Surfshark is a VPN provider registered in the Netherlands and subject to Dutch jurisdiction. It offers dedicated applications for most major platforms, along with manual configuration options for devices that do not support native apps. The following guide covers how to get Surfshark running on each supported platform.
Windows
Download the Windows installer directly from the Surfshark website or through the Microsoft Store. Run the installer and sign in with your Surfshark account credentials. Once logged in, select a server location from the list and click Connect. The Windows client supports protocol options including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, which can be switched in the settings menu. A kill switch feature is available in settings and can be enabled to block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Mac
The macOS application is available via the Surfshark website or the Mac App Store. After installation, sign in and choose a server. The Mac client supports WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols. Note that some features available on Windows may differ slightly on macOS depending on the version of the operating system you are running. The interface is largely consistent across both desktop platforms.
iOS
Search for Surfshark in the Apple App Store and install the application. After signing in, the app will prompt you to allow a VPN configuration profile, which is required for the connection to function on iOS. The iOS app supports IKEv2 and WireGuard. Due to Apple's platform restrictions, some advanced settings found on desktop versions are not available on iOS.
Android
Surfshark is available on the Google Play Store. After installation and sign-in, you can connect to any available server location. The Android app supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. An additional APK download is available directly from Surfshark's website for users who cannot access the Play Store. The Android version includes split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps route traffic through the VPN.
Linux
Surfshark provides a command-line interface application for Linux. Installation is done through the terminal using package manager commands, with instructions provided on Surfshark's website for supported distributions including Ubuntu and Debian. The Linux client supports WireGuard and OpenVPN. Because the Linux version is command-line based, there is no graphical user interface, meaning all connections and settings are managed through typed commands.
Amazon Fire Stick
Surfshark has a native app available through the Amazon Appstore, making setup on Fire Stick relatively straightforward. Search for Surfshark in the Appstore on your Fire Stick device, install the app, and sign in. Once connected, VPN protection applies to all traffic routed through that device. This is useful for users who want to apply VPN coverage specifically to their streaming activity on Fire TV devices.
Router
Installing Surfshark on a router applies VPN coverage to every device connected to that network, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that do not support VPN apps natively. Surfshark supports manual configuration on routers running firmware such as DD-WRT, Tomato, and AsusWRT, using OpenVPN or WireGuard depending on what your router firmware supports. Setup requires accessing your router's administration panel and entering VPN configuration details, which are available from the Surfshark account dashboard. Not all routers support custom VPN configuration, so it is advisable to check compatibility before attempting installation. Some router manufacturers also sell pre-flashed routers that simplify this process.
General Notes
Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single account, which means you can install and use the VPN across all of the above platforms concurrently without needing separate subscriptions. Account creation and subscription management are handled through the Surfshark website. Configuration files for manual setup methods are accessible after logging into your account dashboard.