How to Use Surfshark VPN: A Beginner’s Guide in 2025

Feeling nervous about using public Wi-Fi?

Imagine this: you’re at a coffee shop, checking your bank account on the free Wi-Fi. Someone nearby could be spying on your information!

Or, you’re trying to watch your favorite show, but it’s blocked in your country. Frustrating, right?

Surfshark VPN is here to the rescue! It’s like a secret, encrypted tunnel for your internet activity.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for using Surfshark VPN & We’ll cover everything from setting up your connection to adjusting your settings.

Getting Started with Surfshark

Okay, so you’re ready to dive into the world of VPNs with Surfshark!

Let’s get you set up. It’s easier than you might think.

Pick Your Plan:

• Head over to the Surfshark website. You’ll see a few different plans to choose from.
• Some plans let you connect more devices at the same time. Others might have extra features.
• Think about what you need. Do you want to protect your phone only or your laptop and tablet, too? Pick the plan that fits you best.

Make a Surfshark Account:

• This is like creating an account for any website or app. You’ll need an email address and a password.
• Ensure your password is strong, using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. This will keep your account safe.
• You’ll also need to enter your payment information.

Get the App:

• Now, it’s time to download the Surfshark app. You can find it on the Surfshark website or your device’s app store.
• They have apps for phones, computers, and even tablets.
• Once you’ve downloaded it, install it just like any other app.

That’s it for the setup! The Surfshark VPN app is ready to use on your device.

Now, let’s learn how to use it to protect your internet connection.

Connecting to Surfshark VPN

Alright, you’ve installed the Surfshark VPN app—excellent work! Now, let’s use it.

Think of it like putting on your invisibility cloak online.

Open Sesame!

• Find the Surfshark app on your device and open it up. It might be on your home screen or in your app drawer.

Log In:

• Remember that email and password you created earlier? You’ll need them to log in to the app.

Connect to a Server:

• Now for the fun part! You’ll see a button that says “Quick connect” or “Connect.” Tap it.
  • This automatically connects you to the best server for your location. It’s like the VPN picks the fastest route for your internet connection.
• Want to connect to a specific country? No problem!
  • Surfshark has a list of servers worldwide. You can choose one based on where you want to appear online. This is handy for watching shows or accessing websites that might be blocked in your country.

Getting to Know the App:

• Once you’re connected, take a look around the app.
• You’ll usually see:
  • Connection status: This tells you which server you use and if you’re connected to the VPN.
  • Server list: Here’s where you can browse and choose different servers.
  • Settings: Here, you can tweak things to your liking. We’ll discuss that more later.

That’s it! You’re now using a VPN.

Your internet connection is encrypted, & your online activity is more private. Pretty cool.

But wait, there’s more! Surfshark has some extra features that make it even better. Let’s explore those next.

Essential Surfshark Features

Surfshark is about more than just essential VPN protection.

It’s got some cool extra features that make it even more powerful! Let’s check them out:

Kill Switch

• Imagine walking on a tightrope, and the VPN connection is your safety net. If you lose your balance (your VPN connection drops), the net catches you (your internet connection is cut off). That’s what a Kill Switch does!
• It ensures your location and online activity stay hidden, even if the VPN connection goes down for a second.
• To turn it on, just go to the settings in your Surfshark app and look for “Kill Switch.”

CleanWeb

• Are you tired of pop-up ads and websites tracking your online activities? CleanWeb is like a super shield that blocks all that annoying stuff.
• It also protects you from accidentally visiting websites that could harm your device.
• You can usually find CleanWeb on the main screen of the Surfshark app. Just toggle it on!

Bypasser (Split Tunneling)

• This feature is like having two roads. You could choose which apps or websites use the VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection.
• For example, you can use the VPN for banking but not for watching videos. Bypasser lets you do that!
• You’ll usually find this feature in the Surfshark app settings.

MultiHop

• If one VPN server is good, two are even better, right? MultiHop is like having two layers of protection.
• Your internet connection goes through two different VPN servers in different locations, making it extra hard for anyone to track you.
• To use MultiHop, look for it in the server list of your Surfshark app.

Camouflage Mode

• Sometimes, websites or even countries try to block VPNs. Camouflage Mode makes your VPN connection look like regular internet traffic, so no one knows you’re using a VPN.
• It’s like wearing a disguise online!

NoBorders Mode

• Some countries have strict rules about what you could see online. NoBorders Mode helps you use Surfshark even in those places.
• It’s like having a secret key to unlock the internet!

These features might sound complicated, but they’re actually easy to use.

Just explore the Surfshark app and see what works best for you.

Remember, you can always check the Surfshark website or their help section if you have any questions.

Using Surfshark for Different Purposes

So, you know the basics of Surfshark and its cool features.

But how can you use it in your everyday life? Let’s explore some common ways people use Surfshark:

Streaming

• Have you ever wanted to watch a show that is unavailable in your country? Surfshark can help!
• Connecting to a server in a different country can trick streaming services like Netflix or Hulu into thinking you’re there.
• Pick a server in the country where the show is available, and you’re good to go!

Torrenting

• Torrenting is a way to share files online. But sometimes, it can be risky because others can see your internet activity.
• Surfshark encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for anyone to see what you’re downloading.
• Surfshark has special servers optimized for torrenting so that you can download things faster.

Gaming

• If you play games online, you know how vital a good connection is. Lag can be a real pain!
• Surfshark can sometimes help reduce lag and improve your ping (the speed at which your computer talks to the game server).
• It can also protect you from attacks by other players.

Public Wi-Fi

• Public Wi-Fi hotspots, like coffee shops or airports, can be dangerous. It’s like sending a postcard without an envelope – anyone can read it!
• Surfshark encrypts your internet traffic, so even if someone tries to snoop, they can’t see what you’re doing.
• Always use Surfshark when you’re using public Wi-Fi. It’s like wearing a suit of armor for your internet connection!

Travel

• Your internet service provider might only work in some countries when you travel. Or, some websites might be blocked.
• Surfshark can help you access your favorite websites and services no matter where you are.
• It’s like having a digital passport that lets you access the internet freely.

These are just a few examples. You can use Surfshark for many other things, like online shopping, banking, or web browsing. The possibilities are endless!

Advanced Surfshark Tips and Tricks

You’re already doing great with Surfshark! Now, let’s take things to the next level with some advanced tips and tricks:

Fine-Tuning Your VPN Settings:

• The Surfshark app has a “Settings” section where you can customize how your VPN works.
• You can change the VPN protocol (think of it like choosing a different lane on the highway). Some protocols are faster, while others are more secure.
• You can also change your DNS settings (this helps your device find websites faster).
• Explore the different settings and see what works best for you.

Using Surfshark on All Your Devices:

• You can use Surfshark on more than just your phone or computer.
• You can install it on your router (that’s the box that gives you Wi-Fi). This protects all the devices in your home at once!
• You can even use Surfshark on some smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Check the Surfshark website for instructions on how to set it up on different devices.

Troubleshooting: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

• Sometimes, you may run into trouble with your VPN connection. It might not connect, or the internet seems slow.
• Don’t worry! There are usually easy fixes for these problems.
• First, try restarting your device and the Surfshark app.
• If that doesn’t work, try connecting to a different server.
• You can also check the Surfshark website for articles on help or contact their customer support. They’re always happy to help!

Bonus Tip:

• If you need more clarification about committing to Surfshark, try their free trial! This lets you test out the VPN service before you pay anything, and it’s a great way to see if it’s right for you.

With these tips, you’ll be a Surfshark expert in no time!

Remember, the most important thing is to use a VPN whenever you’re online, especially on public Wi-Fi.

It’s the best way to keep your information safe and private.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! You’ve learned how to use Surfshark VPN like a pro.

We’ve covered everything from setting up your account to using cool features like CleanWeb and MultiHop.

Remember, using a VPN is like having a superpower for your internet connection.

It keeps your online activity private, protects you on public Wi-Fi, and even lets you watch shows worldwide.

Surfshark is a great VPN provider because it’s easy to use, has many features, and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Plus, you can try it out with a Surfshark free trial before you decide.

What are you waiting for?

Download the Surfshark desktop app or mobile app and give it a try. You won’t regret it!

If you have any questions about how to use Surfshark VPN, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy browsing!

Frequently Asked Questions