the WireGuard application.In the WireGuard application, click onImport tunnel(s) from file.Now select the Surfshark configuration file you downloaded earlier and hitImport.In the next pop-up, clickAllow.You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply clickEdit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.NOTE:Once you clickEdit, you will need to enter your Keychain password, which is your regular macOS device password.Lastly, to connect to the VPN, clickActivate, and to disconnect from the VPN, clickDeactivate.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13015834671378-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-on-macOS-from-China-using-WireGuard-manual-connection How to connect to Surfshark on iOS from China using WireGuard® manual connection,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your iOS device.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairOpen Safari or any browser on your iOS device, and go toSurfshark's login page. TapProducts > VPN > Manual setup > Desktop or mobile > WireGuardClick onI have a key pair.Enter anamefor your public key and tapNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.Finally, hitChoose a Location, select a server to which you like to connect, andDownloadthe configuration file.I don't have a key pairOpen Safari or any browser on your iOS device, and go toSurfshark's login page. TapProducts > VPN > Manual setup > Desktop or mobile > WireGuardSelectI don't have a key pair.Tap onGenerate a new key pair.Once the key pair has been generated, selectChoose a Location.Lastly, select a server to which you like to connect and clickDownload.Download WireGuard and connect to the VPNOpen the App Store, type inWireGuard, and download the WireGuard application.Once the download is finished, open the application and selectAdd a tunnel.Find the configuration file you've downloaded earlier and import it.In the next pop-up, clickAllow.Lastly, to connect or disconnect from the VPN, toggle the button next to the location.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13015577072530-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-on-iOS-from-China-using-WireGuard-manual-connection How to connect to Surfshark on Android from China using WireGuard® manual connection,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard connection on your Android device.You will need an Android device, the WireGuard® app, credentials (a key pair), a server configuration file (a location to which you would like to connect), and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.NOTE:You must generate the key pair before doing anything else. Otherwise, the connection won't be successful.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, clickProducts>VPN.In theVPNsection, tapManual setup, selectDesktop or mobile, andWireGuard.In the next window, tap onI have a key pair.Enter a name for your key pair and tapNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, clickProducts>VPN.In theVPNsection, tapManual setup, selectDesktop or mobile, andWireGuard.Then, tap onI don't have a key pair, enter a name of your choice, and tapNext. Proceed to the next screen by pressingGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You won't be able to check them here again.Choose a serverOnce you have your key pair, you can proceed by pressing on theLocationstab. Once there, tap thedownload iconof the server to download the configuration file.The configuration file should end up in theDownloadsfolder of your Android device by default.Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPNOpen up theGoogle Play Storeand search forWireGuard®. Proceed to download and install the application.Once the app is installed, open it and press+at the bottom right. Proceed by tappingImport from file or archive.Selectthe configuration file you downloaded earlier. Once you locate it,tapon it to import it.Togglethe switch to activate the connection.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13015337981586-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-on-Android-from-China-using-WireGuard-manual-connection How to connect to Surfshark on Windows from China using WireGuard® manual connection,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your Windows device.For any manual WireGuard® connection, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverOnce you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPNOpenthis page, and download the WireGuard application. Once you click this link, the download will begin immediately. If you cannot download from the link above, download itfrom here.Once the download is complete, launch the WireGuard installation file. Once launched, you will receive a pop-up. ClickYes.Once the installation is complete, the app will open automatically.Connect to the VPNIn the WireGuard application, click onImport tunnel(s) from file.Now select the Surfshark configuration file you downloaded earlier, and hitOpen.You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply clickEdit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.Lastly, to connect to the VPN, clickActivate, and to disconnect from the VPN, clickDeactivate.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13014730085522-How-to-connect-to-Surfshark-on-Windows-from-China-using-WireGuard-manual-connection How to troubleshoot slow speed problems,"In this article, you will learn about the possible speed issues you may encounter and how to deal with them on different devices.How does your connection work with or without a VPN?When you're not using a VPN, your internet traffic flows directly between your device and the website or service you're trying to access. But when you use a VPN, yourtraffic is routed througha VPNserver before it reaches its final destination. This means your data isencryptedand travels through the VPN server twice — once when it leaves your device and once when it returns.Why can using a VPN decrease your connection speed?Using a VPN may slightly decrease your connection speed because the data has to beencryptedand processed. However, other factors can also impact your speed, such as:Thedistancebetween you and the serverThenumber of userson the same serverTheVPN protocolusedYouractual internet speedThese factors can affect your speed even if there are no speed or bandwidth limits.NOTE:Our servers are regularly monitored for optimal performance.What to do if your connection speed is slow with a VPN on?If you notice that your internet speed is slower than usual, you can make some minor adjustments to improve it. We have quick tutorials on improving speed on all devices, so you can choose your device below to find out what adjustments you should make:macOSWindowsLinuxAndroidiOSYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012228480-How-to-troubleshoot-slow-speed-problems How to fix slow connection issues on Windows,"In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your Windows device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.If you have noticed a significant decrease in connection speed, try the adjustments below.NOTE:Some decrease in speed (around 30 %) is expected when using a VPN for Windows. Feel free to checkhow to troubleshoot speed problems.Change the protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Select theVPN Settingstab.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Changeit fromAutomatictoWireGuard.Connect to one of Surfshark's servers and test the speed again.Test several different locationsEven if you have used theFastest serverbutton previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that areclose to your physical location.If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, visit a speed-testing website. Do a quick test and see the results.Try the manual connectionA manual VPN connection will provide you with a basic VPN connection, bypassing all the features that might potentially slow down your connection. Seehow to connect manually using Surfshark Windows app.Restart your deviceEven though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps becauserebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.Disable interfering appsApps likeanti-virus,file-sharing clients, orother VPNsmight use the same tools and resources on your computer that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.Disablethose apps (at least temporarily),rebootyour device, and see if that helps with the connection speed.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012328620-How-to-fix-slow-connection-issues-on-Windows How to configure custom DNS on an Android device,"In this article, you will learn how to change, ad, or remove the DNS settings on your Android.Follow these steps to set custom DNS on an Android:OpenSettingson your Android device, and selectNetwork & internet.Then, tap onWi-Fi.Tap theCogwheeliconnext to the network you are connected to.Tap on theEditbutton at the top right corner.TapAdvanced options. At the bottom, click onIP settingsand selectStatic.Enter the following DNS addresses into the two DNS boxes at the bottom of the window, and clickSave.DNS 1: 162.252.172.57DNS 2: 149.154.159.92You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021659779-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-an-Android-device How to fix slow connection issues on Android,"In this article, you will learn what might be causing slow connection issues on your Android device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.NOTE:A decrease in speed (around 30%) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to checkhow to troubleshoot speed problems.Test several different locationsEven if you have used theFastest serverbutton previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that areclose to your physical location.If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased  - there are many apps on the Google Play Store for testing the speed. Download one and use it for speed testing purposes.Change the default protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Tap onVPN Settings.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Change it toOpenVPN (UDP)Connect to one of the servers and test the speed again.If OpenVPN (UDP) does not help, try the WireGuard protocol and others.Turn on small packetsYou will find an option to usesmall packetsin Surfshark's settings. Small packets reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability.If it's off by default,turn it onand test the speed again.Change your networkSome networks might be performing worse compared to others when connected to a VPN. Check if your Wi-Fi is slower than your mobile data or vice versa.Turn off the Battery-saving modeBattery saving mode or other settings that optimize battery consumption on your device might disable essential networking functions. You will find all the data settings if you openyour phone's Settingsand select theBattery settingstab.Turn offBattery-saving mode.Reboot your deviceEven though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps because rebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012228500-How-to-fix-slow-connection-issues-on-Android How to fix slow connection issues on iOS,"In this article, you will learn what might causeslow connection issues on your iOS (iPhone,  iPad, or iPod) when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.NOTE:Some decrease in speed (around 30%) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to checkhow to troubleshoot speed problems.Test several different locationsEven if you have used theFastest serverbutton previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that areclose to your physical location.If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, there are many apps on the App Store for testing the speed. Download one and use it for speed testing purposes.Change the default protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Tap onVPN Settings.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Changeit from Automatic toOpenVPN (UDP).Connect to one of the servers and test the speed again.IfOpenVPN (UDP)does not help, try theWireGuardprotocol as well.Disable interfering appsApps likeanti-virus,file-sharingclients, orother VPNsmight use the same tools and resources on your iOS that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.If you have any of those, trydisablingthem. Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Change your networkSome networks might be performing worse compared to others when connected to a VPN. Check if your Wi-Fi is slower than your mobile data or vice versa.Disable the Low Power modeLow Powermode or other settings that optimize battery consumption on your device might disable essential networking functions. Try disabling it with the following steps:Go toSettings.Find theBatterysection.Check if theLow Powermode is on. If it is,turn it offand test the speed again.Reboot your deviceEven though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps because rebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012435499-How-to-fix-slow-connection-issues-on-iOS How to fix slow connection issues on macOS,"In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your Mac device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.If you have noticed a significant decrease in connection speed, try the adjustments below.NOTE:Some decrease in speed (around 30 %) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to checkhow to troubleshoot speed problems.Test several different locationsEven if you have used theFastest serverbutton previously, you should try several other locations as well. Try the ones that areclose to your physical location.If you're not sure how to check if the speed has increased, visit a speed-testing website. Do a quick test and see the results.Disable interfering appsApps likeanti-virus,file-sharing clients, orother VPNsmight use the same tools and resources on your Mac that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.Disablethose apps (at least temporarily),rebootyour device, and see if that helps with the connection speed.Change the protocolGo to theSettingspage on your Surfshark app.Select theVPN Settingstab.You will find theProtocolsetting. By default, the protocol should beAutomatic. Changeit fromAutomatictoWireGuard.Connect to one of Surfshark's servers and test the speed again.Restart your deviceEven though this may sound too simple to have any effect, it often helps becauserebooting your device will close all idle apps and stop other background processes that might be running.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012328940-How-to-fix-slow-connection-issues-on-macOS How to fix slow connection issues on Linux,"In this article, you will learn what might cause slow connection issues on your Linux device when connected to a VPN and how to avoid them.If you have noticed a significant decrease in connection speed, try the adjustments below.NOTE:Some decrease in speed (around 30%) is expected when using a VPN. Feel free to checkhow to troubleshoot speed problems.Change the protocolYou have two options when choosing a protocol on Linux:OpenVPN (UDP)andOpenVPN (TCP). Make sure you give both a try.You can choose a protocol before connecting to a server after entering the server’s number.Disable IPv6 on your Linux deviceAt the moment, Surfshark does not support IPv6. Having it enabled might dramatically decrease your connection speed.Seeif you have IPv6 on your network, and if you need to, readhow to disable IPv6 on your Linux device.Test several different locationsSome locations might provide a better connection speed compared to others. Try at least several different locations, preferably ones that areclose to your physical location.Try the manual connection via the Network managerA manual VPN connection will provide you with a basic VPN connection, bypassing all the features that might slow down your connection.Seehow to connect to Surfshark VPN using Ubuntu Network Manager.Set custom DNS on your deviceCustom DNS, like Cloudflare's or OpenDNS, might bring you a better speed and overall browsing experience.Try setting the following DNS addresses on your device.DNS1:162.252.172.57DNS2:149.154.159.92Disable interfering appsApps likeanti-virus,file-sharingclients, orother VPNsmight use the same tools and resources on your Mac that Surfshark needs. That can potentially slow down your VPN connection.If you have any of those, trydisablingthem. Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012435679-How-to-fix-slow-connection-issues-on-Linux How to troubleshoot streaming issues,"With Surfshark's aid, you can access streaming services securely.However, sometimes it might take some adjustments on your device or your Surfshark app to securely access the streaming service. If the streaming website/app does not seem to work after connecting to the Surfshark server, you may want to try some of the solutions below.Try other server locations.If you know that the streaming service must work, but it does not work after connecting to a server, you may try other locations. If US servers do not work, try alternative servers, such as Canada.Clear the cache of your browser/app.Some websites might still receive old information that your browser previously collected. To remove it,clear your browser's cacheor uninstall and reinstall the app you use for streaming.Check if your connection to the Surfshark server was successful.After connecting to one of the Surfshark servers, your private IP and DNS addresses should be invisible. However, if something interferes with your VPN connection, your IP or DNS address might ""leak"". Feel free to followthis tutorialon how to check if your VPN connection was successful.Incognito mode.Open the Incognito (Private Browsing) mode on your browser and go to the streaming website there.You can launch the Incognito mode by pressingCTRL+SHIFT+NorCTRL+SHIFT+Pon your keyboard.",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012450240-How-to-troubleshoot-streaming-issues How to fix Netflix streaming issues,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshoot some common Netflix issues.Netflix Site Error (happens when trying to log in)Sometimes Netflix is unable to process login requests over VPN. In this case, try the following:Disconnectfrom the Surfshark server.Log into your Netflix account.Reconnectto the Surfshark server.Refreshyour browser.Whoops, something went wrong... You seem to be using an unblocker or proxyThis Netflix proxy error might indicate thatNetflix suspects that you use a VPN or a proxy. That might happen if your connection is leaking DNS.The same solutions apply if you're getting theNetflix proxy error code m7111-5059.Try any of the following solutions:Clearyour cache.If you are using a browser to stream Netflix,clear your browser's cache. If you're using the Netflix app for streaming,deletethe Netflix app andreinstallit again.If you're using the Netflix app for streaming, delete the Netflix app and reinstall it again.Try other VPN servers. If you have experienced this issue when connecting to a particular server, try a few different ones.If this issue occurs with Netflix on a gaming console or a smart TV,restart your device. Or even better -unplugit from the power source and allow it to discharge for several minutes.Do a DNS leak test. Leaking DNS requests means that something is interfering with your VPN connection. Checkhow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.If you are using the Netflix app for streaming,try the Netflix website instead.NW-2-5 errorThis error message typically suggests connectivity problems between your device and Netflix servers. If that happens when using Surfshark VPN, here are things you can try:Check if the problem persistswhen you're not using a VPN. If the issue persists, it may be a general connectivity problem.Trychanging the DNS serverson your device. All devices have a slightly different interface, so finding DNS settings can be challenging. However, most of the time, you can locate DNS settings inSettings > Network > Wi-Fi/Ethernet.You can use these DNS servers:162.252.172.57and149.154.159.92Log into your router and check ifParental Controls/Safe browsingor any other feature that controls your connection is turned on. If it is, tryturning it off.If you find an option to change DNS servers on your router, that would be a great thing to try.You can use these DNS servers:162.252.172.57and149.154.159.92Restartyour device. Or even better –unplugit from the power source and allow it to discharge for several minutes.Netflix content is loading but does not start.If that happens on your device, here are some things you can try to solve it:If you are using the Surfshark VPN app to connect to the VPN, go toSettings>VPN Settings>Protocol, and change theprotocoltoOpenVPN/UDPTry connecting toother locations.If you find an option to change DNS servers on your router, try that.You can use these DNS servers:162.252.172.57and149.154.159.92You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011843860-How-to-fix-Netflix-streaming-issues I can't login,"In this article, you will learn how to address potential issues that may stop you from logging in.'Too many login attempts' errorIf you are using a mobile device,change the network(switch from Wi-Fi to cellular data). If you can, try this on your desktop device as well.Wait10 minutes. Usually, an IP address is blocked for 10 minutes after several unsuccessful login attempts.If you encounter this issue while using a desktop device, try sharing a network connection from your mobile device to your desktop. If you need a guide, you can check our article onhow to use a mobile hotspot.Restartyour router. If you have a dynamic IP, most likely, you will be assigned a new IP address after that.Trylogging in with a code. To learn how to use it, check out our article onhow to log in with code.Surfshark VPN app login issuesIf you have another VPN running,disconnectfrom it.Try tolog into your account onSurfshark’s websiteand make sure your credentials are correct.If your password turns out to be incorrect, you canresetit on ourpassword reset page.To change your email address, contact the Surfshark Customer Support agents.If you are using a mobile device,change the network(switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data).Reinstallthe Surfshark app >restartyour device >log inagain.I can't log in with AppleIf it’s your first time logging in with Apple, you will not be able to log in if you select theHide my emailoption. In this case, we can’t identify if this account is registered, so the system is unable to proceed with the login request.To change the option fromHide my emailtoShow my email, please check the following steps:Open theSettingson your device.SelectApple ID.Go toPassword & Security.Click onApps using Apple IDand selectSurfsharkfrom the list.Click onStop using Apple ID.Once done, trylogging into Surfshark with Apple again and choose theShow my emailoption.Surfshark website login issuesIf you are connected to Surfshark VPN when this issue happens,disconnectfrom it orconnectto a different server.Try tolog inon the Incognito (private browsing) mode of your browser. Normally, you can launch the Incognito mode by pressingCTRL+SHIFT+NorCTRL+SHIFT+Pon your keyboard.Surfshark browser extension login issuesIf you are connected to the VPN using the Surfshark VPN app,disconnectfrom it orconnectto a different server.Removethe extension from your browser andreinstallit again. You can check the articles below for instructions:How to set up the Surfshark browser extension on ChromeHow to set up the Surfshark browser extension on FirefoxHow to set up the Surfshark browser extension on EdgeCan't reach Surfshark systemsIf you are receiving an error “The app was unable to reach the Surfshark systems,” tryupdatingthe application. If updating the app does not help, check out our article onthe app couldn’t reach Surfshark systemserror.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447621312018-I-can-t-login How to give permissions to Surfshark on macOS Sequoia Beta,"In this guide, you will learn how to give the permissions necessary for Surfshark on macOS Sequoia Beta.You will need a macOS device runningmacOS Sequoia Betaand an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on Surfsharkpricing page.Give permissions to Surfshark on macOS Sequoia BetaFollow the steps below in order for Surfshark VPN to work on your macOS Sequoia Bet device.OpenSettingsand click onGeneral.SelectLogin Items and Extensions.Optionally, you can also enableSurfsharkandSURFSHARK LTDto allow background processes by putting the toggle switch in theONposition.SelectEndpoint Security Extensionsand make sure thatSurfsharkis toggledON. Once you do, pressDone.Next, click onNetwork Extensions.Make sure thatSurfsharkis toggledON. Afterward, pressDone.Now you should be able to use Surfshark on yourmacOS Sequoia Beta.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/21591310621202-How-to-give-permissions-to-Surfshark-on-macOS-Sequoia-Beta Surfshark background service is not running,"If you get this error when trying to start the Surfshark app or connect to a server, that means that the background service of Surfshark could not start for some reason. Therefore, the app cannot function properly.NOTE:This issue is most commonly resolved byupdating the Surfshark app. If the issue is still not resolved, make sure tohave the latest .NET packages installed.Temporarily disable antivirus softwareIf you have some antivirus software running, temporarily disable it. Alternatively, you can make an exclusion for Surfshark in the settings of the antivirus app.Here's how to make an exception on most antivirus software.Restart your computerRestartingyour device will close all the idle apps and their background processes that might be running and interfering with Surfshark.Restore the original settings of your Surfshark appTo do that, open the Surfshark app, go toSettings > Help > Diagnostics > Restore original settings. This will give your app a fresh start and likely fix the background service issue.Reinstall your Surfshark appSometimes, during the initial installation, some files might fail to install. This could happen for various reasons, e.g., antivirus software forbidding the installation or some changes in your system during the installation process.If other solutions don’t work, please try reinstalling your Surfshark app. Uninstall it first, then download the app fromhereand install it again.You might also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013149359-Surfshark-background-service-is-not-running How to troubleshoot Surfshark VPN browser extension issues,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshoot various Surfshark VPN browser extension issues.Extension connection issuesIf you are having trouble connecting, test if youcan’t connect tovarious locationsinstead of just one.Make sure you don't have anyactive ad-block extensionsorantivirus appsrunning. These other extensions can interfere with your VPN connection.TrydisablingtheCleanWeb feature. You can find the feature in the settings tab underCleanWeb settings.Toggle theAd blockeroff.Try out the Surfshark extension on a different browser. If you are using Chrome - try Firefox or Edge. The issue might be related to your browser instead of the extension.Tryreinstallingthe Surfshark VPN extension on your browser. See how to do it onChromeorFirefox.Reinstallingthe browser itself.Extension application issuesMake sure you have yourantivirus applications(they can be extensions as well) or anyad-blockers disabled. These two are the main causes of extension issues.Try out the Surfshark extensionon a different browser. If you are using Chrome - try Firefox or Edge. The issue might be related to your browser instead of the extension.Tryreinstallingthe Surfshark VPN extension on your browser. See how to do it onChromeorFirefox.Reinstallingthe browser itself.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403098207762-How-to-troubleshoot-Surfshark-VPN-browser-extension-issues Collecting diagnostics failed on Windows,"In this guide, you will learn how to manually send the diagnostic files to our customer success team if the Surfshark app on your Windows device fails.Here are the steps on how to collect the diagnostic files:Click theSearchicon on the Windows start menu and type inFile Explorer. Select the first result, which looks like the one in the image below.Use File Explorer to navigate to your Surfshark installation folder.The default location isThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files > Surfshark.You will find an archived file in a.zip formatlike the one in the screenshot below. Your file will have a different name reflecting the time of the last diagnostics attempt.Extractthe contents of the.zip fileandsendthem to the support team.If you didn't find this file in your Surfshark installation directory, follow these steps:Click the Search icon on the Windows start menu and type in%appdata%. Click on the first result, which looks like the one in the image below.This command will open theRoamingfolder using File Explorer (%appdata% is a shortcut to this folder). Open theSurfshark folderfrom here.Files starting withlogare your diagnostic files. You can send these files to our support team.NOTE:If you still don't see these files, try opening%programdata%instead and check if such files appear in theSurfshark folder.You may also be interested in:How to fix slow connection issues on Windows",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013147119-Collecting-diagnostics-failed-on-Windows The app couldn't reach Surfshark systems,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshootthe App couldn't reach the Surfshark systemserror.Why do I get the App couldn’t reach Surfshark systems error?You might get this error because of connectivity, your current location, or your network. This error message will say that there is no way to establish a connection between your device and Surfshark services.How to solve the App couldn’t reach Surfshark systems errorTryupdating the application. This error mostly occurs due to an outdated version of the Surfshark appMake sure that no other VPN service is running while you’re using Surfshark.If you are in a country with heavy network restrictions, refer to our guide onhow to connect from countries with network restrictionsIf you are using acustom firewall or anantivirus application,disableit ormake an exceptionfor Surfshark services. Find all antivirus guides on ourantivirus exceptionpage.Try toreinstall the Surfshark app,restartyour device and your router;You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013145759-The-app-couldn-t-reach-Surfshark-systems I can't install Surfshark,"In this article, we will look at the issues most commonly encountered when installing Surfshark.You may face issues due to the following reasons:You do not haveadministrative rights orpermissionson your device. This often occurs on company-owned devices by a message""You do not have permission to install this app""or similar.If you encounter this issue, we recommend using the Surfsharkbrowser extensiononEdge,Firefox, orChromebrowsers.It is also important to make sure that your Operating System supports Surfshark. Currently, Surfshark is supported onAndroid,Windows,iOS,macOS, andLinuxdevices.If you are usingWindows 7 or 8, you will need todownload the Windows Legacyversionof the Surfshark app.If you are using an earlier thanmacOS 10.15 (Catalina)version, check our article onSurfshark iOS and macOS support.If you have anAntivirusinstalled on your device, please try todisable it, as it can interfere withSurfshark'sinstallation.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447868147346-I-can-t-install-Surfshark How to reinstall the Surfshark application on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to reinstall the Surfshark application on your Windows device.To proceed, you need to have the Surfshark app installed.Check out the following steps:PressStartor the Windows button on your keyboard, type inControl Panel,and open it.In the Control Panel, click onUninstall a programunder theProgramstab.You will then see a list of all the applications that are on your device. Find the Surfshark application.Right-click on Surfshark and selectUninstall/Change.A new window will pop up. ClickNextand proceed with the setup steps.NOTE:If you have an older version of Surfshark installed, you may also be able to see Surfshark TUN and TAP adapters. If that is the case, make sure to uninstall them too.When the setup finishes,reboot your deviceas well.Then, proceed to download and install the Surfshark application once more from theSurfshark VPN for Windows download page.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020576499-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-application-on-Windows How to reinstall the Surfshark application on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to reinstall the Surfshark application on your Android device.Check the following steps:Locate the Surfshark application on your Android device.Long presson the Surfshark application icon and selectRemovein the options menu.You will see a confirmation message that the application has been uninstalled.Download theSurfshark application from the Google Play Storeorfrom our website directly.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020121499-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-application-on-Android How to reinstall the Surfshark application on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to reinstall the Surfshark application on your iOS device.Check the following steps:Locate the Surfshark application on your iOS device.Long press on the Surfshark application. An options menu will appear. Tap onRemove App.In the new pop-up, selectDelete App.Tap onDelete.Download and install theSurfshark application on the App Store.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020076300-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-application-on-iOS How to reinstall the Surfshark application on macOS,"This guide will show you how to reinstall Surfshark from your macOS device.Firstly, there are two ways to uninstall the app depending on the way you installed it - using the App Store or using our standalone .DMG installation file.We will show you how to uninstall Surfshark depending on your installation method.App Store installationOpen theLaunchpadto see all of your installed applications.Find the Surfshark application and drag its icon to theTrash bin.A small pop-up will appear, like in the screenshot below. ClickDelete. Surfshark will disappear from your device.Install the Surfshark application once more from theSurfshark App Store download pageor download theSurfshark app .DMG file.DMG installationOpenFinderon your macOS.On the Finder window, go toApplications.Find the Surfshark application and drag its icon to theTrashbin.Close theFinderand then right-click on theTrash binand selectEmpty Trash.Install the Surfshark application once more from theSurfshark App Store download pageor download theSurfshark app .DMG file.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022830214-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-application-on-macOS How to troubleshoot Smart DNS issues,"In this article, you will learn how to resolve some of the most common smart DNS issues. You might need another device, such as a laptop or phone, for some of these steps.Streaming service is unreachableIf you have successfully set Smart DNS on your device, but your preferred streaming service is not working, try the following steps:Try both Smart DNS servers.After activating the Smart DNS service, you received two server addresses. If your device has a DNS box for one DNS address only,try the first DNS server, then the other.If your device has two DNS boxes for two DNS addresses,enter the same DNS server to both lines, as shown in the picture below:Uninstall and reinstallthe streaming app, orclear the streaming app's cache.Rebootyour device.Log into your router andset custom DNSon it. You can use1.1.1.1as a primary DNS and8.8.8.8as a secondary DNS.Since there are so many different routers, each with a different interface, you should look at your router's user manual or search for instructions online.No internet connection after setting up Smart DNSThe most common reason you could lose internet connection with smart DNS is that you enabled smart DNS for a different IP address than your device (smart TV, Xbox, etc.).First, try answering these questions:Did you activate Smart DNS while connected to your workspace network or mobile data?Do you have a dynamic IP (an IP address that eventually changes on its own?Try the following steps to resolve the no-net issue:Ensure that another device you will use (laptop or phone) is connected to the same network as the device on which you will use Smart DNS.Go toSurfshark's dashboardusing your laptop or phone.Once logged in to your account, go to theSmart DNS page.Click theChange IPbutton. This will activate Smart DNS for your new IP address.Check if Smart DNS works on your TV or gaming console now.Smart DNS can not be activated becauseIPv6was detectedYou can only activate Smart DNS for IPv4 addresses. However, some networks have both - IPv4 and IPv6 protocols enabled. Experiencing this error means your system uses IPv6 as well.You can try the following potential solutions to resolve the IPv6 detection issue:Disable IPv6 on your device to activate smart DNS on our website. Try disabling IPv6 onWindows,macOS,Android, andLinux.Disable IPv6 on your router.Some routers (not all) have the option to choose between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.To find out if your router has this option, you should log in to your router and search throughInternet,Network,WLAN, orIPv6settings. You may find an option to turn off the IPv6 there.Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).Try contacting your internet network provider and ask if they could turn off the IPv6 on your system. Most of the time, they can easily do this.The IP addresses do not matchYou may have noticed that the IP address shown on your TV is different from the one you used to activate smart DNS. This is because you activated smart DNS for your externalIP address, which is used for public communication. At the same time, your TV only shows you the internal IP used for communication between devices within the same network.The internal IP address usually looks like this —192.168.x.x. It's not publicly visible and only used for communication between different devices on the same network, so you don't have to worry about affecting the smart DNS setup. You can simplyignore itandproceed with the Smart DNS setup as usual.Smart DNS is not supportedSadly, there are some situations where Smart DNS can not be successfully used. If your Internet provider is hijacking DNS (makes you use their DNS at all times) or using a transparent proxy (a technology that intercepts requests from your device), problems with Smart DNS might occur.In such a case, you canset up VPN on your routerorshare the VPN connection from your laptop.You may also be interested in:How does Smart DNS work",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012915399-How-to-troubleshoot-Smart-DNS-issues What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?,"This article will explain what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is.We will go through the following:What is a VPN?What are the benefits of using a VPN?What is a VPN?A VPN is a technology that encrypts your data and routes your internet traffic through specific servers so that yourIP addressand location are private.What are the benefits of using a VPN?Using Surfshark VPN protects your privacy online from anyone who might want to snoop on you, from hackers to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and other third-party organizations. A VPN makes it much harder for anyone to monitor the websites you access, files you download, and services you use because all your data is encrypted.However, a VPN offers more than privacy and security. You may have noticed that numerous countries block certain streaming services. This could be due to various reasons, from censorship to location restrictions. Luckily, you can bypass such filters without any extra configurations by connecting to Surfshark.Luckily, you canbypass such filters without any extra configurations by connecting to Surfshark.If you’d like to learn more about VPNs and what they have to offer, check out ourWhat is a VPN? Virtual Private Networks 101.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089633-What-is-a-Virtual-Private-Network-VPN Where is Surfshark located?,"Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (our exact address is Kabelweg 57, 1014BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands, VAT number NL862287339B01).We play by their rules (which are pretty great regarding user privacy). As there is no obligatory data retention law, we do not have to store logs, making it a perfect location for a VPN provider.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003088553-Where-is-Surfshark-located Server locations,"Surfshark currently has over 3200+ servers in 100 countries, and the number is continuously growing. You can also selecta specific cityin many of those locations.Find a complete list of locations onSurfshark VPN servers page.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069614-Server-locations What speed can I expect with Surfshark VPN? Are there any bandwidth limitations?,"In this article, you will learn what speed you can expect when using Surfshark VPN.Will your connection slow down?Surfshark users don't have any speed, bandwidth, or data limitations. Nevertheless, you might experience slower speeds and response time (ping) with a VPN than without a VPN. The speed may decrease by 20-30%.If the connection speeds slow down considerably or you experience a slower performance than usual when connected to the VPN, try checkinghow to troubleshoot slow speed problems.Can your connection become faster with a VPN?There might be cases when connecting to a VPN can increase your connection speed. That might happen if your internet provider is throttling your speed — a VPN can help prevent that.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089753-What-speed-can-I-expect-with-Surfshark-VPN-Are-there-any-bandwidth-limitations Will I be given various IPs every time?,"Once you connect to a location, you will have the same IP until you reconnect. Every new user connects to one of the available servers in random order. Surfshark also has the IP Rotator technology, which changes your IP address every once in a while without disconnecting you from the VPN network. This makes you even more difficult to track than using a simple VPN.If you wish to have an identical IP each time you connect, you can try connecting to theStatic IP locations. These locations always have a single IP address shared among all users currently connected to that specific location.What is Dedicated IP?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089613-Will-I-be-given-various-IPs-every-time What DNS addresses do you get after connecting to Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn how to find out what DNS you're using.To follow along, you will need a computer or a phone with an active Surfshark VPN subscription. Don't have one yet? Check outSurfshark subscriptions.After connecting to one of Surfshark's servers, custom DNS addresses will be assigned to you.To find your DNS, follow these steps:Once you connect to Surfshark servers, your device will receive Surfshark DNS addresses. Openthis websiteto make sure that it is correct.If the connection is secure, IP and DNS addresses will be identical.As you connect to one of Surfshark’s servers, DNS addresses automatically adapt to our servers to prevent DNS leaks after connecting and make sure DNS requests are protected.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003409733-What-DNS-addresses-do-you-get-after-connecting-to-Surfshark How to join the Surfshark Affiliate program,"To become an affiliate of Surfshark VPN, contact our Affiliates department ataffiliates@surfshark.com, and they will help you get started. You can also become an affiliate by filling out theSurfshark Affiliate form.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012218919-How-to-join-the-Surfshark-Affiliate-program How to contact Surfshark’s customer support,"In this article, you will learn how to contact Surfshark’s customer support.First off, if you run into any issues using Surfshark, you can visit our Help Center and find solutions and answers to the following:Troubleshooting issuesGetting StartedLearning all about VPN and SurfsharkThere are many articles with solutions to almost any possible problem, how to set up almost any device with Surfshark, and useful general knowledge about the product.However, if the articles aren’t helpful, we have a customer support team that works 24/7. You can contact them via:EmailLive chatHow to solve slow speed problems",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069114-How-to-contact-Surfshark-s-customer-support Surfshark Tray app on Windows,"In this article, you will learn what Windows System Tray is and how to use it.You will need a Windows device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is a Windows System Tray?Windows System Tray is the small box at the end of your desktop toolbar where various applications and processes appear so you can access them faster.You can open the System Tray by clicking the white arrow at the end of the toolbar. You will likely find Wi-Fi, antivirus, and some other icons in there.How to use Surfshark’s System Tray appAt first, for the Surfshark app to appear on the System Tray, you will need to open theSurfsharkapp. Once Surfshark is running, you can close the main app window. A gray Surfshark icon will show up in the System Tray.For your convenience, you canclick and dragit to the toolbar. This way, it will be accessible even quicker.If youright-click onceon this icon, the minimized Surfshark app will show up. By default, you will only see the button toQuick-connect. However, below, you will find an option to personalize your minimized app. Click onAdd shortcut.Now, you will see a list of features you can import into the Tray app. Tick the box on the left of the ones you wish to import and clickSave.Your chosen features (in our case, these areKill Switch,Auto-connect, andCleanWeb) will now appear on the minimized app.When you connect to one of Surfshark’s servers, the Surfshark icon will turn blue, indicating that you have successfully connected.You will also be able to see the server you are connected to, your VPN IP address and the total time you've been connected to the VPN.If you click theunderscore, the app will return to the system tray.If you click thesquare, you will open the full-size Surfshark app.Lastly, clicking theX, will close the tray menu.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012831860-Surfshark-Tray-app-on-Windows Can I use the Battery Saver feature while using Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn about the Battery Saver feature and whether it is compatible with Surfshark.Should you use Battery Saver with Surfshark?Battery Saver feature lets you save battery energy by slowing down or disabling specific processes on your phone. This means that it will most likely kill the VPN connection or make it unable to connect to a VPN server. Aside from these two issues, you will most likely have general connection issues if you succeed in connecting.We highly recommend having the Battery Saver featuredisabledwhile you are securely browsing the internet with Surfshark. This way, you will better protect your anonymity online. However, if saving your battery's life is very important to you, we offer a possible solution below.Disable battery optimization on the Surfshark app onlyNOTE:Currently, this solution is only available forAndroidusers and will let you bypass the battery optimization on the Surfshark application. Follow the steps below to disable battery optimization on the Surfshark app only.Open theSettingson your device.In the search field, type inBatteryand selectBattery Optimization.Click onBatteryOptimizationonce more.Click on theNot Optimizedbutton, and from the new menu, selectAll apps.Find the Surfshark application in the list and click on it.Lastly, select theDon't optimizeoption and clickDone..You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402736534418-Can-I-use-the-Battery-Saver-feature-while-using-Surfshark Can I use Surfshark with TOR?,"Yes, you can use Surfshark with TOR. In this article, you will learn how to properly use the TOR Browser with Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a Surfshark subscription. Don't have one yet? You can get it onSurfshark pricing page.Check the following steps:Download and installSurfsharkon your device. Check out our article onhow to get started.Using the Surfshark application,connectto your preferred location.Then, launch theTOR browser;it will receive a request from our IP rather than yours and continue routing your connection through its servers.NOTE:Due to double encryption and multiple server connection hops, your internet speed mightdecrease quite a lot. To have an optimal speed for browsing or streaming online content, use Surfshark VPN with browsers other than TOR.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011483180-Can-I-use-Surfshark-with-TOR Will WhatsApp work with Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn how to use Surfshark with the WhatsApp application.To proceed, you need to have WhatsApp installed and have an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Will WhatsApp work with Surfshark?WhatsApp should work with Surfshark. In some countries, WhatsApp might not be available on the Play Store. In this case,download WhatsApp on Android devicesright here.After installing Surfshark and WhatsApp, you can start setting it up for the connection.How to use WhatsApp with SurfsharkOpenSurfsharkand connect to a location of your choice. You can make sure that the connection is successful by following our guide onhow to make sure Surfshark VPN is working.NOTE:If you are currently in a country with network restrictions, refer to our article onconnecting from countries with network restrictionsto properly establish your VPN connection.Once you are connected to Surfshark successfully, launch theWhatsAppapplication.Try to make a call to check whether Surfshark works with WhatsApp.In case you are having issues, try the following suggestions:Test WhatsApp by connecting to a different location on the Surfshark app.Change theprotocolon the Surfshark app. You will find this option if you go toSettings > VPN Settings > Protocol. TryOpenVPN (UDP),WireGuard, andOpenVPN (TCP)protocols;Try disabling other features, likeCleanWebandBypasser.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012991080-Will-WhatsApp-work-with-Surfshark How to access Bank of America with Surfshark,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to access Bank of America from anywhere using Surfshark. This can be useful if you are traveling and still need to access your bank provider abroad, as most banks block access from other countries due to privacy reasons.Connect to the VPNTo access Bank of America with Surfshark, connect to one of these two servers:United States – Las VegasUnited States – BendAccess Bank of AmericaOnce you are connected to either theLas VegasorBendservers, access the Bank of Americawebsiteand enjoy the service from anywhere in the world.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021700420-How-to-access-Bank-of-America-with-Surfshark Allow the Surfshark browser extension in the Incognito mode,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark extension in incognito or Private Browsing mode using Chrome and Firefox browsers.To proceed, you will need an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page, and eitherChromeorFirefoxbrowsers with the Surfshark extension.Google ChromeIf you have the Surfshark browser extension on Chrome, you should see the Surfshark icon in the top-right corner of your browser. This icon disappears once you access Incognito mode.Click on three dots, then navigate toExtensions > Manage Extensions.You will find all of the installed extensions listed on that page. Find Surfshark and clickDetails.Turn on theAllow In incognitoswitch.You can quickly openIncognito modeon your Chrome Browser by pressingCTRL+SHIFT+Nat once.Mozilla FirefoxIf you have the Surfshark browser extension installed on Firefox, you should see the Surfshark icon in the top-right corner of your browser. This icon disappears once you access Private Browsing mode.Open thesettingsmenu and navigate toAdd-ons and themes.Here, click onExtensions, locateSurfshark, click on the three dots and click onManage.You will find a setting toRun in Private Windows. ChooseAllow.You can quickly openPrivate Browsing modeon your Firefox Browser by pressingCTRL+SHIFT+Pat once.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012986980-Allow-the-Surfshark-browser-extension-in-the-Incognito-mode How to update the Surfshark app manually on Windows,"In this article, you will learn why you might need to manually update the Surfshark Windows application, and how to do it.Reasons behind theissueThere may be more problems that would require a manual app update, however, the main errors that you can face are the following:Can't reach Surfshark systemsNot being able to log in because of using an old version of the appNOTE:If you are using an outdated version of the Surfshark application, the login attempts may be blocked, as you may encounter issues later on.Update Surfshark app manuallyDownload a VPN for Windowsand launch the installer package.Once the setup is complete,runthe Surfshark application.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410093376914-How-to-update-the-Surfshark-app-manually-on-Windows How to install or update .NET on a Windows device,"This article will show you how to install or update the .NET on your Windows operating system. For Surfshark app to work and connect to the server successfully, it needs to run with .NET on the side. If you’re encountering issues with the Surfshark connection, this is one of many ways to resolve it.NOTE: Surfshark apps from version5.12.0and laterrequire .NET version 8.0 or later.To download and install the .NET, you will have to download and installfourfollowing installers:Runtime aspnetcore x64Runtime aspnetcore x86Runtime Desktop x64Runtime Desktop x86NOTE:Repeat the following steps for all four installers listed above.How to install or update .NET on WindowsAfter clicking any of the links above, the download will beginautomatically. You can also choose a desired location for your installation file. We are saving it in theDownloadsfolder.If the installation does not begin automatically, click on themanual downloadbutton on the same page.Once the download is complete,launchthe installation file. If you are using a different browser, simply look for the downloaded file in theDownloadstab or yourDownloadsfolder.A setup window will pop up. Click onInstall. You will needAdministrator rightsin order to continue.If you already have .NET Core 7.0 (or a newer one) installed, an error will appearthat stops the process. You don't need to proceed further, so pressClose.After the installation is complete, you will get a message confirming that it was indeed successful. Feel free to pressClosenow.Now, to finalize the installation,rebootyour device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019608120-How-to-install-or-update-NET-on-a-Windows-device Why am I unable to access some websites while connected to Surfshark?,"In this tutorial, you will learn the most common issues that may prevent you from accessing some websites and how to troubleshoot them.Change the VPN serverFirst of all, make sure to test out a few different VPN servers in other countries and cities. There is a high chance that you will regain access to a specific website with a VPN server in a different country or city.Change the connection protocolChanging the connection protocols can resolve a lot of various issues. From connection issues to streaming issues, VPN protocols are the key elements in a VPN connection. Check out the following steps on how to change the connection protocol:Go to the Surfshark application.Click onSettings.ChooseVPN Settingsand pressProtocol.Here, you will find all of the available protocols, includingOpenVPN UDP/TCPandWireGuard. Remember that this does not apply to router setups or Linux devices, but you still have the OpenVPN UDP or TCP options.Check for connection leaksHaving connection leaks can also prevent you from accessing websites. You can easily check forIP leaksandDNS leakson your device.If you find out that your connection is leaking,setting custom DNScan efficiently resolve that, and we will cover that below.Set custom DNSSetting custom DNS addresses can significantly improve the overall connection and sometimes even its speed. In addition, changing the DNS on your device has a very high chance of resolving any issues with website access.Select the guide for your device from the following list:How to set custom DNS on a Windows deviceHow to configure custom DNS on a macOS deviceHow to configure custom DNS on an Android deviceHow to configure custom DNS on an iOS deviceHow to configure custom DNS on a Linux deviceDisable CleanWebCleanWeb is a feature that blocks malicious ads as well as malicious websites. With CleanWeb enabled, the browser will show fewer ads and block trackers and phishing attempts.That being said,CleanWeb can block access to certain websites that may look malicious. Find the following steps on how to disable the CleanWeb feature:Open the Surfshark application.Go to the Features tab.Here, you will find the CleanWeb switch.NOTE:Remember that disablingCleanWeb is risky, as by doing this, you will lose protection from malicious websites that may cause harm to your device.Try out our browser extensionIf the issue you are experiencing occurs onWindows,macOS, orLinuxcomputers, you can try installing our browser extensions forChromeandFirefox.Congratulations! Now you know why sometimes you are unable to access certain websites and how to troubleshoot this issue.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021935660-Why-am-I-unable-to-access-some-websites-while-connected-to-Surfshark What protocols can I use with Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn more about VPN protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard®, IKEv2, and L2TP.What is a VPN protocol?A protocol is a set of rules governing the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Whenever you go online, you are constantly sending and receiving information. To send this information, it needs to be split into small data packets, and protocols dictate the order in which these packets are sent and the encryption used to protect them.All protocols used by Surfshark are fast and secure, and you can stick with the default protocol or choose a different one that suits your preferences.Different protocols offer varying advantages. Some provide faster speed or better image/audio quality, while others ensure a more stable connection. If you're experiencing connectivity issues, try changing the protocol.What is the OpenVPN protocol?OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that is available as an open-source project. Its code is freely available on the internet and it is maintained and updated by security and networking experts from around the world.If you are using the Surfshark app, you will find two options for OpenVPN:UDPandTCP.UDP is faster and is great for safe streaming, video calls, or games.TCP is more stable and will ensure that every single packet of information that you send from your device is delivered. However, it may be slower compared to other protocols.NOTE:OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.What is the WireGuard® protocol?WireGuard® is a relatively new communication protocol that has recently gained popularity in the cyber-security market. Its open-source nature provides better performance compared to other protocols.NOTE:Currently, WireGuard® is available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you cannot find it on your Surfshark app, update it to the latest version.Please note that WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfield.What is the IKEv2 protocol?IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a widely used VPN protocol known for its strong security features and efficient performance. It establishes a secure connection between a client and a VPN server, enabling encrypted data transmission over the internet. IKEv2 is notable for its ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network disruptions, making it suitable for mobile devices and remote access scenarios.What is the L2TP protocol?Surfshark allows users the option to use the L2TP protocol, despite it not being as secure as other protocols available on the market. This protocol may offer faster speeds compared to OpenVPN and is compatible with many home routers.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010324739-What-protocols-can-I-use-with-Surfshark How to install WireGuard® in the Surfshark macOS application,"In this article, you will learn how to use the WireGuard® protocol in the Surfshark application on your macOS device.For WireGuard® to work properly, you need to have the Surfshark application in the Applications folder. Otherwise, you might experience certain issues with this particular protocol. You will also need an active Surfshark subscription to use Surfshark, which you can get on ourpricing page.Set up WireGuard® on your macOS Sonoma deviceTo set up WireGuard® on your macOS Sonoma or newer device, follow the steps below:On your first attempt to connect, a pop-up will be shown. Press onOpen System Settings.You will notice that Surfshark was blocked from loading. To continue, pressAllow.Enter yourMac device passwordor use yourTouch IDto continue.Next up, we'll have toAdd VPN configurationby pressingAllowin the next pop-up.Set up WireGuard® on your macOS Monterey deviceTo set up WireGuard® on your macOS Monterey or older device, follow the steps below:On your first attempt to connect, a pop-up will be shown. Press onOpen Security Preferences.In theSecurity & Privacywindow, click on thelockicon in the bottom left corner.You will now need to enter yourdevice user account passwordand clickUnlock. Alternatively, you can useTouch ID.Click theAllowbutton on the right side of the screen.Lastly, you will have to add Surfshark to VPN Configurations by pressingAllow.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405752917522-How-to-install-WireGuard-in-the-Surfshark-macOS-application How to configure custom DNS on an iOS device,"In this article, you will learn how to edit, add, or remove the DNS settings on your iOS mobile or tablet device.Follow these steps:Open theSettingson your iOS device and go toWi-Fi.Click on the ℹ️ icon next to the network you are currently connected to.In the new menu, scroll down and selectConfigure DNSunder theDNStab.Tap the ⛔ button next to every available DNS address, anddeleteall of them.Now, you will need to add 2 DNS addresses. Click on theAdd Serverbutton.Enter the followingDNS addresses.NOTE:These 2 addresses need to be added as separate options, so you will need to add 2 servers in total.DNS 1:162.252.172.57DNS 2:149.154.159.92Once both DNS addresses have been added, clickSave.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021357200-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-an-iOS-device How to use Surfshark Bypasser on macOS,"In this article, you will learn the basics of the newly introduced Bypasser feature on macOS.You will need a macOS device with Surfshark installed and an active subscription. You can get a subscription on theSurfshark plans & pricing pageif you don't have one.Bypasser is a feature that allows specific apps & websites to be routed via the VPN tunnel.Enable BypasserOpen the Surfshark application. On the left-hand side panel, clickSettings.In theSettingstab, click onVPN settings.Once there, click onBypasser.When turning onBypasserfor the first time, you'll see options toAdd websiteorAdd app.If you've used Bypasser on macOS before, you'll be able totoggle it onoroff.Select applicationsClickAdd app.If you've added websites or apps to the bypasser list before, you'll have to click here:You will see a list of all applications visible on your device. To add the app(s) to Bypass VPN,leave a checkmarknext to them. Once you're done, pressAdd.Please note that when using the Bypasser for the first time, you'll have toAllowthe Surfshark system extension viaSystem Settings.If you can't find the application on this list, clickOpen finderand locate the app.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the applications on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.Select websitesTo bypass certain websites instead of apps, selectAdd website.If you've added websites or apps to the bypasser list before, you'll have to click here:A window will appear with a field where you can input the website's URL. Once you're done, clickAdd.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the websites or IP addresses on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/24914664935442-How-to-use-Surfshark-Bypasser-on-macOS How to use Bypasser for iOS,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Bypasser feature on your iOS.To use Bypasser, you need an active Surfshark subscription. Check the subscriptions onSurfshark pricing page.What is Surfshark Bypasser?Bypasser is an innovative tool that allows you to control your connectivity by choosing what programs and websites to route via VPN and vice versa, also known as split tunneling.Currently,only website bypassingis available on the Surfshark app for iOSEnable BypasserOpen theSurfsharkapplication and tapSettingson the bottom bar.NOTE:If you don't have Surfshark on your iOS, follow our guide onhow to set up Surfshark VPN on iOS.In theSettingstab, click onVPN Settings.Tap onBypasser.If it is your first time using the feature, tap onAdd website.Type the URL of the website you wish toNOTbe affected by the VPN connection and tapAdd.If you wish to add more websites, tapAdd website. If you'd like to remove a website, tap onRemove.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/23010205360914-How-to-use-Bypasser-for-iOS Surfshark Features,"In this article, you will learn all about Surfshark features. To use the majority of them, you need a baseSurfshark subscription. For some exclusive additional Surfshark products, you need to purchase aSurfshark OneorSurfshak One+plan.We will cover the following:CleanWebCleanWeb on browser extensionBypasserKill SwitchCookie pop-up blockerDynamic MultiHopPause VPNIP RotatorNoBordersOverride GPS locationSmart DNSAuto-connectStatic serversSmall packetsAlternative IDSurfshark One productsCleanWebSurfshark CleanWebblocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts so you can browse safely. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.CleanWeb on browser extensionSurfshark CleanWeb on browser extensionblocks ads, pop-ups, and offers data breach alert and malware alert options. Available on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.BypasserSurfshark Bypasser(VPN split tunneling) allows you to remove certain apps or websites from VPN protection when connected to a VPN server. Available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and the Surfshark browser extension.KillSwitchSurfshark Kill Switchcuts off the internet connection if your VPN connection suddenly drops. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.Cookie pop-up blockerSurfshark Cookie pop-up blockeravoids the annoying cookie consent pop-ups. Available as a Surfshark browser extension feature for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox.Dynamic MultiHopSurfshark Dynamic MultiHopallows you to connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously. You can select both countries from all the servers we offer. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Pause VPNSurfshark Pause VPNallows pausing the VPN connection for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The connection automatically resumes once the selected time ends. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.IP RotatorSurfshark IP Rotatorchanges the user's IP address on the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows.NoBordersSurfshark NoBordersallows the use of a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Dedicated IPSurfshark Dedicated IPis a private static IP address that helps bypass CAPTCHA prompts, access services that are sensitive to IP changes, and more.NOTE:Dedicated IP is not included in Surfshark bundles and needs to bepurchased separately.Override GPS locationSurfshark Override GPS location(GPS Spoofing) tricks GPS-enabled apps such as Google Maps and Uber into thinking you’re elsewhere. Available on Android.Smart DNSSurfshark Smart DNSallows private DNS while streaming on SmartTV if it doesn’t support the Surfshark app.Auto-connectSurfshark auto-connectconnects your device to the VPN when it finds a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.Static serversWhen connecting to Surfshark's servers, you might get a different IP address each time. If you connect to a static server, you'll get the same IP address every time. Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Small packetsReduces the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability. Available on Android.Alternative IDIt’sa tool that generates a brand new identityand an email to use online that offers the following features:Maintains your email address and name privateMinimizes the possibility of getting spam emailsPrevents your info from the hands of data brokers or other malicious actorsSurfshark One productsSurfshark AlertIt’s adata breach warning systemthat offers the following features:Alerts you if your email address appears in breached online databasesInforms about the security status of your personal identification numberChecks your password's vulnerabilityMonitors your credit cardsSurfshark AntivirusIt’s anofficially certified antivirus softwarethat offers the following features:Detects and removes viruses and malware from your devicesOffers real-time protectionPrevents ad companies and bots from tracking your online activityAllows performing full scans or narrowing them down to frequently used foldersSurfshark SearchIt’s anad-free private search toolthat offers the following features:Performs private web search queries without any ads, logs, or trackersProvides accurate and relevant search resultsSearches without leaving any digital footprintsYou may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10448039999122-Surfshark-Features Surfshark Features and Settings,"In this article, you will learn about Surfshark features, their availability on different operating systems, and Surfshark settings.We will cover the following:CleanWebCookie pop-up blockerBypasserKillSwitchPause VPNIP RotatorCamouflage modeOverride GPS locationNoBordersInvisible to devicesDedicated IPSmart DNSSurfshark OneAlternative IDAuto-connectStart with WindowsChange ProtocolStatic ServersMultiHop serversSmall PacketsCleanWebCleanWebworks as an adblocker – it will block ads and malicious links on your browser before they can harm you. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).Cookie pop-up blockerCookie pop-up blockerfeature avoids the annoying cookie consent pop-ups.Available as a Surfshark browser extension feature for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox.BypasserBypasser(a.k.a. Split-tunneling or Bypass VPN) allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. Works great with mobile banking apps.Available on Android, macOS, Surfshark browser extension, iOS, and Windows.Route via VPNoption (reverse Bypasser) allows you to choose certain websites or apps that should be routed through the VPN server while all others remain unaffected. In other words, it’s the exact opposite of Bypass VPN.Available on Android and Windows.KillSwitchKillSwitchfeature disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. No sensitive data will get out until you reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Pause VPNPause VPNallows pausing the VPN connection for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The connection automatically resumes once the selected time ends.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.IP RotatorIP Rotatorchanges the user's IP address on the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS.Camouflage modeCamouflage modemakes user traffic look like any old regular traffic. It allows bypassing restrictions, censorship, ISPs snooping, and others. It activates automatically when using the OpenVPN protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Override GPS locationOverride GPS locationfeature tricks GPS-enabled apps such as Google Maps and Uber into thinking that you’re elsewhere. It matches your GPS signal to the Surfshark server's location that you are connected to.Available on Android.NoBordersNoBordersfeature allows using a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship.Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.Invisible to devicesHides your device from other devices on the same network. You won’t be able to communicate with printers, portable speakers, smart TVs, Chromecasts, etc. This feature comes in handy on public networks. Additionally, the Discover on LAN (previously Invisible on LAN) feature allows you to have control over your visibility within the Local Area Network.Available on Windows and Android.Dedicated IPDedicated IP— a static IP address that helps bypass CAPTCHA prompts, access services that are sensitive to IP changes, and more.Available for an additional price.SmartDNSSmartDNSallows using a private DNS while streaming on SmartTV in case it doesn’t support the Surfshark app.Surfshark OneSurfshark AntivirusDetects and removes viruses and malware from your devicesOffers real-time protectionPrevents ad companies and bots from tracking your online activityAllows performing full scans or narrowing them down to frequently used foldersSurfshark AlertAlerts you if your email address appears in breached online databasesInforms about the security status of your personal identification numberChecks your password's vulnerabilityMonitors your credit cardsSurfshark SearchPerforms private web search queries without any ads, logs, or trackersProvides accurate and relevant search resultsSearches without leaving any digital footprintsAlternative IDMaintains your email address and name private, minimizes the possibility of getting spam emails and prevents your info from the hands of data brokers or other malicious actors.You can read more about Alternative IDhere.Auto-connectWith Auto-connect enabled, your device will connect to the VPN automatically as soon as it connects to the internet.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Start with WindowsThis feature will launch the Surfshark app automatically as soon as you boot your computer. That way, you do not need to search for it and start it manually.Available on Windows.Change ProtocolYour Surfshark app has the option to change the defaultprotocol. A protocol is a set of rules that determines how your data will be sent and received. All protocols used at Surfshark are secure and reliable, but one protocol might perform better than another on your network.On Surfshark app go toSettings > VPN Settings > Protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, and macOS.Static ServersSurfshark has many different servers in each location. Therefore, if you connect to a New York location, you might get a different IP address each time. However, if you connect to a static server, you will get the same IP address each time.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux.Dynamic MultiHopDynamic MultiHopallows you to connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously. You can select both countries from all the servers we offer.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Small PacketsWhatever you do online, your data is being divided into packets (chunks of information) to send it smoothly. Each packet contains a part of the information that you want to send or receive.By turning on Small Packets, you will reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability.Available on Android.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012451580-Surfshark-Features-and-Settings How to use Product Ideas,"In this article, you will learn how to vote for your favorite product ideas for Surfshark. Alternatively, you can submit one of your own.Check out the following steps:Open your Surfshark accountin a browser, press on the icon in the top right corner of the screen, and selectProduct Ideas.You will find a list of feature ideas on the new page. If you see one you’d like to be implemented, press on it.Once you have picked a feature, hit theupvotebutton. The more upvotes an idea has, the more likely it will be implemented next.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405999065234-How-to-use-Product-Ideas How to use Surfshark Dynamic MultiHop,"In this article, you will learn about the basics of Dynamic MultiHop and how to use it.You will need Surfshark application installed on your device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page.What is Dynamic MultiHop?Dynamic MultiHop is a Surfshark feature that allows you to connect via two different VPN servers and create your own multihop server configuration within the app.How to use Dynamic MultiHopNOTE:The steps below have been made on a macOS device. The same steps apply to all other devices.Open the Surfshark application, and under the locations tab, selectMultihopand clickCreate Connection.In the first window, select yourentry locationfrom the list below.Next, select yourexitlocation.Your custom MultiHop connection has been created. To connect to the server, clickConnect. To go back to the list, clickView list.If you would like to delete any of the connections you create, click theDeletebutton next to your MultiHop configuration, and in the new pop-up,Deleteagain.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8835487999506-How-to-use-Surfshark-Dynamic-MultiHop How to use Surfshark Bypasser on Windows,"In this article, you will learn the basics of Bypasser feature and how to use it on Windows.You will need a Windows device with Surfshark installed and an active subscription. You can get a subscription on theSurfshark plans & pricing pageif you don't have one.What is the Bypasser?Bypasser is a feature that allows specific apps & websites to route via or bypass the VPN tunnel.Bypasser has two options:Bypass VPNblocks selected applications and websites from using the VPN connection.Route via VPNallows only the chosen applications and websites to use the VPN connection.Enable BypasserOpen the Surfshark application. On the left-hand side panel, clickSettings.In theSettingstab, click onVPN settings.Once there, click onBypasser.Toggle the switch baron the right side to enable the preferred Bypasser option.Select applicationsOnce you enable eitherBypass VPNorRoute via VPN, click onSelect apps. Applications that will bypass the VPN or will be routed through it.You will see a list of all applications visible on your device. To add the app to Bypass VPN,leave a checkmarkin the square on the app’s right.If you can't find the application on this list, clickAdd appsand locate the.exe filefor the application you wish to add.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the applications on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.NOTE:If you wish to route specific applications only via VPN, enableRoute via VPNinstead ofBypass VPNfor those applications.Select websites or IP addressesTo bypass certain websites instead of apps, enableBypass VPNbelow theWebsites / IP addressestab and click onAdd websitesorIP addresses.A window will appear with a field where you can input either a website or an IP address. Type the one you prefer, and clickAdd.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the websites or IP addresses on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017349293-How-to-use-Surfshark-Bypasser-on-Windows How to install the Google Play Store on a Huawei device,"In this article, you will learn how to install the Google Play Store on your Huawei device by downloading the Google Play Store APK files. The steps in this guide apply to most Huawei devices.How to install Google Play Store on your Huawei device via APKYou can install the Google Play Store by downloading its APK files. To do so, follow the steps below:Go toSettingson your Huawei device.SelectAdvanced Settings.TapSecurity.Enableinstallation from Unknown Sources.On the pop-up, tapOK. Do not worry about this warning, as it is completely safe.Downloadthese three files to your Huawei device:Google Play StoreGoogle Play ServicesGoogle Services FrameworkNOTE: From the available APK files, choose the latest version that suits your device.Once downloaded,installthese files one after another.Once installed, go to the app list on your Huawei device, selectGoogle Play Store, andlog inwith your Google account to start using the services.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/21962735893138-How-to-install-the-Google-Play-Store-on-a-Huawei-device MultiHop guide,"In this guide, you will learn how to use Surfshark MultiHop servers on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices. To use MultiHop servers, you need an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is MultiHop?MultiHop is a feature that allows you to connect via two different VPN servers at once. The servers are typically located in different countries pre-selected for you. However, with Surfshark, you can manually choose both servers, making it to your liking.Use MultiHop on WindowsOpen the Surfshark application and click onMultiHopunder the search bar.Choose the location of your choice and connect. Alternatively, you cancreate a custom MultiHop locationby clickingCreate Connection.Use MultiHop onmacOSOpen the Surfshark application and clickMultiHopon the left sidebar above the locations list.Choose the location of your choice and connect. Alternatively, you cancreate a custom MultiHop locationby clickingCreate Connection.Use MultiHop onAndroidOpen the Surfshark application and tap onVPNat the bottom.Under the search bar, tap onMultiHopto see a list of locations.Choose the location of your choice and connect. Alternatively, you cancreate a custom MultiHop locationby clickingCreate Connection.Use MultiHop oniOSOpen the Surfshark application and tap onVPNat the bottom.Under the search bar, tap onMultiHopto see a list of locations.Choose the location of your choice and connect. Alternatively, you cancreate a custom MultiHop locationby clickingCreate Connection.Use MultiHop onLinuxOpen the Surfshark application and selectMultiHopnext to Locations.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026295774-MultiHop-guide How to use Bypasser for Android,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Bypasser feature.To use Bypasser, you need an active Surfshark subscription. Check the subscriptions onSurfshark pricing page.What is Surfshark Bypasser?Bypasser is an innovative tool that allows you to control your connectivity by choosing what programs and websites to route via VPN and vice versa, also known as split tunneling.Bypasser has two options:Bypass VPN, which blocks selected applications and websites from using the VPN connection. These will run through your normal internet connection.Route via VPNis an alternative, allowing only the chosen applications and websites to connect to the internet using the VPN connection.Enable BypasserOpen theSurfsharkapplication and tapSettingson the bottom bar.NOTE:If you don't have Surfshark on your Android, follow our guide onhow to set up Surfshark VPN on Android.In theSettingstab, click onVPN Settings.Tap onBypasser.Select which method you are going to use. This guide will go over theBypass VPNoption, which has an identical setup process to Route via VPN. To enable it, tap on theswitch baron the right of the method.Select applicationsTo select applications that will bypass the VPN, tap on the0 Apps selectedbar.You will see a list of all supported applications on your device that are ready for use with Bypasser.Selectthe applications that you would like tobypass the VPN connection. You can do that by tapping theboxon the right of the application.Surfshark will inform you that your application is ready for Bypasser. Now, you can return to the previous Bypasser screen.You will see the appropriate number of applications displayed.Returnto the main screen of Surfshark andconnectto your preferred location. Your selected applications will nownot receive VPN encryption when you connect.Select websitesTo select websites that will bypass the VPN, tap on0 websites selected.In the new window, tap onAdd Website.Type in theURL of the websiteand tap onSave.You will see the website appear on the list. You can return to the Bypasser menu now.You will see the appropriate number of websites displayed.Returnto the main screen of Surfshark andconnectto your preferred location. Your selected websites will nownot receive VPN encryption when you connect.Route via VPNAs for Route via VPN, the process is identical. Just enableRoute via VPNinstead of Bypass VPN and add your applications or websites to the list.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008068220-How-to-use-Bypasser-for-Android How to use CleanWeb in-app,"In this article, you will learn how to use the CleanWeb in-app feature.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use CleanWeb, which you canpurchase on Surfshark pricing page. You’ll also need to have Surfshark app installed on your device.What is the CleanWeb feature?CleanWeb is one of Surfshark’s most popular features, included in every single one of our subscription packages. It's a feature that blocks ads and malicious websites. With CleanWeb enabled, the browser will show fewer ads, and fewer trackers will work. You will also be protected from some phishing attempts.If you are looking for CleanWeb directly on your browser, check out our article onwhat CleanWeb 2.0 is. Using CleanWeb on a browser extension unlocks more features.How to enable CleanWebNOTE:The steps below are demonstrated on amacOSdevice. The procedure isidenticalon all other devices as well.Open the Surfshark application on your macOS device and go to theSettingstab.SelectVPN settings.Toggle the switchnext to the CleanWeb option. When the switch isgreen– CleanWeb is active.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021008640-How-to-use-CleanWeb-in-app What is CleanWeb?,"NOTE:The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark and will be updated shortly.In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up CleanWeb on the Surfshark browser extension. You will need a device withChrome,Firefox, orEdgebrowser alongside an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.How to use CleanWeb?Open the Surfshark browser extension on your preferred browser and click on theCleanWebicon.Now press onTurn on CleanWebto turn it on.Once on, you can see what website it is currently functioning on and the ability toturn it offfor this website specifically, meaning that it will be added to a list of websites that are unaffected byCleanWeb.Click onCleanWeb settings.Here you can toggle:Ad blocker– the Ad blocker removes ads on the web pages you visit. It also blocks video ads on popular streaming platforms.Pop-up blocker– blocks cookie pop-ups that you need to agree on in order to sometimes even visit the website.How to access website safety settings?Open the Surfshark extension and click onSettings.Click onWebsite safety settings.Here you can toggle:Data breach alert– this tool will show whether the website you are visiting had any breaches previously. If a website has been breached previously, you will see a warning at thetop of the page.Malware alert– this tool monitors downloads and malicious activities happening on the website that you are visiting.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8801097429138-What-is-CleanWeb How to use Kill Switch,"This article will teach you how to use theKill Switchfeature on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.You will need Surfshark application installed on one of these devices and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is Kill Switch?Kill Switchfeature shuts down your internet connection if your VPN connection drops, keeping your sensitive data safe.So, if you unexpectedly disconnect from Surfshark, Kill Switch will ensure that no sensitive data is leaked by cutting off the internet connection until you safely reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.Enable it on WindowsOpen theSurfsharkapp and selectSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on macOSOpen theSurfsharkapp. Then, click on theSettingstab.SelectVPN Settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on AndroidOpen theSurfsharkapp and tap onSettings.Tap on theVPN settingstab.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on iOSOpen theSurfsharkapp and tap onSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on LinuxOpen theSurfsharkapp and click onSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016978413-How-to-use-Kill-Switch What is auto-connect and how to use it,"In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Surfshark's Auto-connect.What is Auto-connect?Auto-connect is a feature that will connect your device to the VPN as soon as it finds a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. This feature can save you some time, as you won't need to open the Surfshark app and click any buttons to connect to Surfshark servers.The best part is that you can manually set to which location you want the VPN to connect to automatically. It can be thefastest server, thenearest server, aspecific countryand city, or even aStatic IPor aMultiHop server.How to use Auto-connect?Open the Surfshark application on any device and go toSettings.NOTE:In this article, we will demonstrate auto-connect on a macOS device, but the procedure is identical on every device.SelectVPN Settings.First,togglethe Auto-connect switch to theOnposition. The toggle will light upgreenwhen it's active.Once auto-connect is enabled, selectPreferences.In the new window, click on theFastest location. There, you can select the server to which you'd like to connect automatically.After you click on theFastest location, you can select which location you want the Surfshark application to connect to automatically. There are plenty of options, includingStatic IPsandMultiHop servers.You may also be interested in:Surfshark Features and Settings",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6628420453778-What-is-auto-connect-and-how-to-use-it How do trusted networks work?,"In this article, we will cover everything about trusted networks in the Surfshark application for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.NOTE:If you add a network to your trusted networks list, your VPN will bedisabledfor the time you are using that particular network.What does choosing trusted networks do?Once you add a network to the trusted networks list, the VPN connection will not be used for the period connected to that particular network. As you have marked the current network as trusted, the application knows that a VPN connection is not required for this network.Choosing trusted networks is a part of the Auto-connect feature, and it will only work with Auto-connect enabled.How to choose trusted networks?Let's say you are out in town on your mobile network, connected to Surfshark. You come back home, and you connect to your home network, which you have added to the list of trusted networks. Once you connect to this trusted network, your VPN will disconnect automatically.You can add or remove trusted networks with the following steps:Go to theSettingsof the Surfshark app.Open theVPN Settings.Enable theAuto-connectfeature and pressPreferences.Add a network to the list ofTrusted Networks.You may also be interested in:Surfshark Features and SettingsWhat is a",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404292160786-How-do-trusted-networks-work How to log in with code,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to log in to your Surfshark application across all platforms with a temporary login code.Do the following to log into Surfshark with a code:Open the Surfshark application on the deviceyou are not logged in toand select theLogged in on another device?button.Then, confirm that you are logged in on another device by pressingYES.A special 6-digit code will be presented to you.NOTE:You must leave this window open until the login is complete.Open theSettingstab on the device in which you are already logged in.EnterMy account.Click onEnter login code.Enter the code displayed on the device you are trying to log into.Once the login is complete, you will receive a confirmation about the successful login.You can also enter the login code in theSurfshark account overviewpage:Open theSurfshark account pageand click onMy account.ClickEnter login code.Input yourlogin codeand pressLog in.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407687786386-How-to-log-in-with-code How to add the Surfshark widget on Android,"NOTE: The video above showcases an older version of the Surfshark app and will be updated in the future.In this article, you will learn how to add the Surfshark widget on Android. It’s convenient to have as you don't need to open the Surfshark application if you wish to make changes to your connection.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use the Surfshark app, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Check the following steps:1. Tap and hold an empty spot on your device's main screen, in the new pop up selectWidgets.2. A pop-up or a similar screen should appear. Tap onwidgets.3. Scroll until you see the Surfshark tab.4. There arefouravailable widget types:NOTE:The widgets seen below can be resized to your preference.The smallSurfshark Searchwidget.The small VPN widget, which allows you toconnectanddisconnect.The medium VPN widget, which allows you toconnect, disconnect, andpausetheVPN connection.The large VPN widget allows you toconnect,disconnect, andpauseand displays a list ofrecent connections— servers that you've connected to recently.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404384055058-How-to-add-the-Surfshark-widget-on-Android How to add the Surfshark widget on iOS,"NOTE: The video above depicts an older version of Surfshark and will be updated in the future.In this tutorial, you will learn how to add and use the Surfshark widget on an iOS device. It’s convenient to have as you don't need to open the Surfshark application if you wish to make changes to your connection.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use the Surfshark app, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Check out the following steps:1. Tap and hold an empty spot on your device's main screen until you see aplussign at the top left corner.2. In the new screen, scroll down and tap onSurfshark.3. Here, you can select one offouravailable widget designs.The small VPN widget, which allows you toconnectanddisconnect.The medium VPN widget, which allows you toconnect,disconnect, andpausethe VPN connection.The large VPN widget, which allows you toconnect,disconnect,pausethe VPN connection and displays a list ofrecent connections– servers that you've connected to recently.TheSurfshark Searchwidget.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404384075410-How-to-add-the-Surfshark-widget-on-iOS How to take a screenshot on Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to take a screenshot on your Windows device.Check the following steps:Open up theSnipping Tool. This application is present by default on all Windows systems.Press theStart(Windows) button, type “snipping tool” in the search box, and then open theSnipping Toolfrom the list of results.PressMode(in older versions, select the arrow next to theNewbutton), selectRectangularsnip, and then select the screen area you want to screenshot.After you capture a screenshot, select theSave Snipbutton.In the 'Save As' box, type a file name (or leave the default one), choose a location, and clickSave.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012753873-How-to-take-a-screenshot-on-Windows What is the GPS override feature and how to use it,"In this article, you will learn what the GPS override feature is and how to use it.What is the GPS override feature?Most smartphones nowadays have a GPS function that allows you to find your exact location. This function is often used by applications requiring your physical location to provide the service or specific features. Some examples of such apps would be:Uber (finds your location so the driver would know where to pick you up)Google Maps (indicates your physical location as a starting point of your chosen route)Snapchat (shows your location on the map, so your friends know where you are)This constant tracking may become inconvenient and frustrating, considering that VPN alone can not override your GPS location. That's why spoofing your GPS tracking might come in handy.On Surfshark’s app forAndroid, you will find a setting to override GPS location. This feature is also known asfake GPS,mock GPS, orGPS spoofing.GPS override use casesIf you enable this feature on the Surfshark app, it will automatically match your GPS location with your chosen server's location. That will be useful if:Don’t want apps to see your location at all timesWish to use an app that only provides its service in specific countriesHow to activate GPS overrideYou can activate the GPS override feature on your Android device within the Surfshark settings. If you want to do so, check out our guide onhow to enable the GPS override function.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011723459-What-is-the-GPS-override-feature-and-how-to-use-it How to use Surfshark NoBorders,"This tutorial will teach you about the basics of theNoBordersfeature and how to use it on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.You will need Surfshark application installed on one of the devices and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is NoBorders?NoBordersis a feature that allows the use of a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship. If Surfshark app detects any restrictions on your network, it automatically enables the NoBorders, giving you a selected list of servers performing best under these network restrictions.Typically, NoBorders mode will turn on automatically whenever needed. However, you can enable it manually as well.Turn on NoBorders on WindowsLaunch the Surfshark app and open theSettingstab.Click onVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings– you'll find theNoBordersfeature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on AndroidOpen the Surfshark app and go toSettings.Proceed to theVPN settingstab.Scroll down and look forAdvanced settings. If you can't see it, tap and hold theProtocoltab for3 seconds.You will find the NoBorders feature here.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on iOSOpen the Surfshark app and go toSettings.TapVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings— you’ll find the NoBorders feature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on macOSOpen the Surfshark app and click onSettings.Click onVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings— you’ll find the NoBorders feature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010423359-How-to-use-Surfshark-NoBorders What is Camouflage mode?,"In this article, you will learn what obfuscated servers are and how they work.What is Camouflage mode?Camouflage mode, also calledObfuscation, is one of many Surfshark features that make your connectivity look like a regular internet connection from the outside. It does so by removing any VPN traces on your connection.This mode does not lower your security and even enhances it.How does Camouflage mode work?The Camouflage mode's primary purpose is to bypass any content filtering by hiding your traffic and making it exceedingly difficult to monitor your activities. If your country blocks VPN ports, Obfuscation uses your current network ports for a secure connection.Camouflage mode runs automatically when you connect to our servers using OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocols. You will find an option to change the protocol in theSettingsmenu of the Surfshark application.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008344799-What-is-Camouflage-mode What are virtual locations?,"In this article, you will learn about virtual locations and their security.What are virtual locations?A virtual server location is a partitioned space inside a physical server that re-creates the functionality of a dedicated server. It allows multiple users to share its processing power, makes it easy to reallocate resources and adapt to dynamic workloads, and lets us maintain high connection speeds.Why does Surfshark use virtual locations?The reason Surfshark uses virtual locations is to provide our customers with access to locations where setting up physical servers is typically challenging, often due to the lack of reliable data centers and top-tier internet service providers in particular countries.From a customer's perspective, virtual locations are functionally identical to physical ones – for example, if you connect to a German virtual location, the physical server can be located in France.Are virtual locations secure?All our virtual location servers meet our strict no-logs criteria. Every server gets a fresh Linux installation, our standard configuration, and goes through various tests before launching it to the public.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360023512493-What-are-virtual-locations How to enable dark mode,"This article will teach you how to enable the dark mode on Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and browser extension.You will need Surfshark application installed on one of the devices or Surfshark browser extension and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.WindowsOpen the Surfshark application and go to theSettingstab.Next up, press onApp settings.Now, click onApp appearance. Once you do, you'll be able to select eitherdarkorlightmode.AndroidOpen the Surfshark application and tap onSettings.Next up, go toApp settings.SelectApp appearance.Lastly, selectdark,light, orfollow systemmode.iOSOpen up the Surfshark app and tap onSettingsat the bottom right.Now, tap onApp Settings.Tap onApp Appearance.Selectdark,light, orfollow systemmode.macOSOpen up the Surfshark app on your macOS device and click onSettings.Next up, click onApp appearances.Selectdark,light, orfollow systemmode.Browser extensionOpen up the Surfshark browser extension on either Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Once you do, click onSettings.Click onApp settings.Click onAppearance.Selectdark,light, orfollow browsermode.How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021199919-How-to-enable-dark-mode How to set custom DNS on any device,"In this article, you will learn how to set custom DNS on any of your devices.What is a DNS address?DNS stands for Domain Name System. It's like the internet's phone book, translating human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into the IP addresses computers use to identify each other on the internet.DNS addresses are the specific IP addresses of DNS servers that help your device find the right IP address for a given domain when you browse the web or use online services.What does changing a DNS address do?Changing your device's DNS addresses can increase your connection stability, help you connect in environments that restrict connectivity, protect you from malicious websites, block adverts, and others.It must be noted, though, that the effects of changing DNS depend on the DNS address you choose to use. While you are connected to Surfshark, they are automatically changed to Surfshark's. However, in some cases, an additional manual override may be necessary.How to set custom DNS on any device?We have guides available for the following operating systems:Windows 10 or aboveWindows 7AndroidiOSmacOSLinuxChromebookWe also have guides on how to change DNS on some routers. If you are using any other device, we suggest changing the DNS on your router, as it will affect all of the devices connected to it.GL.iNetAsus WRT/Asus MerlinYou may also be interested in:What DNS addresses do you get after connecting to Surfshark?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13560798718610-How-to-set-custom-DNS-on-any-device How to collect diagnostics from any device,"If you encounter an issue, it can be helpful to send diagnostics to our support team to find a solution. In this guide, you will learn how to do so on different devices.NOTE:When sending diagnostics, make sure you'redisconnectedfrom the VPN.Collecting diagnostics on WindowsOpen up the Surfshark app and enterSettingsby clicking thecogicon on the left.Once there, click onGet Help.In the following screen, click onTroubleshooting tools.A new window will pop up. Click onCollectdiagnostics.Enter anyadditional comments describing your issueif necessary. You can change the email you will be contacted through by the support team. When you are done, click onCollect diagnosticsagain.Collecting diagnostics on AndroidOpen up the Surfshark app on your Android device and tap theSettingsicon on the right.Tap onGet help.Tap onReport a bug.You candescribe your issuein more detail and tapSend.Collecting diagnostics on macOSOpen up the Surfshark app on your macOS and click theSettingsbutton on the left.Click onGet help.Now, click onStill having issues?Press onReport a bug.Fill in the optional details in theDescriptionbox, and send the diagnostics by clickingSend.Collecting diagnostics on iOSOpen up the Surfshark app and tap onSettings.Next up, tap onGet help.Now, go ahead and tap onReport a bug.Enter your email address. You can alsoenter more details about your issueif you wish. Once done, tapSend.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13412100532242-How-to-collect-diagnostics-from-any-device Common terms used in the VPN world,"In this article, you will find explanations of commonly used technical terms about VPNs.Client/serverThese terms describe how network communications work. To make it simple, the client requests information, and the server provides it. For example, you open Surfshark app and connect to the US Dallas server. In this case, Surfshark app represents the client asking for information, and the server in Dallas provides you with the requested information.DNS (Domain Name System)You may not have noticed, but you use various DNS servers daily. The DNS server translates the domain name (e.g., facebook.com) to an IP address (e.g., 69.63.176.13). It's like a phone book where all names (website domains) and numbers (IP addresses) are stored.DNS leaksIf your VPN is misconfigured or something interferes with a VPN connection, you may experience a DNS leak that exposes your real location to your visited websites.EncryptionEncryption is a way to encode information. At Surfshark, encryption encodes (encrypts) all information your device sends or receives. If the information is encrypted, it becomes unreadable for everyone else except you.IP (Internet Protocol) leakIP leak happens when your real Internet Protocol (IP) address is unintentionally revealed or ""leaked"" to the internet, potentially compromising your online privacy and anonymity. If your VPN has misconfigured settings or technical issues, that can sometimes result in your actual IP address being exposed.IPv4IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, is a fundamental protocol that serves as the foundation for communication over the Internet and most local area networks. Due to the exponential growth of internet users, IPv4 is no longer sustainable since it only allows 4 billion IP addresses.IPv6IPv6 is the newest version of IPv4. It was developed to address the limitations of its predecessor and to meet the growing demand for IP addresses as the number of Internet-connected devices expanded.ISPInternet service provider, a.k.a. ISP, is an organization that provides you with an internet connection.WebRTCWebRTCstands for Web-Real Time Communication. As the name suggests, this technology allows for real-time communication between browsers without requiring an intermediate server (after the connection has been already established).LeaksIf yourIP address,DNS address, orWebRTCaddresses are still visible after connecting to a VPN, that's a leak. You can find ways to check for leaks in our guide onhow to ensure that Surfshark VPN is working.LogsIn general, there are two kinds of logs: usage logs that include visited websites, and connection logs that contain connection times, data usage, users’ real IP address, and an IP address assigned by a VPN. Some VPN providers don't keep anylogs of your VPN activityexcept the information needed for billing and troubleshooting. Surfshark is one of them.ObfuscationServers at Surfshark use this technology to hide the fact that you're using a VPN. It makes your online activities look like regular traffic while connected to a VPN.Ping (latency)The ping is useful for checking if the server is accessible and how long it takes to respond. Simply put, by pinging the server (website name orIP address), you send a request to it and wait for an answer. If you receive a response, that means the server is available. Usually, the faster the server responds, the smoother internet connection you will have.ProtocolIt's a set of rules that determines how your information will be divided into pieces and sent from/to your device.For example, theOpenVPN(UDP) protocol divides your information into tiny packs of bytes and sends it to the server in random order. OpenVPN (TCP) will also split all the data into pieces, but it assigns a number to each information pack and sends it in a strict order. Changing the protocol on your Surfshark app might improve the connection speed and stability.Ram-only serverRam-only serveris a type of server that runs on volatile (RAM) memory. That means that any information that would usually be on the hard drive is wiped off automatically whenever a server is turned off.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013088420-Common-terms-used-in-the-VPN-world How to clear cache,"This article will show you how to clear the cache memory on different devices and browsers.Clear Chrome browser cacheOn your computer, openChrome.At the top right, clickMore(three dotsin the top right corner of your browser).Hover your mouse over theMore toolssection and clickClear browsing data...A new tab will open. There, choose a preferred time range for clearing the cache. To delete everything – selectAll time.Check the box next toCached images and files.ClickCleardata.Clear Firefox browser cacheOpen up Firefox, click themenu button, and chooseOptions.Select thePrivacy & Securitysection on the left-hand side.Scroll down a bit, and you will see theCookies and Site Datasection.PressClear Data...In the window that appears, selectCookies and Site DataandCached Web Content.ClickClear.Close and re-open the browser.Clear Safari browser cacheOpen Safari and go toPreferences.SelectPrivacyand then clickManage Website Data.Another window will appear. ClickRemove All.SelectRemove Now.Open Safari again and go toPreferencesagain, but this time, chooseAdvancedoptions.In theAdvancedoptions, enable theShow Develop menu in the menu baroption.Click theDevelopoption and thenEmpty Caches.To clear Safari cache on an iOS mobile device:OpenSettingsand scroll to thePasswords & Accountssection.TapSafari.In the Safari settings, scroll down and tapClear History and Website Data.SelectClearwhen the following pop-up appears.Clear app cache on AndroidOpenSettingson your Android device.Scroll down until you seeAppsand tap on it.On the next window, look for the application you wish to clear the cache for and tap on it. In our case, it isSamsung Internet.Tap theForce Stop optionto stop the application process from running.Tap theStoragetab.Then tapClear Cacheto clear the cache of the application andClear Datato clear any additional data that comes with the application.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022634673-How-to-clear-cache Vodafone and BT networks,"This article will explain the issues you might be having while using Vodafone and BT networks and how to solve them.Potential issueVodafone and BT internet providers tend to have content filters enabled, which can cause issues when trying to connect to Surfshark. They usually have parental control enabled by default, which prohibits the use of a VPN.SolutionSince there are many different routers available, settings may differ between them.However, you can try the following general steps:Log into your router's admin panel.Set the DNS servers manually (for example,162.252.172.57and149.154.159.92), andlook forsome security controls or parental filters.If you find anySafe Content,Parental Controls,Secure DNS, or similar featuresenabled, turn them off.Rebootyour device and router.Connectto a Surfshark server.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012603719-Vodafone-and-BT-networks How to take a screenshot on almost any device,"In this article, you'll learn how to take screenshots on the devices listed below. Choose your device from the list and proceed to the suggested steps.Windows 7 and Windows 8Sadly, Windows 7 and 8 do not have a built-in feature for taking screenshots immediately. However, there are still a couple of ways to snap one.The first way is to press thePrtScbutton on your keyboard. This does not save an image but makes a copy of your screen to your clipboard.Once you pressPrtSc, you'll need to open an app that supports pasting images, e.g., Paint, Paint.NET, Google Docs, etc.For this example, we'll usePaint. You can open it by pressing theWindows StartorSearchbuttons and typingPaint.Once you openPaint, pressCTRL + Vto paste your copied screenshot.Click on the floppy disk icon to save this picture. Choose to save it on yourDesktop– it will be easier to find it later.NOTE:WindowsSnipping Toolis a great way to make a screenshot as well. This app should already be installed on your Windows device. Seehow to take a screenshot on Windowswith theSnipping Tool.Windows 8.1 and abovePress theWindows Button+PrtScto take a screenshot of your whole screen. All screenshots will immediately appear inThis PC>Pictures>Screenshots folderTo make a partial capture of your screen, use the inbuilt WindowsSnip & Sketchapplication. Press theWindows Button + Shift + S. This shortcut will start theSnip & Sketchapp without further steps. Then, select the area you'd like to capture.Windows SurfaceNew Windows Surface models can take screenshots with a combination of 2 buttons.Press thePower + Volume Downbuttons at the same time to capture your screen.Alternatively, if you have a keyboard connected, press theWindows + Space + Fnto take and save your screenshot.macOSPressCommand + Shift + 3.A screenshot will automatically appear on your desktop.AndroidThe majority of new Android devices use the same universal command to take screenshots.If your Android has a physicalHomebutton, press theHome+Volume Downbuttons at the same time to capture a screenshot.If your phone or tablet has noHomebutton, press thePower+Volume Downbuttons at the same time to take a screenshot.iOSThe iPhone 8 and older models still have theHomebutton.To take a screenshot, press theHome + Powerbuttons at the same time.The process is similar to that of iPads withHomebuttons. Press theHome+Powerbuttons to capture the screen.For iPhone 10 and later models that no longer have theHomebutton, pressPower+Volume Upat the same time to take a screenshot.LinuxThe commands below were tested on Ubuntu OS. However, they should work just fine with other distributions as well. All screenshots will automatically appear in thePicturesfolder.PressPrtScto capture your whole screen.To capture a specific part of your screen, pressShift+PrtSc, then select the part of your screen you'd like to capture.Chrome OSEven though Chromebooks have noPrtScbuttons, you can still easily take screenshots using a combination of two buttons.PressCtrl + Switch Windowbuttons at the same time. The screenshot will appear in theDownloadsfolder.If you're using a standard keyboard,Ctrl + F5will do the trick.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017553399-How-to-take-a-screenshot-on-almost-any-device How to disable IPv6 on Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to manually disableIPv6address support on your Windows device.NOTE:If you have a Windows 7 operating system, check out our article ondisabling IPv6 on Windows 7.Follow these steps:Click theWindows logobutton on the bottom-left corner of your screen.Click on theSettings cogwheelin the start bar menu that pops up.In theWindows Settingswindow, click onNetwork & Internet.On the left panel, chooseWi-Fiif you are using wireless internet orEthernetif you are using a wired internet connection.Scroll down to the bottom and clickChange adapter options.A window with all network adapters will open up. Right-click on theactivenetwork adapterand choose thePropertiestab. You can recognize the active adapter from the green connection bar next to it.NOTE:If you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, theWi-Fiadapter must be active.If you connect to the Internet via an Ethernet cable,Ethernetis your active adapter.Untick theInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)box and pressOK.Repeat the process with theSurfshark Data Offloadadapter as well.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011550199-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-Windows How to disable IPv6 on Windows 7,"This guide will show you how to manually disable IPv6 address support on your Windows 7 device.Check the following steps:Open theWindows Startmenu and click on theControl Panel. Once there, selectNetwork and Sharing Center.In the new window, click on theLocal Area Connectionbutton next to the connection you wish to modify.In the new pop-up window, selectProperties.Lastly,uncheckthe box next toInternet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and click OK.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021234719-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-Windows-7 How to disable IPv6 on Android,"In this article, you will learn how to disableIPv6on your Android device. Since Surfshark does not support IPv6 addresses, we recommend disabling IPv6 as it may cause connectivity issues. On Android devices, it is possible todisable IPv6onmobile networksonly.NOTE:Your Android graphical interface might differ slightly from the screenshots.Do the following to disable IPv6 on an Android device:Launch theSettingsapp.Tap onNetwork and Internet.Tap onMobile network.Scroll down and tap onAdvanced.Tap onAccess point names.Tap on yourcurrent mobile network.You will need to select theIPv4option in both theAPN protocolandAPN roaming protocol.Tap onAPN protocoland selectIPv4. Do the same forAPN roaming protocol.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011828279-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-Android How to disable IPv6 on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to disable IPv6 address support on your macOS device manually.Disabling IPv6 on a macOS Sonoma deviceClick theApple logoand thenSystem Preferences...SelectNetworkon the left. Afterward, click on the network (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) you wish to IPv6 settings on.ClickDetails...under the network you are connected to.In theTCP/IPtab, locate theConfigure IPv6setting and set it toLink-Local OnlyDisabling IPv6 on a macOS Monterey deviceClick theApple logoand thenSystem Preferences...On the preferences window, clickNetwork.Select the first network connection you see listed on the left-hand side (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi), then click theAdvancedbutton.Go to theTCP/IPtab at the top. BesidesConfigure IPv6, set it toOff. If you do not have this option, selectLink-local Only.ClickOK. to apply changes. If you connect to a different network type (Wi-Fi, for example), repeat this process with the new network.Lastly, make sure to clickApply. If you connect to a different network type (Wi-Fi, for example), repeat this process with the new networkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012367560-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-macOS How to disable IPv6 on a Linux device,"This guide will show you how to disable IPv6 on a Linux operating system.Follow these steps:Open theTerminalusing theCtrl+Alt+Tkeyboard shortcut. On the Terminal window, enter the following command:sudo nano /etc/sysctl.confThis command will open thesysctl.conffile in the Terminal.Scroll down to the bottom of thesysctl.conffile and paste these lines:net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.tun0.disable_ipv6 = 1Save the changes by pressingCtrl+OandCtrl+Xafter that.Entersudo sysctl -pto apply the changes in thesysctl.conffile.Check the status of IPv6 by entering the following command in the Terminal:sudo cat /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6If you see1as a reply, it meansIPv6 is not running on your deviceanymore.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024470413-How-to-disable-IPv6-on-a-Linux-device How to set custom DNS on a Windows device,"In this article, you will learn how to change, add, or remove the DNS settings on your Windows device.Follow these steps to set custom DNS on a Windows device:Click the WindowsStartbutton and search forControl Panelusing the search bar. OnceControl Panelappears in the search results, click on it.Go to theNetwork and Internettab.Click on theNetwork and Sharing Center.SelectChange adapter settingsfrom the left panel.A window with all network adapters will open up. Right-click on theactivenetwork adapterand choose thePropertiestab. You can recognize the active adapter from the green connection bar next to it.NOTE:If you connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, theWi-Fiadapter must be active.If you connect to the Internet via an Ethernet cable,Ethernetis your active adapter.SelectInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then clickProperties.Mark theUse the following DNS server addressesbubble, and enter your DNS addresses.Here are Surfshark DNS addresses you can try:162.252.172.57149.154.159.92ClickOK.Repeat the process forSurfsharkData Channel Offloadadapter as well.Restartyour Windows device afterward, which is necessary for new changes to apply.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003207373-How-to-set-custom-DNS-on-a-Windows-device How to configure custom DNS on a Windows 7 device,"In this article, you will learn how to edit, add, or remove the DNS settings on your Windows 7 device.Do the following to configure custom DNS on your Windows 7 device:Go to theStartmenu and select theControl Panel.Here, you will find theNetwork and Sharing Center tab.Clickon it.Select your primary connection or Local Area Connection underActive Networks.Click onProperties. You may receive a prompt for permission to make network setting changes here. If so, clickAllow.Highlight theInternet Protocol Version 4section, and click onProperties.​SelectUse the following DNS server addresses,type in the following DNS addresses, and clickOK.162.252.172.57149.154.159.92You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021177020-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-a-Windows-7-device How to configure custom DNS on a macOS device,"In this article, you will learn how to change, add, or remove the DNS settings on your macOS device.Setting custom DNS on a macOS Sonoma device:Click theSystem Settingsicon in theDock, or chooseApple menu>System Settings.SelectNetworkon the left. Afterward, click on the network you wish to customize DNS addresses on.Click onDetails...under thenetworkyou are connected to.ClickDNSon the left. To edit a DNS entry,double-clickon the DNS address, and you will be able to change it. If you want to remove it, select the DNS address by clicking on it once and then clicking the-sign.Here are theSurfshark DNS addresses:162.252.172.57149.154.159.92Once done, clickOK.Setting custom DNS on a macOS Monterey device:Click theSystem Preferencesicon in theDock, or chooseApple menu>System Preferences.Click on theNetworksection.Select the network you wish to configure your DNS on. In this case, you will configure the main Wi-Fi networks' DNS. After selecting the network, click onAdvanced...In the new window, select theDNSsection. After that, you will be able to add (+) or remove (-) DNS entries.Click on+to add your DNS entries.To edit a DNS entry,double-clickon the DNS address, and you will be able to change it. If you want to remove it, select the DNS address by clicking on it once and then clicking the-sign.Here are theSurfshark DNS addresses:162.252.172.57149.154.159.92Once done, make sure to clickOK.Lastly, clickApplyon theNetworkwindow for the changes to save.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022831474-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-a-macOS-device How to set custom DNS on a Chromebook,"In this article, you will learn how to change, add, or remove the DNS settings on your Chrome OS device.Follow these steps to set custom DNS on Chromebook:Open the Settings screen on your Chromebook by clicking on the notification tray and pressing on thecogwheelicon.Click on the Wi-Fi tab at the top of the settings menu.Click on the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.Click on theNetworktab. Once the section expands, click on theAutomatic name serverswindow next to theName serverstab and selectCustom name servers.Enter the following DNS addresses:DNS 1: 162.252.172.57DNS 2: 149.154.159.92NOTE:After entering the two DNS addresses, it is crucial to press theTab buttonon your keyboard or click somewhere next to the DNS address fields. Otherwise, the DNS addresses will not be saved.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403088312850-How-to-set-custom-DNS-on-a-Chromebook How to configure custom DNS on a Linux device,"This guide will show you how to edit, add, or remove the DNS settings on your Linux device.Configure custom DNS on LinuxOpen the terminal with theCTRL + ALT + Tcombination and type in the following commands:sudo rm -r /etc/resolv.confsudo nano /etc/resolv.confYou will be asked for your root password after each command line. Type it in and pressEnter.When the text editor opens, you will have to type in these lines:nameserver 162.252.172.57nameserver 149.154.159.92Close and save the file by clickingCtrl + Xand pressingY.After that, please type in one last command in the terminal and pressEnter:sudo chattr +i /etc/resolv.confIn case thechattr +icommand does not work, try using the following command instead:sudo chattr -f +i /etc/resolv.confRestartyour Linux device.Alternative solution to configure custom DNS (with Raspberry Pi)Open the terminal with theCTRL + ALT + Tcombination and type in the following commands:sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.confYou will be asked for your root password. Type it in and pressEnter.Find the section related to your VPN network interface (Typically, it’s going to be namedtun0ortap0for OpenVPN connections orwg0for Wireguard connections). It might look something like this:interface tun0NOTE:If this section does not exist, you can create it.Add or modify the staticdomain_name_servers lineto specify the DNS servers you want to use. For example, to use Surfshark’s public DNS servers, modify it like so:interface tun0static domain_name_servers=162.252.172.57 149.154.159.92Save the changes by pressingCTRL + O, then pressEnter. To exit, pressCTRL + X.NOTE:Changes to/etc/dhcpcd.confare generally more persistent and less likely to be overridden by automatic processes, so you do not need to apply thechattr +icommand on it.Restartthe network service to apply the new DNS settings using this command:sudo service dhcpcd restartAlternatively, you canrebootyour Linux system.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021037760-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-a-Linux-device How to set custom DNS on AsusWRT or Asus Merlin routers,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure custom DNS addresses on your AsusWRT or Asus Merlin routers in a few simple steps.For this tutorial, you will need a router running AsusWRT or Asus Merlin firmware and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Check the following steps:Open a browser and type in theDefault Gatewayaddress into your browser's URLaddress bar. In most cases, by default, it is192.168.1.1NOTE:Your router might have a different Default Gateway IP address. Check the backside of your router to find the Default Gateway IP address of your particular router.You will see the login prompt. If you have never configured your router before, the credentials should beadmin/adminoradminwithout a password.You can also check theback of your routerfor the default credentials.Once you log in, click on theWANtab in theAdvanced Settingssection.You will find theWAN DNS Settingstab there. Press on theNOoption next toConnect to DNS server automatically.In theDNS Server1andDNS Server2tabs, enter the following DNS addresses:162.252.172.57149.154.159.92To save the changes, pressApplyandrestartyour router.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019705540-How-to-set-custom-DNS-on-AsusWRT-or-Asus-Merlin-routers How to configure custom DNS on a GL.iNet router,"This guide will show you how to change the DNS server settings on your GL.iNet router.Check out the following steps:Open theWebAdmin Panel. To do so, open a web browser and visithttp://192.168.8.1. This link will redirect you to the Web Admin Panel.NOTE:If this is your first time opening the Web Admin Panel, you will need to select the language. Select English or any language you prefer.Create a passwordthat you will use to access the Web Admin Panel. Use any password that you prefer.Once you complete the initial setup, you will see the Web Admin Panel. Go toSettings > DNS Settings.Enter these DNS addresses:DNS server 1: 162.252.172.57DNS server 2: 149.154.159.92Check bothForce all clients to useandRebind Protectionoptions and clickApply.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011835159-How-to-configure-custom-DNS-on-a-GL-iNet-router How to make an exception for Surfshark in Avira antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the Avira antivirus application.You will need the Avira antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark's pricing page.Follow these steps to make an exception for Surfshark in Avira antivirus settings:Open your Avira antivirus application and click theSecuritytab on the left side of the application.Then go toProtection options.Press on thecogwheelnext to theReal-time protectiontab.Navigate toPC Protection > Real-Time Protection > Exceptions.Press thethree-dotbutton underFile objects to be omitted by the Real-Time Protection.Go toThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files.Open theProgram Filesfolder by clicking on the black arrow on the left side and scroll down until you find theSurfsharkfolder.Click on theSurfsharkfolder, then clickSelect.Finally, click theAddbutton.ClickApplyandOK.Restartyour device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020015700-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-Avira-antivirus-settings Why am I receiving Captcha requests?,"In this article, you will learn about Captchas and how to bypass them.What are Captcha requests?A CAPTCHA is a type of security feature used on websites and online forms to determine whether the user is a human or a computer program (often referred to as a ""bot""). The term ""CAPTCHA"" stands for ""Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart.""Why am I receiving Captcha requests?When you connect to a Surfshark server, you get a new IP address, which is also used by other Surfshark customers. With many active customers, there is a high chance of you trying to access the same website with the same IP address as other customers.This will usually cause the Captcha prompt to pop out, as the website finds multiple connection requests from the same IP address suspicious. This means you have to keep clicking the ""I am not a robot"" button or select the requested pictures every time that happens.How can I bypass Captcha requests?Try connecting to a different server. This reduces the chance of you accessing the same website with the same IP address as a different Surfshark customer.If you wish to stay on the same server you are currently on, try disconnecting from it and connecting again. Usually, you will get a different IP address, which will also likely resolve the issue.GetDedicated IP. Dedicated IP is a unique IP address only you can use. Having such an IP address helps avoid captcha prompts.You may also be interested in:What is a Dedicated IP?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020954080-Why-am-I-receiving-Captcha-requests Google shows a different location than to what I am connected,"In this article, you will learn why sometimes Google shows a different country location rather than the one you connected to and how to remedy this.Reasons behind this issueGoogle might show you a different location than the one you connected to for the following reasons:Geolocation dataGoogle determines user location by cross-checking the IP address with geolocation data of devices using that IP address. If Google detects a significant number of devices using that IP address in a certain area, it will change its location for that IP address.New serverIf you have connected to a freshly installed Surfshark server, it might be that Google did not update the IP location database, which led to a display of incorrect locations.How to solve this problemWe recommend the following solutions:Reconnect to your chosen server. This may help you receive a new IP address,hopefully showing the correct location.Connect to a completely different location.You can also check for any IP address leaks by following our guide onhow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403089882130-Google-shows-a-different-location-than-to-what-I-am-connected How to delete the Surfshark app on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to delete the Surfshark application on your iOS device.Follow the steps below to delete the Surfshark app:Locate the Surfshark application on your iOS device.Long presson the Surfshark application. An options menu will appear. Tap onRemove App.In the new pop-up, selectDelete App.Tap onDelete.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/9397698319122-How-to-delete-the-Surfshark-app-on-iOS Can I watch YouTube with Surfshark?,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to watch YouTube from anywhere using Surfshark.First of all, to use Surfshark you need to have an active Surfshark subscription to follow along.Don’t have a subscription yet? Check outSurfshark plans.Why can't I watch YouTube in some places?There are cases when YouTube is unreachable with restricted networks, such as workplaces, schools, and universities.In some countries, YouTube is entirely restricted. Surfshark can help you overcome such restrictions to safely watch your favorite videos on YouTube anywhere.How to watch YouTube with Surfshark?Connect to your preferred server using the Surfshark app.NOTE:Surfshark can run on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also set it up on some TVs, consoles, or routers.Open YouTube using a browser or the YouTube application.In case you are having issues, please make sure that Surfshark is connected andclear the cache of your browser. If you are using the YouTube app, tryreinstallingit.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011745339-Can-I-watch-YouTube-with-Surfshark Can I use IPTV with Surfshark?,"In this guide, you will learn how to securely watch IPTV using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the IPTV platform — you will need an active IPTV subscription.We cannot guarantee that the instructions below will solve all IPTV issues. Each IPTV service provider has unique Terms and Conditions. Make sure you get familiar with them to avoid any unintentional violations when using a VPN.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersConnect to the VPNConnectto any preferred location using the Surfshark app that will most likely work with your IPTV provider. This can also help you overcomeISP throttling. Since a VPN hides your IP and encrypts your traffic, your ISP can't see what you are doing and, as a result, cannot throttle your connection based on your activity.Accessing IPTVEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Try accessing IPTV.If you are experiencingissues, please try the following suggestions:Uninstall and reinstall the IPTV application while connected to the VPN;Try connecting to several different locations in our application e.g., UK, US, France, Italy;Change the default protocol in Surfshark settings. Go to theSettingswindow, click onVPN Settings, and go to theProtocoltab. Try different protocols –OpenVPN/UDPandOpenVPN/TCP.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011591299-Can-I-use-IPTV-with-Surfshark How to make an exception for Surfshark in BitDefender antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the BitDefender antivirus application.You will need the BitDefender antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.To make an exception for Surfshark in BitDefender antivirus settings, follow these steps:Open the BitDefender application and go to theProtectiontab on the left side of the app.Under theAntivirussection, clickOpen.Go to theSettingstab.ClickManageexceptions.In theAll exceptionstab, click on+ Add anException.In the following window, click on thesearch icon.Select theSurfshark folder, which is located in the following path:This PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files. Once done, clickOK.Make sure that the settingsare tickedas seen in the screenshot below.Finally,rebootyour device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020068539-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-BitDefender-antivirus-settings How to securely watch Netflix with Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to watch Netflix securely using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased on Surfshark plans andpricing page.Does Surfshark work with Netflix?Yes indeed. Having active Surfshark and Netflix subscriptions will allow you to securely view all of the content that Netflix offers.Install SurfsharkInstall any Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN server.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on:WindowsmacOSAndroidFirestickiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Netflix safelyEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Once logged in, you may need to refresh your browser. To do that, click this button in your browser, as shown in the picture below.Try accessing Netflix safely.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.In case you face issues with Netflix's streaming, checkhow to fix Netflix streaming issues.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022838873-How-to-securely-watch-Netflix-with-Surfshark How to watch Amazon Prime Video using Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to watch Amazon Prime securely using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the Amazon Prime platform — you will still need an active Amazon Prime subscription subscription.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Amazon PrimeEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing Amazon Prime.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.Stay safe at all timesEnjoy unlimited connections and bandwidth combined with a premium VPN experienceGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010794479-How-to-watch-Amazon-Prime-Video-using-Surfshark How to securely watch Disney+ using Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to securely watch Disney+ from anywhere using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the Disney+ platform — you will still need an active Disney+ subscription.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Disney+Ensure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing Disney+.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.You may also be interested in:How to get started",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010574759-How-to-securely-watch-Disney-using-Surfshark How to bypass the Windows Defender false alarm,"In this article, you will learn how to bypass the Windows Defender false alarm and resolve any issues with the Surfshark app caused by it.NOTE:Before attempting the steps below, we highly recommendupdating the Surfshark application, as this can easily fix the Windows Defender issue.Bypass the Windows Defender false alarm on Windows 10Press theWindows Keyon your keyboard and click onSettings.SelectUpdate & Security >Windows Security >Virus & threat protection.UnderVirus & threat protection updates,clickCheck for updates.You may be asked to clickCheck for updatesonce more. If so, pleaseclickit.Add Surfshark app in the exception list of Windows Defender on Windows 10If the previous steps did not work, try adding the Surfshark application to the exception list of Windows Defender with the following steps:On theVirus & threat protectionpage, click onManage Settingsinstead of Check for updates.At the bottom of the page, click onAdd or remove exclusions.Finally, click onAdd exclusionand select theSurfshark folder. The default directory for your Surfshark folder is:C:\Program Files\SurfsharkBypass the Windows Defender false alarm on Windows 11Right-clicktheStartbutton, and click onSettings.Click onSystem.ClickTroubleshoot.Click onOther troubleshooters.Lastly, click onRunnext toWindows Update.Add Surfshark app in the exception list of Windows Defender on Windows 11If the previous steps did not work, try adding the Surfshark application to the exception list of Windows Defender with the following steps:Press theStartbutton, and go toSettings.UnderPrivacy & Security, selectVirus & threat protection.UnderVirus & threat protection settings, selectManage settings.Under the Exclusions tab, selectAdd or remove exclusions.SelectAdd an exclusionand then select theSurfshark folder. The default directory for the Surfshark folder is:C:\Program Files\SurfsharkAlternatively, you can add theSurfsharkSetup.exefile as an exclusion if your Surfshark folder files are corrupted, and you need to reinstall the whole application.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4764589001746-How-to-bypass-the-Windows-Defender-false-alarm How to make an exception for Surfshark in Malwarebytes antivirus settings,"This guide will help you make an exception for Surfshark on the Malwarebytes antivirus settings.You will need the Malwarebytes antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page.Check out the following steps:Launch theMalwarebytesapp and click on thecogwheelat the top-right corner.Select theAllow Listtab.SelectAddon the right-hand side.In the new pop-up screen, selectAllow a file or folder.Click on theSelect a folderoption.Navigate to the Surfshark folder. The default location for Surfshark isThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files. Once you have the Surfshark folder highlighted, hitSelect Folder.Make sure that theExclude from all detectionsoption is selected, and clickDone.The Surfshark folder will appear on your Malwarebytes exception list.Rebootyour device for the changes to apply.You may also be interested in:Make an exception for Surfshark in BitDefender antivirus settings",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020561080-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-Malwarebytes-antivirus-settings How to link your Surfshark account to your Google or Apple account,"In this article, you will learn how to link your existing Surfshark account with your Google or Apple accounts.Open theSurfshark websiteand log into your account.Once logged in, go to theAccount settingstab.In the Account settings window, go to theLinked Accountstab, and choose which one of your accounts you would like to link.Lastly, log into your Google or Apple accounts, and the accounts will be linked. From now on, you can use your Google or Apple account to log into your Surfshark account on any application.You may also be interested in:How to fix website/app login issues",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10576890634258-How-to-link-your-Surfshark-account-to-your-Google-or-Apple-account How to make an exception for Surfshark in the McAfee antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the McAfee antivirus application.You will need the McAfee antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark's pricing page.Follow these steps:Launch theMcAfeeapp and click on theSettingsbutton, a cogwheel in the top-right corner.In the Settings menu underPC Security, clickReal-Time Scanning.UnderLearn more, click onExcluded files.Clicking this tab will extend theExcluded fileswindow. Click onAdd file.Now, you will need to navigate to the Surfshark folder. Default installation is inThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files > SurfsharkThe files you need to exclude areSurfshark.exe,Surfshark.Service.exe, andSurfsharkDiagnostics.exe.Start withSurfsharkDiagnostics.exeby clicking on it and then clickOpen.You will need to create an exclusion for each file separately.SurfsharkDiagnostics.exewill appear on theExcluded fileslist. ClickAdd fileagain.Repeat the same process for bothSurfshark.exeandSurfshark.Service.exeas well.Once you see all three files under theExcluded filestab, you can close the Real-Time Scanning window.Restartyour device to complete the procedure.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012987280-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-the-McAfee-antivirus-settings What is 2FA and why is it important?,"In this article, you will learn how to set up the 2FA feature on your Surfshark account and explain its use cases.What is 2FA?Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a commonly used security method that helps prevent specific attacks, such as brute-forcing. It introduces an additional step when you’re logging in, which, in turn, makes it much harder to guess your password with automated tools.As a cyber-security company, we do everything to keep your information safe. Therefore, we have implemented the option of 2FA at Surfshark to help you better protect your accounts.2FA use casesTwo-factor authentication is vital for bank accounts, social media profiles, and other platforms where it is crucial to protect personal data. We recommend setting up 2FA on all of your accounts to secure them from hackers better.How to start using 2FATo learn how to set up 2FA on your Surfshark account, check out this guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.If you share your Surfshark account with family members, you can still enable 2FA. Check how to do that in our tutorial abouthow to enable 2FA for multiple users.Lastly, check out our article onwhat are 2FA recovery codesin case you have lost access to your 2FA codes.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011448459 How to monitor credit cards using Surfshark Alert,"In this article, you will learn how to monitor your credit cards using Surfshark Alert.To use Surfshark Alert, you will need an active Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ subscription. Don’t have one yet? Get it onSurfshark pricing page.How to scan your first card?Log into your account on theSurfshark login page.Open the drop-down menu in theAlertsection. Then, proceed to theScan credit cardstab.Enter the number of the card you'd like to scan.NOTE:Surfshark doesn't hold your credit card details. The data is wiped out immediately after the scan is complete unless you choose to keep this card for continuous monitoring. We guarantee you that your provided details will only be used to perform the required database scan. Also, providing the card number to anyone does not put you at risk if you do not share other important details, such as the card's CVV code, name, surname, or expiry date.Make sure the card number is correct, and clickScan.If your card isn't at risk, you will see a message that no breaches were found.If you'd like to save this card for continuous monitoring, selectAdd to dashboard.How to add new cards to the dashboardIf you have other cards you'd like to scan, you can add them as well. Click on theplussign above your first monitored card.Repeat the same process – enter the new card number and clickScan.From now on, Surfshark will continuously monitor your added cards. If the Surfshark scan detects that your card number appears in a breached card database, you willget an alertimmediately.What to do if your card is breached?If you get an alert that one of your cards has been breached, first, find out which card it was – you will find that information in yourAlertdashboard. Once you know which card is exposed, we highly recommend contacting the card issuer (usually your bank) for further assistance.You will see the breach source, date, and what information might have been exposed in your Alert dashboard.Once you've taken care of it, click theArchivebutton, and all breaches will move to the archive, which you can access later if needed.The image below shows how the dashboard looks likeonce you archive the previous breaches.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017150040 How to monitor national IDs using Surfshark Alert,"In this article, you will learn how to monitor your national ID using Surfshark Alert.To use Surfshark Alert, you will need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription. Don’t have one yet? Get it onSurfshark pricing page.Protecting your national ID with Surfshark AlertBesides keeping your email addresses and credit cards safe, Surfshark Alert offers a way to protect yournational ID(i.e.,SSNin the US).It works similarly to the credit card and email scanner by searching for your personal information in the databases of recent breaches. If your ID appears in one of those breaches, your identity might be at risk.How to scan your national IDGo to theSurfshark login pageand log in.Open the drop-down menu in theAlertsection. Then proceed to theScan IDstab.NOTE:To view sensitive information onAlert, you must have 2FA activated on your account. If you don't have it activated yet, check out our guide on enabling2FA on your Surfshark account.Enter your ID number and pressScan. Worldwide ID monitoring is allowed.NOTE:Surfshark, by default, doesn't store your details. The data is wiped out immediately once the scan is complete unless you choose to keep this ID for continuous monitoring.If there are no breaches with your ID, that means your identity is safe.To add new IDs (family member or another close person), click theplussign at the top-left corner. The number od IDs you can monitor isunlimited.What to do if your ID is breachedIf your ID is potentially compromised, your identity is at risk.You will see the date and origin of all breaches, as well as some additional details on what other information could have been leaked.We highly recommend contacting your local authorities for further assistance. All countries have their ways of dealing with situations like this. They will give the best advice.If you're a US citizen, you may want to fill out a formhere.You can archive breaches once they're no longer relevant.You can still find your old breaches in the archive if needed later.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017343700 How to enable 2FA for multiple users,"This tutorial will show you how to enable2FA (two-factor authentication)on your Surfshark account for multiple users.NOTE:In case you have lost access to your authentication codes, check our article onwhat are 2FA recovery codes.Log into your account atSurfshark login page.Open your SurfsharkAccount Settings.In theTwo-factor authenticationsection, clickEdit.Click onTurn off 2FA.Confirm the pop-up by pressingYes, I'm sure.Make sure that all of your family members who wish to use Surfshark have downloaded theGoogle Authenticatorapp on their mobile devices. You can also follow our guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.ClickEditagain, and select your preferred security method.When the pop-up with aQR codeshows up, click the red bubble on your Google Authenticator app and choose theScan a barcodeoption. Then, your phone's camera app will open.Point it to the QR code, and the application will automatically register it. A new authentication profile will then be created.Scan the same QR code with the phones of other family members.Downloador take a screenshot of the recovery codes.NOTE:Save your recovery codes.They will be necessary if you lose your phone or accidentally delete the Authentication app.Lastly, when making these changes, please note that you will belogged outand will need tolog back in.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011448379 Getting started with Surfshark,"In this article, you will learn how to get started with Surfshark.There are a few things to cover to get the most out of your experience with Surfshark, such as finding out all about VPNs in general, installing the Surfshark app and connecting to VPN.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to follow along. Don’t have a subscription yet? Check outSurfshark plans.What is a VPN?A VPN (or a Virtual Private Network) is a technology that encrypts your data and routes your internet traffic through specific servers so thatyour IP addressand location are private.Surfshark VPN protects your privacy online from anyone who might want to snoop on you, from hackers to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to governments and other third-party organizations. A VPN makes it much harder for anyone to monitor the websites you access, files you download, and services you use because all your data is encrypted.Read more aboutwhat a VPN is and how it works.Install the Surfshark appYou have to start by installing the Surfshark app on your device. We have tons of articles that will help you go through the setup process. Choose your device from the following list:WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSRouterAndroid TVFirestickDon’t see your device in this list? Check out ourfull Applications guide.Connect to the VPNNOTE:Surfshark applications share an identical connection procedure on any device.When youlog inon the Surfshark app, you will see a big blueConnect button, which will connect you to either the nearest or the fastest server.If you want to connect to a specific location, you will find a list of servers on the left side of the application.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5858205960210 How to use the Surfshark Antivirus on Android,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus on your Android device.You will need to download Surfshark VPN for Android. Also, you should have an active Surfshark subscription withSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+. You can purchase it onSurfshark's pricing page.To start using Surfshark Antivirus on your Android device, follow these steps:Open the Surfshark application and tapProducts.Tap onAntivirus.To start scanning your device – hitScan.In the next pop-up, you'll need to allow file access to the Surfshark Antivirus. To do so, tapOpen Settings.Locate Surfshark and toggle the slider toon.Go back to the Surfshark app and the scan will begin.Once the scan is performed, the results will show up, in addition to some more features.You will see the following:Scheduled scan– schedule an automatic Full or Quick scan for certain days at a specific time.Real-time protection– all of the files downloaded to your device will be scanned in real time.Storage scan– all of the files that have not yet been installed or viewed will be scanned as well.Exclusion list– you can select apps that are not affected by the Antivirus scans.Note:If any threats have been found on your device, we highly recommend removing the files containing threats immediately to secure your device. You are able to do that directly through the Surfshark app.Common terms used in the VPN world",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404390545938 How to use the Surfshark Antivirus on Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus on your Windows device.Before we begin, make sure you have SurfsharkVPN for Windowsand an activeSurfshark Onesubscription, which includes the Antivirus. You can purchase it on ourpricing page. You will also need Windows 10 or newer and 2GB of free disk space.Here are the steps on how to use the Surfshark Antivirus onWindows:Open the Surfshark application and select theAntivirustab.Press onInstall Antivirus.Once the installation is complete, you can start your first scan. To do so, pressContinue.Once the initial scan is complete, you will see the number of files scanned and the overall duration of the scan. You will also know whether any threats have been found on your device.After the initial scan, you'll find yourself in the main dashboard of theAntivirusfeatures.Here, you will find the following:Full scan– scans thewhole systemandall fileson all your drives.Quick scan– scansthe most vulnerable placesof the user's device (such as temp folder, downloads, etc.)Scheduled scans– schedule an automatic Full or Quick scan for certain days at a specific time.Virus database and Cloud protect– this always-on feature allows Surfshark Antivirus to analyze suspicious files using the Surfshark cloud, which has access to a global antivirus database and does not slow your device down.Webcam protection– if your Windows device has a webcam, the feature will prevent unauthorized access to it.Exclusion list– choose what files or folders you want to scan. If you have a file or folder that you don't want to be scanned, add it to the exclude list.External storage scans– this feature allows Surfshark Antivirus to scan any external devices (such as USBs) that you plug into your Windows device.Quarantine auto-delete– with this option enabled,quarantined files(in other words, harmful files) will be automatically deleted in 60 days.NOTE:If any threats have been found on your device, we highly recommend removing the files containing threats immediately to secure your device. You can do that directly through the Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404383992082 How to use Surfshark Search,"In this article, you will learn what Surfshark Search is, its advantages, and how to use it.To use Surfshark Search, make sure to have an active Surfshark ONE subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is Surfshark Search?Surfshark Search is an organic search engine that provides a safe and private search on the web. It has no ads or trackers and doesn't keep logs of your browsing activities.What are the advantages of the Surfshark Search?Surfshark Search offers the following benefits:Completely ad-free;Results displayed in the Surfshark Search are all organic yet relevant. That means result ranking will not be your search history, location, or preferences;Search doesn't keep any logs of your activity and is the real Incognito mode for searches you don't want anyone to see;With Search, you can sort trending results by country, while the usual search engines usually show you only your country's trending results;How to use Surfshark Search?Open your Surfshark app and click onSearch. On Android, it is under theProductstab. On iOS, it can be found in theOnetab.Go to theSearchtab and start typing in your queries.You canaccess Search directly via a browser. You can also access Search via thedashboardby clickingSearchon the left side.Also, if you are interested, we have a guide on how toset Surfshark Search as your default search engine.How to set up Surfshark Search as your default search engine",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026311814 How to monitor emails using Surfshark Alert,"NOTE:The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark and will be updated shortly.In this tutorial, you will learn how to use Surfshark Alert. To proceed, you need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.What is Surfshark Alert?Surfshark Alertis a feature that helps you protect your email addresses, credit cards, and personal identification numbers by monitoring their appearance on public leaked data databases.Hundreds of websites experience breaches each day when their stored information is leaked. That might include your passwords, email addresses, card details, and other data entered when registering at some particular website.Alert scans the web for data leaks and informs you about them so you can take specific actions immediately.Additionally,Surfshark's Alert feature will inform you about malware attacks, which happen when malware software allows hackers to access sensitive information and/or steal valuable data. In case your email address is breached due to malware on your device, you will be notified immediately.Activate Surfshark AlertGo to theSurfshark login pageandlog in.Find theAlerttab on the left panel and selectMonitor emails.If you're a first-time user, please take a moment to read and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy.Check the boxand clickContinue.You will also have to enter your email address. Once you do, pressActivate.You will now need to verify your email address. Until it's verified, you will see a notification aboutPending Verification.To verify the email address, head to your email inbox and look for the most recent letter from Surfshark. Open it, and click the button toconfirmyour email.NOTE:CheckSpamandPromotioninboxes if you do not see the email.We recommend activating the2FA(2-factor authentication) on your account.If you have enabled it already, proceed to the next step.If you haven't, go to yourAccount settings, pressTurn on, and follow theSurfshark 2FA setup process.Monitor the breached dataFrom the moment you verify your email address, it will be scanned daily. If any of your personal details appear in leaked databases – you will be notified via email.In the mainAlert dashboard, you will find the most important data.You can also check your Alert dashboard for any data leaks. You will seea notificationin the middle if at least one of your accounts gets breached. If it’s green and saysNo breaches detected— your email wasn’t found in any leaked databases.If at least one of your accounts gets breached, you will see that in the dashboard. You will also notice that there is an indication of theseverityof the breach. We recommend addressing the ones withHigh severityfirst.You can find more information about every breach by clicking theblack arrowon the right.If you notice that your account is compromised, here is what you should do ASAP:•Check what information was exposed. That could be your password, email address, name, surname, etc.•Head to the website that was breached and changeyour password, email, and other personal information if possible.NOTE:If your password was compromised, make sure you're not using the same password on other websites or platforms.Once you change your passwords and other personal details, you can archive  old breaches by pressingArchive.NOTE:If you do not have 2FA enabled, you won't be able to check information such aspasswordsand will see the following alert:Archived information from all breaches will fall into dedicated folders.TheBreachesfolder holds the history of your experienced breaches.ThePasswordsfolder holds the history of your compromised passwords.ThePersonal informationfolder is for unspecified information, like ZIP codes, names, phone numbers, home addresses, usernames, etc.TheIPaddressesholds the history of the IPs that are associated with your email address and that have been breached.Customize Surfshark Alert settingsCustomize settings to fit your personal preferences by going to theAlert Settings panel.Breach reportfunctionalitywill send youmonthly, quarterly,oryearlysummaries of all breaches that have happened during that time.To enable the Status report,togglethe switch to the right, then choose how often you would like to receive these statistics.In theBreach alertssection, you can choose which emails will receive Alert notifications. You can choose if you want all breach alerts to be sent to the primary email inbox or to each affected email individually.You can also choose to remove all the data from your Alert account. This data will only be removed from your account, not from leaked databases.Add or remove new email addressesYou can add and monitor anunlimitednumber of email addresses. Those can be your own or your family members' emails.To add new emails, click the + sign at the top of the Alert dashboard. All new emails must be verified, so you will need to repeat the email verification process (refer toActivate Surfshark Alertsection of this article).Remove emails that you don't want to monitor anymore by clicking on the trash bin icon.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003881713 How to use Surfshark Ransomware Shield on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark AntivirusRansomware Shieldfeature on your macOS device.You will need the.DMG versionof the Surfshark app and an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscriptionWhat's Surfshark Ransomware Shield?Ransomware Shield is the latest addition to Surfshark's Antivirus, available from version 4.12.0.It will protect you from malicious attacks on your device, which try to encrypt your files and ask for payment to decrypt them. Ransomware shield works by monitoring your selected folders that applications try to access to interact with files.How to set up and use Surfshark's Ransomware ShieldOpen the Surfshark application and select theAntivirustab.Scroll down, locate the Ransomware Shield feature, and toggle the slider toON.Once done, you will notice an option forProtected folders and Trusted appsappear. Click on it.Now, an additional prompt will show up. Here, you'll either have to use yourMac computer's passwordorTouch IDto continue.You can toggle betweenProtected foldersorTrusted appsnear the top of the window. You can choose which folders and apps are affected by the Ransomware Shield respectively.You can also remove folders or apps by clickingRemoveor add new ones by pressingAdd a folderorAdd an app. Once you do, the app or folder will be under Ransomware Shield's protection.In case an app tries to access the files in a folder you have selected and the app isnotin theTrusted appslist, you will get a notification:You can either add the app to theTrusted appslist or continue blocking it if you do not recognize this activity. You will have torestartthe app to make the changes active.NOTE:You may get notifications from native macOS apps/processes. Most of the time, they are legit processes, and there is nothing to be worried about.You may also be interested in:How to install Surfshark Antivirus on macOS",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12787682080658-How-to-use-Surfshark-Ransomware-Shield-on-macOS How to enable 2FA for multiple users,"This tutorial will show you how to enable2FA (two-factor authentication)on your Surfshark account for multiple users.NOTE:In case you have lost access to your authentication codes, check our article onwhat are 2FA recovery codes.Log into your account atSurfshark login page.Open your SurfsharkAccount Settings.In theTwo-factor authenticationsection, clickEdit.Click onTurn off 2FA.Confirm the pop-up by pressingYes, I'm sure.Make sure that all of your family members who wish to use Surfshark have downloaded theGoogle Authenticatorapp on their mobile devices. You can also follow our guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.ClickEditagain, and select your preferred security method.When the pop-up with aQR codeshows up, click the red bubble on your Google Authenticator app and choose theScan a barcodeoption. Then, your phone's camera app will open.Point it to the QR code, and the application will automatically register it. A new authentication profile will then be created.Scan the same QR code with the phones of other family members.Downloador take a screenshot of the recovery codes.NOTE:Save your recovery codes.They will be necessary if you lose your phone or accidentally delete the Authentication app.Lastly, when making these changes, please note that you will belogged outand will need tolog back in.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011448379-How-to-enable-2FA-for-multiple-users- How to securely watch Netflix with Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to watch Netflix securely using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased on Surfshark plans andpricing page.Does Surfshark work with Netflix?Yes indeed. Having active Surfshark and Netflix subscriptions will allow you to securely view all of the content that Netflix offers.Install SurfsharkInstall any Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN server.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on:WindowsmacOSAndroidFirestickiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Netflix safelyEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Once logged in, you may need to refresh your browser. To do that, click this button in your browser, as shown in the picture below.Try accessing Netflix safely.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.In case you face issues with Netflix's streaming, checkhow to fix Netflix streaming issues.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022838873-How-to-watch-Netflix-with-Surfshark- How to set Surfshark Search as your default search engine,"In this article, you will learn how to setSurfsharkSearchas your default search engine.To useSurfshark Search, you have to get a Surfshark One subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark's pricing page.How to set up Search as your default search engine on ChromeRight-click in the address bar, and selectManage search engines and Site Search.Scroll down to theSite Searchsection and click onAdd.Once you click onAdd, a new window will pop-up. Fill in the information as follows:Search engine: SurfsharkShortcut: SurfsearchURL:https://search.surfshark.com/results?query=%sOnce done, click onAddagain.Now, click thethree dotsnext to the Surfshark Search listing.Click onMake default, and that's it – Search is now your default search engine.How to set up Search as your default search engine onEdgeClick thethree dotsat the top right of the browser.SelectSettings.SelectPrivacy, Search, and Services.In the list that appears, scroll down and look forServices. There, click onAddress bar and search.SelectManage search engines.Click onAdd.Once you click onAdd, a new window will pop-up. Fill in the information as follows:Search engine: SurfsharkShortcut: SurfsearchURL:https://search.surfshark.com/results?query=%sOnce done, click onAddagain.Now, you'll be able to see Surfshark in the available search engine list. Click thethree dotsnext to the Surfshark listing.ClickMake default, and that's it – Search is now your default search engine.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/14200359359122 Do you keep any logs of my internet activities?,"We value our customers’ privacy. That is why none of your online activities are logged by our system.Surfshark does not collect or gather any data like IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, or other kinds of data.Our servers store information about your connection to a particular VPN server (user ID and/or IP address and connection time stamps). Still, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after the termination of your session.Learn more in Surfshark’s Privacy Policy.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003068834 How to fix website/app login issues,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix some common Surfshark website/app login issues.'Too many login attempts error'If you get this error, it's most likely that yourIP addresswas temporarily blocked after several unsuccessful attempts to log in. Here is how you can solve this:If you are using a mobile device, change the network. For example, switch to cellular data from Wi-Fi.If the error continues when you connect to Surfshark VPN, disconnect from it or switch to another server.Try waiting for 10 minutes. Usually, an IP address is blocked for 10 minutes after several unsuccessful login attempts.If you are using a desktop device and this issue continues to happen, try sharing a network connection from your mobile device to your desktop. Seehow to use a mobile hotspot.Restart your router. If you have a dynamic IP, you will most likely be assigned a new IP address after that.If the issue persists, thelogin with the codemethod should resolve it.Surfshark VPN app login issuesHere is what should help if you are unable to log in to your Surfshark app:If you have another VPN running,disconnectfrom it.Try to log in to your account on theSurfshark login page. Make sure your credentials are correct.NOTE:If your password turns out to be incorrect, you canresetit.To change your email address, contact the Surfshark Customer Support agents.If you are using a mobile device, change the network. For example, switch to cellular data from Wi-Fi.Reinstallthe Surfshark app,restartyour device, and try to log in again.I can't log in with AppleOn your first time logging in with Apple, you will not be able to log in if you select theHide my emailoption. In this case, we can’t identify if this account is registered, so the system is unable to proceed with the login request. Once you select theHide my emailoption, you won’t be seeing the email option window anymore.Please follow the steps below to change the option fromHide my emailtoShow my email:Open theSettingson your device.SelectApple ID.Go toPassword & Security.Click onApps using Apple IDand selectSurfsharkfrom the list.Click onStop using Apple ID.Try logging in to Surfshark with Apple again and choose theShow my emailoption.Surfshark website login issuesIf you can not log in to your account onSurfshark login page, here is what you may try:If you are connected to Surfshark VPN when this issue happens,disconnectfrom it orconnect to a different server.Try to log in on theIncognito (private browsing)modeof your browser. Normally, you can launch the Incognito mode by pressingCTRL+SHIFT+NorCTRL+SHIFT+Pon your keyboard.Surfshark browser extension login issuesIf you can not log in to your Surfshark browser extension, here is what should help:If you are connected to the VPN using the Surfshark VPN app,disconnectfrom it orconnect to a different server.Remove the extension from your browser andreinstallit again. Seehow to set up Surfshark browser extension on Chrome,how to set up Surfshark browser extension on Firefox,orhow to set up Surfshark browser extension on EdgeCan't reach Surfshark systemsIf you are receiving an error, ‘the app was unable to reach the Surfshark systems,’ try updating the app. To update the application,download VPN for Windowsand launch the installer package.NOTE:This issue commonly occurs on Windows devices, typically due to an outdated version of the Surfshark application that prevents login attempts.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010864959 How to use the Surfshark Antivirus on Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus on your Windows device.Before we begin, make sure you have SurfsharkVPN for Windowsand an activeSurfshark Onesubscription, which includes the Antivirus. You can purchase it on ourpricing page. You will also need Windows 10 or newer and 2GB of free disk space.Here are the steps on how to use the Surfshark Antivirus onWindows:Open the Surfshark application and select theAntivirustab.Press onInstall Antivirus.Once the installation is complete, you can start your first scan. To do so, pressContinue.Once the initial scan is complete, you will see the number of files scanned and the overall duration of the scan. You will also know whether any threats have been found on your device.After the initial scan, you'll find yourself in the main dashboard of theAntivirusfeatures.Here, you will find the following:Full scan– scans thewhole systemandall fileson all your drives.Quick scan– scansthe most vulnerable placesof the user's device (such as temp folder, downloads, etc.)Scheduled scans– schedule an automatic Full or Quick scan for certain days at a specific time.Virus database and Cloud protect– this always-on feature allows Surfshark Antivirus to analyze suspicious files using the Surfshark cloud, which has access to a global antivirus database and does not slow your device down.Webcam protection– if your Windows device has a webcam, the feature will prevent unauthorized access to it.Exclusion list– choose what files or folders you want to scan. If you have a file or folder that you don't want to be scanned, add it to the exclude list.External storage scans– this feature allows Surfshark Antivirus to scan any external devices (such as USBs) that you plug into your Windows device.Quarantine auto-delete– with this option enabled,quarantined files(in other words, harmful files) will be automatically deleted in 60 days.NOTE:If any threats have been found on your device, we highly recommend removing the files containing threats immediately to secure your device. You can do that directly through the Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404383992082-How-to-use-the-Surfshark-Antivirus-on-Windows How to use the Surfshark Antivirus on Android,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus on your Android device.You will need to download Surfshark VPN for Android. Also, you should have an active Surfshark subscription withSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+. You can purchase it onSurfshark's pricing page.To start using Surfshark Antivirus on your Android device, follow these steps:Open the Surfshark application and tapProducts.Tap onAntivirus.To start scanning your device – hitScan.In the next pop-up, you'll need to allow file access to the Surfshark Antivirus. To do so, tapOpen Settings.Locate Surfshark and toggle the slider toon.Go back to the Surfshark app and the scan will begin.Once the scan is performed, the results will show up, in addition to some more features.You will see the following:Scheduled scan– schedule an automatic Full or Quick scan for certain days at a specific time.Real-time protection– all of the files downloaded to your device will be scanned in real time.Storage scan– all of the files that have not yet been installed or viewed will be scanned as well.Exclusion list– you can select apps that are not affected by the Antivirus scans.Note:If any threats have been found on your device, we highly recommend removing the files containing threats immediately to secure your device. You are able to do that directly through the Surfshark app.Common terms used in the VPN world",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404390545938-How-to-use-the-Surfshark-Antivirus-on-Android How to install the Surfshark Antivirus on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to install the Surfshark Antivirus on your macOS device.First, make sure you have downloaded theSurfshark .DMG versionfrom our official website, as the Surfshark Antivirus will not be available with the App Store version. Please find theSurfshark .DMG version.You will also need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription to use Antivirus. VisitSurfshark pricing pageto get it.Install the Surfshark appNOTE:If you already have Surfshark installed on your macOS device, please only follow the steps in theAllow permissions on your devicepart of this article.Go toSurfshark download page for macOSand download the DMG. version of the Surfshark application.Go through the regular installation process,openthe application, andlog intoyour account.Enable System ExtensionGo to theAntivirustab in the Surfshark application and click onOpen System Preferences.In the next pop-up, clickOK.At the bottom left corner, click on theLockicon.Here, you will either need to enter yourkeychain passwordor scan yourfingerprinton your macOS. In our case, we are using the password.Once you've entered your password, clickUnlock.Lastly, clickAllowand hit theLockicon one more time.Allow permissions on your deviceOpen theSystem Preferenceson your macOS device and click onSecurity & Privacy.In the new windows, selectPrivacy, then in the list on the left-hand side, findFull Disk Access, and click on theLock iconat the bottom.Here, you will need to enter yourkeychain password, which is simply your macOS device password. Once you have entered your password, clickUnlock.Checkthe box next to Surfshark Antivirus, and click on theLock icononce more.Open the Surfshark application, go to theAntivirustab, andscan your device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4891405945874-How-to-install-the-Surfshark-Antivirus-on-macOS What is Surfshark One?,"In this article, you will learn what Surfshark One is. You canpurchase the Surfshark One subscriptionpackage onSurfshark pricing page.What is Surfshark One?Surfshark One is a subscription package that includes Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Alert, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Antivirus.Surfshark VPNEncrypts your internet activityChanges your IP addressStops annoying ads and protects against malwareProtects your data and privacy on public Wi-Fi or networks you don’t trustSurfshark AntivirusDetects and removes viruses and malware from your devicesOffers real-time protectionPrevents ad companies and bots from tracking your online activityAllows performing full scans or narrowing them down to frequently used foldersSurfshark AlertAlerts you if your email address appears in breached online databasesInforms about the security status of your personal identification numberChecks your password's vulnerabilityMonitors your credit cardsSurfshark SearchPerforms private web search queries without any ads, logs, or trackersProvides accurate and relevant search resultsSearches without leaving any digital footprintsSurfshark One's availabilitySurfshark Alert and Surfshark Search are available onWindows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android, andSurfsharkbrowserextensions.The Surfshark Antivirus is currently available forAndroid,Windows, andmacOSusers, but in the near future, we might expand the feature's availability to other operating systems as well.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404390561938 I need to change the registration email. How can I do that?,"NOTE:We will request your payment details to confirm your identity and protect your account from possible unauthorized changes.If you need to change your registration email, you have to get in touch with our customer support through theSurfshark Request Formfrom your registered Surfshark email. Provide the following information in the email:Current registered email addressThe new email address you wish to replace the current onePayment datePayment amountPayment type(Credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Crypto)Based on your payment type, we require the following information:PayPal– If the payment was made via PayPal, please provide the Invoice ID.Cleverbridge– If the payment was made via Cleverbridge, please provide the 9-digit Reference number and your PayPal email address.Credit Card– If the payment was made via credit card, please provide the first 6 digits of your credit card, and credit card expiry date.CoinPayments– If the payment was made via CoinPayments, please provide the Payment ID.Google Play Store– If the payment was made via Google Play Store, please provide the order number, starting with GPA.Apple– If the payment was made via Apple/App Store, please provide a screenshot of the payment receipt.Apple Pay– If the payment was made via Apple Pay, please provide a screenshot of the transaction statement from the bank.Google Pay– If the payment was made via Google Pay, please provide a screenshot of the payment from your bank.Other payment methods– If the payment was made through Sofort, Ideal, Alipay, or other payment providers, please attach a screenshot of the transaction statement.Once our support team receives your email, they will reply confirming that the email change has been successful.NOTE: The email change request will not be completed if any requested data is missing or skipped.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003088573-I-need-to-change-the-registration-email-How-can-I-do-that How to use the webcam protection feature on Windows,"The Surfshark webcam protection feature protects you from potential hackers accessing your webcam.In this article, you will learn how to use this feature on Windows. You will need a Windows device, Surfshark app, anactive Surfshark subscription, and anactiveSurfshark ONE subscription, both of which you can purchase on ourpricing page.NOTE:Currently, the feature isonly available for Windows and macOSusers, but we will be introducing the feature to other operating systems gradually.Setup the webcam protection feature on WindowsOpen theSurfshark applicationand navigate to theAntivirustab.Here, you will find theWebcam protectionfeature. You'll have to install it if it is your first time using it. Do so by pressing theinstallbutton.Once the installation finishes, the feature will be ready for use.Use the webcam protection featureTogglethe Webcam protection feature. Click on theTrusted app listto choose which apps can access your webcam.You should find an empty list. Then, click onManage app list.A list will pop up. Here, you can manage which apps can access your webcam.NOTE:o nly the applications in thetrusted app listwill be able to access your webcam.Once you make your choices, they will appear in the app list.Lastly, we would recommend restarting your device for the changes to take effect fully.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10390858455826-How-to-use-the-webcam-protection-feature-on-Windows How to use the Surfshark Antivirus,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark Antivirus.To use the Surfshark Antivirus, you mustpurchasetheSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+package. You can do so on ourpricing page.What is Surfshark Antivirus?Surfshark's Antivirus is a feature on Surfshark app that increases your internet privacy. It will keep your devices safe from various viruses, malware, and other threats. It is easy to use and stays kind to your system's resources while protecting you and your device at all times.How to use Surfshark AntivirusNOTE:Surfshark's Antivirus is currently available onAndroid,macOS, andWindowsdevices.Choose the appropriate setup guide for Surfshark Antivirus based on your device from the following:Use Surfshark Antivirus on WindowsUse Surfshark Antivirus on macOSUse Surfshark Antivirus on AndroidAlso, our Antivirus has a new addition – thewebcam protectionfeature, which is available formacOSandWindows. You can learn how to set it up by checking the following articles:How to use the webcam protection feature on WindowsHow to use the webcam protection feature on macOSWhy can't I find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?Different threat types",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12811658762770 How to use the webcam protection feature on Windows,"The Surfshark webcam protection feature protects you from potential hackers accessing your webcam.In this article, you will learn how to use this feature on Windows. You will need a Windows device, Surfshark app, anactive Surfshark subscription, and anactiveSurfshark ONE subscription, both of which you can purchase on ourpricing page.NOTE:Currently, the feature isonly available for Windows and macOSusers, but we will be introducing the feature to other operating systems gradually.Setup the webcam protection feature on WindowsOpen theSurfshark applicationand navigate to theAntivirustab.Here, you will find theWebcam protectionfeature. You'll have to install it if it is your first time using it. Do so by pressing theinstallbutton.Once the installation finishes, the feature will be ready for use.Use the webcam protection featureTogglethe Webcam protection feature. Click on theTrusted app listto choose which apps can access your webcam.You should find an empty list. Then, click onManage app list.A list will pop up. Here, you can manage which apps can access your webcam.NOTE:o nly the applications in thetrusted app listwill be able to access your webcam.Once you make your choices, they will appear in the app list.Lastly, we would recommend restarting your device for the changes to take effect fully.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10390858455826 What are your subscription plan options?,"In this article, you will learn about Surfshark subscription plan options.You can buy plans directly on theApp StoreorGoogle Play Storeif you are using an Android or an iOS device.You can also buy Surfshark plans directly from theSurfshark plans & pricing page. There, you can find the following plans:Surfshark StarterSurfshark OneSurfshark One+Surfshark VPNAlternative IDSurfshark VPNSurfshark AlertSurfshark SearchSurfshark AntivirusAlternative IDSurfshark VPNSurfshark AlertSurfshark SearchSurfshark AntivirusAlternative IDIncogniWe have1-month,12-month, and24-monthsubscriptions with discounts that apply to all of the above-mentioned Surfshark bundles.If you have already purchased a subscription but it is not showing up as an active one, try to log out of your account. Once you do,log back in. If that does not help, seeexpired subscription errorarticle for more information.Lastly, for information about any potential fees or taxes, visitSurfshark Terms Of Service, section 4.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8958891462418 Common terms used in the VPN world,"In this article, you will find explanations of commonly used technical terms about VPNs.Client/serverThese terms describe how network communications work. To make it simple, the client requests information, and the server provides it. For example, you open Surfshark app and connect to the US Dallas server. In this case, Surfshark app represents the client asking for information, and the server in Dallas provides you with the requested information.DNS (Domain Name System)You may not have noticed, but you use various DNS servers daily. The DNS server translates the domain name (e.g., facebook.com) to an IP address (e.g., 69.63.176.13). It's like a phone book where all names (website domains) and numbers (IP addresses) are stored.DNS leaksIf your VPN is misconfigured or something interferes with a VPN connection, you may experience a DNS leak that exposes your real location to your visited websites.EncryptionEncryption is a way to encode information. At Surfshark, encryption encodes (encrypts) all information your device sends or receives. If the information is encrypted, it becomes unreadable for everyone else except you.IP (Internet Protocol) leakIP leak happens when your real Internet Protocol (IP) address is unintentionally revealed or ""leaked"" to the internet, potentially compromising your online privacy and anonymity. If your VPN has misconfigured settings or technical issues, that can sometimes result in your actual IP address being exposed.IPv4IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4, is a fundamental protocol that serves as the foundation for communication over the Internet and most local area networks. Due to the exponential growth of internet users, IPv4 is no longer sustainable since it only allows 4 billion IP addresses.IPv6IPv6 is the newest version of IPv4. It was developed to address the limitations of its predecessor and to meet the growing demand for IP addresses as the number of Internet-connected devices expanded.ISPInternet service provider, a.k.a. ISP, is an organization that provides you with an internet connection.WebRTCWebRTCstands for Web-Real Time Communication. As the name suggests, this technology allows for real-time communication between browsers without requiring an intermediate server (after the connection has been already established).LeaksIf yourIP address,DNS address, orWebRTCaddresses are still visible after connecting to a VPN, that's a leak. You can find ways to check for leaks in our guide onhow to ensure that Surfshark VPN is working.LogsIn general, there are two kinds of logs: usage logs that include visited websites, and connection logs that contain connection times, data usage, users’ real IP address, and an IP address assigned by a VPN. Some VPN providers don't keep anylogs of your VPN activityexcept the information needed for billing and troubleshooting. Surfshark is one of them.ObfuscationServers at Surfshark use this technology to hide the fact that you're using a VPN. It makes your online activities look like regular traffic while connected to a VPN.Ping (latency)The ping is useful for checking if the server is accessible and how long it takes to respond. Simply put, by pinging the server (website name orIP address), you send a request to it and wait for an answer. If you receive a response, that means the server is available. Usually, the faster the server responds, the smoother internet connection you will have.ProtocolIt's a set of rules that determines how your information will be divided into pieces and sent from/to your device.For example, theOpenVPN(UDP) protocol divides your information into tiny packs of bytes and sends it to the server in random order. OpenVPN (TCP) will also split all the data into pieces, but it assigns a number to each information pack and sends it in a strict order. Changing the protocol on your Surfshark app might improve the connection speed and stability.Ram-only serverRam-only serveris a type of server that runs on volatile (RAM) memory. That means that any information that would usually be on the hard drive is wiped off automatically whenever a server is turned off.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013088420 How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working,"In this article, you will learn how to make sure that your Surfshark VPN connection is working properly.Find the connection status in the appConnectto Surfshark VPN.The home screen of your Surfshark app is the first indication that a VPN connection is successful. If it saysConnected and safe, your internet connection is protected.Here you can also see the protocol in use, your connection time and IP address.IP leak testOpenthe Surfshark IP leak test pageto perform an IP leak test.It should show the IP address of a Surfshark server that you have connected to. Also, you will see a message that you are protected, andYour IP address is secured by Surfshark.DNS leak testSwitch toSurfshark DNS leak test pageto do the DNS leak test.Similar to the IP test, the DNS test should show only one DNS server address from the same location.You will also see a notification sayingProtected.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089093-How-to-make-sure-if-Surfshark-VPN-is-working- How to delete my Surfshark account,"In this guide, you will learn how to delete your Surfshark account.To delete your account, contact our customer success team viaLive ChatorSubmit a requestand let them know you wish to have your account deleted.Keep in mind that if you still have an active subscription, it will be removed, and the remaining active subscription time will no longer be available.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11271665782034-How-to-delete-my-Surfshark-account Why can't I find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?,"In this article, you will learn why you may not be able to find the Surfshark Antivirus on your macOS device.First of all, to access Surfshark Antivirus, you need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.Why can't I find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?Currently, the Surfshark Antivirus is only available for our customers who download the Surfshark .DMG version directly from our website, instead of the App Store.What to do if I can't find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?You have to download the Surfshark.DMGversion from our official website.NOTE:You will need to havemacOS 10.15 (Catalina)or higherand500MB of free disk spacefor the Antivirus to work.If you have Surfshark app downloaded from the official App Store, check the following steps (if you don’t have Surfshark app at all, check step 2):Drag the current Surfshark application to theRecycle Binto delete it completely.Download VPN on macOSby pressingDownload app.Go through the installation process, and open your Surfshark application.Allow permissions for the Surfshark Antivirus. You can follow our guideinstalling Surfshark Antivirus on macOSto learn how to do that.How to install the Surfshark Antivirus on macOS",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4891413959186-Why-can-t-I-find-the-Surfshark-Antivirus-on-my-macOS How to use the webcam protection feature on macOS,"The Surfshark webcam protection feature protects you from potential hackers accessing your webcam.In this article, you will learn how to use this feature on macOS. You will need a macOS device, Surfshark app, and an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page.NOTE:Currently, the feature isonly available for macOS and Windowsusers, but we will gradually be introducing the feature to other operating systems.Setup the webcam protection on macOSOpen the Surfshark application and navigate to theAntivirus tab.Here, you will find theWebcam protectionfeature. You’ll have to install it if this is your first time using it. Do so by pressing theinstallbutton. Then,togglethe switch to enable it.Use the webcam protection featureClick on theTrusted app list.Click on theManage app listbutton. Here, you will be able to select and add apps that you allow to access your webcam.Once you select your apps, simply hitConfirm. In our case, we added the FaceTime app to be able to use the webcam.Restartyour device after the changes, for them to fully take effect. Now only the applications in the allow list will be able to access your webcam.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8835462571154-How-to-use-the-webcam-protection-feature-on-macOS How to allow the Full Disk Access prompt using Surfshark Antivirus on macOS Ventura,"In this article, you will learn how to allow the Full Disk Access prompt you might get while using Surfshark on the newest macOS version.To fix this issue, follow these steps:Once the Full Disk Access prompt pops up, click onOpen Privacy Preferences.Once the settings window is open, SelectSurfshark Antivirusand click the-button at the bottom of the list.You will be prompted to enter your password or use a fingerprint.Now close the Surfshark application and reopen it.You will receive the Full Access Prompt again. This time, clickOpen PrivacyPreferencesagain andtoggle the switch next to Surfshark Antivirus to green.Type in your macOS admin password or use a fingerprint, and you're done!You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8293127369362-How-to-allow-the-Full-Disk-Access-prompt-using-Surfshark-Antivirus-on-macOS-Ventura Different malware types,"In this article, you will learn about different types of malware and how it works.What is malware?Malwareis any software, product, or program created with the intent to cause harm. The most common types of malware areviruses,Trojans, andworms.Below, we’ll tackle the most prevalent offenders and what you can do about them.NOTE:The following descriptions are generalizations and new threats emerge daily. While some malware types cannot do much damage on their own, they can still harm your device and data when combined with other types.Why is it important to remove malware files?It is critical that you delete malware-associated files as soon as possible because they can be used — or are already being used — to inflict serious damage to your device. They can:Disrupt the normal functionality of your operating system or even render it completely useless.Hijack valuable private information (credit card numbers, passwords, PIN codes, etc.)Direct all your web searches to the same unwanted or malicious sites.Slow down your device drastically.Gain complete control of your device to spread viruses and Trojans as well as send out spam.Types of malwareADSPYWhat it is:Adware or spyware.What it can do:ADSPY will bombard you with unwanted pop-up ads. It can also cause more harm by redirecting you to malicious websites and can change your browser settings.ADWAREWhat it is:Ad software.What it can do:ADWARE can display ads by modifying the websites you visit or opening additional pages on your browser.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This software can go unnoticed because it’s often packaged with other downloads. For example, it's common for free programs to include adware as a default install option.APPLWhat it is:Applications of dubious origin.What it can do:APPL can extract protected information, provide remote access to the local machine, modify advanced system settings, or perform advanced operating system or networking functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't necessarily mean that the file is malicious. However, your system security might be compromised if the file was downloaded without your knowledge.BATWhat it is:A virus in a batch format.What it can do:A BAT file can be used to execute other malware or malicious programs on a victim's computer. It can also modify system settings, turn off security software, or make changes that weaken the computer's security.BDCWhat it is:A backdoor client program.What it can do:BDC can extract or change data on a computer.BOOWhat it is:A boot sector or master boot sector virus.What it can do:BOO can target and infect a specific physical section of a computer system that contains information crucial to the proper operation of the computer's operating system.DDOSWhat it is:A program that can perform distributed denial of service attacks.What it can do:DDoS allows hackers to overwhelm a website or service with false web traffic or requests from numerous enslaved internet-connected devices, slowing down or downright crashing the affected site or service.DIALERWhat it is:A particular of Trojan.What it can do:DIALER can replace the number in your internet connection dial-up settings to become a premium rate number or implant an autodialer on your computer. This will continually dial a certain premium rate number.DROPPERWhat it is:A type of Trojan.What it can do:DROPPER can install some sort of malware (virus, backdoor, etc.) onto a system. The malware code can be contained within the dropper (single-stage) in a way that avoids detection by virus scanners. Alternatively, the dropper may only download the malware to the machine when activated (two-stage).EMLWhat it is:A potentially harmful email.What it can do:EML usually includes harmful content as a script or file. Most often, it's attached as a malicious .eml file to a traditional email. The email itself has no malicious links, and though you may be able to recognize it as an attack with some experience, it's not instantly apparent.EXPWhat it is:A type of malware.What it can do:EXP can detect and use specific security vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain control of the system.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Many Windows devices come with an Exp.exe file that’s not essential for Windows and can cause problems. This file is usually located in the C:\Windows folder.EXPLOITWhat it is:An exploit in the system.What it can do:EXPLOIT can be used as part of a multi-component attack. Instead of using a malicious file, the exploit may drop another malware with backdoor Trojans and spyware that can steal your information from the infected systems.HEURWhat it is:A generic detection routine.What it can do:HEUR is designed to detect common family characteristics shared in several variants. Heuristic refers to a ""preliminary detection"" feature that can detect unknown viruses. It involves a complex analysis of the affected code and scanning for virus-specific functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Heuristic threats do not always mean that it's a virus for sure; false positives may occur.HTMLWhat it is:A virus that can infect the system using an HTML script.What it can do:HTML smuggling lets an attacker ""smuggle"" an encoded malicious script within a specially crafted HTML attachment or web page. When the target opens that attachment in their web browser, the browser decodes the malicious script, which, in turn, assembles the payload on the device.KITWhat it is:A construction kit.What it can do:KIT can be used to create various viruses or malware.LINUXWhat it is:A file virus or malware in the Shell or ELF format that is only executable on a Linux operating system.What it can do:LINUX can be many of the threats mentioned above (like Trojans and worms) except for Linux systems.MACROWhat it is:A computer virus written in the same macro language as the software it infects (common victims include Microsoft Excel and Word).What it can do:MACRO targets software rather than systems, which allows it to infect any operating system (PC or Mac).IMPORT TO NOTE:Cybercriminals often trick victims into enabling macros before the infected macro can run.OSXWhat it is:A file virus or malware that runs on Apple OSX systems only.What it can do:OSX can be many of the threats mentioned above (like Trojans and worms) except for Apple systems.PCKWhat it is:A heuristic detection routine.What it can do:PCK is designed to detect common packers used by malware. Even though some packers are commercially available, many executables compressed with them are malware or behave in a way that presents a security or privacy risk.Usually, these packers employ encryption mechanisms and often manipulate the original executable code to hide their real functionality.Important to note:Legitimate software may employ some of these commercial packers. A packer detection does not necessarily mean that the detected file is malicious.PFSWhat it is:Possibly Fake Software, also known as scareware.What it can do:PFS can pose as antivirus software and lie about your devices being infected by viruses to get you to install it. Of course, it does not offer any helpful functionality and can be a vector for spreading malware.PHISHWhat it is:An email, voice call, instant message, file, etc., delivered under false pretenses.What it can do:PHISH can use social engineering techniques to trick and persuade you into revealing personal information (among other things).IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Your judgment is the first line of defense against phishing, as no antivirus or browser extension picks up most phishing attacks.PROGRAMWhat it is:A virus that runs on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows systems.What it can do:PROGRAM is a family of viruses that spreads onto your computer and infects files. Generally, it infects local files, removable network drivers, executables (EXE), drivers (DDL), and screensavers.PUAWhat it is:Potentially Unwanted Applications.What it can do:PUA may compromise the privacy and the security of your local system. It’s usually a legitimate application that tries to use social engineering to make you install additional offers during the installation of the software you originally wanted.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't always mean the file is malicious. However, your privacy or system security might be compromised if the file was installed on the system without your knowledge.RISKWAREWhat it is:A legitimate program that poses potential risks due to security vulnerabilities, software incompatibility, or legal violations.What it can do:RISKWARE can affect the security of your system and trigger unwanted activities that might violate your privacy. For example, it can be used to extract protected information, provide remote access to the local machine, modify advanced system settings, or perform advanced operating system or networking functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't mean the file is malicious. However, your system security might be compromised if the file gets on the system without your knowledge.RKITWhat it is:A piece of software that uses cloaking techniques.What it can do:RKIT can bypass security systems and gain unauthorized access to data without detection. That means someone can remotely compromise your system without leaving any sign of infiltration.SCRIPTWhat it is:A type of cyberattack that leverages the system's existing applications and tools.What it can do:SCRIPT is a sophisticated technique favored by hackers for its ability to outsmart standard endpoint security solutions. It can be used to capture credentials, compromise data, and cause damage to the operating system.TR (TROJAN)What it is:A Trojan horse.What it can do:TR can spy out data, violate privacy, or perform unwanted modifications to the system. Trojans are programs that can appear to serve a legitimate purpose but have an unwanted or harmful effect. Many Trojan programs can download other harmful software components to your device without your knowledge.VBSWhat it is:Visual Basic Script virus.What it can do:VBS damage can range from harmless ad displays to straight-out data theft, remote computer access, and other malicious activities. Additionally, VBS can serve as a backdoor to other malware, such as self-propagating worms.VIRUSWhat it is:A piece of code that inserts itself into an application and executes when the app is run.What it can do:A virus may be used to steal sensitive data, launch DDoS attacks, or conduct ransomware attacks. Usually spread via infected websites, file sharing, or email attachments. A virus will lie dormant until the infected file or program is activated. Once that happens, the virus can replicate itself and spread through the system and the internet.WORMWhat it is:A virus that can spread itself over the internet (using email, peer-to-peer networks, instant messages (IMs), etc.).What it can do:WORM can modify and delete files and inject malicious software onto a computer. Sometimes, by overloading a shared network, a computer worm's purpose is only to make copies of itself over and over — depleting system resources, such as hard drive space or bandwidth. In addition to wreaking havoc on the computer's resources, worms can also steal data, install a backdoor, and allow someone to gain control of your computer.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6793860442386-Different-malware-types Surfshark Antivirus detects another antivirus during installation,"In this article, you will learn what steps to take if Surfshark Antivirus installed detects other antivirus applications on your device.If the Surfshark Antivirus installed on your device detects other antivirus applications, it may cause your installation to fail. Even if the other antivirus application has been deleted recently or some time ago, Surfshark can still find it. Don’t worry, though; this issue can be fixed easily.Check out the following steps:Click on theWindows key, enterPowerShell, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and click onRun as administrator.Once PowerShell is open, copy the command below,pasteit into Windows PowerShell, and clickEnter.The command:Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\SecurityCenter2 -Class AntiVirusProduct | ForEach-Object{if($_.instanceGuid -ne “{D68DDC3A-831F-4fae-9E44-DA132C1ACF46}“){$_.Delete()}}Once done, run the Surfshark installation again.You may also be interested in:How to make sure if my connection was successful",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5896908600722-Surfshark-Antivirus-detects-another-antivirus-during-installation Surfshark Antivirus Service manual start,"In this article, you will learn how to start the Surfshark Antivirus Service manually.On some rare occasions, the Surfshark Antivirus Service on your Windows device might fail to start, thus causing issues with the Antivirus.Asimple restart of your device should fix the issueautomatically, but if you don't want to restart your Windows device, there is a manual method for starting the service.Follow these steps:Open the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selectingTask Manager.At the top tab, click onServices.Lastly, find the Surfshark Antivirus service, right-click on it, and selectStart.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6087092520338-Surfshark-Antivirus-Service-manual-start What is 2FA and why is it important?,"In this article, you will learn how to set up the 2FA feature on your Surfshark account and explain its use cases.What is 2FA?Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a commonly used security method that helps prevent specific attacks, such as brute-forcing. It introduces an additional step when you’re logging in, which, in turn, makes it much harder to guess your password with automated tools.As a cyber-security company, we do everything to keep your information safe. Therefore, we have implemented the option of 2FA at Surfshark to help you better protect your accounts.2FA use casesTwo-factor authentication is vital for bank accounts, social media profiles, and other platforms where it is crucial to protect personal data. We recommend setting up 2FA on all of your accounts to secure them from hackers better.How to start using 2FATo learn how to set up 2FA on your Surfshark account, check out this guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.If you share your Surfshark account with family members, you can still enable 2FA. Check how to do that in our tutorial abouthow to enable 2FA for multiple users.Lastly, check out our article onwhat are 2FA recovery codesin case you have lost access to your 2FA codes.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011448459-What-is-2FA-and-why-is-it-important How to enable 2FA for multiple users,"This tutorial will show you how to enable2FA (two-factor authentication)on your Surfshark account for multiple users.NOTE:In case you have lost access to your authentication codes, check our article onwhat are 2FA recovery codes.Log into your account atSurfshark login page.Open your SurfsharkAccount Settings.In theTwo-factor authenticationsection, clickEdit.Click onTurn off 2FA.Confirm the pop-up by pressingYes, I'm sure.Make sure that all of your family members who wish to use Surfshark have downloaded theGoogle Authenticatorapp on their mobile devices. You can also follow our guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.ClickEditagain, and select your preferred security method.When the pop-up with aQR codeshows up, click the red bubble on your Google Authenticator app and choose theScan a barcodeoption. Then, your phone's camera app will open.Point it to the QR code, and the application will automatically register it. A new authentication profile will then be created.Scan the same QR code with the phones of other family members.Downloador take a screenshot of the recovery codes.NOTE:Save your recovery codes.They will be necessary if you lose your phone or accidentally delete the Authentication app.Lastly, when making these changes, please note that you will belogged outand will need tolog back in.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011448379-How-to-enable-2FA-for-multiple-users Enter 2FA code,"In this article, you will learn how to use 2FA through your email address or the authenticator app.NOTE: If you no longer have access to your authentication codes, check our guide onwhat are 2FA recovery codes.What is 2FA?Two-factor authentication is a commonly used security method that helps prevent specific types of attacks, such as brute-forcing. It introduces an additional step when you’re logging in, which, in turn, makes it much harder to guess your password with automated tools.There are two ways to use 2FA — through youremail addressor theauthenticator app. An email address code will only work for the current login attempt, while the code on the authenticator app will reset every 60 seconds. To set up 2FA on your account, follow this guide onhow to enable 2FA on your Surfshark account.How to use 2FA through your email addressUsing your email address for 2FA authentication will send you a new code each time you attempt to log into the Surfshark website or the Surfshark app. Open your email, and you should see a recent letter containing your current 2FA authentication code.Afterward, you can use this code to log into the website. ClickVerifyonce you input the code.If you are logging into the Surfshark application, the prompt will look very similar. Input the 2FA authentication code and click onVerify.How to use 2FA through an authentication appIf you are using an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy, use the code you see on the app for logging into either the Surfshark website or the app.The authentication code input procedure is identical to the email procedure, and the main difference is that you receive a code from an app instead of an email.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013171019-Enter-2FA-code What are 2FA recovery codes?,"In this article, you will learn what are 2FA recovery codes and how to use them.What are 2FA recovery codes?Recovery codes areone-timeuse codes that you can use in case you have lost access to the device/email address to which you usually receive2FA codes. When setting up 2FA on your account, you have the ability tosaveordownloadthem.How to save 2FA recovery codes?Enter your Surfshark Account settings and click onEdit.Choose your preferred authentication method and proceed. Once you receive the code, enter it and clickNext.Here, you will be presented with yourrecovery codesand a confirmation that 2FA is active on your account. Press onDownload recovery codes,and a download of a text file will begin. We also recommendtaking a pictureof the recovery codes orsaving them in a password manager or cloud storage,such as Google Drive.Once the download is finished, you'll findrecovery.txtin yourDownloadsfolder.The file contains your account's recovery codes.How to use 2FA recovery codes?Type in your credentials and pressLog in.Click onEnter a recovery code.Enter one of the recovery codes and pressVerify.NOTE:These codes areone-time use only.Once logged in, go to yourAccount settings, where you can reconfigure 2FA on your new device/email.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/17397002856466-What-are-2FA-recovery-codes I lost or forgot my password,"In this article, you will learn what to do if you lose or forget your password. The steps below work even if you have had no password/have not created a password since registering.Reset your passwordGo to thereset password page.Enter your email address and press theGet the reset linkbutton.NOTE:This method works for resetting your password even if you had no password since registering.Head to your email inbox, where you'll find a letter from Surfshark namedReset password instructions.Open this letter and pressReset your password.On the following page, enter your new password by following the given criteria and pressConfirm new password.If you have not received apassword resetletter, it could be that it has landed in your email's spam/junk folder or that you have created your account under adifferent email address.Change your email addressFor your account's safety, there is no option to change the registered email via Surfshark apps orSurfshark website. If you've forgotten the registered email, please contact the Surfshark customer success team.Be prepared to provide some payment details as proof of your identity.You also may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10423160105362-I-lost-or-forgot-my-password What to do if I have lost or forgotten my email address or password?,"In this article, you will learn what to do if you have lost or forgotten your email address or account password.Reset your passwordGo toSurfshark password reset page.Enter your email address and press theGet the reset linkbutton.NOTE:This method works for resetting your password even if you had no password since registering.Head to your email inbox, where you'll find a letter from Surfshark namedReset password instructions.Open this letter and pressReset your password.On the following page, enter your new password by following the given criteria and pressConfirm new password.You can use this password to log in to your Surfshark account.Change your email addressFor your account's safety, there is no option to change the registered email via Surfshark apps or the Surfshark dashboard. If you've forgotten the registered email, please contact the Surfshark customer success team and be prepared to provide some payment details as proof of your identity. In order to change your email, please check outhow can I change my email.How to fix website/app login issues",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003088933-What-to-do-if-I-have-lost-or-forgotten-my-email-address-or-password How to create a Surfshark account with Google or Apple,"In this article, you will learn how to create a Surfshark account by linking it to your Google or Apple account.NOTE:For this tutorial, we will be using a Windows device, but the creation process is the same for every device.Follow these steps:Openthe Surfshark application on your device. Here, you can select whether you wish tocreate your Surfshark account by linking it with a Google or Apple account.Once you select your preferred method, you will be redirected to either Google or Apple websites for logging in. After logging in, open the Surfshark application once more.Click onConfirm.Lastly, you will need to select a plan. Click thePick a planbutton to do so.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10573519138066-How-to-create-a-Surfshark-account-with-Google-or-Apple How can I change my email?,"NOTE:We will request your payment details to confirm your identity, and protect your account from possible unauthorized changes.If you want to change your Surfshark account email, you have to fill in theSurfshark request formfrom your currently registered emailwith the following information:Current registered email address;The new email address you wish to replace the current one;Payment date;Payment amount;Payment type(Credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Crypto);The needed information based on your payment type:PayPal- If the payment was made via PayPal, please provide the Invoice ID.Cleverbridge- If the payment was made via Cleverbridge, please provide the 9-digit Reference number and your PayPal email address.Credit Card- If the payment was made via credit card, please provide the first 6 digits of your credit card, and credit card expiry date.CoinPayments- If the payment was made via CoinPayments, please provide the Payment ID.Google Play Store- If the payment was made via Google Play Store, please provide the order number, starting with GPA.Apple- If the payment was made via Apple/App Store, please provide a screenshot of the payment receipt.Apple Pay- If the payment was made via Apple Pay, please provide a screenshot of the transaction statement from the bank.Google Pay- If the payment was made via Google Pay, please provide a screenshot of the payment from your bank.Other payment methods- If the payment was made through Sofort, Ideal, Alipay, or other payment providers, please attach a screenshot of the transaction statement.NOTE:Theemail change request willnot be completedif any requested datais missing or skipped.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447760192658-How-can-I-change-my-email Expired subscription error,"In this article, you will learn what to do if you encounter an expired subscription error.Solutions to fix the expired Surfshark subscription error:Log out of the Surfshark appThe most popular solution would be totry logging outof your Surfshark account and logging back in. This way, the account and subscription information in your Surfshark app will reset, fixing the issue.Check if your email is correctDouble-check that you are usingthe right email. It could be that you have used a different one. If you have paid for your subscription via an Apple device, there is also the possibility that it went under yourApple private relay emailaddress.Reinstall the Surfshark appIf that doesn't help, tryreinstallingyour Surfshark application. You can find information on reinstalling the Surfshark app in our Help Center'sApp Installation section.Check your Surfshark subscription expiration dateLastly, it might be that your subscription has actually expired. Check the expiration date in theSettingstab of your Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447534646546-Expired-subscription-error What to do if you’ve been accidentally charged twice?,"In case you've been charged twice, pleaseget in touch with our Customer Support Teamand provide as many details about the additional payment as possible:Account's email;Payment date;Payment amount;Payment type(Credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Crypto);Additionally, depending on the payment type, provide the following information:PayPal- If the payment was made via PayPal, please provide the Invoice ID.Cleverbridge- If the payment was made via Cleverbridge, please provide the 9-digit Reference number and your PayPal email address.Credit Card- If the payment was made via credit card, please provide the first 6 digits of your credit card, and credit card expiry date.CoinPayments- If the payment was made via CoinPayments, please provide the Payment ID.Google Play Store- If the payment was made via Google Play Store, please provide the order number, starting with GPA.Apple Pay- If the payment was made via Apple Pay, please provide a screenshot of the transaction statement from the bank.Google Pay- If the payment was made via Google Pay, please provide a screenshot of the payment from your bank.",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/25568695199378-What-to-do-if-you-ve-been-accidentally-charged-twice Manage your subscription,"In this article, you will learn how to manage your subscription.How auto-renewal works and its benefitsSurfshark VPN protects your device, internet browsing, and personal data from various cyber threats.We aim to provide uninterrupted security; that’s why paid Surfshark Servicesrenew automaticallyat the end of each service period. Your chosen payment method is charged again unless you cancel your automatic payments.How to cancel auto-renewalIf you cancel the automatic renewal on your account, you can still use it until the subscription expires; however,canceled accounts will not be refunded for the unused part of the ongoing service period.If you'd like to cancel your subscription and stop future payments, you can do that by:Contacting our customer success team vialive chat.Entering yourSurfshark accountpage and navigating to the subscription tab.If you bought a subscription viaGoogle Play Store, check Google's article onhow to cancel, pause, or change a subscription on Google Play.If you made your purchase viathe Apple App Store,check out this guide onhow to cancel the subscription via the App Store.How to enable auto-renewalYou can opt-in for automatic subscription renewal through Surfshark at any time. However, there are some exceptions:Users who bought a subscription via theGoogle Play Store or Apple App Store.Users who bought via payment providers that prevent the automatic recurring of subscriptions.To enable auto-renewal, open thefollowing linkand press theTurn on auto-renewalbutton.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/17673853278226-Manage-your-subscription Why does my subscription show up as expired on iOS?,"In this article, you will learn how to solve the issue when your subscription shows up as expired on an iOS device.Here are a few tricks to get this issue sorted:Trylogging outof your Surfshark account and logging back in. This way, the account and subscription information in your Surfshark app will reset.Double-check that you are using theright email. It could be that you have purchased your subscription under yourApple private relay email address.Try reinstalling your Surfshark application. Seehow to reinstall the Surfshark application on iOS.It might be that your subscription has actually expired. Check theexpiration datein theSettingstab of your Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8958853757714-Why-does-my-subscription-show-up-as-expired-on-iOS How can I enable my recurring payment?,"Surfshark VPN protects your browsing, device, and personal data from cyber threats.Even though sometimes the difference in online safety is not visible, rest assured – Surfshark works in the background and secures your device and online activities.We aim to provide uninterrupted security; that’s why paid Surfshark Services renew automatically at the end of each service period. Your chosen payment method is charged again unless you cancel your automatic payments.You can opt-in for automatic subscription renewal through Surfshark at any time. However, there are some exceptions:Users who bought a subscription via theGoogle Play Store or Apple App Store;Users who bought via payment providers that prevent the automatic recurring of subscriptions.How to enable auto-renewalTo enable auto-renewal, open thefollowing linkand press theTurn on auto-renewalbutton.Benefits of auto-renewalIf you have your auto-renewal on, your subscription will never expire. That means:Safety on all networks no matter where you are;Unlimited 24/7 online freedom and privacy;No more domestic or foreign spying;Online shopping without price discrimination whenever you want;Secure streaming at any time & more.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/15144850142354-How-can-I-enable-my-recurring-payment How can I receive an invoice for my purchase?,"This article will teach you how to generate an invoice for your Surfshark subscription purchase.NOTE:if you've purchased your subscription via the Apple Store, Google Play Store, or Amazon Store, you will have to generate your Invoice directly through them.Follow these steps to receive your invoice:First, go toSurfshark's login page.On the top-right corner, click on your account and selectSubscription.In the new window, selectPayments.ClickViewon a payment of your choice.SelectGenerate an invoice.Fill in the details needed and clickDownload invoice.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009905339-How-can-I-receive-an-invoice-for-my-purchase What payment options do you offer?,"Currently, we accept credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, cryptocurrency, and other popular payment methods, which may vary according to your region. Most of the payment methods are in the screenshot below.For more information, you can always check ourpricing pageand start following the steps needed to make a payment for the subscription. All the available payment methods appear below the subscription packages.NOTE:Depending on the country you are from, payment methods may vary.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069034-What-payment-options-do-you-offer Are there any additional payments or hidden costs?,"We may calculate and add taxes or duties, including, but not limited to, VAT, GST, and other taxes or fees under laws applicable to you at the time of purchase.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069594-Are-there-any-additional-payments-or-hidden-costs How to use a coupon code,"This article will show you how to apply your custom coupon code when purchasing a Surfshark VPN subscription.Here's what you need to do:Go to theSurfshark plans & pricing pageand select the subscription of your choice.Click on theGot coupon?button, as shown in the picture below.The coupon bar will show up. Enter your coupon code and press theApplybutton.If your coupon is valid, you will see a confirmation sayingCoupon applied.If you want to use a new code when purchasing another subscription in the future, follow the same instructions.NOTE:You can apply only one coupon code at a time.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012786979-How-to-use-a-coupon-code How to change or update your payment method,"In this article, you will learn how to change or update your Surfshark account's payment method.NOTE:Currently, we do not provide the option to change your payment method to completely different store payments, for example, Google Play, App Store, or Amazon Store.To change your payment method, follow these steps:Open your preferred browser and go to theSurfshark login page.Log in to your account, tap on your email at the top right corner, and selectSubscription.In theSubscriptionsection, click on thePaymentstab.Click onChange.Select your desired payment method.Do you offer a free trial?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019723939-How-to-change-or-update-your-payment-method How to set up Surfshark VPN on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN Windows app on your device. You will need a Windows device running Windows 7 or later and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.If you are usingWindows 7 or 8, you will need todownload the Windows Legacy version Surfshark app.Download the Surfshark appYou candownloadtheSurfshark VPN appfor Windowshere.Clicking thedownloadbutton on the Windows VPN app will start the download:If your Windows device's processor's structure is ARM64, download the second option.Once the download is complete, locate the installation file on your device. It will likely be in your device'sdownloadsfolder:Install the appDouble-click theSurfshark.Setupfile:The computer will ask if you 'want to allow this app to make changes to your device.’ Clickyes:Wait until the automatic installation is finished:When the installation is complete, wait a few seconds. The app will start automatically:Log into the appOnce the app is open,log inas an existing user. If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can get it by clicking on thecreate accountbutton:Presslog inand enter the email address and password you used when registering. Clicklog inagain:If you've enabledtwo-factor authenticationfor your account, you will need toenter a 2FA code.Enter your authentication code and pressverify:Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will see the main dashboard of the Surfshark app:You can start by clicking onquick-connect. It will connect you to the fastest location, which is usually the closest to your country of residence:Here, you can also see the recently used servers and all the locations you can connect to. Once you are connected, you can also disconnect or pause the connection.The first way to change your preferred connection location is by pressing thechangebutton:The second way to change your preferred connection location is to go to thesettings > VPN settings > quick-connect. Once you click on it, you'll find a list of locations to choose from, along with the nearest and fastest ones.Once you make your choice, it will be reflected like this:Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose a server, click on it, and that's it.To favorite a location, click on the star icon next to it:Once you do so, the location will appear at the top of the list in thefavouritessection:You can also seeStatic IP,Dedicated IP, andMultiHoptabs at the top of your Surfshark app:Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Dedicated IP– you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You have to purchase it separately.Running a speed and latency test will help you choose the best server to connect to. You can find Sufshark’s inbuilt speed and latency test atsettings > VPN settings > Speed test:Choose your preferred list of servers to test. You can testrecommended,favorite,recentlyused, andotherlocations. Once you select the list, clickrun testat the bottom right of the window:A few seconds later, test results will show up. Locations with higher Down/Up speeds and low latency will provide the best VPN performance.Manage Surfshark featuresOn the left side of the app, you can see 4 additional Surfshark features. You must have anactive Surfshark ONE subscription to use them:Here, you can find the following:Surfshark Alert– a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases.Surfshark Search– a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.Surfshark Antivirus– a tool that protects your device from viruses and malware (malicious software). It offers real-time protection, performs scans, and more.Alternative ID– a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can customize the Surfshark app according to your preferences.Open thesettingstab and selectapp settings:Here, you can do the following:Enabledark mode.Change the app language.See the current app version.Configure thenotificationssettings and send crash reports.InVPN settings, you can make some more advanced changes:Here, you can do the following:EnableAuto-connect.EnableLaunch app on startup.The Surfshark app will launch whenever you turn on your computer.Change theconnection protocol.EnableCleanWeb.It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.EnableKill Switch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Enable or disable theNoBorders. It’s a feature that helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.Access theBypasser. It’s a feature that allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.Enable theRotating IP.This feature changes your IP address to the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.EnableDiscover on LAN(orInvisible on LANin older versions). This feature makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.Manage Surfshark Tray menuEven if you close the Surfshark app's main window, its minimized version will stay active in theSystem Tray. It will remind you if the VPN is connected or not.If the Surfshark icon is green, you’reconnected.If the Surfshark icon is gray, you’redisconnected.You will find it in the Windows System Tray. You can drag it from the System Tray to the taskbar so that it always stays visible.It also allows you to instantly switch to a different location or manage other settings, such as auto-connect or Kill Switch.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see ifyour connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.Keep all devices safeYou may also be interested in:How to make sure if my connection was successfulHow to fix unable to connect issues on WindowsHow to reinstall the Surfshark application on Windows",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009416914 How to set up Surfshark VPN on macOS,"NOTE:The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark and will be updated in the future.In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN macOS app on your device.You will need a macOS device runningmacOS 10.15 (Catalina)or later and an active Surfshark subscription. Don't have a Surfshark subscription yet? Get it on the Surfsharkpricing page.NOTE:If you are using an older macOS version, check our article onSurfshark macOS support.Install the Surfshark appFind the Surfshark VPN app in theApp Store. One way to do that is to open the App Store on your Mac and search for Surfshark using the search bar. Alternatively, you can getSurfshark for macOSfrom the App Store page:Click thegetbutton:The app will be downloaded and installed automatically.Once the installation is complete, clickopen:Log into the appOpen the app. First, you will need to presslog in:Enter the email address you used when registering and your password. Clicklog in:Connect to the VPNOn the Surfshark app homepage, tap Connect, and the app will connect you to the fastest VPN server available:You will get a pop-up as in the picture below. Enter yourMac User password(the one you would use to unlock your Mac) and choosealways allow.When connecting the first time, Surfshark will need to add VPN configurations to your device. That is necessary so that Surfshark would be able to create and maintain the VPN connection on your device.If your connection was successful, you should see theconnectedstatus. To disconnect, click thedisconnectbutton. Topausethe connection, clickpause:You can switch your default quick-connect server to a server of your choice by pressingchange:Choose thefastest serveror thenearest country, or scroll down and pick a server from thelocationslist:Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose a server, click on it, and you'll be connected.You will find the list of Surfshark locations on the left side of your Surfshark app. Use the search bar or scroll down until you find the location you need. Click theflag icon, and the app will instantly connect to that location.If you want Surfshark to remember your favorite locations, press thestaron the right side:This server will now appear in the list of yourfavoriteservers:You may have noticedStatic IP,Dedicated IPandMultiHoptabs at the top.Here’s what they do:Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Dedicated IP– you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You have to purchase it separately.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can customize the Surfshark app according to your preferences.Go to thesettingspage of your Surfshark app to access all the necessary settings and features:Selectapp settings:Here, you can do the following:Enabledark mode.Change the app language.See the current app version.Configure theNotificationssettings and send crash reports.Choose whether the Surfshark icon appears in the dock or the status bar.Select whether the app launches on startup.InVPN Settings, you can make some more advanced changes:Here, you can do the following:EnableAuto-connect.Configure which server you connect via theQuick-connectfeature.Change theconnection protocol.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Enable or disable theNoBorders. It’s a feature that helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.Enable theRotating IP. This feature changes your IP address to the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.EnableDiscover on LAN(orInvisible on LANin older app versions). This feature makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.Clickmy account.Here, you can do the following:Check your current subscription plan.Deleteyour account.Change yourpassword.Enterlogin code.Lastly, click onget help:Here, you can:Enter our Help Center by pressingBrowse guides.Read ourPrivacy policyandTerms of service.Reset VPN profilewhen experiencing issues with connectivity.Senddiagnosticsto the support team.Manage Surfshark featuresOn the left side of the app, you can see 4 additional Surfshark features. You must have anactive Surfshark ONE subscription to use them:Here, you can find the following:Surfshark Alert– a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases.Surfshark Search–a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.Surfshark Antivirus– a tool that protects your device from viruses and malware (malicious software). It offers real-time protection, performs scans, and more.Alternative ID– a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022825034 How to set up Surfshark VPN on Linux (Legacy version),"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN client on your Linux device.You will need a computer running Ubuntu or Debian operating system and an active Surfshark subscription. Don't have one yet?Get a Surfshark plan.Install theVPN clientRight-clickhere, copy the link, and paste it into the terminal next to the command as shown below:sudo wget [insert the copied link]After the download is complete, enter the command belowsudo dpkg -i [insert the downloaded file name]If you are usingUbuntu, continue the installation as shown below. Onother Linuxdistributions, open theTerminaland proceed tostep 5.After a successful installation, the whiteInstallbutton will turn into a redRemovebutton (see the picture above).Open the terminal. You can do that by pressingCtrl+Alt+Tkeys or navigating to it in your apps menu.First, type this command and press Enter:sudo apt-get updateThen install Surfshark VPN by entering this command:sudo apt-get install surfshark-vpnConnect to the VPNTo run Surfshark VPN, type this command in the Terminal:sudo surfshark-vpnYou'll need to enter yourcomputer root user's passwordto continue with the Surfshark client. This is necessary for Surfshark to be able to create and manage the VPN tunnel.After that, enter theemail addressyou used when registering and clickEnter. Then type yourpasswordand pressEnteragain.You will see a full list of Surfshark locations. A number identifies each location. To select a location, type thenumber next toit to the terminal and pressEnter.Surfshark for Linux usesOpenVPNprotocol. You can choose between two options:UDPandTCP. We recommend UDP for better speeds and it is suggested by default, so you can continue by pressingEnter.You're connected. You can see the connection status and your new IP.You can nowclosethe terminal orminimizeit. It doesn't have to be open for Surfshark to run in the background.To disconnect, open the terminal and enter this command:sudo surfshark-vpn downOther commandsThese are all the commands that will allow you to control your Surfshark client:Toprintall Surfshark commands in the terminal:sudo surfshark-vpn helpTocheckyour connectivity status:sudo surfshark-vpn statusTodisconnectfrom Surfshark VPN:sudo surfshark-vpn downToquick-connectto your Optimal location:sudo surfshark-vpn attackTolog outof the client:sudo surfshark-vpn forgetToconnect to a MultiHoplocation:sudo surfshark-vpn multiTouninstallSurfshark:sudo apt-get remove surfshark-vpnEnsuring the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017418334 How to set up Surfshark VPN on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the Surfshark VPN app on Android.You will need an Android device runningOS 5.0or later and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on theSurfshark plans & pricing page.Download and install the Surfshark appFind theGooglePlay Storeapp on your device and open it:TypeSurfsharkinto the search bar and choose the first result on the list.TheSurfshark VPNapp page will open. Clickdownloadorinstall,and the installation will complete in a few moments:Log into the appOpen the app immediately, or go back to your phone's home screen. TheSurfshark VPNapp will be there or in the applications list. Open the newly installed app:If you have purchased your Surfshark VPN subscription already, pressLog in:If you do not have a subscription, tap onCreate accountor check ourplans & pricing page.Enter the email address you used when registering and your password, and clicklog in:Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will see the main dashboard of the Surfshark app.You can start by clicking the bluequick-connectbutton, and your app will connect to the fastest server available:You can switch your default quick-connect server to a server of your choice by pressingchange:Choose thefastest serveror thenearest country, or scroll down and pick a server from thelocationslist:Once you tap thequick-connectbutton, you will be asked to allow Surfshark VPN to set up a VPN connection. This is necessary for Surfsharkto create and manage the VPN tunnel. Tapok:When your app successfully connects to a VPN, you will see the connection status on the main screen.You may also noticeakey iconat the top of your screen. That indicates you're connected to the Surfshark VPN:In order to disconnect from the VPN, click thedisconnectbutton. To temporarilypausethe connection, tappause:Tapon the highlighted area and drag it to the top for more information about yourconnection:Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.Go to thelocationssection on your Surfshark app and pick any location:Tap on theflag iconof your preferred country, and the app will instantly connect to that location.You can check location latency by tapping on thespeedometer iconwhile disconnected. This will display the current latency for each location on the list. A lower number means a more stable connection to that location:You may have noticedStatic IP, Dedicated IP,andMultiHoptabs at the top of your Surfshark app:Here’s what they do:Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can choose either of these servers.Dedicated IP– you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You must purchase it separately.If you want Surfshark to remember your favorite locations, press the star on the right side. This server will now appear in the list of yourfavouriteservers:Manage Surfshark featuresOpen theProductssection in your Surfshark app. You can see 4 of Surfshark's additional features. To use them, you have to have anactive Surfshark ONE subscription:Here, you can find the following:Surfshark Alert– a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases.Surfshark Search–a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.Surfshark Antivirus– a tool that protects your device from viruses and malware (malicious software). It offers real-time protection, performs scans, and more.Alternative ID– a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can fine-tune your Surfshark app to your personal preferences. It also contains all the necessary settings to customize and troubleshoot your VPN connection.Open thesettingspage on the Surfshark app:Tap onVPN settings. Here, you can fine-tune the Surfshark app to your preferences:Here, you can do the following:EnableAuto-connect.Configure which server you connect via theQuick-connectfeature.Change theconnection protocol.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Enable or disable theNoBorders. It’s a feature that helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.Access theBypasser. It’s a feature that allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.In theVPN settingstab, you can also findadvanced settings:Here, you can:Enable theDiscover on LAN(orInvisible to LANfor older versions). It’s a feature that makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.Enable theRotating IP. This feature changes your IP address to the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.Enable or disable theNoBorders. It’s a feature that helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.EnableOverride GPS location. This feature willmatch your GPS location with your chosen server's location.EnableSmall packets. This feature improves your connectivity when using slower networks.Selectapp settings:Here, you can do the following:Changeapp appearance.Change the app language.See the current app version.Configure theNotificationssettings and send crash reports.Choose whether the app sends analytics of usage data.Switch to themyaccounttab:Here, you can do the following:Check your current subscription plan.Log outof your account.Change yourpassword.Enterlogin code.Tap onget help:Here, you can:Enter our Help Center by pressingBrowse guides.Read ourPrivacy policyandTerms of service.Reset VPN profilewhen experiencing issues with connectivity.Senddiagnosticsto the support team by pressingReport a bug.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010921959 How to set up Surfshark VPN on iOS,"Note:The video above reflects an older version of Surfshark, which will be updated in the future.In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN app on your iPhone or iPad.To follow the instructions, you will need to have an iOS device runningiOS 13or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription. You can purchase a subscription on ourpricing pageif you don't have it yet.To follow the instructions in this tutorial, you will need to have an iOS device runningiOS13or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription. If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can purchase it on ourpricing page.Install the Surfshark appLocate theapp Storeapp on your device andopenit:Search forSurfsharkand tap on thedownloadicon. Once you do, the installation will start:Log into the Surfshark appOnce the installation is complete, close the App Store and locate theSurfsharkappon your device. Tap the Surfshark icon, and the app will open:If you already have an active subscription,log in as anexisting user:If you don't have the subscription yet, feel free tosign upby clickingcreate account:Enter your registered email and password and taplog in:Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will land on the Homepage of your Surfshark app.When making a VPN connection for the first time, Surfshark will need to add VPN configurations to your device. This is necessary for Surfshark to create and manage the VPN tunnel.Once you tap connect, you will get a pop-up. Make sure to tapallow:Connectto one of Surfshark's servers. You can simply tap thequick-connectbutton, and the app will connect you to the fastest server available:You may also choose the fastest server or the nearest country as your default location. To do that, tap thechangebutton:Choose between thefastest,thenearestserver, orany locationof your choice. Yourquick-connectlocation will save automatically:You will receive a notification once the connection is successful. The connection status will also appear on the homepage of your Surfshark app.If it says ""connected and safe,"" your internet connection is secured:Here, you can see your VPN IP address, the protocol in use, and the total time you are connected to the VPN.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has over3200 servers in 100 countries.Choose the server, click on it, and that's it!To manually choose a server, go to thelocationstab. You will find the full list of Surfshark locations. Tap on theflagicon of your preferred location to connect to it:You can also favorite the locations of your choice by tapping thestaron the right of it.Your favorite locations will then appear at the top of thelocationstab list:You can also seeStatic IP,MultiHop, andDedicated IPtabs at the top of the Surfshark app:Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can choose either of these servers.Dedicated IP– you will have a dedicated IP address that is yours only. You must purchase it separately.Manage Surfshark featuresOpen theonetab in your Surfshark app. You will find 3 products there. To use them, you have to have anactive Surfshark ONEsubscription:Surfshark Alert– a tool that alerts you immediately if your personal information (such as email, identification number, or credit card details) appears in breached online databases.Alternative ID– a tool that generates a brand-new identity and an email to use online. Provides name & email protection, reduces spam emails, and more.Surfshark Search–a tool that helps you search without leaving a trace. It offers purely organic search results and prevents tracking and targeted ads.Manage Surfshark settingsManage the Surfshark app according to your preferences.Open thesettingstab at the bottom right:TheEarn free monthsenable you to get free months of Surfshark by recommending it to your friends. Open it to get a unique link to share or find the rewards.Learn how to join the Surfshark referral program.Select theVPN settings:Here, you can do the following:Change theconnection protocol.EditQuick-connect allows you to choose which location to connect todirectly from the main screen.EnableSurfshark CleanWebfeature. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.EnableAuto-connect. The app automatically connects you to the VPN as soon as it finds a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection or if you restart the app.Enable theSurfshark Kill Switch feature.It protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Access theSurfshark Bypasser feature. It websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.By scrolling down lower inVPN settings, you can also findadvanced settings:Here, you can do the following:EnableRotatingIP. This feature changes your IP address to the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.Enable theSurfshark NoBorders feature. It helps you connect in network-restrictive environments.Enable Discover on LAN (orInvisible on LANin the older versions of the app). This feature makes your device undetectable by other devices on the same network.Go back and switch tomy account:Here, you will find all the information about your subscription and the option to delete your account:Now, tap onapp settings:Here, you can see the current version of your Surfshark app, change theApp's appearance(dark, light, or one that follows your device's theme), change theApp language, and, finally, configure whichnotificationsare visible:Lastly, there is theget helptab:Here, you can do the following:Contact our customer support.Manage your previous conversations with Surfshark support agents.Provide diagnostics from your Surfshark app if you experience an issue.Reset your VPN profile.Accessing our Help Center guides.Access our Privacy policy and Terms of service.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010801220 How to set up Surfshark VPN on Chromebook,"In this article, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN app on your Chromebook device.You will need a Chromebook device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on Surfsharkpricing page.Download and install the Surfshark appOpen theGoogle Play Storeapplication.TypeSurfsharkin the search bar on top.Suggestions will show up. Click onSurfshark VPN – Secure VPN for Privacy & security.Click theInstallbutton at the top-right corner. The installation will start. Wait until the app finishes the installation process.Log into the Surfshark appFind the app on the page of all apps on your Chromebook. Click on theSurfsharkicon to launch the app.When the app starts, you will need to log in. If you already have an account, click theExisting user? Log inbutton.Enter your credentials and then click theLog inbutton.Connect to your Surfshark appOnce logged in, you will see the main page of the Surfshark app. Here, you can see the status of the VPN and theConnectbutton. If you click it, it will immediately connect you to one of our servers.If you wish to connect to a specific location, click onLocationsand then click on your preferred location.After you click on the location, you will return to the main screen of Surfshark, where you will see the connection status.If you want to check if Surfshark is still running, you can see that in the system tray of your ChromebookYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011973460-How-to-use-Surfshark-on-Chromebook- How to set up Surfshark on Amazon Fire TV Stick,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install theSurfshark VPN appon your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV.To set up Surfshark on Firestick, you will need to have a 2nd or 4K generation Fire TV device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription.If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can purchase it onSurfshark pricing page.Install the Surfshark appClick on the homepage of your Fire TV andnavigate to thesearch bar.Search forSurfshark.Click on theSurfshark appicon in the search results.Click theDownloadbuttonto start downloading the application onto your Firestick device. As soon as the download is complete, the app will be installed automatically.Log in to the appOnce the installation is complete, you can either clickOpenor locate the app in your device'sApplicationslist.ClickLog in.Enter the email address you used when registering and your password. ClickLog in.Alternatively, you can log in using the Surfshark app on your mobile device. To do that, open your phone's camera device and take a picture of the QR code, or press onOr enter a login code, which you can find by going toSettings > Account > TV login, and enter thecodeyou see on the Surfshark app.Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will see the homepage of the Surfshark app. Here, you can see the VPN connection status, the list of locations, and a button to connect to the VPN.Press theQuick-connectbutton, and the app will instantly connect to the fastest server available.When connecting to a VPN server for the first time,accept the connection requestin the pop-up window by pressingOK.You can also connect to theFaster serveror theNearest country.To do so, click on the button of your preference, as indicated below.As soon as you connect, you will see the connection status on the app's homepage.If it is green and saysCONNECTED, your internet connection is secured.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.You will find the list of locations on the left side of your screen. Use thesearch baror scroll down until you find a specific country. Click on theflag iconof your preferred location, and you will instantly connect to it.If you want Surfshark to remember your favorite locations, press thestaron the right side of the location. Now this server will appear in the list of yourFavourites.Thebubble iconnext to the star indicates how loaded the Surfshark servers are in a specific location; in other words, how many people are connected to servers in that location.The first bubble in this picture indicates that Surfshark servers in Germany are under a heavy load at the moment. The second bubble shows that only a few people are connected to Surfshark servers in Japan.You may have noticedStatic IPandMultiHoptabs at the top of your Surfshark app.Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Manage Surfshark featuresIn the features tab, you'll find two features.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.AccessSurfshark Bypasser. It’s a feature that allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can customize your Surfshark app to suit your personal preferences. Go to theSettingstab.Click onVPN settings.Here, you can:EnableAuto-connect.Select yourQuick-connectlocation.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Change theVPN connection protocol.EnableSmall packets. This feature improves your connectivity when using slower networks.Click onMy account.Here, you can do the following:Check your current subscription plan.Log outof your account.Enterlogin code.Switch toApp settings.Here, you can do the following:Change the app language.See the current app version.Choose whether the app sends crash reports.Choose whether the app sends analytics of usage data.Send diagnostics.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website. If you're interested, we have a more in-depth guide forVPN testingand a dedicated article in caseSurfshark is not working on your Firestickdevice.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018591494-How-to-set-up-Surfshark-for-Amazon-FireStick Surfshark Features and Settings,"In this article, you will learn about Surfshark features, their availability on different operating systems, and Surfshark settings.We will cover the following:CleanWebCookie pop-up blockerBypasserKillSwitchPause VPNIP RotatorCamouflage modeOverride GPS locationNoBordersInvisible to devicesDedicated IPSmart DNSSurfshark OneAlternative IDAuto-connectStart with WindowsChange ProtocolStatic ServersMultiHop serversSmall PacketsCleanWebCleanWebworks as an adblocker – it will block ads and malicious links on your browser before they can harm you. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).Cookie pop-up blockerCookie pop-up blockerfeature avoids the annoying cookie consent pop-ups.Available as a Surfshark browser extension feature for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox.BypasserBypasser(a.k.a. Split-tunneling or Bypass VPN) allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. Works great with mobile banking apps.Available on Android, macOS, Surfshark browser extension, iOS, and Windows.Route via VPNoption (reverse Bypasser) allows you to choose certain websites or apps that should be routed through the VPN server while all others remain unaffected. In other words, it’s the exact opposite of Bypass VPN.Available on Android and Windows.KillSwitchKillSwitchfeature disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. No sensitive data will get out until you reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Pause VPNPause VPNallows pausing the VPN connection for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The connection automatically resumes once the selected time ends.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.IP RotatorIP Rotatorchanges the user's IP address on the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS.Camouflage modeCamouflage modemakes user traffic look like any old regular traffic. It allows bypassing restrictions, censorship, ISPs snooping, and others. It activates automatically when using the OpenVPN protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Override GPS locationOverride GPS locationfeature tricks GPS-enabled apps such as Google Maps and Uber into thinking that you’re elsewhere. It matches your GPS signal to the Surfshark server's location that you are connected to.Available on Android.NoBordersNoBordersfeature allows using a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship.Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.Invisible to devicesHides your device from other devices on the same network. You won’t be able to communicate with printers, portable speakers, smart TVs, Chromecasts, etc. This feature comes in handy on public networks. Additionally, the Discover on LAN (previously Invisible on LAN) feature allows you to have control over your visibility within the Local Area Network.Available on Windows and Android.Dedicated IPDedicated IP— a static IP address that helps bypass CAPTCHA prompts, access services that are sensitive to IP changes, and more.Available for an additional price.SmartDNSSmartDNSallows using a private DNS while streaming on SmartTV in case it doesn’t support the Surfshark app.Surfshark OneSurfshark AntivirusDetects and removes viruses and malware from your devicesOffers real-time protectionPrevents ad companies and bots from tracking your online activityAllows performing full scans or narrowing them down to frequently used foldersSurfshark AlertAlerts you if your email address appears in breached online databasesInforms about the security status of your personal identification numberChecks your password's vulnerabilityMonitors your credit cardsSurfshark SearchPerforms private web search queries without any ads, logs, or trackersProvides accurate and relevant search resultsSearches without leaving any digital footprintsAlternative IDMaintains your email address and name private, minimizes the possibility of getting spam emails and prevents your info from the hands of data brokers or other malicious actors.You can read more about Alternative IDhere.Auto-connectWith Auto-connect enabled, your device will connect to the VPN automatically as soon as it connects to the internet.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Start with WindowsThis feature will launch the Surfshark app automatically as soon as you boot your computer. That way, you do not need to search for it and start it manually.Available on Windows.Change ProtocolYour Surfshark app has the option to change the defaultprotocol. A protocol is a set of rules that determines how your data will be sent and received. All protocols used at Surfshark are secure and reliable, but one protocol might perform better than another on your network.On Surfshark app go toSettings > VPN Settings > Protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, and macOS.Static ServersSurfshark has many different servers in each location. Therefore, if you connect to a New York location, you might get a different IP address each time. However, if you connect to a static server, you will get the same IP address each time.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux.Dynamic MultiHopDynamic MultiHopallows you to connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously. You can select both countries from all the servers we offer.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Small PacketsWhatever you do online, your data is being divided into packets (chunks of information) to send it smoothly. Each packet contains a part of the information that you want to send or receive.By turning on Small Packets, you will reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability.Available on Android.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012451580 What routers are not supported?,"NOTE:We highly recommend downloading Surfshark apps to ensure the best performance, security, and hassle-free setup.At the moment, we have apps forWindows,macOS,Linux,Android,iOS,Chrome,Firefox,Fire TV.If the Surfshark VPN app can not be installed on your device, youcan try setting up Surfshark Smart DNSfeature. You can use Smart DNS onApple TV(&other smart TVs),Xbox, andPlayStation.If you want to set up Surfshark on your router, you won’t be able to do so on the following ones (or at least with their default firmware):ArrisBelkinCiscoLinksys (exceptTomato supported routersfromTomato FAQlist)TRENDnetTotoLinkUbeeGoogle WiFiMost ISP-provided routersUsually, these routers do not supportOpenVPN protocolor theWireGuard protocolby default. However, you should be able to set it up with customDD-WRT firmwareand protect your home network.If you do have DD-WRT installed on your router, proceed onsetting up OpenVPN on DD-WRT routerorsetting up WireGuard on DD-WRT router.If your router supports a VPN client, setup is pretty easy. Check out ourlist of routerswhere you can find setup guides for most of them.NOTE:Surfsharkis not to be held responsible for any damage done to the router or void of warranty that could be caused by flashing your router.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010780059 How to check if your router supports VPN,"As router options are almost infinite, you have a lot to choose from. It is a lot easier to know if your router supports a VPN connection by its category.ISP provided routersIn most cases, ISP routers, or Internet Service Provider routers, havemassive restrictions enabledon them that can only be disabled by your ISP.There is a slim chance that you can set up a VPN on a router provided by your ISP. You may not even be able to change small settings, like DNS.So, if you have an ISP router and want a VPN setup on one, you mustinvest in the other two categories.Off-the-shelf routersOTS (Off-the-shelf) routers are much easier to work with, but not all of them may support a VPN. It's important to make sure that the router you are checking out has VPN compatibility. To do that, check the following steps:Find thefeatureslist.Search forOpenVPNorWireGuard®client.NOTE:Don't mix it up with an OpenVPN server, as this is an entirely different thing.Custom firmware routersUsually, almost all custom firmware routers have VPN availability, and these are more likely to be fully customizable with many handy features.It's not hard to set up a VPN on a custom firmware router, and we haverouter guidesfor almost all custom firmware.How to know if my router is VPN-compatibleIf you're looking for a new router,here are ourtop 5 VPN routers for your home.But if you already have a router and you have decided to set up a VPN on it, you must find out if it is compatible with a VPN. There are several ways to do that:Read your router's user manual and look for OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP instructions.If you do not have the user manual at home, you can usually find it online.Find the model of your router and look for more information online. Usually, more people have the same router as you and have already tried to set up a VPN.Log into your router and check out the settings. Look for an OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP client. The most common way to do that is to find your router's IP address and enter it into the URL bar on your browser. If you don't know how to do that, checkHow to find your router's IP addressguide.Look at therouters sectionon our Help Center. We may already have a detailed tutorial for your router.What to do if my router is not VPN-compatible?If your router turns out to be incompatible with VPN, consider purchasing a new one or installing a new firmware to your current router. Here's a few suggestions:Install a widely used DD-WRT open-source firmware on your router.There are other firmware options available too. For example, Tomato firmware.Here is a list of routersthat support Tomato.Reinstalling firmware might permanently damage your router if done incorrectly. Surfshark is not responsible for any damage that might be caused by installing custom firmware.Choose a router that comes with VPN functionality by default.For general guidance, we recommend routers running AsusWRT firmware, which is really easy to set up with a VPN. Here are several Asus models running this firmware:RT-N66U, RT-AC56U, Asus N-16, RT-AC66U, RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC5300, RT-AC3200, RT-AC3100, RT-AC1750, RT-AC88U, RT-AC66RAnother VPN-friendly option is GL.iNet routers. These mini routers come with OpenWRT firmware pre-installed and already have an OpenVPN client. Here are a few models to get you started:GL-AR750S-Ext (Slate), GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango), GL-AR300M (Shadow).You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4405991612946 How to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using a Windows computer.To follow along, you will need a Windows computer, the Surfshark VPN app, and an active Surfshark VPN subscription.Don't have a subscription yet?Get Surfshark here.Navigate to DCO adapter settingsFirst, open up the search bar, look forControl Panel,and click on it.In theControl Panelsettings page, underNetwork and Internet, click onView network status and tasks.In the next window on the left side, you will find a setting toChange adapter options. Click on it.A window with all network adapters installed on your device will show up.The1stadapter is your Wi-Fi adapter. It is used by your device to connect to Wi-Fi networks.The2ndadapter is theSurfshark Data Channel Offloadadapter, or theDCOadapter for short.Keep this window openand proceed to the next step.Turn on the Mobile hotspotNext up, we need to activate the Mobile hotspot.Right-click the network icon on your Windows toolbar and click on theNetwork & Internet settings.Click on theMobile hotspottab.Turn on the Mobile hotspot bymoving the switch at the top.Underneath, you will see information about this hotspot network.Network nameis the name of the network that will appear on other devices when searching for new Wi-Fi connections.Network passwordis the password that you will need to enter to connect to this network.You can set your preferred name and password by clickingEdit.Configure the VPN adapterYou will notice that a new network adapter has appeared right after enabling the hotspot. This adapter will be used for sharing the internet connection from your Windows PC.Right-click the network adapter of Surfshark and go toProperties.In the pop-up window, go to theSharingsection.Check the first box (Allow other network users to...)Also, choose the name of the network adapter that will be used.Make sure that you choose the name of your hotspot network adapter (the new one that has appeared after enabling Mobile hotspot).Finally, clickOK.Connect to the VPNEverything is in place now. The last thing you need to do now is connect to the VPN. All previous configurations of network adapters will remain there, and you can use them anytimewithoutrepeating the setup process.Firstly,download the VPN for Windows. Once you do, launch the Surfshark app, go toSettings -> VPN Settings -> Protocol,and change the default protocol toOpenVPN (UDP).Once you have done so, connect to your preferred location.NOTE:You can also useOpenVPN (TCP)if that's what you prefer.That's it! All devices connected to this hotspot network will now be protected with a VPN.Ensure your connection is workingTry to search for new Wi-Fi networks using your phone or any other device. You should find a new network with the name you have chosen for your hotspot. Or the default name of your Windows if you have not changed it.Connect to it and enter the password. Refer tostep 3ofTurn on the Mobile hotspotsection if you cannot remember the password.Now, if you perform anIP test, you will see your new IP address from the Surfshark server that you have connected to on Windows. You can also checkhow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013717719-How-to-set-up-a-VPN-protected-Wi-Fi-hotspot-using-Windows- How to activate Surfshark Smart DNS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to activate Smart DNS for your account. It is important to remember that after activating Smart DNS, you should also apply it to your device(s).An active Surfshark VPN subscription is all you need to follow along – the Smart DNS feature is included in the price. To purchase one, visit ourpricing page.Keep in mind that Smart DNS will only provide you with a US-based IP addressTo activate Surfshark Smart DNS, do the following:First of all, open theSurfshark Smart DNS page.You may need to log in to proceed to this page. For that, enter your registered email address, then your password, and clickLog In.Once you're there, click theActivate Smart DNSbutton.The Surfshark website will automatically detectyour IP address. Make sure you are disconnected from the VPN because Smart DNS must be activated for your real IP address. ClickActivateSmart DNSto verify the activation.A few moments later, you will see your generated Smart DNS addresses.Smart DNS can only be activated for one IP address. In other words, if you activate Smart DNS while being at work (office network IP address), you will not be able to use Smart DNS at home (home network IP address).If you accidentally activated Smart DNS for a wrong IP address, or your IP address has changed, navigate to theSurfshark Smart DNS pageagain and click theChange IPbutton. This way, you will re-activate Smart DNS for your current IP address.Once you activate Smart DNS on your account, you can set it up on your device(s). Feel free to take a look at theTVs & Consoles section on our Help Center,where we have tutorials for the most popular Smart TVs.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018689853 How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working,"In this article, you will learn how to make sure that your Surfshark VPN connection is working properly.Find the connection status in the appConnectto Surfshark VPN.The home screen of your Surfshark app is the first indication that a VPN connection is successful. If it saysConnected and safe, your internet connection is protected.Here you can also see the protocol in use, your connection time and IP address.IP leak testOpenthe Surfshark IP leak test pageto perform an IP leak test.It should show the IP address of a Surfshark server that you have connected to. Also, you will see a message that you are protected, andYour IP address is secured by Surfshark.DNS leak testSwitch toSurfshark DNS leak test pageto do the DNS leak test.Similar to the IP test, the DNS test should show only one DNS server address from the same location.You will also see a notification sayingProtected.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089093 How can I change my email?,"NOTE:We will request your payment details to confirm your identity, and protect your account from possible unauthorized changes.If you want to change your Surfshark account email, you have to fill in theSurfshark request formfrom your currently registered emailwith the following information:Current registered email address;The new email address you wish to replace the current one;Payment date;Payment amount;Payment type(Credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Crypto);The needed information based on your payment type:PayPal- If the payment was made via PayPal, please provide the Invoice ID.Cleverbridge- If the payment was made via Cleverbridge, please provide the 9-digit Reference number and your PayPal email address.Credit Card- If the payment was made via credit card, please provide the first 6 digits of your credit card, and credit card expiry date.CoinPayments- If the payment was made via CoinPayments, please provide the Payment ID.Google Play Store- If the payment was made via Google Play Store, please provide the order number, starting with GPA.Apple- If the payment was made via Apple/App Store, please provide a screenshot of the payment receipt.Apple Pay- If the payment was made via Apple Pay, please provide a screenshot of the transaction statement from the bank.Google Pay- If the payment was made via Google Pay, please provide a screenshot of the payment from your bank.Other payment methods- If the payment was made through Sofort, Ideal, Alipay, or other payment providers, please attach a screenshot of the transaction statement.NOTE:Theemail change request willnot be completedif any requested datais missing or skipped.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10447760192658-How-can-I-change-my-email- "How to enable auto-renewal on Amazon, Apple, or Google Play Store","In this article, you will learn how to enable the auto-renewal feature on Amazon, Apple, or Google Play stores.By keeping the auto-renewal enabled, your subscription will not expire as long as your payment method is valid, meaning you will always have protection online.Apple StoreOpen theSettingson your iOS device, and click on your name at the top of the page.On the new page, click onSubscriptions.Here, you will find all your Apple Store subscriptions. Select Surfshark, and click onRenew Subscription.Google Play StoreOpen theGoogle Play Storeand tap on your profile icon at the top right.TapPayments and SubscriptionsTap onSubscriptions, locate the Surfshark subscription and tapresume.Amazon StoreOpen theAmazon Storeand tap on your profile icon.Tap onYour Account.Scroll down and selectMemberships & Subscriptions.Find the Surfshark subscription, and tapRenew Subscription.You may also be interested in:How can I receive an invoice for my purchase?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11782319996946-How-to-enable-auto-renewal-on-Amazon-Apple-or-Google-Play-Store Why am I unable to make a payment?,"There can be various reasons why your initial payment didn't go through. This article will go through some possible payment issues.NOTE: We highly recommend not making subsequent payments one after another to prevent multiple accidental charges.If that happens, please feel free to contact us using the live chat feature below this article so we can issue a refund for the unintended payments.What to do if your payment failedFirst and foremost, reach out to your bank to check whether they have any information regarding your failed payment and your account's condition.Make sure that your bank allows international payments.Be aware that we do not accept gift cards or prepaid cards, except for Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards.Other possible payment issues can happen:Your credit/debit card lacks the funds to make this payment.The information you provided when attempting the purchase didn't match that credit/debit card's info.The card is expired.The payment was flagged as fraudulent. Payment could become a fraud if you pay while connected to a VPN or Proxy.Your transaction was declined. Contact your bank to clear the payment and permit future payments to Surfshark.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069094-Why-am-I-unable-to-make-a-payment My account is still not activated after making a payment,"Payments verifications may take up to 24 hours. Usually, they come through in less than 40 minutes.Your account might be inactive until they are processed. When you purchase a Surfshark subscription, you don't need any additional activation, andyour account will become active as soon as our system accepts the payment.If a message asks you to pay again and there are no payments on your account, or your plan is inactive, it can also mean thatyour transaction was not completed. Therefore, yourpayment did not go through.If that's the case, check your account billing history with the following steps:Open theSurfshark login pageandLog into your account.Click onMy Accountat the top right and then clickSubscription. You will then see your current plan and all of your current payment information below.You may also be interested in:Surfshark Features and Settings",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003088813-My-account-is-still-not-activated-after-making-a-payment What are your subscription plan options?,"In this article, you will learn about Surfshark subscription plan options.You can buy plans directly on theApp StoreorGoogle Play Storeif you are using an Android or an iOS device.You can also buy Surfshark plans directly from theSurfshark plans & pricing page. There, you can find the following plans:Surfshark StarterSurfshark OneSurfshark One+Surfshark VPNAlternative IDSurfshark VPNSurfshark AlertSurfshark SearchSurfshark AntivirusAlternative IDSurfshark VPNSurfshark AlertSurfshark SearchSurfshark AntivirusAlternative IDIncogniWe have1-month,12-month, and24-monthsubscriptions with discounts that apply to all of the above-mentioned Surfshark bundles.If you have already purchased a subscription but it is not showing up as an active one, try to log out of your account. Once you do,log back in. If that does not help, seeexpired subscription errorarticle for more information.Lastly, for information about any potential fees or taxes, visitSurfshark Terms Of Service, section 4.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8958891462418-What-are-your-subscription-plan-options How to manage Surfshark email notifications,"In this article, you will learn how to manage emails that you receive from Surfshark.Check the following steps:Log into your Surfshark account, click onMy accountat the top-right corner, and selectAccount settings.In the new page, select thePreferencestab and clickEditnext toEmail communications.Here, you will find all of the available topics for email notifications. You can sort out which ones are relevant to you and which ones are not, so it's customizable to your liking.Here is the list of all available topics:Surfshark NewsProduct UpdatesBlogCybersec tipsPromotionsSurveysTransactional messagesYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5771414522642-How-to-manage-Surfshark-email-notifications Do you keep any logs of my internet activities?,"We value our customers’ privacy. That is why none of your online activities are logged by our system.Surfshark does not collect or gather any data like IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, or other kinds of data.Our servers store information about your connection to a particular VPN server (user ID and/or IP address and connection time stamps). Still, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after the termination of your session.Learn more in Surfshark’s Privacy Policy.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003068834-Do-you-keep-any-logs-of-my-internet-activities Does Surfshark keep any details of user accounts?,"We do not log your online activities while you’re connected to the VPN. We only require:We require your email address to authenticate your subscription, recover a password, and send service-related information, such as reminders about auto-renewal, invoices, news, etc.We also need your payment information to issue refunds and for fraud prevention reasons.Learn more inSurfshark’s Privacy Policy.NOTE:To remove this information, contact our Customer Support team. For more information, check out this article onhow to delete your Surfshark account.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003088953-Does-Surfshark-keep-any-details-of-user-accounts How many devices can I use with Surfshark simultaneously?,"You can download and use the Surfshark appon an unlimited number of devices. Since we do not have any bandwidth limitations, the number of devices used with one subscription does not affect the connection speed. Feel free to share your subscription with your family.DISCLAIMER:Although one of the core premises of Surfshark is an unlimited number of simultaneous connections (except for Antivirus service), some users might exploit it. Their actions might harm the quality of our services and the experience for the rest of our users. Such users can include, but are not limited to, unauthorized resellers, organizers of illicit activities involving a very large number of devices, and others.Stay safe at all timesEnjoy unlimited connections and bandwidth combined with a premium VPN experienceGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069434-How-many-devices-can-I-use-with-Surfshark-simultaneously How to create an account using Google or Apple via Surfshark's web app,"In this article, you will learn how to create a Surfshark account by linking it to your Google or Apple account.NOTE:For this tutorial, we will be using a Google account.OpenSurfshark's webpageand choose which platform you would like to use to create your Surfshark account.Once you log into your Google account, you will be taken back to the Surfshark page to confirm the email address. If you have chosen the correct email, click onCreate Account.You have just successfully created a Surfshark account using Google or Apple. To order a subscription package, clickUpdate.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10446246252690-How-to-create-an-account-using-Google-or-Apple-via-Surfshark-s-web-app How to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working,"In this article, you will learn how to make sure that your Surfshark VPN connection is working properly.Find the connection status in the appConnectto Surfshark VPN.The home screen of your Surfshark app is the first indication that a VPN connection is successful. If it saysConnected and safe, your internet connection is protected.Here you can also see the protocol in use, your connection time and IP address.IP leak testOpenthe Surfshark IP leak test pageto perform an IP leak test.It should show the IP address of a Surfshark server that you have connected to. Also, you will see a message that you are protected, andYour IP address is secured by Surfshark.DNS leak testSwitch toSurfshark DNS leak test pageto do the DNS leak test.Similar to the IP test, the DNS test should show only one DNS server address from the same location.You will also see a notification sayingProtected.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089093-How-can-I-make-sure-if-my-connection-was-successful- How to use the Surfshark Antivirus on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to use theSurfshark Antiviruson your macOS device.Make sure you have SurfsharkVPN for macOSdownloaded directly from our website and an active Surfshark subscription withSurfshark One, or Surfshark One+. You can purchase it onSurfshark's pricing page.Don't have the app downloaded? Check outhow to install the Surfshark Antivirus on MacOS.Let's go over the steps on how to use Surfshark Antivirus on macOS:Open the Surfshark application and select theAntivirustab.Now, you will find yourself on the main dashboard of the Antivirus, where you can find all of its features.Here, you will find the following:Full scan– scansallfiles onallyour drives.Quick scan– scans theDocuments,DownloadsandDesktopfoldersonly.Scheduled scans– schedule an automaticFullorQuickscan for certain days at a specific time.Ransomware Shield– select applications or folders to be protected fromransomwareattacks. Read more onhow to use Surfshark Ransomware Shield on macOS.Webcam protection– if your macOS device has a webcam, the feature will prevent unauthorized access to it. Read more onhow to use the webcam protection feature on macOS.Exclude from scanning– choose what files or folders you want to scan. If you have a file or folder that you don't want to be scanned, add it to the exclude list.Quarantine auto-delete– With this option enabled,quarantined files(in other words, harmful files) will be automatically deleted in 60 days.Note:If any threats have been found on your device, we highly recommend removing the files containing themimmediatelyto secure your device. You are able to do that directly through the Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/14531191581970 How to change or update your payment method,"In this article, you will learn how to change or update your Surfshark account's payment method.NOTE:Currently, we do not provide the option to change your payment method to completely different store payments, for example, Google Play, App Store, or Amazon Store.To change your payment method, follow these steps:Open your preferred browser and go to theSurfshark login page.Log in to your account, tap on your email at the top right corner, and selectSubscription.In theSubscriptionsection, click on thePaymentstab.Click onChange.Select your desired payment method.Do you offer a free trial?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019723939 How to troubleshoot slow speed problems,"In this article, you will learn about the possible speed issues you may encounter and how to deal with them on different devices.How does your connection work with or without a VPN?When you're not using a VPN, your internet traffic flows directly between your device and the website or service you're trying to access. But when you use a VPN, yourtraffic is routed througha VPNserver before it reaches its final destination. This means your data isencryptedand travels through the VPN server twice — once when it leaves your device and once when it returns.Why can using a VPN decrease your connection speed?Using a VPN may slightly decrease your connection speed because the data has to beencryptedand processed. However, other factors can also impact your speed, such as:Thedistancebetween you and the serverThenumber of userson the same serverTheVPN protocolusedYouractual internet speedThese factors can affect your speed even if there are no speed or bandwidth limits.NOTE:Our servers are regularly monitored for optimal performance.What to do if your connection speed is slow with a VPN on?If you notice that your internet speed is slower than usual, you can make some minor adjustments to improve it. We have quick tutorials on improving speed on all devices, so you can choose your device below to find out what adjustments you should make:macOSWindowsLinuxAndroidiOSYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012228480-Slow-speed-problems Connecting from China,"This article seeks to deliver important updates regarding the recent challenges you may have encountered while using our VPN service in China.We recognize the immense significance of uninterrupted VPN access for our users in China, especially in light of its intricate network structure and strict online regulations. Nonetheless, our team is always working on finding ways to improve the service.At the moment, we strongly recommend trying toconnect manually using the WireGuard protocolif you are unable to connect via the Surfshark app.Here are guides on how to set it up:WindowsAndroidiOSmacOSWireGuard client is a great way to bypass internet access restrictions if the Surfshark app on your device can’t connect. That being said, you’ll still be just as secure as connecting via the Surfshark app.现就您最近在中国境内使用我公司VPN服务时遇到的问题,通报最新重要信息。尤其是在考虑到中国网络结构的错综复杂以及严格的网络管理政策后,我们深深意识到确保中国用户能够不间断地访问VPN的重大意义。我公司工程师团队兢兢业业,致力于解决当前所面临的难题。当前,如果您无法通过Surfshark应用程序联网,那么我们强烈建议您尝试使用WireGuard协议进行手动连接。以下是设置方法指南:WindowsAndroid",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12629532662802 How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on iOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the IKEv2 VPN connection on your iOS device.This is an alternative way of connecting to Surfshark servers that will come in handy if the Surfshark VPN app can not be installed on your iOS or it does not perform as expected.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onProducts >VPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > IKEv2to generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate new credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Find server hostnamesEvery server has a hostname that you will need to use to connect to the specific VPN location. You can find all the hostnames in theLocationstab.Here, you will see a list of all the servers.Tap on the location of your choice. Once you do, you will be able to see theserver address.Download and install the IKEv2 profileScrolldown to the bottom of theLocationstab. Tap on theIKEv2 certificateto start the download.NOTE:We highly recommend downloading them through theSafaribrowser, as other browsers may not work correctly.Once you press download, you may get a pop-up. PressAllow.When the download is complete, you will get a notification –Profile Downloaded.Open theSettingsapp.You will notice a tab sayingProfile Downloaded.Tap on it.After opening the profile, clickInstall.Confirm the installation by clickingInstallagain.When the installation is complete, tapDoneand proceed to the next step.Connect to the VPNOpen theSettingsapp on your device, go toGeneral, and tap on theVPN & Device Managementtab.SelectAdd VPN Configuration...Fill in all the required details:Type: IKEv2.Description: Your preferred name of this connection.Server: the hostname of the server. Refer to theFind server hostnamespart of this article.Remote ID: the same hostname that you entered in theServerfield.Local ID: leave empty.User Authentication: Username.Username: Your Surfshark service username. Refer to theGet your credentialspart of this article.Password: Your Surfshark service password. Refer to theGet your credentialspart of this article.Proxy: Off.PressDoneafter entering all the details.From now on, you will find the configured VPN profile in theVPNtab that you will always find inSettings > General.Move the slider to connect and disconnect from the VPN.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:How to make sure if my connection was successful?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010180680 How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the OpenVPN app on your Android device. This app is an alternative way of connecting to Surfshark servers that will come in handy if you can't connect to the VPN due to network restrictions or any other reasons.You will need a phone or tablet running Android and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Go to theSurfshark login pageand log in. Tap onProducts > VPN > Manual setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNDownload configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend the UDP protocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the appIf you don't have access to the Google Play Store on your device, or can not find the OpenVPN app there, download the .apk version of this app fromhere.If you have access to the Play Store, check the following steps:Launch theGoogle Play Storeapp.Use the search bar to search forOpenVPN.You may find several different apps for OpenVPN. We used the one you can see in the picture below. Press theInstallbutton.Once the installation finishes, you will find the app on your device.Add and connect to the VPN profileAs you open the OpenVPN app, you will see a screen, as in the picture below.You need to upload your configuration file (refer to theDownload configuration filesin this article). To do so, switch to theUPLOADFILEtab and tap onBROWSE.Locate your device'sDownloadsfolder and tap on the Surfshark configuration file.Confirm the action by tappingOK.Fill in the required details.NOTE: make sure to tap onSave password.Profile name: Use any nameUsername: the service username (Get your credentialssection in this article)Password: the service password (Get your credentialssection in this article)You may get a pop-up informing you about the certificate. The certificate in included in the configuration file, so clickCONTINUE.When connecting for the first time, you will see a request to set up a VPN connection. Without your permission, the OpenVPN app won't be able to make a VPN connection. Click OK.If the VPN connection is successful, you will see the connection status on your screen.It shows that you're connected, as well as some details about the connection.To disconnect from the VPN, tap on the switch (which is green now). As soon as you disconnect, the switch will turn gray.To change the VPN location, download a new configuration file for your preferred location (refer toDownload configuration filessection in this article), then add a new profile (refer toAdd and connect to the VPN profilesection of this article).Ensure that the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010272579 How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the OpenVPN GUI app on your device, which can be useful in restrictive network environments or when your computer's operating system is too old to run the Surfshark app.To set up OpenVPN on Windows, you will need a device running Windows OS, OpenVPN app, and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Download configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend theUDPprotocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the OpenVPN appDownload the OpenVPN GUI app from the links below.Windows 32-bitWindows 64-bitFind the installation file in your device'sDownloadsfolder.Double-clickthe downloaded installation file.You have toallowthe app to make changes because the OpenVPN app needs permission to manage network and VPN settings. ClickYes.PressNextto start the installation.ClickI Agree.Leave the default components checked and proceed further by clickingNext.Choose the pathwhere the OpenVPN GUI app should be installed.You can leave the default path and clickInstall.Wait until the installation is complete. Then clickNext.ClickFinish.Connect to the VPNLocate the OpenVPN GUI icon on your desktop anddouble-clickon it.The app will start in theSystem Tray.Clickthe white arrow to find the OpenVPN icon (computer with a lock) there.Import downloaded configuration files. To do this,right-clickthe OpenVPN in your system tray and chooseImport file...Navigateto the folder where your configuration files are (refer toDownload configuration filessection).They were most likely saved in yourDownloadsfolder, so you may want to look there.Choose the configuration file that you have downloaded and clickOpen.Once the file is imported, you will find it in the OpenVPN GUI app.Right-clickon the OpenVPN GUI icon again. Then, move the cursor to the name of the imported configuration file. That will open a menu with actions you can do with this file. ChooseConnect.EnterSurfshark service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection).ClickOK.If the connection is successful, the connection window disappears, and the OpenVPN GUI icon turnsgreen.To disconnect from the server,right-clickon the OpenVPN GUI icon,movethe cursor to the configuration file that is currently used, and chooseDisconnect.If you wish to connect to a different location, download the configuration for that server and repeat theConnect to the VPNsection from the beginning.NOTE:in case you were not able to connect, tryhow to set up a manual WireGuard connection on Windows.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010272839 How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on macOS,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the Tunnelblick app on your macOS device. The setup can be useful in restrictive network environments or when your computer's operating system is too old to run the Surfshark app.You will need a device running macOS and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSursfhark's pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Download configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend theUDPprotocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.Download and install the Tunnelblick appDownload the Tunnelblick app from theofficial Tunnelblick website.Click thegreen arrowto download the latest Tunnelblick version.Locate the installation package in theDownloadsorRecentsfolder on your Mac.To start the installation process,double-clickon the Tunnelblick installation package.Double-clicktheTunnelblick iconin the next window.Confirm the action by pressingOpen.Set yourpreferencesfor the Tunnelblick app and clickContinue.You can leave the default entries.ClickI have configuration files(refer to theDownload configuration filessection in this article).ClickOK.Open theDownloadsfolder of your Mac and locate theSurfshark configuration filesyou already downloaded.Openthe Tunnelblick app by clicking on theTunnelblick iconin the menu bar.Click on the configuration file in yourDownloadsfolder and drag it to theConfigurationsareain the Tunnelblick app.You can also install configuration files without opening the Tunnelblick app bydraggingthem to theTunnelblick iconin the menu bar.You will get a pop-up. SelectOnly Me.You may need to enter your admin credentials to perform this action.Enter your Macadmin account passwordand pressOK.The configuration files that you just installed will appear in theConfigurations sectionon the Tunnelblick app.Connect to the VPNClickon the configuration file of a specific location and pressConnect.Enter Surfshark service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article) and clickOK.To save the service credentials for the next connection, make sure to check bothSave in Keychainboxes.You will see a pop-up window showing the connection status in the top-right corner of your screen. It will stayyellowwhile connecting and will turngreenafter the connection is successful.To disconnect from the VPN, click theDisconnectbutton.If you wish to connect to a different location, download the configuration for that server and repeat theConnect to the VPNsection from the beginning.NOTE:in case you were not able to connect, tryhow to set up a manual WireGuard connection on macOS.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010179740 How to connect to Surfshark in countries with internet restrictions on Linux,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up the OpenVPN app on your Linux device. This method is a proven way to easily connect to the VPN from countries with internet restrictions like China, UAE, etc.To set up OpenVPN on Linux, you will need a device running Linux OS, OpenVPN app, and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE: These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup. This is the page where all the details required for manual connection are stored.ClickDesktop or Mobile > OpenVPN. Proceed to theCredentialstab. Click on theCredentialstab at the top.NOTE:Keep this page open for now. You will need these credentials a bit later.Download and install the OpenVPN packageOpenthe terminal window.You can do that by pressingCtrl+Alt+Tkeys or navigating to it in your apps menu.Enter the following command to install all the necessary packages:sudo apt-get install openvpn unzipYou may need to enter your computer password to confirm this process. In such a case, enter thepasswordand pressEnter.Download configuration filesNavigate to the OpenVPN directory. You can do that by entering this command:cd /etc/openvpnDownloadthe Surfshark OpenVPN configuration by entering the following command:sudo wgethttps://surfshark.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/360018527519/configurations.zipExtract theconfigurations.zipby entering this command:sudo unzip configurationsEnter the following command to see the list of all the available servers:lsConnect to the VPNChoose one server from the list that you want to connect to and copy thehostname (URL)representing this server's hostname.Connect to your chosen server by entering this command:sudo openvpnFor example, if you'd like to connect to theus-slcserver, this would be the command:sudo openvpn us-slc.prod.surfshark.com_udp.ovpnEnterSurfshark service credentials(refer toGet your credentialssection in this article). PressEnter.If you can see the 'Initialization Sequence Completed'line in your terminal, you have successfully connected.Todisconnectfrom the OpenVPN connection, open the terminal and pressCtrl + C.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012116920 What protocols can I use with Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn more about VPN protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard®, IKEv2, and L2TP.What is a VPN protocol?A protocol is a set of rules governing the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Whenever you go online, you are constantly sending and receiving information. To send this information, it needs to be split into small data packets, and protocols dictate the order in which these packets are sent and the encryption used to protect them.All protocols used by Surfshark are fast and secure, and you can stick with the default protocol or choose a different one that suits your preferences.Different protocols offer varying advantages. Some provide faster speed or better image/audio quality, while others ensure a more stable connection. If you're experiencing connectivity issues, try changing the protocol.What is the OpenVPN protocol?OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that is available as an open-source project. Its code is freely available on the internet and it is maintained and updated by security and networking experts from around the world.If you are using the Surfshark app, you will find two options for OpenVPN:UDPandTCP.UDP is faster and is great for safe streaming, video calls, or games.TCP is more stable and will ensure that every single packet of information that you send from your device is delivered. However, it may be slower compared to other protocols.NOTE:OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.What is the WireGuard® protocol?WireGuard® is a relatively new communication protocol that has recently gained popularity in the cyber-security market. Its open-source nature provides better performance compared to other protocols.NOTE:Currently, WireGuard® is available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you cannot find it on your Surfshark app, update it to the latest version.Please note that WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfield.What is the IKEv2 protocol?IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a widely used VPN protocol known for its strong security features and efficient performance. It establishes a secure connection between a client and a VPN server, enabling encrypted data transmission over the internet. IKEv2 is notable for its ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network disruptions, making it suitable for mobile devices and remote access scenarios.What is the L2TP protocol?Surfshark allows users the option to use the L2TP protocol, despite it not being as secure as other protocols available on the market. This protocol may offer faster speeds compared to OpenVPN and is compatible with many home routers.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010324739 How to connect manually using Surfshark Windows app,"In this article, you will learn how to manually connect using the Surfshark Windows app.You will need a Windows device and an active Surfshark subscription to follow along. Don’t have a subscription yet? Check outSurfshark plans.NOTE:You can connect manually using SurfsharkVPN for Windowsfrom version2.6.3and later.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, enter theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE: Keep this tab open as we'll need it forlater.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to the Locations tab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Under each flag, you will see thehostnameof this server.Copyit — you will need to enter it to connect to this server.Configure the manual connection using the Surfshark appNOTE:The setup is exactly the same if you choose to connect via OpenVPN / TCP.Launch the Surfshark app and click onConnect manually.Enter all the required details:Protocol:You can leave the default option or choose your preferred one (OpenVPN UDPorOpenVPN TCP)Service username:Surfshark service username (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Service password:Surfshark service password (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Hostname / IP:Hostname or the IP address of the server you want to connect to (refer toChoose a Surfshark serversection in this article)Port:It will change automatically. In case it does not:OpenVPN (UDP):1194OpenVPN (TCP):1443Once finished, pressConnect.When connected, you will be greeted with the following screen. To disconnect, pressDisconnect.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013538779 "Hi, what can we help you with?",Answer not found,https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013574600 How to connect manually using the Surfshark iOS app,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to manually connect to VPN servers on your iOS device.To set up a manual VPN connection, you will need an iOS device runningiOS 13or later and an active Surfshark VPN subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE: Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOn the same page, go to theLocationstab and locate the server you wish to connect to.Tap on the server you wish to connect to.Copy theServer address– you will need to enter it later to connect.Configure the manual connection using the Surfshark appIf you haven't installed the Surfshark app yet, please follow our article onhow to set up Surfshark VPN on iOS.Launch the Surfshark app and pressLog in.TapManual connection.Fill in all the details:Protocol:You can leave the default option or choose your preferred one (OpenVPN UDPorOpenVPN TCP)Service username:Surfshark service username (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Service password:Surfshark service password (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Hostname / IP:Hostname or the IP address of the server you want to connect to (refer toChoose a Surfshark serversection in this article)Port:It will change automatically. In case it does not:OpenVPN (UDP):1194OpenVPN (TCP):1443IKEv2:4500Make sure to select which protocol you'd like to use.TapConnect.You may get pop-up if you're connecting to the VPN for the first time. TapAllow.The next thing you'll see will be the connection status window. If the connection was successful, you should see the connection status in agreen bar, your new IP address, and a button to disconnect. To disconnect, tapDisconnect.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018911294 How to securely watch Netflix with Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to watch Netflix securely using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased on Surfshark plans andpricing page.Does Surfshark work with Netflix?Yes indeed. Having active Surfshark and Netflix subscriptions will allow you to securely view all of the content that Netflix offers.Install SurfsharkInstall any Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN server.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on:WindowsmacOSAndroidFirestickiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Netflix safelyEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Once logged in, you may need to refresh your browser. To do that, click this button in your browser, as shown in the picture below.Try accessing Netflix safely.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.In case you face issues with Netflix's streaming, checkhow to fix Netflix streaming issues.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360022838873 What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?,"This article will explain what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is.We will go through the following:What is a VPN?What are the benefits of using a VPN?What is a VPN?A VPN is a technology that encrypts your data and routes your internet traffic through specific servers so that yourIP addressand location are private.What are the benefits of using a VPN?Using Surfshark VPN protects your privacy online from anyone who might want to snoop on you, from hackers to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and other third-party organizations. A VPN makes it much harder for anyone to monitor the websites you access, files you download, and services you use because all your data is encrypted.However, a VPN offers more than privacy and security. You may have noticed that numerous countries block certain streaming services. This could be due to various reasons, from censorship to location restrictions. Luckily, you can bypass such filters without any extra configurations by connecting to Surfshark.Luckily, you canbypass such filters without any extra configurations by connecting to Surfshark.If you’d like to learn more about VPNs and what they have to offer, check out ourWhat is a VPN? Virtual Private Networks 101.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089633 What protocols can I use with Surfshark?,"In this article, you will learn more about VPN protocols — OpenVPN, WireGuard®, IKEv2, and L2TP.What is a VPN protocol?A protocol is a set of rules governing the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Whenever you go online, you are constantly sending and receiving information. To send this information, it needs to be split into small data packets, and protocols dictate the order in which these packets are sent and the encryption used to protect them.All protocols used by Surfshark are fast and secure, and you can stick with the default protocol or choose a different one that suits your preferences.Different protocols offer varying advantages. Some provide faster speed or better image/audio quality, while others ensure a more stable connection. If you're experiencing connectivity issues, try changing the protocol.What is the OpenVPN protocol?OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that is available as an open-source project. Its code is freely available on the internet and it is maintained and updated by security and networking experts from around the world.If you are using the Surfshark app, you will find two options for OpenVPN:UDPandTCP.UDP is faster and is great for safe streaming, video calls, or games.TCP is more stable and will ensure that every single packet of information that you send from your device is delivered. However, it may be slower compared to other protocols.NOTE:OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.What is the WireGuard® protocol?WireGuard® is a relatively new communication protocol that has recently gained popularity in the cyber-security market. Its open-source nature provides better performance compared to other protocols.NOTE:Currently, WireGuard® is available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you cannot find it on your Surfshark app, update it to the latest version.Please note that WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfield.What is the IKEv2 protocol?IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a widely used VPN protocol known for its strong security features and efficient performance. It establishes a secure connection between a client and a VPN server, enabling encrypted data transmission over the internet. IKEv2 is notable for its ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network disruptions, making it suitable for mobile devices and remote access scenarios.What is the L2TP protocol?Surfshark allows users the option to use the L2TP protocol, despite it not being as secure as other protocols available on the market. This protocol may offer faster speeds compared to OpenVPN and is compatible with many home routers.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010324739-What-protocols-can-I-use-with-Surfshark- Connect to Surfshark VPN using Ubuntu Network Manager,"In this article, you will learn how to connect to Surfshark VPN using Ubuntu Network Manager. Ubuntu Network Manager can help you connect to Surfshark VPN servers without using the Surfshark application, and it's pretty convenient to set up and use.To proceed, you need to have a Linux Ubuntu device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark's pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Desktop or mobile > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Download configuration filesOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Downloadconfiguration files by clicking on the arrow pointing downwards next to your chosen location.Choose which file to download:UDPorTCP.These are 2 different VPN protocols. We recommend theUDPprotocol because it tends to be faster, but feel free to find out more aboutSurfshark protocolsand decide for yourself.We recommendsaving the file on your desktopso that you could easily find it during the setup process.Configure the Network ManagerLaunch theterminal. You can do that by pressingCTRL+ALT+Ton your keyboard.Alternatively, you can launch the terminal from the list of your apps.Install the VPN manager if it's not on your device yet.To do that, use this command:sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn-gnomeCopy and paste this command to the terminal and hitenter.This might create a prompt asking for your PC password. Enter your password and authorize to continue.NOTE: If the Network Manager is on your system, you will be notified that the Network Manager is already there. In that case, go tostep 5.If the Network manager is not on your system, proceed with the installation process.Click thewhite arrowor theWi-Fi/Ethernet iconat the top-right corner of your desktop. It will open a system tray.ClickSettings.Open theNetworksettings tab in theSettingsscreen.Click[+]to add a new VPN profile.A window will pop up asking how you would like to add a new profile. ChooseImport from file,then navigate to the configuration file on your desktop (refer toDownload configuration filessection in this article).Selectto import it.Once the file finishes uploading, enter theUsername and Password(refer toGet your credentialssection in this article). Then, clickAdd.Now, you will see a new VPN profile. Move the switch fromOFFtoONto enable a VPN connection.To check if the VPN is on, you can open thesystem trayand you should see the VPN profile there.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012109779-Connect-to-Surfshark-VPN-using-Ubuntu-Network-Manager How to set up Surfshark VPN on Raspberry Pi,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN on Raspberry Pi.You will need Raspberry Pi and an active Surfshark subscription to follow this tutorial. Don't have a subscription yet? You can get it onSurfshark pricing page.NOTE:Some configurations may vary depending on the Linux distribution you are using.Get your credentialsNOTE: These are not your regular credentials, such as your email address and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup. This is the page where all the details required for manual connection are stored.ClickDesktop or Mobile > OpenVPN. Proceed to theCredentialstab. Click on theCredentialstab at the top.NOTE:Keep this page open for now. You will need these credentials a bit later.Configure the OpenVPN clientOpen theTerminalby clickingCTRL + ALT + T.Install the necessary OpenVPN packages by entering the following command:sudo apt-get install openvpn unzipIf you are requested to enter a password, please enter yourcomputer's admin password.Navigate to the OpenVPN directory by entering the following command:cd /etc/openvpnDownload the Surfshark OpenVPN Configuration files:sudo wget https://my.surfshark.com/vpn/api/v1/server/configurationsExtract ""Surfshark_Config.zip"":sudo unzip configurationsRemove the .zip file as we will not use it anymore.sudo rm configurationsTo see the list of all available servers, enter:lsChoose one of the servers from the server list and connect to Surfshark by entering:sudo openvpn [file name]For example:sudo openvpn us-dal.prod.surfshark.com_udp.ovpnEnter the Surfshark service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article).If you can see theInitialization Sequence Completedmessage, you have successfully connected to Surfshark.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013425373-How-to-set-up-Surfshark-VPN-on-Raspberry-Pi How to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your Windows device.For any manual WireGuard® connection, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theDesktop or mobileoption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverOnce you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Download WireGuard® and connect to the VPNOpenthis page, and download the WireGuard application. Once you click this link, the download will begin immediately. If you cannot download from the link above, download itfrom here.Once the download is complete, launch the WireGuard installation file. Once launched, you will receive a pop-up. ClickYes.Once the installation is complete, the app will open automatically.Connect to the VPNIn the WireGuard application, click onImport tunnel(s) from file.Now select the Surfshark configuration file you downloaded earlier, and hitOpen.You can rename this uploaded connection to your liking. To do so, simply clickEdit. I'll name it Surfshark WireGuard.Lastly, to connect to the VPN, clickActivate, and to disconnect from the VPN, clickDeactivate.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.Keep all devices safeStay connected to Surfshark at all times thanks to unlimited simultaneous connectionsGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6586553044498 How to fix unstable connection issues on Windows,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix unstable VPN connection issues on your Windows device.Change the default protocol used on the Surfshark appLaunchthe Surfshark app.Go toSettings > VPN Settings. This is where you will find an option to change the defaultprotocol.Try other locationsFor various reasons, such as server load or technical issues on the server, one location might provide a more stable connection than others.To change the location, open theLocationspage on your Surfshark app; here, you will find the full list of our servers. Try to test at least several different serversand see if the issue persists.Disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network control on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.This applies toother VPNs,firewalls,file-sharing apps, and especiallyanti-virus software. If you have any of those, trydisablingthem.Then,rebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Switch to a different networkConnectivity issues mightbe network-specific. This often happens if the Internet provider applies some restrictions on its network. To see if this is the case, try to check if connectivity issues remain connected to a different network.You can easily do that by sharing a mobile hotspot with your mobile device or trying a different Wi-Fi connection.Reinstall the Surfshark appSometimes, areinstall of the Surfshark appcan rectify most of the connection issues you are facing.Reboot your deviceThis may sound simple, but it will kill unnecessary apps' background processes and reset your network to give you a fresh start.Remove parental/security controls on your routerSome network providers might have enabled network security features on your network. Most often, such features are parental controls or some ""Safe DNS"" function.Setting custom DNS on your router will do the trick. Check the following steps:Navigate to your router's network settings.Change DNS to:DNS1:162.252.172.57DNS2:149.154.159.92Set custom DNSYour Internet service provider often provides default DNS servers. In many cases, it's not the best option performance-wise.Here's a guide onhow to set custom DNS.Turn off IPv6IPv6 is a networking system that some Internet networks might have. Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.Check out if youhave IPv6 on your network. If that’s the case, disable it.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010710460 What speed can I expect with Surfshark VPN? Are there any bandwidth limitations?,"In this article, you will learn what speed you can expect when using Surfshark VPN.Will your connection slow down?Surfshark users don't have any speed, bandwidth, or data limitations. Nevertheless, you might experience slower speeds and response time (ping) with a VPN than without a VPN. The speed may decrease by 20-30%.If the connection speeds slow down considerably or you experience a slower performance than usual when connected to the VPN, try checkinghow to troubleshoot slow speed problems.Can your connection become faster with a VPN?There might be cases when connecting to a VPN can increase your connection speed. That might happen if your internet provider is throttling your speed — a VPN can help prevent that.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089753 How to find your router's IP address,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to find your router's internal IP address.At first, you may want to try checking the default IP addresses that popular routers often use. See the common default IPs.If your router isnoton the default IPs list, you can find it yourself. Choose your device below and proceed to the suggested steps to find your router's IP.WindowsClick theWindows StartorSearchbutton and start typing ""cmd"". TheCommand Promptprogram will show up.Clickon it.You will see a new terminal window. Enter theipconfigcommand and hitenter.This command will show information about all network adapters.You should now see information about all network adapters on your device. Look underWireless LAN adapterif you’re connected to Wi-Fi orEthernet adapterif you’re connected to a wired network.Find theDefault Gatewayaddress – this is your router's IP address that you can use to log into your router.AndroidGo to your phonesettings.SelectNetwork and Internet.Select your currentWi-Finetwork.Click on thesettings cogwheel.ChooseAdvancedsettings.Look for theGatewayaddress. That is yourrouter's IP.macOSOpenSystem Preferences.SelectNetwork.Select youractive networkand clickAdvanced.Switch to theTCP/IPtab. Here, you will find yourRouter IP.iOSGo to your phoneSettingsapp and tap on theWi-Fitab.Select your currentWi-Finetwork.You will see information about this network. Scroll down a little, and you'll find theRouter'sIP.LinuxOpen a new terminal window.CTRL + Tcombination will do the trick.Enter this command:netstat -rPressEnter.You will see the information about your current network. Look for theGatewayaddress – that's yourRouter's IP.Common default IPsFind your router's brand and see what default IPs are often used.Apple:10.0.1.1Asus:192.168.1.1192.168.2.110.10.1.110.0.0.1Aztech:192.168.1.1192.168.2.1192.168.1.254192.168.254.254Belkin:192.168.1.1192.168.2.110.0.0.210.1.1.1Cisco:192.168.1.1192.168.0.30192.168.0.5010.0.0.110.0.0.2D-Link:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.0.10192.168.0.101192.168.0.30192.168.0.50192.168.1.254192.168.15.1192.168.254.25410.0.0.110.0.0.210.1.1.110.90.90.90Google:192.168.86.1192.168.0.1Huawei:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.3.1192.168.8.1192.168.100.110.0.0.138Linksys:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.1.10192.168.1.210192.168.1.254192.168.1.99192.168.15.1192.168.16.1192.168.2.1Motorola:192.168.0.1192.168.10.1192.168.15.1192.168.20.1192.168.30.1192.168.62.1192.168.100.1192.168.102.1192.168.1.254Netgear:192.168.0.1192.168.0.227Siemens:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.1.254192.168.2.1192.168.254.25410.0.0.13810.0.0.2Tenda:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1TP-Link:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.0.254Ubiquiti:192.168.1.1192.168.1.20ZTE:192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.100.100192.168.1.254192.168.2.1192.168.2.254You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017586199 How to use a mobile hotspot,"In this article, you will learn how to share a mobile hotspot from Android and iOS devices.What is a mobile hotspot?As you may already know, mobile phones can use Wi-Fi, mobile data, or even an Ethernet to connect to the internet. You can share this connection with other devices that can connect to Wi-Fi by turning on the hotspot feature on your phone.How to share a mobile hotspot from AndroidOn your phone's drop-down menu,turn offWi-Fi andturn onMobile Data.Long press onMobile Hotspot.Now, on theHotspot settingspage, configure yourNetwork nameandPasswordand toggle theMobile Hotspottoon.Once turned on, the Hotspot network will appear as a newly available network in your environment. If you are using a macOS device, enter theWi-Fi settingsand locate yourmobile hotspotnetwork.Enter the password that you previously set and clickNext.You should now be connected to your hotspot network.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012075359 How to log in with code,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to log in to your Surfshark application across all platforms with a temporary login code.Do the following to log into Surfshark with a code:Open the Surfshark application on the deviceyou are not logged in toand select theLogged in on another device?button.Then, confirm that you are logged in on another device by pressingYES.A special 6-digit code will be presented to you.NOTE:You must leave this window open until the login is complete.Open theSettingstab on the device in which you are already logged in.EnterMy account.Click onEnter login code.Enter the code displayed on the device you are trying to log into.Once the login is complete, you will receive a confirmation about the successful login.You can also enter the login code in theSurfshark account overviewpage:Open theSurfshark account pageand click onMy account.ClickEnter login code.Input yourlogin codeand pressLog in.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407687786386 How to set up Surfshark browser extension on Firefox,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install and use the Surfshark VPN extension for Firefox browsers.Install the Surfshark extensionFind theSurfshark extensionin the Firefox add-ons store.If you can not find the Surfshark extension by following the linked page, please follow this tutorial onhow to install the Surfshark extension manually.In the search box, type inSurfsharkand look for theSurfshark VPN Extension. Once you find it, click onAdd to Firefox.For easier use, we recommend pinning the Surfshark extension to your browser's toolbar. To do so, click on theextensionsicon. There, locate theSurfshark VPN Extensionand click settings next to it. Once you do, an optionPin to Toolbarwill appear.Now, you will see the Surfshark VPN extension at the top of your browser.Log into the extensionClick on the Surfshark icon at the top right of your browser. PressLog in.Now, you will be redirected to Surfshark's webpage, where you'll have to enter your account'susernameandpassword.Once done, pressLog in, and you'll be able to use the extension.Connect to the VPNClicking theQuick-connectbutton will connect you to the closest geographical location.As soon as you connect, the connection status will change toConnected.You can quickly disconnect by clicking theDisconnectbutton. Alternatively, you can also click onPauseto temporarily pause the VPN connection.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers available in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.On theVPNtab, you can see all of the availableLocations.To favorite a location, click on the star icon next to it. Once you do so, it will appear at the top locations list under theFavouritessection.Use thesearch barat the top or scroll down the list until you find your preferred country.Click on theflagicon, and the extension will instantly connect to your chosen location.Manage Surfshark features and settingsClick on thecogicon at the bottom of all other left sidebar icons forSettings>VPN settings.Here you can:Configure which country you connect to when you pressQuick-connectToggle theWebRTCfeature, whichprevents websites from using WebRTC to discover your IP and locationSet the extension to connect upon the launch of the browserAtCleanWebsettings, you can toggle Ad and Cookie pop-up blockers.In theMy accounttab, you can find your subscription details, change your password, or enter a login code for the extension.In theApp settingstab, you can change the extension's language and change the app's appearance – from light mode to dark mode.In theBypass listtab, you can configure which websites bypass the VPN connection. You can also configure which websites are affected byCleanWeb.Lastly, there are theGet helpandEarn Free Surfsharktabs. In theGet helptab, you can read Surfshark's ToS and contact our support team. In the latter, you can find out about ourreferral program.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003090953-How-to-setup-Surfshark-browser-add-on-on-Firefox- How to set up the Surfshark browser extension on Edge,"In this article, you will learn how to install and use theSurfshark VPN extension on the Edgebrowser.You will need Microsoft Edge and an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one, you can purchase it onSurfshark pricing page.Install the extensionVisit the Microsoft store to find theSurfshark VPN Edge browser extension. Once there, press theGETbutton.In the following pop-up, selectAdd Extension.The Surfshark VPN extension will install in a few seconds.For easier use, we recommend pinning the Surfshark extension to your browser's toolbar. To do so, click on theextensionsicon. Then, locate Surfshark and press on theEyeicon.Once done, the extension will appear on the toolbar.Log in to the extensionClick on the Surfshark icon at the top right of your browser. PressLog in.Now, you will be redirected to Surfshark's webpage, where you'll have to enter youraccount's usernameandpassword.Once done, pressLog in, and you'll be able to use the extension.Connect to the VPNOn the Surfshark extension dashboard, click theQuick-connectbutton. It will connect you to the closest geographical location.As soon as you connect, the connection status will change toConnected.You can disconnect by clicking theDisconnectbutton. Alternatively, you can also click onPauseto temporarily pause the VPN connection.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.On theVPNtab, you can see all of the availableLocations.To favorite a location, click on the star icon next to it. Once you do so, the location will appear at the top of the list in theFavoritessection.Use the search bar at the top or scroll down the list until you find your preferred country.Click on theflag icon, and the extension will connect you to your chosen location.Manage Surfshark features and settingsClick on thecogicon forSettings.InVPN settings,you can:Configure which country you connect to when you pressQuick-connectToggle theWebRTCfeature, which prevents websites from using WebRTC to discover your IP and locationSet the extension to connect upon the launch of the browserAtCleanWebsettings, you can toggle Ad and Cookie pop-up blockers.In theMy accounttab, you can find your subscription details, change your password, or enter a login code for the extension.In theApp settingstab, you can change the extension's language and change the app's appearance – from light mode to dark mode.In theBypass listtab, you can configure which websites bypass the VPN connection. You can also configure which websites are affected byCleanWeb.Lastly, there are theGet helpandEarn Free Surfsharktabs. In theGet helptab, you can read Surfshark's ToS and contact our support team. In the latter, you can find out about ourreferral program.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403037914770 How to troubleshoot Surfshark VPN browser extension issues,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshoot various Surfshark VPN browser extension issues.Extension connection issuesIf you are having trouble connecting, test if youcan’t connect tovarious locationsinstead of just one.Make sure you don't have anyactive ad-block extensionsorantivirus appsrunning. These other extensions can interfere with your VPN connection.TrydisablingtheCleanWeb feature. You can find the feature in the settings tab underCleanWeb settings.Toggle theAd blockeroff.Try out the Surfshark extension on a different browser. If you are using Chrome - try Firefox or Edge. The issue might be related to your browser instead of the extension.Tryreinstallingthe Surfshark VPN extension on your browser. See how to do it onChromeorFirefox.Reinstallingthe browser itself.Extension application issuesMake sure you have yourantivirus applications(they can be extensions as well) or anyad-blockers disabled. These two are the main causes of extension issues.Try out the Surfshark extensionon a different browser. If you are using Chrome - try Firefox or Edge. The issue might be related to your browser instead of the extension.Tryreinstallingthe Surfshark VPN extension on your browser. See how to do it onChromeorFirefox.Reinstallingthe browser itself.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403098207762 The app couldn't reach Surfshark systems,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshootthe App couldn't reach the Surfshark systemserror.Why do I get the App couldn’t reach Surfshark systems error?You might get this error because of connectivity, your current location, or your network. This error message will say that there is no way to establish a connection between your device and Surfshark services.How to solve the App couldn’t reach Surfshark systems errorTryupdating the application. This error mostly occurs due to an outdated version of the Surfshark appMake sure that no other VPN service is running while you’re using Surfshark.If you are in a country with heavy network restrictions, refer to our guide onhow to connect from countries with network restrictionsIf you are using acustom firewall or anantivirus application,disableit ormake an exceptionfor Surfshark services. Find all antivirus guides on ourantivirus exceptionpage.Try toreinstall the Surfshark app,restartyour device and your router;You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013145759 How to troubleshoot Smart DNS issues,"In this article, you will learn how to resolve some of the most common smart DNS issues. You might need another device, such as a laptop or phone, for some of these steps.Streaming service is unreachableIf you have successfully set Smart DNS on your device, but your preferred streaming service is not working, try the following steps:Try both Smart DNS servers.After activating the Smart DNS service, you received two server addresses. If your device has a DNS box for one DNS address only,try the first DNS server, then the other.If your device has two DNS boxes for two DNS addresses,enter the same DNS server to both lines, as shown in the picture below:Uninstall and reinstallthe streaming app, orclear the streaming app's cache.Rebootyour device.Log into your router andset custom DNSon it. You can use1.1.1.1as a primary DNS and8.8.8.8as a secondary DNS.Since there are so many different routers, each with a different interface, you should look at your router's user manual or search for instructions online.No internet connection after setting up Smart DNSThe most common reason you could lose internet connection with smart DNS is that you enabled smart DNS for a different IP address than your device (smart TV, Xbox, etc.).First, try answering these questions:Did you activate Smart DNS while connected to your workspace network or mobile data?Do you have a dynamic IP (an IP address that eventually changes on its own?Try the following steps to resolve the no-net issue:Ensure that another device you will use (laptop or phone) is connected to the same network as the device on which you will use Smart DNS.Go toSurfshark's dashboardusing your laptop or phone.Once logged in to your account, go to theSmart DNS page.Click theChange IPbutton. This will activate Smart DNS for your new IP address.Check if Smart DNS works on your TV or gaming console now.Smart DNS can not be activated becauseIPv6was detectedYou can only activate Smart DNS for IPv4 addresses. However, some networks have both - IPv4 and IPv6 protocols enabled. Experiencing this error means your system uses IPv6 as well.You can try the following potential solutions to resolve the IPv6 detection issue:Disable IPv6 on your device to activate smart DNS on our website. Try disabling IPv6 onWindows,macOS,Android, andLinux.Disable IPv6 on your router.Some routers (not all) have the option to choose between IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.To find out if your router has this option, you should log in to your router and search throughInternet,Network,WLAN, orIPv6settings. You may find an option to turn off the IPv6 there.Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).Try contacting your internet network provider and ask if they could turn off the IPv6 on your system. Most of the time, they can easily do this.The IP addresses do not matchYou may have noticed that the IP address shown on your TV is different from the one you used to activate smart DNS. This is because you activated smart DNS for your externalIP address, which is used for public communication. At the same time, your TV only shows you the internal IP used for communication between devices within the same network.The internal IP address usually looks like this —192.168.x.x. It's not publicly visible and only used for communication between different devices on the same network, so you don't have to worry about affecting the smart DNS setup. You can simplyignore itandproceed with the Smart DNS setup as usual.Smart DNS is not supportedSadly, there are some situations where Smart DNS can not be successfully used. If your Internet provider is hijacking DNS (makes you use their DNS at all times) or using a transparent proxy (a technology that intercepts requests from your device), problems with Smart DNS might occur.In such a case, you canset up VPN on your routerorshare the VPN connection from your laptop.You may also be interested in:How does Smart DNS work",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012915399-How-to-troubleshoot-Smart-DNS-issues- How does Smart DNS work,"In this article, you will learn more about the Smart DNS feature and how it works.How does Smart DNS work?This feature changes the DNS addresses on your device from your local ones to Surfshark’s SmartDNS servers based in the US.Smart DNS does not change your IP address but makes your DNS address look like it's based in a different country (in Surfshark’s case, the US). It also does not encrypt your data.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.Do you need to use Smart DNS?If the Surfshark VPN app works on your device, you do not need to use Smart DNS. The Surfshark VPN app will offer you more functionality on any device. Smart DNS is an alternative option for devices not supporting VPN apps.How to get started with Smart DNSIt’s super easy to get started with Smart DNS. Activate it for your account, and put it on your TV or console. Surfshark’s Help Center hastutorials on how to set up Smart DNS on various devices.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012825360-How-does-Smart-DNS-work- How to set up Surfshark Smart DNS for Samsung TV,"In this article, you will learn how you can set upSmart DNSon your Samsung TV.To follow along, you will need a Samsung Smart TV and an active Surfshark VPN subscription(Smart DNS is included in the plans), which you can purchase onSurfshark's pricing page.Find your Smart DNSGo to theSurfshark login page. Enter your registered email address, password, and clickLog In.If you do not see your Smart DNS addresses there, you probably have not activated Smart DNS yet. Click theActivatebutton or follow our tutorial onhow to activate Surfshark Smart DNS.Set up Smart DNS on your TVTurn on your Samsung Smart TV.Press theMenubutton on your remote. In the main menu, selectNetworkChooseNetworkfrom the settings menu. Go toNetwork Status.At the bottom ofNetwork Status, click theIP Settingsbutton.Go toDNS settings.NOTE:You may have noticed that the IP address shown on your TV is different from the one that you have activated Smart DNS for. That is because you have activated Smart DNS for your external (public) IP address, but your TV only shows the internal (private) IP.An internal IP usually looks like this –192.168.x.xand is only used for internal communication between different devices on the same network. It is not visible publicly and does not affect the usage of Smart DNS, so you can justignore it and proceed with the Smart DNS setup.ChooseEnter manually.Activate Smart DNS services. Then, enter the Smart DNS that you can see on your profile page.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011723619-How-to-set-up-Surfshark-Smart-DNS-for-Samsung-TV- What are 2FA recovery codes?,"In this article, you will learn what are 2FA recovery codes and how to use them.What are 2FA recovery codes?Recovery codes areone-timeuse codes that you can use in case you have lost access to the device/email address to which you usually receive2FA codes. When setting up 2FA on your account, you have the ability tosaveordownloadthem.How to save 2FA recovery codes?Enter your Surfshark Account settings and click onEdit.Choose your preferred authentication method and proceed. Once you receive the code, enter it and clickNext.Here, you will be presented with yourrecovery codesand a confirmation that 2FA is active on your account. Press onDownload recovery codes,and a download of a text file will begin. We also recommendtaking a pictureof the recovery codes orsaving them in a password manager or cloud storage,such as Google Drive.Once the download is finished, you'll findrecovery.txtin yourDownloadsfolder.The file contains your account's recovery codes.How to use 2FA recovery codes?Type in your credentials and pressLog in.Click onEnter a recovery code.Enter one of the recovery codes and pressVerify.NOTE:These codes areone-time use only.Once logged in, go to yourAccount settings, where you can reconfigure 2FA on your new device/email.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/17397002856466 I lost or forgot my password,"In this article, you will learn what to do if you lose or forget your password. The steps below work even if you have had no password/have not created a password since registering.Reset your passwordGo to thereset password page.Enter your email address and press theGet the reset linkbutton.NOTE:This method works for resetting your password even if you had no password since registering.Head to your email inbox, where you'll find a letter from Surfshark namedReset password instructions.Open this letter and pressReset your password.On the following page, enter your new password by following the given criteria and pressConfirm new password.If you have not received apassword resetletter, it could be that it has landed in your email's spam/junk folder or that you have created your account under adifferent email address.Change your email addressFor your account's safety, there is no option to change the registered email via Surfshark apps orSurfshark website. If you've forgotten the registered email, please contact the Surfshark customer success team.Be prepared to provide some payment details as proof of your identity.You also may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10423160105362 What payment options do you offer?,"Currently, we accept credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, cryptocurrency, and other popular payment methods, which may vary according to your region. Most of the payment methods are in the screenshot below.For more information, you can always check ourpricing pageand start following the steps needed to make a payment for the subscription. All the available payment methods appear below the subscription packages.NOTE:Depending on the country you are from, payment methods may vary.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003069034 Refer and Earn,"Surfshark's newly updated referral program allows you to invite your friends to join Surfshark and earn money or free months to your subscription.This article will teach you the basics of the Surfshark referral program, and how to use it.To participate, you need an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.How does the Surfshark referral program work?The Surfshark referral program is rather simple. Once you invite your friends and they stay with Surfshark forat least 31 days, you can claim a reward of your choice —free monthsadded to your Surfshark subscription or acommission fee payoutto your PayPal account.When choosing your reward, consider the following:The money rewarded depends on the price of the subscription your friend purchases, the commission rate, and the currency change rate at the moment of purchase. To make a payout, you must reach the payout target;The months rewarded depend on what kind of subscription your friend has purchased. If they purchase a monthly subscription, you’re both rewarded an additional month; if they purchase a longer subscription, you both gain 3 free months.NOTE: In some countries,onlyfreemonthsare available as a reward for referring your friend. For more information, check ourTerms of Service.How to refer your friend to SurfsharkEnter theRefer & earn tabin your Surfshark account.You can also access it by clickingReferat the top ofyour Surfshark accountpage.Copy & share your unique referral link with your friends.You can also find your referral link in theSurfshark desktop or mobile apps. To do so,Open the Surfshark app > Settings > Refer & earn.Your friendsmust be brand-new Surfshark subscribersand stay with Surfshark for at least 31 days.You get to claim a reward of your choice, and your friends get to enjoy free months depending on their subscription's length.How to claim your rewardsEnter theRefer & earn tabin your Surfshark account.You can also access it by clickingReferat the top ofyour Surfshark accountpage.Additionally, you can access this page from theSurfshark desktop or mobile apps. To do so,Open the Surfshark app > Settings > Refer & earnand click on thelink there.Now click on theRewards & payoutstab.If you have any rewards, you will see them in theReferralstab:Here, you can do the following:You canclaim all your rewards as moneyoras monthsby pressing one of these buttons respectively:NOTE: The action toclaim all your rewards as moneyoras monthsis irreversible – once clicked, a confirmation pop-up will appear.You can also claim each of the rewards individually once they areready to claimby pressingClaim.And choosing your preferred reward:If you choose to claim your rewards asfree monthsto your subscription, they will be applied immediately:If you choose to claim your rewards asmoney, you'll see the sum appear in yourWallet:It is important to note that you canmake a payoutonly once you've reached/or surpassed thepayout target:Once that is done, you can clickPay out:Thepayoutsare made viaPayPal. Once you pressPay outandConfirm, all the reward money accumulated in your wallet will be sent to yourPayPalaccount. The payout sumcannot be splitand may be affected by exchange rates, fees, or taxes.Name: enter yourfull name using only Latincharacters. It should consist ofat least two words. One word can not be shorter than 2 characters, and must be without any special symbols;Email: enter a valid PayPal email address that is no longer than34 characters.Afterward, you will get aconfirmationthat thereward money will reach your PayPal account within the first 10 business days of the following calendar month.You can monitor your payouts in thePayouttab. If the payout is marked asPending, it means that the money is on its way.If you notice that the payout is marked asFailed, the money you tried to cash out will be sent back to your wallet. In these cases we recommendchecking your PayPal account detailsand trying to make a payout again.If that does not work,copythePayout IDand contact ourCustomer Support.Now you know how to navigate and use the Surfshark referral program. If you'd like to learn more, check out ourSurfshark Refer and Earn FAQarticle.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013512279 How to set up WireGuard® on TP-Link Deco app,"In this article, we will go through the steps of setting up WireGuard® on a TP-Link router via the Deco app. Themain differencebetween the manual and normal setup is that on the former, you will have todownloadtheserver configuration fileyourself.You will need a TP-Link router compatible with the TP-Link Deco app alongside an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Manually setting up Surfshark via the Deco appLog into your account on theSurfshark website.Tap onProducts > VPN. Then, tap onManual setup.Tap onRouterand then onWireGuard.TapI don't have a key pair. Proceed to type in a name of your choice and tapNext.Generate a new key pairand then tap onChoose a location.Select your desired server, tap on it, and press theDownloadbutton.LaunchtheDeco appon your device of choice andLog in. Then, go toMore > Advanced.Tap onVPN Client.Tap onAdd VPN Server.SelectCustom.SelectWireGuard.TapImport from Config Fileand select the Surfshark server file you have downloaded instep 6. Lastly, make sure to tapSave, and you'll be able to connect.Setting up Surfshark via the Deco appLaunchtheDeco appon your device andLog in. Then, go toMore > Advanced.Tap onVPN Client.Tap onAdd VPN Server.SelectSurfshark.ToLog intoyour account, tap onI have Surfshark accountand then type in your email and password to log in. If you do not have an active subscription, tap onI don't have Surfsharkand proceed tocreatea Surfshark account.Tap onDescriptionand enter a description (you can use it to keep track of different servers). Then, tap onVPN Typeand selectWireGuard.Select a server from the list below and tapSave.Once theVPN Clientis up, the VPN Server's details, such as VPN Type, Server IP, Server DNS, Server name, Access Permission, and Client list, will be shown below.If you'd like to switch to a different server, tapSwitch VPN. Here, you can see all of your configured VPN servers. If you have multiple locations configured, you can tap on a different one to change it.Ensuring the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/16195770018962-How-to-set-up-WireGuard-on-TP-Link-Deco-app How to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on a router,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard® connection on your router.To start, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.Check if your router is compatibleFirst, you need to ensure that your router supports a WireGuard manual connection method. We all have different routers in our homes, which means that you will have to research to find out whether your router is compatible with WireGuard®.Enter your router's make and model into any search engine and try to find out whether it supports a WireGuard® VPN client.NOTE:Our research shows WireGuard best works withGL.iNet,OpenWRT, orDD-WRTrouter firmware.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverNOTE:If you don’t generate the key pairbeforedownloading the configuration file, thefile will be missing your key pair. Then, you will need to generate a key separately and input it manually into missing fields.Once you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Connect to the VPNCopy theServer IP addressandyour public key, andconnect.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6585805595666-How-to-set-up-a-manual-WireGuard-connection-on-a-router How to set up WireGuard® on GL.iNet router(3.x firmware),"In this guide, you will learn how to set up up a WireGuard® connection on your GL.iNet router.To proceed, you will need a router, a computer, and an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one yet, take a look atSurfshark plans.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here – either you already have generated akeypair, and you'll be able to use it, or we will have to generate one. If you do have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual, and if you do not have one –click here.I have a key pairGo to thispage, choose theRouteroption, and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo to thispage, choose theRouteroption, and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.Note:Once the key pairs are generated, copy them and store them on your device, as you will not be able to check them again.Choose a serverOnce you have your key pair, you'll be able to see aChoose a locationbutton. Once you click on it, you'll be greeted with the full list of available locations to connect to. Select one and hit the download button.Configure the interfaceNow, connect to your router's web interface. You will have to paste your router's gateway IP address into the URL bar of the browser of your choice. By default, it is192.168.8.1. Also, if you have not configured it before, the username and password should beadmin. If that does not work, you'll be able to find the password on the label of your router.Next up, look for theVPNoption and selectWireGuard. After, click onSet up WireGuard manually.Once there, you should be able to see a window like so:Enter theConfigurationsection, and simply paste in the contents from theserverconfiguration fileyou have downloaded in theChoose a serversection. You can open the server configuration file by using a text editing software of your choice, such as Notepad.You must make sure that your private key is inserted in the required section below:[Interface]Address =server's IP addressPrivateKey = ← Insert your private key hereDNS = 162.252.172.57, 149.154.159.92[Peer]PublicKey =server's public keyAllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0Endpoint =server's endpoint addressOnce you are done, pressNext,and then you can save the configuration made. You’ll also be able to view the finished configuration, which will look similar to this:You’ll also find that you can view the connection status like so:Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13201509359122-How-to-set-up-WireGuard-on-GL-iNet-router-3-x-firmware How to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on Chrome,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on your Google Chrome browser.Check the following steps:Open your Google Chrome browser and press thethree vertical dotson the top-right corner.Click onExtensions,then selectManage Extensions.Find the Surfshark extension, and selectRemove.In the new pop-up message click onRemoveas well.Install the Surfshark Chrome extension from theSurfshark VPN Extension download pageon the Chrome web store.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021415560-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-VPN-extension-on-Chrome How to set up WireGuard® on Keenetic router,"In this article, you will learn how to set up a manual WireGuard connection on your Keenetic router.To set up WireGuard® on Keenetic, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.NOTE:WireGuard VPN support is implemented for current generation Keenetic devices, starting fromKeeneticOS version 3.3.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverOnce you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Configure the interfaceLog into your Keenetic router's interface. Open a browser and enter this address into the URL bar:my.keenetic.netAlternatively, enter theGateway IP addressinto the URL bar. By default, it is192.168.1.1Proceed tolog into your router.Default username:adminDefault password:1234Navigate toSystem Settings>Component optionsType inWireGuardin the search bar, check the box next toWireGuard VPN, and clickInstall the updatebutton.In the pop-up that comes up, click‘Confirm’to continue with the installation. After it is done,rebootthe router.Once rebooted, open up the router interface again and select theOther connectionsmenu. Click theImport from a filebutton (refer toChoose a Surfshark serversection in this article).Click on theadded connection(not on the switch).Once there, check the boxUse for accessing the Internet.If the listen port is not inserted, input51820.After you are done, make sure to click theSavebutton.Click on theConnect switch.Open theConnection prioritiesmenu, move the added VPN connectionto the topso that it is the first, and clickSave.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5858184000402-How-to-set-up-WireGuard-on-Keenetic-router How to set up WireGuard® on FRITZ!Box,"In this guide, you will learn how to set up a WireGuard® connection on your FRITZ!Box router.To proceed, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.Note:WireGuard® VPN support is implemented for current generation FRITZ!Box devices, starting fromFRITZ!OS version 7.39 or higher. You can check your router's firmware by going to FRITZ!Box official website, or by navigating to the Dashboard section on your router's web interface.Get your key pairThere are two ways we can go from here. You might have generated akey pair, and you'll be able to use it. Or, we will have to generate one.If you have a key pair already, continue the tutorial as usual. If you do not, you should move on to theI don’t have a key pairsection.I have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI have a key pair.Name your key pair and clickNext.Enter your public key and hitSave.I don't have a key pairGo toSurfshark's login pageand log in. Then, visitVPN > Manual setup. Choose theRouteroption and click onWireGuard.In the next window, click onI don't have a key pair.Name your new key pair.Click onGenerate a new key pair.NOTE: Copy and store the generated key pairs on your device. You will not be able to check them here again.Choose a Surfshark serverOnce you have your key pair, you should see aChoose a locationbutton. Click on it. Here, you'll find the list of available locations to connect to.Selectone and hit thedownloadbutton.Configure the interfaceLog into your FRITZ!Boxrouter’s interface. You can access it by entering your router'sdefault gateway IPaddress into your browser's URL bar. By default, it is usuallyhttp://192.168.178.1. If that does not work, use theemergency IPhttp://169.254.1.1.Alternatively, you canenterthis address:http://fritz.boxIf you haven’t done so before, you will have toset upyourMyFRITZ!address. Follow these steps:1) ClickInternetin the FRITZ!Box user interface.2) Click onMyFRITZ! Accountin theInternetmenu.3) Enter your email address in theYour email addressfield.4) ClickApply. Now MyFRITZ! will send you an email with the confirmation link to confirm your FRITZ!Box account.5)Openthe email you received from MyFRITZ!6) Click theRegister Your FRITZ!Boxbutton in the email.Now, we will configure Surfshark’sWireGuard VPN tunnel. To do so, in the router's web panel, in theInternetsection, click onPermit Access.Click theVPN (WireGuard)tab.Click theAdd Connectionbutton.Click ""User-defined setup"" and then ""Next"".You will get a prompt: Has this WireGuard connection already been set up at the remote connection?ClickYes.Click onNext.Enter a name for the connection in theName of the WireGuard connectionfield (for example,Surfshark).Click theChoose FileorBrowse...button.Select the settings file for the WireGuard connection that you downloaded from Surfshark and clickOpen. After, enable the optionSend all network traffic via the VPN connection.NOTE:If only certain devices should be able to access the internet via Surfshark VPN, enable the optionOnly certain devices in the home network are to be accessible over this WireGuard connection,and select the corresponding devices.This option is available only on some FRITZ!Box models.Click theFinishbutton.If asked to do so,confirmthat the procedure may be executed and clickOKto complete it.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12672238950290-How-to-set-up-WireGuard-on-FRITZ-Box How to set up OpenVPN on OpenWRT using the router's web interface,"In this article, you will learn how to configure the Surfshark Open VPN tunnel on your OpenWRT router through the router's web interface.Note:if you would prefer to set it up via the terminal instead, please check out ourguide on how to set up OpenVPN on an OpenWRT router.Find your login detailsEnter theSurfshark dashboardpage and generate your credentials for OpenVPN by following these steps: click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPN.You may need to log in when you enter this page. In that case, simply enter your email and password and press ""Log in.""Once you're there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials. It is a good idea to keep this tab open for now, as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverGo to the Locations tab (on the same page) and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Click on the download icon to the right of the server name and click on Download UDP.Configure the OpenVPN clientFirstly, enter your OpenWRT router's web interface by entering its local OP address into your internet browser's URL bar. By default, the IP address is 192.168.1.1. The username isroot.If it is your first time set up, no password is set. You can set it up by clicking onSystem > Administration.Once you log in, selectSystemand then click onSoftware.Next, click onUpdate lists, and then wait for the process to finish. Once it does, clickDismiss.Now, you will see a list of all the packages you have installed in your OpenWRT router.We will have to install the following packages by typing in their name in theFilterfield and then clickingInstall...ClickSave & Applyand refresh the router page. A new tab, calledVPN, should be visible now. Click on it and chooseOpenVPNfrom the dropdown menu.Under theOVPN configuration file uploadsection, name the VPN connection in theInstance namefield. You can name it whatever you like. In our case, we named itsurfshark_uk_lon. Next, click on theBrowsebutton and select the downloaded server file by pressingUpload.In theOpenVPN instancestab, click theEditbutton next to the connection instance you have just created.In the field lower below, enter your credentials from the first step.Now, you need to copy the path to the credentials file that is given by writing it next to theauth-user-passline in theConfigfile.Click theSavebutton once done.Now, click theNetworktab at the top of the page, chooseInterfaces, and selectAdd new interface...Name it""surfsharktun"".Click on theProtocoldropdown menu and selectUnmanaged.In theInterfacedrop-down, enter the nametun0at the bottom --custom-- field and press theEnterkey.Now, click theCreate interfaceandSavebuttons. After, choose theNetworktab at the top again, and head to theFirewallsection. When there, click theAddbutton and adjust it like so:1) Name itvpnfirewall;2) Set theInputoption asReject;3) LeaveOutputasAcceptandForwardasReject;4) Check theMasqueradingoption;5) Check theMSS clampingoption;6) From theCovered Networksdrop-down menu, choosesurfsharktun;7) In theAllow forward from source zonesdrop-down menu, chooselan;8) Click theSavebutton.In theZonessection, find the zone namedlanand click on theEditbutton.In theAllow forward to destination zonesdrop-down menu, check thesurfsharktunentry and make sure to clickSaveafter.Click on theNetworktab at the top of the page again and selectDHCP and DNS.In theGeneral Settingstab, find theDNS forwardingoption and enter Surfshark DNS addresses there. The addresses are162.252.172.57and149.154.159.92Now go to theResolv and Hosts Filestab, check theIgnore resolve filecheckbox, and click theSave & Applybutton.Lastly, head back to theVPNtab and selectOpenVPN. In theOpenVPN instancessection, check theEnableoption next to the Surfshark option in the list. Then, click on theSave & Applybutton.Now, all you have to do is pressStartnext to the Surfshark instance, and you'll be connected. Once you wish to disconnect, pressStop.Make sure your connection is successfulIt's always recommended tocheck whether your connection was successfulafter setting up a VPN for the first time. This can be easily done by doing anIP leak testand aDNS leak test, which is available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13114753629970-How-to-set-up-OpenVPN-on-OpenWRT-using-the-router-s-web-interface How to set up Surfshark on an OPNsense router,"In this article, you will learn how to set up an OpenVPN connection on an OPNsense router.To proceed, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Click on thedownload iconto the right of the server name and click onDownload UDP.Configure the OpenVPN client1. Next up, open your browser and enter your OPNsense interface.2. Navigate toSystem > Trust > Authoritiesand click on the+Addbutton. Once there, you should be able to see the window below:3. Proceed to fill in the following details:Descriptive name:Name it how you want, for example, Surfshark_VPNMethod:Import an existing Certificate AuthorityCertificate data:input the contents below-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----Certificate Private Key:leave it blankSerial for next certificate:leave it as it is by default4. Go toVPN > OpenVPN > Clientsand press+Add.5. Once there, fill in the fields as follows:GENERAL INFORMATIONDisabled:Leave uncheckedDescription:Any name you like, for example, Surfshark_VPNServer mode:Peer to Peer (SSL/TLS);Protocol:UDP4 (you can also use TCP4);Device mode:tunInterface:anyRemote server:Host or address:(change to the hostname of the server you are going to use)Port:1194 (use 443 if you use TCP)Retry DNS resolution:CheckProxy host or address:Leave blankProxy port:Leave blankProxy Authentication:NoneUSER AUTHENTICATION SETTINGSUsername/Password:fill in the username and password you’ve gathered fromStep 1.CRYPTOGRAPHIC SETTINGS:TLS Authentication: Enabled – Authentication onlyTLS Shared Key:Paste the contents below-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----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-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----Peer Certificate Authority: Surfshark_VPNClient Certificate: None (Username and Password required)Encryption Algorithm: AES-256-CBCAuth Digest Algorithm: SHA512TUNNEL SETTINGS:IPv4 tunnel network: Leave blankIPv6 tunnel network: Leave blankIPv4 remote network: Leave blankIPv6 remote network: Leave blankLimit outgoing bandwidth: Leave blankCompression: Legacy – Disabled LZO algorithm (--comp-lzo no)Type-of-service: Leave uncheckedDon’t pull routes: Leave uncheckedDon’t add/remove routes: CheckADVANCED CONFIGURATION:Advanced:Paste the contents down belowremote-random;tun-mtu 1500;tun-mtu-extra 32;mssfix 1450;persist-key;persist-tun;reneg-sec 0;remote-cert-tls server;Verbosity level:3 (recommended)6. Click onSave.7. Navigate toInterfaces > Assignmentsand click on+nearNew Interface. By default, it should be ovpnc1.8. Click onOPT1to edit the interface.9. Click on theEnable Interfaceand fill in the following information:Description: SurfsharkVPN (or anything you want)Block private networks: Leave uncheckedBlock bogon networks: Leave uncheckedIPv4 Configuration Type: NoneIPv6 Configuration Type: NoneMAC address: Leave blankMTU: Leave blankMSS: Leave blankNo changes required on theDHCP client configuration,so just click theSavebutton.10. Click on theApply changesbutton.11. Navigate toServices->Unbound DNS->Generaland fill in the following information:Enable:CheckListen port: 53Network Interfaces: AllDNSSEC: UncheckDHCP Registration: CheckDHCP Domain Override: Leave blankDHCP Static Mappings: CheckIPv6 Link-local: UncheckedTXT Comment Support: Leave uncheckedDNS Query Forwarding: CheckLocal Zone Type: TransparentCustom options: Leave blankOutgoing Network Interfaces: SurfsharkVPN(or whatever you named your OpenVPN interface)WPAD Records: Leave unchecked12. ClickSaveandApply changes.13. Navigate toServices->Unbound DNS->Advancedand check the following options:Hide Identity: CheckHide Version: CheckPrefetch Support: CheckPrefetch DNS Key Support: Check14. Leave everything else as it is by default, clickSave,andApply Settings.15. Navigate toFirewall>NAT>Outbound, select Hybrid outbound NAT rule generation (automatically generated rules are applied after manual rules), clickSaveandApply Changes.16. Click on the+Addbutton on top, on the edit menu, selectInterfaceasSurfsharkVPN. Leave anything else as it is by default, clickSave, andApply Changes.17. Navigate toFirewall->Rules->LANand delete theIPv6rule. After that, click on the edit button next to IPv4. Scroll down and underAdvanced features, selectGatewayasSurfsharkVPN(or similarly called). ClickSave.18. Click+Add, changeSourcetoLAN netandDestinationtoLAN Address, don't change anything else,SaveandApply Changes.19. Navigate toSystem->Settings->Generaland do the following changes:UnderNetworking, check thePrefer IPv4 over IPv6;DNS servers:162.252.172.57, Use Gateway: none;149.154.159.92, Use Gateway: none.OnDNS server options, uncheckAllow DNS server list to be overridden by DHCP/PPP on WAN20. ClickSaveandApply Changes.21. Navigate toSystem -> Gateways -> Singleand do the following changes:EditSurfsharkVPN-> clickDisabled22.SaveandApply Changes.23. Navigate toVPN>OpenVPN > Connection Statusand it should state that the service is “up”.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12434921071890-How-to-set-up-Surfshark-on-an-OPNsense-router How to set up Surfshark VPN on an AsusWRT router,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure the Surfshark VPN tunnel on your AsusWRT router.To proceed, you need a router with AsusWRT firmware and an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.NOTE:If you have updated your Asus router's firmware and haveVPN Fusioninstead ofVPN Clientavailable, set upOpenVPN on Asus VPN Fusionor set upWireGuard on Asus VPN Fusion.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Click on thedownload iconto the right of the server name and click onDownload UDP.Configure the AsusWRT OpenVPN client1. Connect to theControl panelof your Asus router. You can access it by entering your Default Gateway address into your browser's URL address bar. By default, it usually is192.168.1.12. You will see the login prompt. If you have never configured your router before, know that the credentials should beadmin/adminoradminwithout a password. You can also check the back of your router for the default credentials.3. When logged in to the Control panel, you should see theVPNtab in the left sidebar.4. SelectVPN Clientin theVPNtab.5. Click on theAdd profilebutton at the bottom.6. Select theOpenVPNtab and enter the following:Description— name this connection however you likeUsername— the Surfshark username service credentials (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)Password— the Surfshark account service password (refer toGet your credentialssection in this article)7. Add a configuration file of the server you'd like to connect to. ClickChoose File. A prompt will appear asking you to select the configuration file you want to use.8. Select the directory that you have downloaded the configuration files to and then clickOpen. If you have a.ovpnfile, select that.9. After selecting the configuration file, clickUpload,and you should see a message statingCompleteif it was successful.10. Now, click theOKbutton.Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manuallyoption should be leftunticked.11. You should see a new connection set up. Click on the Activate button to connect your router to a Surfshark server.NOTE:You can only create one VPN connection at a time. If you'd like to have another connection configured, you should add another VPN profile (you will see a button for that).12. After a successful connection, a blue checkmark should appear in theConnection Statuscolumn.Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003106093-How-to-set-up-Surfshark-VPN-on-an-AsusWRT-router How to set up OpenVPN on Asus VPN Fusion,"In this article, you will learn how to set up an OpenVPN connection on VPN Fusion. VPN Fusion allows simultaneousconnections to multiple VPN servers and device-specific VPN tunnel assignments.This feature provides broad network protection without the need for installing additional software and is available on some Asus router models as an update.To set up OpenVPN on Asus VPN Fusion, you first need an active Surfshark subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark’s pricing page.Get your credentialsEnter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open for now, as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to the Locations tab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Click on thedownload iconto the right of the server name and click onDownload UDP.Configure the VPN Fusion OpenVPN clientLog into your Asus router's web interface. You can access it by entering your router's default gateway IP address into your browser's URL bar. By default, it normally is192.168.8.1.Alternatively, you canenterthis address:http://router.asus.com/Once there, you'll have to log in. By default, the username and password both are 'admin'.On your router's web panel interface's left side, look for theVPNoption and click on it. Select theVPN Fusiontab.Configure a new connection by pressing onAdd profile.Next up, select theVPN TypetoOpenVPNand proceed to fill in the details like so:Connection name:You can type in a name that you desire. (For example, SurfsharkVPN)VPN Type: OpenVPNFor the username and password, you must use the credentials generated in theFind your login detailssection.Import the server configuration file by clicking onImport .ovpn filefrom thechoose a Surfshark serversection.Configure which devices get affected by the freshly configured VPN tunnel. To do so, click on theedit penin theDevicesection.A list of devices connected to your router will appear.Tick the boxnext to the devices that you wish to be affected by the VPN connection.PressApply and Enable.Togglethe slider to enable the VPN connection.Make sure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.Stay safe at all timesProtect your home network with a VPN on your routerGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12584557098514-How-to-set-up-OpenVPN-on-Asus-VPN-Fusion How to set up OpenVPN on DD-WRT router,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a DD-WRT VPN using the DD-WRT OpenVPN client interface.To begin with, you need an active Surfshark subscription, which you can find onSurfshark’s pricing page.NOTE:Your router must have at least 8 MB of flash memory to maintain the VPN connection.Get your credentialsNOTE:These are not your regular credentials, such as your email and password.Enter theSurfshark login pageand log in. Then, click onVPN > Manual Setup > Router > OpenVPNto generate your credentials.Once there, make sure that you are in theCredentialstab and click onGenerate credentials.NOTE:Keep this tab open as we'll need it later.Choose a Surfshark serverOpen the same page on another browser tab, go to theLocationstab, and locate the server that you wish to connect to.Click on thedownload iconto the right of the server name and click onDownload UDP.Configure the OpenVPN clientOpen your router’s control panel by entering your router's IP address in the URL bar in your browser. By default, the IP address usually is192.168.1.1If it doesn't work, try the following:192.168.2.1(Linksys/ Asus routers)192.168.10.1(Buffalo routers)192.168.11.1 / 192.168.30.1(Motorola and some others)Set up Surfshark’s DNS servers. In the DD-WRT control panel, open theSetuptab, scroll down to theNetwork Address Server Settings (DHCP)and enter the following information:Static DNS 1— 162.252.172.57Static DNS 2— 149.154.159.92Static DNS 3— 0.0.0.0 (default)Use DNSMasq for DHCP— CheckedUse DNSMasq for DNS— CheckedDHCP-Authoritative— CheckedThen, clickSaveandApply Settings.Click on theServicetab, selectVPN,and find theOpenVPN client.Make sure that it isEnabled.Enter the following information:Server IP/Name— Enter the server hostname from the configuration file you downloaded (refer toChoose Surfshark server sectionof this tutorial)Port— 1194Tunnel Device— TUNTunnel Protocol— UDPEncryption Cipher— NoneHash Algorithm— SHA-512User Pass Authentication— EnableUsername— Your Surfshark service username (refer toGet your credentialssection of this guide)Password— Your Surfshark service password (refer toGet your credentialssection of this guide)NOTE:If there are no Username and Password fields, fill in the other fields as specified in this tutorial and proceed tostep3.1.Advanced Options– Enable (this will enable additional options);TLS Cipher– NoneLZO Compression– DisabledNAT –EnableWe recommend that you avoid changing any other fields.4.1 (OPTIONAL, depending on step 4.)If you do not see any fields to enter your credentials, please advance toAdministration > Commands, and enter these commands:echo ""USERNAMEPASSWORD"" > /tmp/openvpncl/user.conf/usr/bin/killall openvpn/usr/sbin/openvpn --config /tmp/openvpncl/openvpn.conf --route-up /tmp/openvpncl/route-up.sh --down-pre /tmp/openvpncl/route-down.sh --daemonPlease make sure to replaceUSERNAMEandPASSWORDwith your Surfshark service credentials (refer to theGet your credentialssection of this article)4.2 ClickSave Startup, and return to the previous VPN tab.4.3 Add this line to the field ofAdditional Config:auth-user-pass /tmp/openvpncl/user.confInAdditional Configfield enter these commands:remote-cert-tls serverremote-randomnobindtun-mtu 1500tun-mtu-extra 32mssfix 1450persist-keypersist-tunping-timer-remreneg-sec 0cipher AES-256-GCMauth SHA512log /tmp/vpn.logCopy the Certificate from here and paste it intoCA Certfield.-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----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-----END CERTIFICATE-----Copy the Static key from here and paste it to theTLS Auth Keyfield.-----BEGIN OpenVPN Static key V1-----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-----END OpenVPN Static key V1-----Make sure you have entered everything correctly, clickSave, andApply Settings.Connect to the VPNOnce you click theApply Settings after configuring your OpenVPN client, your DD-WRT VPN router connects to the VPN automatically.To disconnect from the VPN, go toServices > VPN > OpenVPN clientand disable the OpenVPN Client. To reconnect, enable it again.To make sure you have connected to the VPN, go toStatus > OpenVPN. If the connection was successful, you should see this:Ensure the connection is successfulWe always recommend checking ifSurfshark VPN is workingafter setting it up for the first time. You can easily do it by performingSurfshark IP leak testand aDNS leak test. For your convenience, both are available on our website.Stay safe at all timesProtect your home network with a VPN on your routerGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003086114-How-to-set-up-OpenVPN-on-DD-WRT-router MikroTik router tutorial with IKEv2,"This guide will show you how to set up your Mikrotik router with the IKEv2 protocol.To proceed, you will need a MikroTik router and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Find your login detailsNOTE:Surfshark service credentials are different from your Surfshark account credentials, namely your email address and your password.Here is how to find your Surfshark service credentials:Go to themanual setup page,where you can find all the details required for a manual connection. You may need to log in before proceeding to this page. In that case, enter your email address and your password, then clickLog in.Click on theCredentialstab on top. You will find the Surfshark service credentials there.NOTE:It is a good idea to keep this page open for now. You will need these credentials a bit later.Choose a Surfshark serverPlease switch to theFilessection to find the list of all servers and their hostnames. You will need the hostname of a VPN server, which you can find below the flag icon of each location.If you wish to connect to Poland, copy the hostname forPoland - WarsaworPoland - Gdanskservers. If you prefer connecting to Finland, copy the hostname of theFinland - Helsinkiserver.Download the IKEv2 certificateNOTE:MikroTik will also require an IKEv2 certificate file to connect.Scroll down the bottom of the Files page from theChoose a Surfshark serverstep until you seeOther configuration files.Click the button with an arrow pointing down on the right of theIKEv2 certificateto start downloading it.You will need this file later on in the setup process, so make sure that it's on your device before you proceed.Configure the IKEv2 clientOpen yourrouter settingsby entering theIP of your routerinto the URL bar of your browser.ClickFiles,then clickUpload.Go to the folder where you have the IKEv2 certificate from theDownload the IKEv2 certificatestep. Select the certificate file and upload it.Go toSystem>Certificates.Click theImportbutton. Open the drop-down menu on the new pop-up window and choose the IKEv2 certificate. ClickImport.You will see the imported certificate listed there.Now open a new terminal.Enter the following commands to create a new profile:/ip ipsec profileadd name=FRBDNOTE:In this example, we will name this new profileFRBDbecause it stands for France Bordeaux, but you can use any other name.Enter the following commands to create a new proposal:/ip ipsec proposaladd name=FRBD pfs-group=noneEnter the following commands to add the policy group:/ip ipsec policy groupadd name=FRBDEnter the following commands to create a new policy:/ip ipsec policyadd dst-address=0.0.0.0/0 group=FRBD proposal=FRBD src-address=0.0.0.0/0 template=yesEnter the following commands to create a new config mode:/ip ipsec mode-configadd name=FRBD responder=noEnter the following commands to add a peer:/ip ipsec peeradd address=fr-bod.prod.surfshark.com exchange-mode=ike2 name=FRBD profile=FRBDYou will need to enter the name of the location you wish to use. You selected this location during theChoose a Surfshark serverstep. So replacefr-bod.prod.surfshark.comwith the location you choseNow, you will need to create a new identity. It is easier to do this manually than via the terminal, so close the terminal and go toIP > IPsec.Open theIdentitytab, click on theblue plusicon, and fill in the Identity window as shown in the picture below.Now, you will need the Surfshark service credentials that you collected at the beginning of this tutorial.Peer:FRBDAuth. Method:eapEAP Methods:MS-CHAPv2Certificate:choose the IKEv2 certificatefrom theDownload the IKEv2 certificatestep.Remote Certificate:noneUsername:Surfshark service usernamefrom theFind your login detailsstep.Password:Surfshark service passwordfrom theFind your login detailsstep.Policy Template Group:FRBDNotrack Chain:-My ID Type:autoRemote ID Type:autoMatch By:remote idMode Configuration:FRBDGenerate Policy:port strictClickApplyandOK. Close the window.You will need to decide what to send via the VPN. You can choose to route a specific device via the VPN or all devices connected to the network.To route all devices via the VPN, you will need to set the firewall for the IP range on this network. In our case, the IP range is192.168.10.0/24, so to make all devices connected to the Mikrotik router go via the VPN tunnel, we use the following command:/ip firewall address-listadd address=192.168.10.0/24 list=localPlease note that the range of the IP addresses will be different on your network.For example, let's use the internal IP address of the computer connected to this router. The IP address of this computer is192.168.10.254Open the new terminal and use the following commands:/ip firewall address-listadd address=192.168.10.254 list=localNow, you will need to assign the Firewall address list to the mode config.Use the following commands:/ip ipsec mode-configset [ find name=FRBD ] src-address-list=localIf everything works, you have connected your PC to a specific Surfshark VPN server (in our example - Bordeaux, France).In case you are not able to open certain websites or all websites, try adding this last command://ip firewall mangle add action=change-mss chain=forward new-mss=clamp-to-pmtu passthrough=yes \ protocol=tcp tcp-flags=synTo ensure the connection was successful, open theSurfshark IP checkerand check if it shows the IP and DNS addresses of the Surfshark server.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012906220-MikroTik-router-tutorial-with-IKEv2 Cannot change Auto-connect / Killswitch / LAN settings on Windows,"In this article, you will learn how to fix an issue when you cannot change Auto-connect, KillSwitch, or LAN settings in the Surfshark app on a Windows device.Try the following suggestions:First,restartthe Surfshark app. Check whether you can modify those settings afterward;In case restarting the app did not help, restart your Windows device;If that didn't help either,restorethe original settings of the Surfshark application. Open theSurfsharkapp, go toSettings->Help->Diagnostics,and clickRestore original settings.If none of the steps work, reinstall the Surfshark app.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013148579-Cannot-change-Auto-connect-Killswitch-LAN-settings-on-Windows How to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on Firefox,"In this article, you will learn how to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on your Mozilla Firefox browser.You will need a Mozilla Firefox browser and an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one yet, check outSurfshark subscriptions.Follow these steps to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on Firefox:Open your Firefox browser and press the three stripes on the top-right corner; click onAdd-ons and Themes.On the new page, click onExtensions.Then, find Surfshark and click the three dots on the right side. ClickRemove.If you receive a pop-up, click onRemove.Install theSurfshark Firefox extension.You may also be interested in:How to reinstall the Surfshark VPN extension on Chrome",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10215663528082-How-to-reinstall-the-Surfshark-VPN-extension-on-Firefox How to watch Hulu with Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to securely watch Hulu from anywhere using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the Hulu platform — you will still need an active Hulu subscription.Get Surfshark VPNTo connect to a VPN, you will need a supported device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that you can purchase on ourpricing page.Join risk-free - Surfshark offers a 30-day refund guarantee.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess HuluEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing Hulu.If you are unable to log into your account, try todisconnectfrom the VPN,log in, and thenreconnectto your preferred server.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026196594-How-to-watch-Hulu-with-Surfshark How to watch BBC using Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to securely watch BBC from anywhere using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.Here are all the steps to get BBC going:Install Surfshark appAccess BBC iPlayerNOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the BBC platform — you will still need an active BBC subscription.Install Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess BBC iPlayerEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing BBC iPlayer.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010575519-How-to-watch-BBC-using-Surfshark How to securely watch Hotstar using Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to watch Hotstar securely using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark's pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the Hotstar platform — you will still need an active Hotstar subscription.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess Hotstar safelyEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing Hotstar.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010504240-How-to-securely-watch-Hotstar-using-Surfshark How to watch DAZN using Surfshark,"In this guide, you will learn how to securely watch DAZN using Surfshark.To proceed, you will need a compatible device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription that can be purchased onSurfshark plans and pricing page.NOTE:Surfshark does not grant free access to the DAZN platform — you will still need an active DAZN subscription.Install the Surfshark appInstall the Surfshark app or browser extension, and connect to your preferred VPN location.Find out how to install Surfshark VPN on the following:WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSLinuxRoutersAccess DAZNEnsure that your VPN connection is on. Seehow to make sure if Surfshark VPN is working.Once connected with Surfshark, you may also need toclear your browser cache.Try accessing DAZN.NOTE:Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010680640-How-to-watch-DAZN-using-Surfshark How to make an exception for Surfshark in Avast antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the Avast antivirus application.You will need the Avast antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Follow these steps to make an exception for Surfshark in Avira antivirus settings:Launch theAvast appand click theMenubutton in the top-right corner.Go to theSettingssection.Open theExceptionstab.Click theAdd exceptionbutton.Choose theBrowseoption to locate theSurfsharkfolder.Navigate to the Surfshark folder. The default location for Surfshark isThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files.In theProgram Filesfolder, find and check the Surfshark folder. ClickOK.Now, the Surfshark application is excluded from Avast scans.Restartyour device for the changes to apply.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011750760-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-Avast-antivirus-settings How to make an exception for Surfshark in Norton 360,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the Norton 360 antivirus application.To proceed, you will need the Norton 360 application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.NOTE:Sometimes, antivirus software might interfere with VPN background processes and, therefore, interfere with the connection. Making an exception for Surfshark will help to prevent possible conflicts and interruptions between these two applications.Do the following to make an exception for Surfshark in Norton 360:Launch theNortonapplication and click on theSettingsbutton at the top right of the window.In the Settings menu, click onAntivirus.Once you are in the Antivirus settings menu, click on theScans and Riskstab, scroll down to the bottom, and click onConfigurenext toItems to Exclude from Scans.In theScan Exclusionswindow, click theAdd Foldersbutton.Proceed to click on thefoldericon.In this step, we'll need to select the Surfshark VPN folder. To do so, click onThis Windows (C:)> Program Files > Surfshark. Once you locate it, select it and clickOK.You should see the pathway to the Surfshark folder in theAdd Itemprompt. Go ahead and clickOKto save it.Now, the pathway to Surfshark's folder should be visible in the Scan Exclusions window. All that is left to do is to pressApplyandOKto save the exclusion you have just added.Rebootyour device for the changes to apply.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406096710290-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-Norton-360 How to make an exception for Surfshark in the AVG antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the AVG antivirus application.You will need the AVG antivirus application and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.To make an exception for Surfshark in the AVG Antivirus settings, follow these steps:Launch theAVGapp.Go toMenuand click onSettings.Navigate fromGeneralsettings toExceptionsand clickAdd Exception.Click theBrowsebutton.Navigate to the Surfshark Folder and check it. The default installation is inThis PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files > SurfsharkTo open up a folder, you need to click the[+]icon.Once you navigate to the Surfshark folder, put a tick on it. ClickOK.You will automatically go back to theExceptionsscreen, where you will see the Surfshark folder on the list. You can click theClosebutton here.Restartyour device to complete the procedure.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011974060-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-the-AVG-antivirus-settings How to make an exception for Surfshark in Kaspersky antivirus settings,"In this article, you will learn how to make an exception for Surfshark on the Kaspersky antivirus application.You will need the Kaspersky app and an active Surfshark subscription. Don't have a subscription yet? Get one on ourSurfshark pricing page.In order to create an exception, complete both of the steps on the below:Create an exception for SurfsharkLaunch the Kaspersky app and click onSettingsat the bottom-left corner of the interface.Go to theThreats and Exclusions tab, scroll down, and click onManage exclusions.Click onAdd.ClickBrowse...Locate theSurfsharkapplication folder and click on Select. Surfshark's installation directory:C:\Program Files\SurfsharkSelectAll componentsand clickAdd.You'll be brought back to theExclusionslist. ClickOKonce again.Make sure to hitSave.Make a network exception for SurfsharkLaunch the Kaspersky app and click onSettingsat the bottom-left corner of the interface.In theProtectiontab, click onNetwork Attack Blocker.Click onManage exclusions.Click onAdd.Enter the following IP address:1.1.1.1Click onAdd.ClickOKonce again.Lastly, hitSave.NOTE:For the changes to apply, make sure torebootyour computer.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012080719-How-to-make-an-exception-for-Surfshark-in-Kaspersky-antivirus-settings How to protect yourself in case of a data breach with Surfshark Alert,"In this article, you will learn how to use Surfshark Alert and protect your data in case of a breach.NOTE:Surfshark Alert is only available toSurfshark OneandSurfshark One+subscribers. If you haven't got a subscription yet, you can check outSurfshark subscriptionshere.What is Surfshark Alert?Surfshark Alert is a security tool that safeguards your sensitive data from the wrong hands. It keeps a watchful eye on your credentials for potential breaches and notifies you in case of any breach. You can view the details of the breach and take the necessary steps to secure your information through your Alert account.With the monitoring part out of the way, let's look through potential breaches and how to act in each scenario.What to do if your email is compromised?If youremailis compromised,change your passwordon the website where the breach occurred and any other sites where you use the same email and password. Log out from all your devices to prevent unauthorized access from potential intruders. Finally, if you receive any suspicious emails, mark them as spam immediately.What to do if your password is compromised?If yourpasswordis compromised, we highly recommendchanging your passwordimmediately. Using the same password on multiple accounts is not the best practice, but if any of your other accounts use the same password, change it, too. For an extra kick of security, always use 2FA.What to do if your credit card is breached?In case of acredit carddata is breach, immediately contact your bank or payment provider and report that your info was compromised. You may have to block your card and get a new one.What to do if your identity information is breached?If youridentity informationhas been breached, notify your local institutions (such as police and government agencies that specialize in identity theft) that scammers may have access to your data. Check your credit card institutions for unauthorized activities and consider a credit freeze.Using Surfshark Alert, you can immediately be informed about personal information breaches. But how can you prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands in the first place? By usingAlternative ID, which generates a brand-new online identity & email for you to use online.Once you have taken all precautions, you can press theArchivebutton. This will move the breaches into the archive folder, where you can access them later.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/13483795504402 How to install the Surfshark Antivirus on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to install the Surfshark Antivirus on your macOS device.First, make sure you have downloaded theSurfshark .DMG versionfrom our official website, as the Surfshark Antivirus will not be available with the App Store version. Please find theSurfshark .DMG version.You will also need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription to use Antivirus. VisitSurfshark pricing pageto get it.Install the Surfshark appNOTE:If you already have Surfshark installed on your macOS device, please only follow the steps in theAllow permissions on your devicepart of this article.Go toSurfshark download page for macOSand download the DMG. version of the Surfshark application.Go through the regular installation process,openthe application, andlog intoyour account.Enable System ExtensionGo to theAntivirustab in the Surfshark application and click onOpen System Preferences.In the next pop-up, clickOK.At the bottom left corner, click on theLockicon.Here, you will either need to enter yourkeychain passwordor scan yourfingerprinton your macOS. In our case, we are using the password.Once you've entered your password, clickUnlock.Lastly, clickAllowand hit theLockicon one more time.Allow permissions on your deviceOpen theSystem Preferenceson your macOS device and click onSecurity & Privacy.In the new windows, selectPrivacy, then in the list on the left-hand side, findFull Disk Access, and click on theLock iconat the bottom.Here, you will need to enter yourkeychain password, which is simply your macOS device password. Once you have entered your password, clickUnlock.Checkthe box next to Surfshark Antivirus, and click on theLock icononce more.Open the Surfshark application, go to theAntivirustab, andscan your device.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4891405945874 How to use the webcam protection feature on macOS,"The Surfshark webcam protection feature protects you from potential hackers accessing your webcam.In this article, you will learn how to use this feature on macOS. You will need a macOS device, Surfshark app, and an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page.NOTE:Currently, the feature isonly available for macOS and Windowsusers, but we will gradually be introducing the feature to other operating systems.Setup the webcam protection on macOSOpen the Surfshark application and navigate to theAntivirus tab.Here, you will find theWebcam protectionfeature. You’ll have to install it if this is your first time using it. Do so by pressing theinstallbutton. Then,togglethe switch to enable it.Use the webcam protection featureClick on theTrusted app list.Click on theManage app listbutton. Here, you will be able to select and add apps that you allow to access your webcam.Once you select your apps, simply hitConfirm. In our case, we added the FaceTime app to be able to use the webcam.Restartyour device after the changes, for them to fully take effect. Now only the applications in the allow list will be able to access your webcam.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8835462571154 Why can't I find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?,"In this article, you will learn why you may not be able to find the Surfshark Antivirus on your macOS device.First of all, to access Surfshark Antivirus, you need an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscription. You can find the available plans onSurfshark's pricing page.Why can't I find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?Currently, the Surfshark Antivirus is only available for our customers who download the Surfshark .DMG version directly from our website, instead of the App Store.What to do if I can't find the Surfshark Antivirus on my macOS?You have to download the Surfshark.DMGversion from our official website.NOTE:You will need to havemacOS 10.15 (Catalina)or higherand500MB of free disk spacefor the Antivirus to work.If you have Surfshark app downloaded from the official App Store, check the following steps (if you don’t have Surfshark app at all, check step 2):Drag the current Surfshark application to theRecycle Binto delete it completely.Download VPN on macOSby pressingDownload app.Go through the installation process, and open your Surfshark application.Allow permissions for the Surfshark Antivirus. You can follow our guideinstalling Surfshark Antivirus on macOSto learn how to do that.How to install the Surfshark Antivirus on macOS",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/4891413959186 Surfshark Antivirus detects another antivirus during installation,"In this article, you will learn what steps to take if Surfshark Antivirus installed detects other antivirus applications on your device.If the Surfshark Antivirus installed on your device detects other antivirus applications, it may cause your installation to fail. Even if the other antivirus application has been deleted recently or some time ago, Surfshark can still find it. Don’t worry, though; this issue can be fixed easily.Check out the following steps:Click on theWindows key, enterPowerShell, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and click onRun as administrator.Once PowerShell is open, copy the command below,pasteit into Windows PowerShell, and clickEnter.The command:Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\SecurityCenter2 -Class AntiVirusProduct | ForEach-Object{if($_.instanceGuid -ne “{D68DDC3A-831F-4fae-9E44-DA132C1ACF46}“){$_.Delete()}}Once done, run the Surfshark installation again.You may also be interested in:How to make sure if my connection was successful",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5896908600722 Different malware types,"In this article, you will learn about different types of malware and how it works.What is malware?Malwareis any software, product, or program created with the intent to cause harm. The most common types of malware areviruses,Trojans, andworms.Below, we’ll tackle the most prevalent offenders and what you can do about them.NOTE:The following descriptions are generalizations and new threats emerge daily. While some malware types cannot do much damage on their own, they can still harm your device and data when combined with other types.Why is it important to remove malware files?It is critical that you delete malware-associated files as soon as possible because they can be used — or are already being used — to inflict serious damage to your device. They can:Disrupt the normal functionality of your operating system or even render it completely useless.Hijack valuable private information (credit card numbers, passwords, PIN codes, etc.)Direct all your web searches to the same unwanted or malicious sites.Slow down your device drastically.Gain complete control of your device to spread viruses and Trojans as well as send out spam.Types of malwareADSPYWhat it is:Adware or spyware.What it can do:ADSPY will bombard you with unwanted pop-up ads. It can also cause more harm by redirecting you to malicious websites and can change your browser settings.ADWAREWhat it is:Ad software.What it can do:ADWARE can display ads by modifying the websites you visit or opening additional pages on your browser.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This software can go unnoticed because it’s often packaged with other downloads. For example, it's common for free programs to include adware as a default install option.APPLWhat it is:Applications of dubious origin.What it can do:APPL can extract protected information, provide remote access to the local machine, modify advanced system settings, or perform advanced operating system or networking functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't necessarily mean that the file is malicious. However, your system security might be compromised if the file was downloaded without your knowledge.BATWhat it is:A virus in a batch format.What it can do:A BAT file can be used to execute other malware or malicious programs on a victim's computer. It can also modify system settings, turn off security software, or make changes that weaken the computer's security.BDCWhat it is:A backdoor client program.What it can do:BDC can extract or change data on a computer.BOOWhat it is:A boot sector or master boot sector virus.What it can do:BOO can target and infect a specific physical section of a computer system that contains information crucial to the proper operation of the computer's operating system.DDOSWhat it is:A program that can perform distributed denial of service attacks.What it can do:DDoS allows hackers to overwhelm a website or service with false web traffic or requests from numerous enslaved internet-connected devices, slowing down or downright crashing the affected site or service.DIALERWhat it is:A particular of Trojan.What it can do:DIALER can replace the number in your internet connection dial-up settings to become a premium rate number or implant an autodialer on your computer. This will continually dial a certain premium rate number.DROPPERWhat it is:A type of Trojan.What it can do:DROPPER can install some sort of malware (virus, backdoor, etc.) onto a system. The malware code can be contained within the dropper (single-stage) in a way that avoids detection by virus scanners. Alternatively, the dropper may only download the malware to the machine when activated (two-stage).EMLWhat it is:A potentially harmful email.What it can do:EML usually includes harmful content as a script or file. Most often, it's attached as a malicious .eml file to a traditional email. The email itself has no malicious links, and though you may be able to recognize it as an attack with some experience, it's not instantly apparent.EXPWhat it is:A type of malware.What it can do:EXP can detect and use specific security vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain control of the system.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Many Windows devices come with an Exp.exe file that’s not essential for Windows and can cause problems. This file is usually located in the C:\Windows folder.EXPLOITWhat it is:An exploit in the system.What it can do:EXPLOIT can be used as part of a multi-component attack. Instead of using a malicious file, the exploit may drop another malware with backdoor Trojans and spyware that can steal your information from the infected systems.HEURWhat it is:A generic detection routine.What it can do:HEUR is designed to detect common family characteristics shared in several variants. Heuristic refers to a ""preliminary detection"" feature that can detect unknown viruses. It involves a complex analysis of the affected code and scanning for virus-specific functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Heuristic threats do not always mean that it's a virus for sure; false positives may occur.HTMLWhat it is:A virus that can infect the system using an HTML script.What it can do:HTML smuggling lets an attacker ""smuggle"" an encoded malicious script within a specially crafted HTML attachment or web page. When the target opens that attachment in their web browser, the browser decodes the malicious script, which, in turn, assembles the payload on the device.KITWhat it is:A construction kit.What it can do:KIT can be used to create various viruses or malware.LINUXWhat it is:A file virus or malware in the Shell or ELF format that is only executable on a Linux operating system.What it can do:LINUX can be many of the threats mentioned above (like Trojans and worms) except for Linux systems.MACROWhat it is:A computer virus written in the same macro language as the software it infects (common victims include Microsoft Excel and Word).What it can do:MACRO targets software rather than systems, which allows it to infect any operating system (PC or Mac).IMPORT TO NOTE:Cybercriminals often trick victims into enabling macros before the infected macro can run.OSXWhat it is:A file virus or malware that runs on Apple OSX systems only.What it can do:OSX can be many of the threats mentioned above (like Trojans and worms) except for Apple systems.PCKWhat it is:A heuristic detection routine.What it can do:PCK is designed to detect common packers used by malware. Even though some packers are commercially available, many executables compressed with them are malware or behave in a way that presents a security or privacy risk.Usually, these packers employ encryption mechanisms and often manipulate the original executable code to hide their real functionality.Important to note:Legitimate software may employ some of these commercial packers. A packer detection does not necessarily mean that the detected file is malicious.PFSWhat it is:Possibly Fake Software, also known as scareware.What it can do:PFS can pose as antivirus software and lie about your devices being infected by viruses to get you to install it. Of course, it does not offer any helpful functionality and can be a vector for spreading malware.PHISHWhat it is:An email, voice call, instant message, file, etc., delivered under false pretenses.What it can do:PHISH can use social engineering techniques to trick and persuade you into revealing personal information (among other things).IMPORTANT TO NOTE:Your judgment is the first line of defense against phishing, as no antivirus or browser extension picks up most phishing attacks.PROGRAMWhat it is:A virus that runs on 32-bit or 64-bit Windows systems.What it can do:PROGRAM is a family of viruses that spreads onto your computer and infects files. Generally, it infects local files, removable network drivers, executables (EXE), drivers (DDL), and screensavers.PUAWhat it is:Potentially Unwanted Applications.What it can do:PUA may compromise the privacy and the security of your local system. It’s usually a legitimate application that tries to use social engineering to make you install additional offers during the installation of the software you originally wanted.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't always mean the file is malicious. However, your privacy or system security might be compromised if the file was installed on the system without your knowledge.RISKWAREWhat it is:A legitimate program that poses potential risks due to security vulnerabilities, software incompatibility, or legal violations.What it can do:RISKWARE can affect the security of your system and trigger unwanted activities that might violate your privacy. For example, it can be used to extract protected information, provide remote access to the local machine, modify advanced system settings, or perform advanced operating system or networking functions.IMPORTANT TO NOTE:This detection doesn't mean the file is malicious. However, your system security might be compromised if the file gets on the system without your knowledge.RKITWhat it is:A piece of software that uses cloaking techniques.What it can do:RKIT can bypass security systems and gain unauthorized access to data without detection. That means someone can remotely compromise your system without leaving any sign of infiltration.SCRIPTWhat it is:A type of cyberattack that leverages the system's existing applications and tools.What it can do:SCRIPT is a sophisticated technique favored by hackers for its ability to outsmart standard endpoint security solutions. It can be used to capture credentials, compromise data, and cause damage to the operating system.TR (TROJAN)What it is:A Trojan horse.What it can do:TR can spy out data, violate privacy, or perform unwanted modifications to the system. Trojans are programs that can appear to serve a legitimate purpose but have an unwanted or harmful effect. Many Trojan programs can download other harmful software components to your device without your knowledge.VBSWhat it is:Visual Basic Script virus.What it can do:VBS damage can range from harmless ad displays to straight-out data theft, remote computer access, and other malicious activities. Additionally, VBS can serve as a backdoor to other malware, such as self-propagating worms.VIRUSWhat it is:A piece of code that inserts itself into an application and executes when the app is run.What it can do:A virus may be used to steal sensitive data, launch DDoS attacks, or conduct ransomware attacks. Usually spread via infected websites, file sharing, or email attachments. A virus will lie dormant until the infected file or program is activated. Once that happens, the virus can replicate itself and spread through the system and the internet.WORMWhat it is:A virus that can spread itself over the internet (using email, peer-to-peer networks, instant messages (IMs), etc.).What it can do:WORM can modify and delete files and inject malicious software onto a computer. Sometimes, by overloading a shared network, a computer worm's purpose is only to make copies of itself over and over — depleting system resources, such as hard drive space or bandwidth. In addition to wreaking havoc on the computer's resources, worms can also steal data, install a backdoor, and allow someone to gain control of your computer.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/6793860442386 How to use Surfshark Ransomware Shield on macOS,"In this article, you will learn how to use the Surfshark AntivirusRansomware Shieldfeature on your macOS device.You will need the.DMG versionof the Surfshark app and an activeSurfshark OneorSurfshark One+subscriptionWhat's Surfshark Ransomware Shield?Ransomware Shield is the latest addition to Surfshark's Antivirus, available from version 4.12.0.It will protect you from malicious attacks on your device, which try to encrypt your files and ask for payment to decrypt them. Ransomware shield works by monitoring your selected folders that applications try to access to interact with files.How to set up and use Surfshark's Ransomware ShieldOpen the Surfshark application and select theAntivirustab.Scroll down, locate the Ransomware Shield feature, and toggle the slider toON.Once done, you will notice an option forProtected folders and Trusted appsappear. Click on it.Now, an additional prompt will show up. Here, you'll either have to use yourMac computer's passwordorTouch IDto continue.You can toggle betweenProtected foldersorTrusted appsnear the top of the window. You can choose which folders and apps are affected by the Ransomware Shield respectively.You can also remove folders or apps by clickingRemoveor add new ones by pressingAdd a folderorAdd an app. Once you do, the app or folder will be under Ransomware Shield's protection.In case an app tries to access the files in a folder you have selected and the app isnotin theTrusted appslist, you will get a notification:You can either add the app to theTrusted appslist or continue blocking it if you do not recognize this activity. You will have torestartthe app to make the changes active.NOTE:You may get notifications from native macOS apps/processes. Most of the time, they are legit processes, and there is nothing to be worried about.You may also be interested in:How to install Surfshark Antivirus on macOS",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/12787682080658 What is Alternative ID?,"In this article, you will learn what Alternative ID is.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use Alternative ID. You can check subscription options on ourpricing page.What is Alternative ID?Alternative ID is a new Surfshark product that generates a brand-new online identity and an email to use online. It allows you to create an alternative email address and link it to your real one to protect your identity when registering to websites.What are the benefits of Alternative ID?If you need to create an account on a website, you will most likely need to expose your email. That’s where Alternative ID comes to help. With it, you can generate an alternative persona (name, date of birth, address), create analternative email, and link it to your real email. After that, all of the login emails, 2FA, or verification emails will beforwarded to your inbox. This way, your personal details and real email addresswon’t be exposedif a website gets breached. Like this, you make sure your identity is better secured when you’re online.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11973265878546 How to edit Alternative ID,"In this article, you will learn how to change your Alternative ID.You will need an active Sursfshark subscription in order to use Alternative ID. You can check subscription options on ourpricing page.If you have not set up an Alternative ID yet, check out our tutorial onhow to get Alternative ID.NOTE:Once you generate a new Alternative email, the old one will not be accessible anymore. We highly recommend not using Alt email on accounts you constantly need. Generating a new Alt email will result in losing these accounts since the email will not be active anymore.Edit your persona on the browser extensionOpen the Surfshark browser extension,click on theAlternative ID tab, and click on thepencil iconnext to theAlt persona.Select your gender, age, country, and state, and clickConfirm.Tick the boxYes, I want to change my Alt personaand clickConfirm.Edit your Alt persona on web appIn yourSurfshark account, go to theAlternative ID tab, scroll down, and clickChangenext toAlt persona.Select your preferred details, and clickConfirm.Tick the boxYes, I want to create a new oneand clickConfirm.Edit your Alt email on the browser extensionOpen the Surfshark browser extension,click on theAlternative ID tab, and click on thepencil iconnext toAlt email.In the next window, you will be introduced to your alternative email. You can either keep the generated one or regenerate a different one. Once you are happy with your Alt email, clickConfirm.Tick the boxYes, I want to change my Alt emailand clickConfirm.Edit your Alt email on web appLog into your account through theSurfshark login page. Then, go totheAlternative ID tab, and clickManageunderAlt email.Here, you can either keep the generated one or regenerate a different one. You can customize your Alt email's generation by selectingEdit manually.Here, you can alsoPausethe email's activity (the email will no longer forward any incoming emails to your linked email's inbox) orDeleteit. You can do the same for any of the Alt emails in use.Once you are happy with the changes made, clickConfirm changes.If you haveRegeneratedthe Alt email, you will get a confirmation box. TickYes, I want to create a new oneand clickCreate.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11637790215698 Alternative Number troubleshooting,"In this article, you will learn how to troubleshoot any potential issues with your Alternative Number.To proceed, you will need an active Surfshark VPN subscription and anin-appAlternative Number subscription. Visit ourpricing pageto purchase a Surfshark subscription.Why am I not receiving text messages?There might be cases where you don’t receive messages using the Alternative Number feature. This might happen due to several reasons:Some operators may not work in specific countries.Some websites and platforms do not support virtual numbers.Verification code messages are not supported.Spam filtering processes.Service outages.Why can't I reply to text messages?In some cases, you may not be able to reply to text messages for the following reasons:You cannot reply toshortcodes,premium numbers,international numbers, andnumbers without digits.Surfshark limits the number of SMS messages sent through Alternative Number to prevent abuse.Surfshark supports the ability to reply toUSphone numbers only.How long does it take for a text message to arrive?A text message arrives in mereseconds, and, in rare cases, may take up to a few minutes. Please make sure that you are not offline and have a stable connection.Alternative Number inactive after purchasing itThis issue can occur when the app is not synchronized with your recent purchase. Toresolvethis,rebootthe Surfshark app.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/17183866352402 How to use Alternative Number,"In this article, you will learn how to use your Alternative Number and how to edit it.To proceed, you will need an active Surfshark VPN subscription and an Alternative Number subscription. Visit ourpricing pageto purchase a Surfshark subscription.Managing your messages and callsOpen the Surfshark app on your mobile device, enter theAlternative IDtab, and tap onNumberat the top. Here, you will find any text messages sent to yourAlternative Number.Bytappingon anumberorname, you can see all the messages sent by it.You can add anumberto yourphone'scontact listby tapping onAdd contactat the top right.This way, you can customize and save the sender.Once configured, you will see anameof your choice instead of anumberin the message list.ToDeleteall messages sent my a contact,tap and holdon the messages sent by the sender. In the pop-up that appears, tapDelete messages.Todeleteorcopyan individual message,tapon a sender of your choice.Select the message you wish to copy or delete.By pressing thehighlighted icon, you can copy yourAlternative Number.When you receive a phone call to yourAlternative Number, you will see a screen like so.Change or pause your Alternative NumberEnterSurfshark's dashboardand tap onAlternative ID. Here, you will find the options toPauseorChangeyourAlternative Number.We will coverChangingthe number first. To do so, tap onChange number.NOTE:You can change yourAlternative number onceper month.Changingyour Alternative Numberdeletesyour old one, meaning that you will no longer be able to receive any messages to it. To proceed,tickthe box in the pop-up and pressConfirm.When finished, you will see that you are unable to change it again for another30days.ToPauseyour Alternative Number, tap onPause.Once youPauseyour Alternative Number, you will not be able to receive any messages and they will beunrecoverable. To proceed, pressPauseon the pop-up.Toreactivateyour Alternative Number, pressReactivatein the main dashboard page.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/16710211283602 How to set up Alternative Number,"In this article, you will learn how to set up Surfshark's Alternative phone number on your mobile device or web app.Alternative Number allows you to generate a phone number and protect your regular phone number. You can use it without having anAlternative IDcreated.To proceed, you will need an active Surfshark VPN subscription and an Alternative Number subscription. Visit ourpricing pageto purchase yours.Visithttps://surfshark.com/alternative-idto purchase the upgraded Alternative Number feature.NOTE:Alternative Number only providesUS-basednumbers.We will cover the following:Purchasing Alternative NumberSetting up Alternative Number on the Surfshark mobile appPurchasing Alternative NumberNOTE:The setup process seen below is done on aniOSdevice, but the steps are the same on anAndroiddevice.On the Surfshark app's home screen, tapAlternative IDand selectNumber. Proceed by pressingLearn more. If you have the subscription, you can proceed toSetting up Alternative Number on the Surfshark mobile app.On the checkout page, select thecountryof your Alternative Number alongside the payment method of your choice and complete the purchase.Continue by pressingStart.PressContinue.You have successfully purchased your Alternative Number.Setting up Alternative Number on the Surfshark mobile appNOTE:The setup process seen below is done on aniOSdevice, but the steps are almost the same on anAndroiddevice – instead ofOK, you'll have to tapContinueor similar.PressStartto set up your Alternative Number.In order to useAlternative Number, you need toallow accessof your phone'smicrophone,notifications, andcontact list.PressOK.In the following pop-up, tapOKas well.A confirmation of your Alternative Number setup completion will appear once you are finished.Confirm that Alternative Number is workingYour Alternative Number setup is finished. The messages that you receive in your Alternative Number inbox will appear in theAlternative ID Numbertab.When you receive aphone callto your Alternative Number, it will appear as a native phone call to your mobile device, not via the Surfshark app.If you wish to block, delete, or report certain messages, you can read more about it in ourHow to use Alternative Numberarticle.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/15686183066898 What is Alternative Number?,"In this article, you will learn about Alternative Number.What is Alternative Number?Surfshark's Alternative Number is a new product that generates a virtual phone number that you can use to mask your regular phone number from online threats. It allows you toreceive and respond to messages, as well asreceive calls, via the Surfshark app without sharing your personal data.What are the benefits of Alternative Number?There are risks of using your personal phone number since it can be added to databases and leaked, which then exposes you to SPAM, Scam and other dangers.With Alternative Number, you can avoid exposing your phone number. Alternative Number can be used globally, although only USA numbers are available at the moment.You may be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/15684423532818 How to set up Alternative ID,"In this article, you will learn how to set up Surfshark’s Alternative ID on your browser extension or web app.To remind you,Alternative IDis a tool that generates a brand new identity and an email for you to use online.Set up an email address in browser extensionIn your Surfshark browser extension, click on theAlternative IDtab, and click onCreate.Here you can create your alternative persona. Select the gender, date of birth, country, and state. ClickContinue.In the next window, you will be introduced to your alternative email. You can either keep the generated one or regenerate a different one.On the next page, you will need to link your real email. Once you enter your email, clickCreate Alt ID.An email containing averification codewill be sent to your email inbox. Copy that verification code, enter it in theVerification codefield, and clickConfirm.After verification, you will see a confirmation of your Alt ID email.Set up Alternative ID on Surfshark web appLog into your account on theSurfshark website, go to theAlternative IDtab, and click onCreate.Create your alternative persona. Select the gender, date of birth, country, and state. ClickCreate Alt persona.In the next window, you will be introduced with your alternative email. You can either keep the generated one or regenerate a different one. If you are happy with your Alt email, clickContinue.On the next page, you will need to link your real email. Once you enter your email, clickCreate Alt email.You will need to verify your email address. Find the email that was sent to your inbox and complete the email verification process.After verification, you will see a confirmation of your Alt ID email. After you register using your Alt ID, the emails will be forwarded to your real email inbox until you decide to regenerate your alternative email.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11973565229842 How to disable IPv6 on a Linux device,"This guide will show you how to disable IPv6 on a Linux operating system.Follow these steps:Open theTerminalusing theCtrl+Alt+Tkeyboard shortcut. On the Terminal window, enter the following command:sudo nano /etc/sysctl.confThis command will open thesysctl.conffile in the Terminal.Scroll down to the bottom of thesysctl.conffile and paste these lines:net.ipv6.conf.all.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.default.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.lo.disable_ipv6 = 1net.ipv6.conf.tun0.disable_ipv6 = 1Save the changes by pressingCtrl+OandCtrl+Xafter that.Entersudo sysctl -pto apply the changes in thesysctl.conffile.Check the status of IPv6 by entering the following command in the Terminal:sudo cat /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/disable_ipv6If you see1as a reply, it meansIPv6 is not running on your deviceanymore.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024470413 How to use Alternative ID,"In this article, you will learn how to use Alternative ID on the browser extension, web app, iOS, Android, and macOS.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use Alternative ID. You can check subscription options on ourpricing page. To proceed, you will also need toset up the Alternative ID.Copy your Alternative ID on the browser extensionOpen the Surfshark browser extension, go to theAlternative IDtab, and clickCopy all infoon the right side of the window.You can also copy specific information by clicking the copy button that appears on the field you are hovering on.Then,pasteyour Alternative ID information on the website where you do not want to expose your real identity, and that is it.NOTE:Once you register using your Alt ID, the emails will beforwarded to your real email inbox.Copy your Alternative ID on web appLog intoyour accounton theSurfshark login page, go to the Alternative ID tab, and clickCopy all detailson the right side of the window.You can also copy specific information by clicking the copy button on the specific field.Then,pasteyour Alternative ID information on the website where you do not want to expose your real identity, and that is it.NOTE:Once you register using your Alt ID, the emails will beforwarded to your real email inbox.With the most recent update, you can alsocreate up tothreealternative emails. First, press onAdd new Alt email.Now, you will get an option to eitherAuto-generateit or you canEdit manually. Once done, press onCreate new Alt email.After you are done, the newly generated email will appear next to the first one. To use it, you can press thecopybutton.All alternative emails you will create will forward emails to your real inbox.Copy your Alternative ID on Android or iOSOpen the Surfshark application for Android or iOS, tap on theOnetab, and then onAlternative ID.TapCopy all infoand paste the information on the website you are signing up on. You can also copy specific information by tapping thecopybutton on the specific field.After you register using your Alternative ID, the emails will beforwarded to your real email inbox.Copy your Alternative ID on macOSOpen the Surfshark app for macOS, go to theAlternative IDtab on the left, and clickCopy all infoon the right side of the window.You can also copy specific information by clicking the copy button that appears on the field you are hovering on.Pasteyour Alternative ID information on the website you are signing up on. Once you register using your Alternative ID, the emails will be forwarded to your real email inbox.Troubleshoot Alternative Email issuesThe most common reason for not receiving emails from yourAlternative Emailis because it ismarked as spam. To make sure that is not the case, open your email, enter theSpamfolder, and look for your Alternative Email. If you're able to find it, unmark it as spam.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/11637853723538 Refer and Earn FAQ,"In this article, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about Surfshark's Refer & earn program.Before you proceed, it is important to check which rewards you’re eligible to receive. To do so, check out theTerms of Service.This article will answer these questions:How does this program work?Why can I only claim months as a reward?How much can I earn?How do I receive my money?Does my friend get rewarded as well?How can I check the status of my referrals?How many months will I get?What's included in three extra months?When will I get my free months?How do you calculate how much money I get?Why can't I pay out yet?How long does it take to get my money after making a payout?How does this program work?To refer & earn, you need to share your unique referral link. Then, your referred person should follow the link, choose a subscription, and create a Surfshark account. After they stay for31 days, we’ll reward you with either money or free months for your subscription.If you choose money, you will receive a commission on your friends’ purchases, which will be added to your Surfshark wallet. For example, if your referred person bought a 24-month Surfshark One plan for $100, you’ll receive 20%, which is $20.Why can I only claim months as a reward?Unfortunately, due to region-based restrictions, the only reward option available is extra months to your subscription. For more information, check out ourTerms of Service.How much can I earn?There is no limit on the number of friends you can refer. You’ll receive a commission (excluding tax) from each friend’s purchased plan. The commission is based on the friend’s initial purchase, not later upsells or contract extensions. The most up-to-date commission amount is 20%.How do I receive my money?After you reach your wallet’s target, which is $25, you can make a payout to your PayPal account. We will then ask you to fill out your PayPal account details to receive the money.Please notewe operate in USD, so depending on your bank’s policies, you may incur additional fees and exchange rate differences. As a result, the reward amount you receive may be lower.Does my friend get rewarded as well?Yes! On top of any currently running deal, your friend will get:1 free month — if they purchase a 1-month plan;3 free months — if they purchase a 12-month plan;3 free months — if they purchase a 24-month plan.How can I check the status of my referrals?Go to theRewards & payoutstab. There, you will see the Referrals and payouts table, where you can track the status of your referrals.How many months will I get?You and your friend will get:1 free month — if your friend purchases a 1-month plan;3 free months — if your friend purchases a 12-month plan;3 free months — if your friend purchases a 24-month plan.What's included in the extra months?You'll get 1 or 3 free months of the Surfshark subscription you already have (Starter, One, or One+).When will I get my free months?Once your referred friend has been with us for 31 days, visit theReferralstable on your Rewards page to claim your months.How do you calculate how much money I get?We give you a percentage commission on your friend's initial purchase. We will use the commission rate that applied when your friend made their purchase. The commission is based on the initial purchase amount before taxes, with no upsells or extensions.Why can't I pay out yet?How long does it take to get my money after making a payout?",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/23322021825042 How to manage Surfshark email notifications,"In this article, you will learn how to manage emails that you receive from Surfshark.Check the following steps:Log into your Surfshark account, click onMy accountat the top-right corner, and selectAccount settings.In the new page, select thePreferencestab and clickEditnext toEmail communications.Here, you will find all of the available topics for email notifications. You can sort out which ones are relevant to you and which ones are not, so it's customizable to your liking.Here is the list of all available topics:Surfshark NewsProduct UpdatesBlogCybersec tipsPromotionsSurveysTransactional messagesYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5771414522642 How to set up Surfshark on Linux,"NOTE:The video displays an older version of Surfshark.Surfshark on Linux is available on Snapcraft and Flathub app stores! Get it fromSnapcraftorFlathub.If this is not for you, this tutorial will help you install the Surfshark application on your Linux device manually. You will need a Linux device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.Currently supported distros:DEBIAN 11or higherUBUNTU 20.04or higherMINT 20or higherAdvanced requirements:GNOME, KDE, and XFCE desktop environmentsSystemd or SysVinit service managersAMD64 or ARM64 architectureInstall the applicationOpen the Terminal on your Linux device by clickingCTRL+ALT+T.Now, type in the following commands:curl -fhttps://downloads.surfshark.com/linux/debian-install.sh--output surfshark-install.sh#gets the installation scriptcat surfshark-install.sh#show script’s contentsh surfshark-install.sh#installs surfsharkUpdate the applicationThe Surfshark application will always check for new updates automatically. However, it is also possible to update it manually if you wish to.To update the application manually, enter the following commands into the Terminal:sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get --only-upgrade install surfsharkConnect to the VPNOnce you open up the app and click onLog in as an existing user.After you log in, you will see the main screen of the Surfshark app.Here you can connect to a location of your choice by pressing on the flag icon, or, you can press onQuick-connect. You can change theQuick-connectlocation by pressing theChangebutton next to it.Additionally, you canfavoritethe locations of your choice by pressing the star icon next to it. Once you do, it will appear at the top of your locations list for easier access.At the top left of the app window, you can search for a location of your choice or toggle betweenMultiHopandStatic IPlocations.Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Manage Surfshark featuresClick onSettingsand you'll find all the options you can configure in the Surfshark app.InVPN settings, you can configure connection settings.Here, you can do the following:EnableAuto-connect.EnableQuick-connect.Change theconnection protocol.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Next, click onApp settings.Here, you can do the following:Change your application'sAppearance.Change the app language.See the current app versionToggle the option forLaunch app on startup.Click onMy account.Here, you can do the following:Change your password.Check yourplan detailsand thelinked accounts.Choose the option toenter the login code.Lastly, there is theGet helptab.Here, you can do the following:Access ourHelp Center.Senddiagnostics.Contact live support.Resetyour VPN profileCheck Surfshark's ToS.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/5067279648146 How to set up a router with Surfshark,"A VPN running on the router is quite a popular VPN connection method. This tutorial will help you decide if that's the best option and give general guidance on where to start with your router.Why do I need a VPN on my router?How to know if my router is VPN-compatibleWhat to do if my router is not VPN-compatible?Configure the router with Surfshark VPNDon't have a subscription yet?Get Surfshark here.Why do I need VPN on my router?Setting up VPN on your router might be a handy solution in the following situations:You want to secure all devices in your householdThe usual VPN connection method is not available (for example, onSmart TVs and gaming consoles that do not have native VPN support)Unfortunately, there are a few downsides to VPN running on your router:You will lose access to most of the Surfshark features available on the appsThe management of a VPN connection will not be too convenientThe connection speed might decrease.You must have a router compatible with VPN, one that has firmware with a pre-installed OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP clientNOTE:We recommend using Surfshark VPN applications on your devices to get the most out of Surfshark.How to know if my router is VPN-compatibleIf you're looking for a new router,here are ourtop 5 VPN routers for your home.But if you already have a router and you have decided to set up a VPN on it, you must find out if it is compatible with a VPN. There are several ways to do that:Read your router's user manual and look for OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP instructions.If you do not have the user manual at home, you can usually find it online.Find the model of your router and look for more information online. Usually, more people have the same router as you and have already tried to set up a VPN.Log into your router and check out the settings. Look for an OpenVPN, WireGuard®, or L2TP client. The most common way to do that is to find your router's IP address and enter it into the URL bar on your browser. If you don't know how to do that, checkHow to find your router's IP addressguide.Look at therouters sectionon our Help Center. We may already have a detailed tutorial for your router.What to do if my router is not VPN-compatible?If your router turns out to be incompatible with VPN, consider purchasing a new one or installing a new firmware to your current router. Here's a few suggestions:Install a widely used DD-WRT open-source firmware on your router.There are other firmware options available too. For example, Tomato firmware.Here is a list of routersthat support Tomato.Reinstalling firmware might permanently damage your router if done incorrectly. Surfshark is not responsible for any damage that might be caused by installing custom firmware.Choose a router that comes with VPN functionality by default.For general guidance, we recommend routers running AsusWRT firmware, which is really easy to set up with a VPN. Here are several Asus models running this firmware:RT-N66U, RT-AC56U, Asus N-16, RT-AC66U, RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC5300, RT-AC3200, RT-AC3100, RT-AC1750, RT-AC88U, RT-AC66RAnother VPN-friendly option is GL.iNet routers. These mini routers come with OpenWRT firmware pre-installed and already have an OpenVPN client. Here are a few models to get you started:GL-AR750S-Ext (Slate), GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango), GL-AR300M (Shadow).Configure the router with Surfshark VPNOnce you have a VPN-compatible router, you can look for a detailed setup tutorial in therouters sectionon our Help Center. There we have tutorials for the most common routers, such as DD-WRT, AsusWRT, GL.iNet, OpenWRT, and others.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003103833 How to set up Surfshark on Android TV,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install the Surfshark VPN app on your Android TV or Android box.You will need an Android TV or Android box running Android 5.0 or later and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on theSurfshark pricing page.NOTE:the app does not support Ethernet cable connections on Android TVs running Android 9 and 12.Install the Surfshark appOpen thePlay Storeon your Android TV and search forSurfshark.PressDownloadorInstall.Log in to the appOnce the installation is complete, you can either clickOpenor find the Surfshark icon in the installed apps menu and press on it.ClickLog in.Enter the email address you used when registering and your password. ClickLog in.Alternatively, you can log in using the Surfshark app on your mobile device. To do that, open your phone's camera device and take a picture of the QR code, or press onOr enter a login code, which you can find by going toSettings > Account > TV login, and enter thecodeyou see on the Surfshark app.Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will see the homepage of the Surfshark app. Here, you can see the VPN connection status, the list of locations, and a button to connect to the VPN.Press theQuick-connectbutton, and the app will instantly connect to the fastest server available.When connecting to a VPN server for the first time,accept the connection requestin the pop-up window by pressingOK.You can also connect to theFaster serveror theNearest country.To do so, click on the button of your preference, as indicated below.As soon as you connect, you will see the connection status on the app's homepage.If it is green and saysCONNECTED, your internet connection is secured.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.You will find the list of locations on the left side of your screen. Use thesearch baror scroll down until you find a specific country. Click on theflag iconof your preferred location, and you will instantly connect to it.If you want Surfshark to remember your favorite locations, press thestaron the right side of the location. Now this server will appear in the list of yourFavourites.Thebubble iconnext to the star indicates how loaded the Surfshark servers are in a specific location; in other words, how many people are connected to servers in that location.The first bubble in this picture indicates that Surfshark servers in Germany are under a heavy load at the moment. The second bubble shows that only a few people are connected to Surfshark servers in Japan.You may have noticedStatic IPandMultiHoptabs at the top of your Surfshark app.Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Manage Surfshark featuresIn the features tab, you'll be able to find two features.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.AccessSurfshark Bypasser. It’s a feature that allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can customize your Surfshark app to suit your personal preferences. Go to theSettingstab.Click onVPN settings.Here, you can:EnableAuto-connect.Select yourQuick-connectlocation.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Change theconnection protocol.EnableSmall packets. This feature improves your connectivity when using slower networks.Click onMy account.Here, you can do the following:Check your current subscription plan.Log outof your account.Enterlogin code.Switch toApp settings.Here, you can do the following:Change the app language.See the current app version.Choose whether the app sends crash reports.Choose whether the app sends analytics of usage data.Send diagnostics.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024352553 How to set up Surfshark on Amazon Fire TV Stick,"In this tutorial, you will learn how to install theSurfshark VPN appon your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV.To set up Surfshark on Firestick, you will need to have a 2nd or 4K generation Fire TV device and an active Surfshark VPN subscription.If you don’t have a subscription yet, you can purchase it onSurfshark pricing page.Install the Surfshark appClick on the homepage of your Fire TV andnavigate to thesearch bar.Search forSurfshark.Click on theSurfshark appicon in the search results.Click theDownloadbuttonto start downloading the application onto your Firestick device. As soon as the download is complete, the app will be installed automatically.Log in to the appOnce the installation is complete, you can either clickOpenor locate the app in your device'sApplicationslist.ClickLog in.Enter the email address you used when registering and your password. ClickLog in.Alternatively, you can log in using the Surfshark app on your mobile device. To do that, open your phone's camera device and take a picture of the QR code, or press onOr enter a login code, which you can find by going toSettings > Account > TV login, and enter thecodeyou see on the Surfshark app.Connect to the VPNOnce you log in, you will see the homepage of the Surfshark app. Here, you can see the VPN connection status, the list of locations, and a button to connect to the VPN.Press theQuick-connectbutton, and the app will instantly connect to the fastest server available.When connecting to a VPN server for the first time,accept the connection requestin the pop-up window by pressingOK.You can also connect to theFaster serveror theNearest country.To do so, click on the button of your preference, as indicated below.As soon as you connect, you will see the connection status on the app's homepage.If it is green and saysCONNECTED, your internet connection is secured.Manage Surfshark locationsSurfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Choose the server, click on it, and that's it.You will find the list of locations on the left side of your screen. Use thesearch baror scroll down until you find a specific country. Click on theflag iconof your preferred location, and you will instantly connect to it.If you want Surfshark to remember your favorite locations, press thestaron the right side of the location. Now this server will appear in the list of yourFavourites.Thebubble iconnext to the star indicates how loaded the Surfshark servers are in a specific location; in other words, how many people are connected to servers in that location.The first bubble in this picture indicates that Surfshark servers in Germany are under a heavy load at the moment. The second bubble shows that only a few people are connected to Surfshark servers in Japan.You may have noticedStatic IPandMultiHoptabs at the top of your Surfshark app.Static IP– you will get the same IP address each time you connect to the Static IP servers.MultiHop– you will be connected through two different VPN servers. You can also choose both of these servers.Manage Surfshark featuresIn the features tab, you'll find two features.EnableCleanWeb. It’s a feature that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.AccessSurfshark Bypasser. It’s a feature that allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel.Manage Surfshark settingsYou can customize your Surfshark app to suit your personal preferences. Go to theSettingstab.Click onVPN settings.Here, you can:EnableAuto-connect.Select yourQuick-connectlocation.EnableKillSwitch.It's a feature that protects you from unexpected VPN disconnections.Change theVPN connection protocol.EnableSmall packets. This feature improves your connectivity when using slower networks.Click onMy account.Here, you can do the following:Check your current subscription plan.Log outof your account.Enterlogin code.Switch toApp settings.Here, you can do the following:Change the app language.See the current app version.Choose whether the app sends crash reports.Choose whether the app sends analytics of usage data.Send diagnostics.Ensure your connection is successfulLet’s see if your connection is successful after setting up a VPN. You can do it by performing anIP leak test and a DNS leak teston our website. If you're interested, we have a more in-depth guide forVPN testingand a dedicated article in caseSurfshark is not working on your Firestickdevice.Stay safe onlineEnhance your online privacy by connecting to our wide variety of servers and  industry-leading security featuresGet SurfsharkYou may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018591494 Surfshark Settings and Features,"In this article, you will learn about Surfshark features, their availability on different operating systems, and Surfshark settings.CleanWebCleanWebworks as an adblocker – it will block ads and malicious links on your browser before they can harm you. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).Cookie pop-up blockerCookie pop-up blockerfeature avoids the annoying cookie consent pop-ups.Available as a Surfshark browser extension feature for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox.BypasserBypasser(a.k.a. Split-tunneling or Bypass VPN) allows specific apps & websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. Works great with mobile banking apps.Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Surfshark browser extension, and Windows.Route via VPNoption (reverse Bypasser) allows you to choose certain websites or apps that should be routed through the VPN server while all others remain unaffected. In other words, it’s the exact opposite of Bypass VPN.Available on Android and Windows.KillSwitchKillSwitchfeature disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. No sensitive data will get out until you reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.Pause VPNPause VPNallows pausing the VPN connection for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The connection automatically resumes once the selected time ends.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.IP RotatorIP Rotatorchanges the user's IP address on the chosen location every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS.Camouflage modeCamouflage modemakes user traffic look like any old regular traffic. It allows bypassing restrictions, censorship, ISPs snooping, and others. It activates automatically when using the OpenVPN protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Override GPS locationOverride GPS locationfeature tricks GPS-enabled apps such as Google Maps and Uber into thinking that you’re elsewhere. It matches your GPS signal to the Surfshark server's location that you are connected to.Available on Android.NoBordersNoBordersfeature allows using a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship.Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS.Invisible to devicesHides your device from other devices on the same network. You won’t be able to communicate with printers, portable speakers, smart TVs, Chromecasts, etc. This feature comes in handy on public networks.Available on Windows and Android.Dedicated IPDedicated IP— a static IP address that helps bypass CAPTCHA prompts, access services that are sensitive to IP changes, and more.Available for an additional price.SmartDNSSmartDNSallows using a private DNS while streaming on SmartTV in case it doesn’t support the Surfshark app.Alternative IDIt’sa tool that generates a brand new identityand an email to use online that offers the following features:Maintains your email address and name privateMinimizes the possibility of getting spam emailsPrevents your info from the hands of data brokers or other malicious actorsSurfshark OneSurfshark AntivirusDetects and removes viruses and malware from your devicesOffers real-time protectionPrevents ad companies and bots from tracking your online activityAllows performing full scans or narrowing them down to frequently used foldersSurfshark AlertAlerts you if your email address appears in breached online databasesInforms about the security status of your personal identification numberChecks your password's vulnerabilityMonitors your credit cardsSurfshark SearchPerforms private web search queries without any ads, logs, or trackersProvides accurate and relevant search resultsSearches without leaving any digital footprintsAvailable as a Surfshark plan package for an additional price. Find it onSurfshark pricing page.Auto-connectWith Auto-connect enabled, your device will connect to the VPN automatically as soon as it connects to the internet.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Start with WindowsThis feature will launch the Surfshark app automatically as soon as you boot your computer. That way, you do not need to search for it and start it manually.Available on Windows.Change ProtocolYour Surfshark app has the option to change the defaultprotocol. A protocol is a set of rules that determines how your data will be sent and received. All protocols used at Surfshark are secure and reliable, but one protocol might perform better than another on your network.On Surfshark app go toSettings > VPN Settings > Protocol.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, and macOS.Static ServersSurfshark has many different servers in each location. Therefore, if you connect to a New York location, you might get a different IP address each time. However, if you connect to a static server, you will get the same IP address each time.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux.Dynamic MultiHopDynamic MultiHopallows you to connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously. You can select both countries from all the servers we offer.Available on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.Small PacketsWhatever you do online, your data is being divided into packets (chunks of information) to send it smoothly. Each packet contains a part of the information that you want to send or receive.By turning on Small Packets, you will reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability.Available on Android.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/18963124764306 How to use CleanWeb in-app,"In this article, you will learn how to use the CleanWeb in-app feature.You will need an active Surfshark subscription to use CleanWeb, which you canpurchase on Surfshark pricing page. You’ll also need to have Surfshark app installed on your device.What is the CleanWeb feature?CleanWeb is one of Surfshark’s most popular features, included in every single one of our subscription packages. It's a feature that blocks ads and malicious websites. With CleanWeb enabled, the browser will show fewer ads, and fewer trackers will work. You will also be protected from some phishing attempts.If you are looking for CleanWeb directly on your browser, check out our article onwhat CleanWeb 2.0 is. Using CleanWeb on a browser extension unlocks more features.How to enable CleanWebNOTE:The steps below are demonstrated on amacOSdevice. The procedure isidenticalon all other devices as well.Open the Surfshark application on your macOS device and go to theSettingstab.SelectVPN settings.Toggle the switchnext to the CleanWeb option. When the switch isgreen– CleanWeb is active.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021008640 How to use Kill Switch,"This article will teach you how to use theKill Switchfeature on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.You will need Surfshark application installed on one of these devices and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is Kill Switch?Kill Switchfeature shuts down your internet connection if your VPN connection drops, keeping your sensitive data safe.So, if you unexpectedly disconnect from Surfshark, Kill Switch will ensure that no sensitive data is leaked by cutting off the internet connection until you safely reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server.Enable it on WindowsOpen theSurfsharkapp and selectSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on macOSOpen theSurfsharkapp. Then, click on theSettingstab.SelectVPN Settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on AndroidOpen theSurfsharkapp and tap onSettings.Tap on theVPN settingstab.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on iOSOpen theSurfsharkapp and tap onSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.Enable it on LinuxOpen theSurfsharkapp and click onSettings.Click onVPN settings.To enable Kill Switch,toggle the switchon the right side. If you open the VPN Settings and see that the switch isgreen, the feature is already on.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016978413 How to use Surfshark NoBorders,"This tutorial will teach you about the basics of theNoBordersfeature and how to use it on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.You will need Surfshark application installed on one of the devices and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is NoBorders?NoBordersis a feature that allows the use of a VPN through network restrictions such as geoblocking or government censorship. If Surfshark app detects any restrictions on your network, it automatically enables the NoBorders, giving you a selected list of servers performing best under these network restrictions.Typically, NoBorders mode will turn on automatically whenever needed. However, you can enable it manually as well.Turn on NoBorders on WindowsLaunch the Surfshark app and open theSettingstab.Click onVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings– you'll find theNoBordersfeature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on AndroidOpen the Surfshark app and go toSettings.Proceed to theVPN settingstab.Scroll down and look forAdvanced settings. If you can't see it, tap and hold theProtocoltab for3 seconds.You will find the NoBorders feature here.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on iOSOpen the Surfshark app and go toSettings.TapVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings— you’ll find the NoBorders feature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.Turn on NoBorders on macOSOpen the Surfshark app and click onSettings.Click onVPN Settings.Scroll down and look forAdvanced Settings— you’ll find the NoBorders feature there.Togglethe switch to turn it on or off.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010423359 How to use Surfshark Bypasser on Windows,"In this article, you will learn the basics of Bypasser feature and how to use it on Windows.You will need a Windows device with Surfshark installed and an active subscription. You can get a subscription on theSurfshark plans & pricing pageif you don't have one.What is the Bypasser?Bypasser is a feature that allows specific apps & websites to route via or bypass the VPN tunnel.Bypasser has two options:Bypass VPNblocks selected applications and websites from using the VPN connection.Route via VPNallows only the chosen applications and websites to use the VPN connection.Enable BypasserOpen the Surfshark application. On the left-hand side panel, clickSettings.In theSettingstab, click onVPN settings.Once there, click onBypasser.Toggle the switch baron the right side to enable the preferred Bypasser option.Select applicationsOnce you enable eitherBypass VPNorRoute via VPN, click onSelect apps. Applications that will bypass the VPN or will be routed through it.You will see a list of all applications visible on your device. To add the app to Bypass VPN,leave a checkmarkin the square on the app’s right.If you can't find the application on this list, clickAdd appsand locate the.exe filefor the application you wish to add.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the applications on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.NOTE:If you wish to route specific applications only via VPN, enableRoute via VPNinstead ofBypass VPNfor those applications.Select websites or IP addressesTo bypass certain websites instead of apps, enableBypass VPNbelow theWebsites / IP addressestab and click onAdd websitesorIP addresses.A window will appear with a field where you can input either a website or an IP address. Type the one you prefer, and clickAdd.Reconnectto any location on Surfshark, and the websites or IP addresses on the Bypass VPN list will bypass the VPN coverage.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360017349293 Surfshark Tray app on Windows,"In this article, you will learn what Windows System Tray is and how to use it.You will need a Windows device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on ourpricing page.What is a Windows System Tray?Windows System Tray is the small box at the end of your desktop toolbar where various applications and processes appear so you can access them faster.You can open the System Tray by clicking the white arrow at the end of the toolbar. You will likely find Wi-Fi, antivirus, and some other icons in there.How to use Surfshark’s System Tray appAt first, for the Surfshark app to appear on the System Tray, you will need to open theSurfsharkapp. Once Surfshark is running, you can close the main app window. A gray Surfshark icon will show up in the System Tray.For your convenience, you canclick and dragit to the toolbar. This way, it will be accessible even quicker.If youright-click onceon this icon, the minimized Surfshark app will show up. By default, you will only see the button toQuick-connect. However, below, you will find an option to personalize your minimized app. Click onAdd shortcut.Now, you will see a list of features you can import into the Tray app. Tick the box on the left of the ones you wish to import and clickSave.Your chosen features (in our case, these areKill Switch,Auto-connect, andCleanWeb) will now appear on the minimized app.When you connect to one of Surfshark’s servers, the Surfshark icon will turn blue, indicating that you have successfully connected.You will also be able to see the server you are connected to, your VPN IP address and the total time you've been connected to the VPN.If you click theunderscore, the app will return to the system tray.If you click thesquare, you will open the full-size Surfshark app.Lastly, clicking theX, will close the tray menu.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012831860 How to use Surfshark Dynamic MultiHop,"In this article, you will learn about the basics of Dynamic MultiHop and how to use it.You will need Surfshark application installed on your device and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page.What is Dynamic MultiHop?Dynamic MultiHop is a Surfshark feature that allows you to connect via two different VPN servers and create your own multihop server configuration within the app.How to use Dynamic MultiHopNOTE:The steps below have been made on a macOS device. The same steps apply to all other devices.Open the Surfshark application, and under the locations tab, selectMultihopand clickCreate Connection.In the first window, select yourentry locationfrom the list below.Next, select yourexitlocation.Your custom MultiHop connection has been created. To connect to the server, clickConnect. To go back to the list, clickView list.If you would like to delete any of the connections you create, click theDeletebutton next to your MultiHop configuration, and in the new pop-up,Deleteagain.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/8835487999506 What is Dedicated IP?,"In this article, you will learn what Dedicated IP is and the benefits of getting one.NOTE:Dedicated IP is not included in Surfshark bundles and needs to be purchased separately. Only1Dedicated IP can be purchased per account.What is a dedicated IP?Surfshark Dedicated IPis a private VPN IP address, which belongs to only you. Purchasing the Dedicated IP address will allow you to receive your own Surfshark IP address, which is not reachable by any other Surfshark users.The benefits of a Dedicated IPWorks with all protocols. You don't have to choose between website speed and a fixed IP. Our Dedicated IP works with all our protocols, even WireGuard®, for maximum speed.Reduce Captcha requests. Captcha requests are a common issue while using a standard VPN. Many users might be using the same IP address as you are, which causes Google to prompt you with Captcha requests. A Dedicated IP helps to minimize Captchas, as websites no longer receive multiple requests from the same IP address.Better network performance. Using a Dedicated IP, your network should become quicker than when using a normal VPN server. With such an IP, you will be the only person generating traffic.Greater security and privacy. As you are the only one using the IP address, there is a far lesser chance of malicious traffic.Eases accessing remote networks.Assessing networks remotely with a shared VPN server is tricky since you never know what address you'll get whenever you connect. That's not an issue with a dedicated static IP.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/10516770619026 What speed can I expect with Surfshark VPN? Are there any bandwidth limitations?,"In this article, you will learn what speed you can expect when using Surfshark VPN.Will your connection slow down?Surfshark users don't have any speed, bandwidth, or data limitations. Nevertheless, you might experience slower speeds and response time (ping) with a VPN than without a VPN. The speed may decrease by 20-30%.If the connection speeds slow down considerably or you experience a slower performance than usual when connected to the VPN, try checkinghow to troubleshoot slow speed problems.Can your connection become faster with a VPN?There might be cases when connecting to a VPN can increase your connection speed. That might happen if your internet provider is throttling your speed — a VPN can help prevent that.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003089753-What-speed-can-I-expect-with-your-VPN-Are-there-any-bandwidth-limitations- What is the GPS override feature and how to use it,"In this article, you will learn what the GPS override feature is and how to use it.What is the GPS override feature?Most smartphones nowadays have a GPS function that allows you to find your exact location. This function is often used by applications requiring your physical location to provide the service or specific features. Some examples of such apps would be:Uber (finds your location so the driver would know where to pick you up)Google Maps (indicates your physical location as a starting point of your chosen route)Snapchat (shows your location on the map, so your friends know where you are)This constant tracking may become inconvenient and frustrating, considering that VPN alone can not override your GPS location. That's why spoofing your GPS tracking might come in handy.On Surfshark’s app forAndroid, you will find a setting to override GPS location. This feature is also known asfake GPS,mock GPS, orGPS spoofing.GPS override use casesIf you enable this feature on the Surfshark app, it will automatically match your GPS location with your chosen server's location. That will be useful if:Don’t want apps to see your location at all timesWish to use an app that only provides its service in specific countriesHow to activate GPS overrideYou can activate the GPS override feature on your Android device within the Surfshark settings. If you want to do so, check out our guide onhow to enable the GPS override function.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011723459 How to enable the GPS override function,"NOTE:The video above depicts an older version of Surfshark and will be updated in the future.In this article, you will learn how to enable and use the GPS override feature on the Surfshark Android application.You will need an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase onSurfshark pricing page. You will also need an Android device with the Surfshark application installed, which you can install by following our guide onsetting up a Surfshark VPN on Android.Select Surfshark as a mock locations appOpen theSurfsharkapp on your Android device and tap onSettings.TapVPN settings.Scroll down toAdvanced settingsand tap on it.You will find theOverride GPS locationfeature here.Togglethe slider.A pop-up will appear asking you to modify settings on your device before enabling the feature. Tap theLet's gobutton.You will need to enabledeveloper optionson your Android device if you haven't done so before. Check out our article onhow to enable developer options. Tap theOpen settingsbutton.Tap onDeveloper options.Find the option forSelect mock location appand tap on it.SelectSurfsharkfrom the available apps.Once the setup is complete, pressCLOSE.Test the GPS locationConnect to any location you prefer to test the GPS override location feature.Open your Maps application and check your location. It should display your location according to the location you connect to on Surfshark.You will also see a notification as long as you are connected to the VPN.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011517640-How-to-enable-the-GPS-override-function- How to fix unstable connection issues on Android,"In this tutorial, you will learn what might cause connectivity issues on your Android and how to fix them.Change the default protocol on your Surfshark appThis is the first solution that you should try if you notice the connection being unstable on your Android device when connected to a VPN.Launch the Surfshark app and go toSettings.Click onVPN Settingsand open theProtocoltab. This is where you will find an option to change the defaultprotocol.Change the protocol fromAutomatictoOpenVPN(UDP). If that does not help, tryOpenVPN(TCP)and the other protocols.Try other locationsFor various reasons, one location might provide a more stable connection compared to others.To change the location, open theLocationspage on your Surfshark app; here, you will find the full list of our servers. Try totest at least several different serversand see if the issue persists.Turn off battery-saving modeNOTE:Battery saving mode disables many systems on the phone, including some networking functions.Since many different Android OS versions exist, this setting might appear in a different location. But most often, you will find it if you go to your phone'sSettingsand checkBattery settings. IfBattery Saveror any similar function is on, try disabling it.Disable potentially interfering appsSome apps might have taken over network control on your device. This can sometimes interfere with Surfshark (or any other VPN) connection.That applies toanti-virus software,other VPNs,firewalls, andfile-sharing apps. If you have any of those, trydisablingthem.Thenrebootyour device and see if the connection gets any better.Switch to a different networkConnectivity issues might be network-specific. This often happens if the Internet provider applies some restrictions on its network. To see if this is the case, try to check if connectivity issues remain connected to a different network.You can easily do that on your Android byswitching from Wi-Fi to a mobile data networkor vice versa.Restart your AndroidIt may sound simple, but this will reset your network and give you a fresh start.Disable the IPv6IPv6 is a networking system that some Internet networks might have. Unfortunately, Surfshark does not support IPv6 at the moment, so if you have it on your network, connectivity issues may arise.If you’d like to disable IPv6, check out this article onhow to disable IPv6 on Android.NOTE:IPv6 can only be disabled on mobile data networks.You may also be interested in:",https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009860539-How-to-fix-unstable-connection-issues-on-Android-