Struggling to get specific apps or websites to work perfectly with your VPN, or maybe you’re trying to sneak past some tough geo-blocks? You’re not alone! Many of us have been there, wanting the security of a VPN for most things but needing a bit more flexibility for others. The great news is, Surfshark comes packed with some clever features designed to give you exactly that control. We’re talking about tools like their “Bypasser” feature, which is essentially split tunneling, and advanced modes like NoBorders and Camouflage, all built to help you navigate the on your terms.

Think of it this way: a VPN is like a secure, private tunnel for all your internet traffic. Normally, everything goes through it, which is awesome for privacy and security. But sometimes, you hit a wall. Maybe your banking app insists on seeing your real location, or a local service just won’t play nice when it thinks you’re halfway across the globe. That’s where “bypassing” comes in. It’s not about ditching your VPN entirely, but rather about smartly routing some traffic outside the VPN tunnel or making your VPN connection virtually undetectable when facing strict network restrictions. This guide will walk you through exactly how Surfshark empowers you to achieve this balance, ensuring you get the best of both worlds: robust security and seamless access. Understanding these features isn’t just a technical. it’s about unlocking a more flexible and secure online experience where you’re truly in control.

Table of Contents

Understanding Surfshark’s “Bypasser” Feature: Split Tunneling Made Easy

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Surfshark’s Bypasser feature. If you’ve ever heard of “split tunneling,” this is Surfshark’s take on it, and it’s super handy. In simple terms, split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use your VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. Imagine you have two doors to the internet: one goes through your secure VPN tunnel, and the other is your regular, direct connection. Bypasser lets you pick and choose which traffic goes through which door.

Normally, when you fire up your VPN, all your internet traffic gets routed through that encrypted tunnel. This is fantastic for privacy, as your ISP can’t snoop on your activities, and your IP address is hidden. But, as we all know, life isn’t always “one size fits all.” Sometimes, you want to access local services or use apps that don’t play well with VPNs. That’s where Bypasser steps in to give you that much-needed flexibility.

Why You’d Want to Use Bypasser

There are a bunch of real-world scenarios where Surfshark’s Bypasser can be a total game-changer, making your online life much smoother without compromising overall security.

Accessing Local Network Devices: Ever tried to print something to your home printer or access a local network drive while connected to your VPN? It usually doesn’t work! That’s because your VPN makes it look like you’re on a different network, so your device can’t “see” your local ones. With Bypasser, you can route your printer’s app or local network traffic outside the VPN, letting you print or share files without disconnecting from your VPN.
Using Banking or Specific Apps That Block VPNs: Some online banking apps, payment processors, or certain business applications have strict security measures. They might detect your VPN’s IP address and flag it as suspicious, preventing you from logging in or completing transactions. It’s super frustrating to have to turn off your VPN just for a quick bank transfer. Bypasser lets you tell Surfshark, “Hey, let my banking app bypass the VPN,” so it uses your regular internet connection and local IP, and you can get things done without hassle.
Simultaneous Local and Foreign Content Access: This is a big one for many of us! Maybe you’re streaming a show from a different country using your VPN, but you also want to browse local news or access a service that requires your actual location. Bypasser lets you stream through the VPN while your local browsing happens directly, giving you the best of both worlds.
Faster Speeds for Non-Sensitive Data: Encrypting and routing all your traffic through a VPN server can sometimes add a tiny bit of overhead, potentially slowing down very data-heavy activities. If you’re downloading a large file that doesn’t need VPN protection, or playing an online game where every millisecond counts, you can route those specific apps outside the VPN tunnel using Bypasser for potentially faster speeds. Just remember, if it’s not going through the VPN, it’s not encrypted!

How to Set Up Surfshark Bypasser Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up Bypasser is pretty straightforward, and Surfshark has made it quite intuitive across different devices. The general idea is to dive into the VPN settings and find the Bypasser option. Surfshark VPN Brazil Veloz: Supercharge Your Connection & Stay Private

Here’s a general rundown, but remember the exact menu names might vary slightly depending on your device and the Surfshark app version:

Open the Surfshark Application: First things first, get your Surfshark app running on your device. It’s available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Head to Settings: Look for the “Settings” or cogwheel icon, usually in the bottom bar or left-hand side panel.
Find VPN Settings: Within the Settings menu, you’ll typically find a “VPN Settings” or “Connectivity” option. Click on that.
Locate Bypasser: This is where you’ll find the “Bypasser” feature. It might also be called “Whitelister” in older versions or some specific contexts. Toggle the switch to enable it.

Now, here’s where you make the crucial choice between two options:

Bypass VPN: This is when you select specific applications or websites that you do not want to use the VPN connection. All other traffic on your device will go through the VPN. This is often the more common choice for things like banking apps or local services.
Route via VPN: This option is the inverse. You select specific applications that you only want to use the VPN connection. All other traffic on your device will connect directly to the internet without VPN protection. This can be useful if you only want a particular app like a torrent client to be encrypted, and everything else to run normally. Be careful with this one, as it means most of your device’s traffic won’t be protected by the VPN.

Let’s look at how to actually add apps or websites:

For Applications: Once you’ve chosen “Bypass VPN” or “Route via VPN,” you’ll usually see an option like “Select apps” or “0 Apps selected.” Click on this. You’ll then see a list of applications installed on your device. Just check the box next to the apps you want to include in your Bypasser rule. If you can’t find an app, there might be an “Add apps” button to browse for its executable file .exe on Windows.
For Websites/IP Addresses: If you want to bypass specific websites instead of apps, look for a “Websites / IP addresses” tab or similar. You can then add the URLs of the websites or specific IP addresses you want to bypass.

Important notes for different platforms:

Windows & Android: These platforms generally offer both app-based and website-based split tunneling Bypasser.
macOS: Surfshark’s Bypasser feature lets you bypass websites and apps.
iOS: On iOS, the Bypasser feature is usually limited to routing specific websites outside the tunnel, not individual apps due to Apple’s system restrictions.

Once you’ve configured your choices, make sure to reconnect to a Surfshark server for the changes to take effect. Buying Surfshark VPN: Your Complete Guide to Online Freedom and Security

When Bypasser Isn’t Working: Troubleshooting Split Tunneling Issues

Sometimes, even the best features can act up. If you’ve set up Bypasser and it’s not doing what you expect, here are a few things you can try:

Restart the App and Your Device: This is the classic tech support advice for a reason! A simple restart of the Surfshark app, or even your entire device, can often clear up minor glitches.
Double-Check Your Bypasser Settings: Go back into the Bypasser settings. Did you select “Bypass VPN” when you meant “Route via VPN” or vice versa? Are the correct apps or websites actually listed? It’s easy to accidentally miss a checkbox.
Update the Surfshark App: Outdated software can cause all sorts of compatibility problems. Make sure your Surfshark app is running the latest version. Developers frequently release updates that fix bugs and improve feature functionality.
Check for App Conflicts: Other network-modifying applications, like other VPNs, certain firewalls, or even some antivirus programs, can interfere with Surfshark’s Bypasser. Try temporarily disabling other similar software to see if it resolves the issue.
Reinstall Surfshark: If all else fails, a clean reinstall of the Surfshark app can often fix deeper configuration issues. Just uninstall it completely, reboot your device, and then download and install the latest version.
Contact Surfshark Support: If you’re still scratching your head, Surfshark’s customer support is available 24/7. They’re usually pretty quick and can offer personalized troubleshooting.

Breaking Through VPN Blocks: When Surfshark Needs to Be Undetectable

Beyond just split tunneling, “bypassing” a VPN can also mean trying to get around intentional blocks. This is a common challenge, especially when dealing with streaming services, strict network firewalls like at schools or workplaces, or even government censorship. The good news is that Surfshark is designed with several powerful features specifically to help you become virtually undetectable.

Why Do Services Block VPNs?

It’s not because they dislike privacy. it’s usually for a few key reasons: Buy Surfshark VPN Global Software License: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom

Licensing Agreements for Streaming Services: This is probably the most common reason you encounter VPN blocks. Streaming platforms like Netflix have different content libraries in different countries due to licensing agreements with content creators. If everyone used a VPN to access any library, these agreements would fall apart. So, they actively detect and block known VPN IP addresses.
Government Censorship: In countries with strict internet censorship, like China or Russia, governments use advanced firewalls like the Great Firewall of China to block access to certain websites and online services, and to prevent VPN usage itself.
Network Restrictions Work/School: Many corporate or educational networks impose firewalls to limit access to certain websites or applications, often to improve productivity or security. They might block VPNs to ensure their internal network policies are followed.
Anti-Fraud Measures: Banking institutions and online payment systems often rely on your consistent IP address and location as a security measure. If your IP keeps jumping around via a VPN, they might flag it as a potential fraud risk.

Surfshark’s Arsenal Against Blocks

Surfshark is well-equipped to handle these blocking attempts, boasting a suite of features designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic or to route it through specialized servers.

NoBorders Mode

Imagine you’re in a place where the internet feels really locked down – maybe a school network, a workplace with strict firewalls, or even a country with heavy censorship. That’s exactly where Surfshark’s NoBorders mode shines.

What it is: NoBorders mode is a feature designed to help you use Surfshark through network restrictions. When the app detects that your network is being restricted, it automatically kicks in.
How it works: It essentially gives you access to a specially curated list of servers that are optimized to perform well under heavy restrictions. These servers are often designed to bypass common blocking methods.
When to use it: If you’re struggling to connect to Surfshark or access content in a highly restricted environment, NoBorders mode is your go-to. It’s particularly useful for bypassing government censorship and geo-blocking.
Activation: Surfshark states that NoBorders should activate automatically if it detects restrictions. However, you can also enable it manually: go to Settings > Advanced > Toggle NoBorders switch ON.

Camouflage Mode Obfuscation

This is a really clever trick. Camouflage mode, also known as Obfuscation, makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. Why is this important? Because some advanced firewalls and ISPs use “Deep Packet Inspection” DPI to identify and block VPN connections. They look for patterns in your data that scream “VPN!”

How it works: Camouflage mode disguises your VPN traffic so it blends in with normal HTTPS traffic. This way, even if someone is actively trying to detect VPN usage, they’ll have a much harder time. This mode runs automatically when you connect to Surfshark’s servers using the OpenVPN UDP or TCP protocols.
Benefits: It’s crucial for maintaining privacy and access in situations where VPN use is actively monitored or blocked, offering an extra layer of privacy by hiding the very fact that you’re using a VPN.

Dedicated IP

While most VPN users share IP addresses, a dedicated IP is a unique, static IP address that’s exclusively yours. It costs a bit extra, but it can be incredibly useful for bypassing blocks.

Benefits: Since the IP address is only assigned to you, it’s less likely to be flagged or blacklisted by services that detect shared VPN IPs. This means more stable access to things like online banking platforms, remote work servers, or even certain streaming services that might be pickier about frequently changing IPs. You also face fewer CAPTCHA requests, which is a nice bonus!
How it works with Surfshark: Surfshark offers dedicated IPs in several locations, including the US New York, San Jose, Los Angeles, Dallas, London UK, and Amsterdam Netherlands, with more coming. Surfshark also claims to offer an “anonymous mode” that allows you to unlink your dedicated IP from your email address for enhanced privacy.

Rotating IP Nexus Technology

Surfshark’s Nexus technology includes a Rotating IP feature, which is another smart way to boost anonymity and bypass detection. Supercharge Your Privacy: The Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN and Brave Browser

How it works: Instead of keeping the same VPN IP address for your entire session, Surfshark’s Rotating IP feature automatically changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting your VPN.
Benefits: This makes it much harder for websites or services to track you or flag your connection as suspicious, as your IP is constantly shifting. It adds another layer of obfuscation that can help bypass persistent blocks.

CleanWeb

While its main job is to block ads, trackers, and malware, Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature can indirectly help with bypassing. By preventing trackers and malicious scripts from loading, it reduces the amount of data certain websites can collect about your connection, potentially making it harder for them to identify VPN usage or your real location. It’s available both in the app and as a browser extension, offering system-wide protection with the app.

Bypassing Streaming Geo-Restrictions Netflix, etc.

Streaming services like Netflix are notorious for their VPN blocking efforts, but Surfshark consistently proves to be one of the best VPNs for getting around these geo-restrictions. Our tests have shown Surfshark can easily unblock Netflix libraries in various countries, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, Germany, Netherlands, France, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Mexico, and Singapore.

If you find Surfshark struggling to unblock your desired content, here are some actionable tips:

Switch Servers: This is often the quickest fix. Streaming services are constantly blocking known VPN server IPs. If one server isn’t working, simply disconnect and connect to a different server within the same country. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, so you have plenty of options.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Websites including streaming sites store information in your browser’s cache and cookies that can reveal your real location, even if your VPN is active. Clearing these can remove those pesky clues. It’s like giving your browser a fresh start.
Update the Surfshark App: Always make sure your Surfshark app is up to date. Providers regularly update their apps to counter new VPN blocking techniques and improve performance with streaming services.
Try Different Protocols: Surfshark offers various VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. If you’re having trouble, try switching protocols in your app’s settings. WireGuard is often the fastest, while OpenVPN especially UDP is known for being robust and can sometimes bypass network restrictions better. For extreme cases, Camouflage Mode relies on OpenVPN.
Contact Customer Support: If you’ve tried everything and you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support. They can often tell you which specific servers are currently working best for certain streaming platforms or offer advanced troubleshooting.

What to Do When Surfshark Still Can’t Bypass a Block

Sometimes, despite all the features and troubleshooting, you might still hit a snag. Here are broader steps if your Surfshark VPN isn’t performing as expected:

Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure your underlying internet connection is stable and working without the VPN. A weak or unstable connection will obviously affect your VPN’s performance.
Disable Interfering Applications: As mentioned before, other VPNs, certain antivirus software, or firewalls can clash with Surfshark. Temporarily disable these to see if they’re causing the problem.
Change Your DNS Settings: Your internet service provider’s default DNS servers can sometimes cause issues or even reveal your location. You can try switching to Surfshark’s private DNS or a reliable public DNS service like Google DNS in your device’s network settings. Surfshark offers private DNS on each of its servers and provides IPv6 leak protection.
Disable IPv6: Surfshark primarily supports IPv4. If your device or network is using IPv6, it might lead to connection issues or even leaks that expose your real IP, undermining your VPN’s efforts to bypass blocks. Disabling IPv6 in your network adapter settings can often resolve this.
Test Different Networks: If possible, try connecting to Surfshark on a different Wi-Fi network or using mobile data. This can help determine if the issue is with your specific network’s restrictions.
Set Up a Manual VPN Connection Advanced: In some very restrictive environments, configuring a manual VPN connection using OpenVPN, for example, might be necessary. This is a bit more technical but can sometimes bypass blocks that the app can’t. Surfshark usually has guides for manual setup on their support pages.

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Security Considerations and Best Practices for Bypassing

While bypassing features like Bypasser split tunneling offer fantastic flexibility, it’s crucial to understand the security implications. When you choose to bypass the VPN for certain apps or websites, that specific traffic is no longer encrypted or protected by the VPN. This means:

Your Data is Exposed: Any data sent or received by the bypassed applications or websites will travel through your regular internet connection. Your ISP, government agencies, or even malicious actors on public Wi-Fi could potentially monitor that traffic.
Your Real IP Address is Visible: For bypassed traffic, your real IP address will be visible to the websites or services you’re accessing.

When Not to Bypass

It’s a good rule of thumb to never bypass the VPN for sensitive activities. This includes:

Online banking unless the app specifically requires it, and you’re comfortable with the risk.
Accessing personal health information.
Handling confidential work documents.
Any activity where anonymity or strong encryption is paramount.

We recommend always keeping your sensitive and personal information secure inside the VPN tunnel.

Importance of Surfshark’s No-Logs Policy and Audits

Even when you’re selectively bypassing, it’s reassuring to know that the part of your traffic still going through Surfshark is handled securely. Surfshark operates on a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect, track, or share your online activity. This policy has been independently audited by reputable firms like Cure53 and Deloitte, confirming their commitment to user privacy. Furthermore, since 2020, Surfshark has been operating solely on RAM-only servers, which are wiped clean with every reboot, adding another layer of data security.

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Using Other Security Features

To further enhance your online security, even when considering bypassing, remember to leverage Surfshark’s other robust features:

Kill Switch: This vital feature automatically disconnects your internet if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, preventing any accidental data leaks. Make sure it’s always enabled.
MultiHop Double VPN: If you need an extra layer of security, MultiHop routes your traffic through two different VPN servers, encrypting your data twice. This makes it incredibly difficult to trace your online activities.
Private DNS & Leak Protection: Surfshark uses private DNS on all its servers and provides IPv6 leak protection, ensuring your browsing remains private and secure without data leaks.

Is Surfshark a “Free” VPN to Bypass Restrictions?

One question that often comes up is whether you can use Surfshark for free to bypass restrictions. Here’s the deal: Surfshark is a premium, paid VPN service, and generally, that’s what you want for reliable bypassing and security. However, they do offer ways to try it out without committing financially right away:

7-Day Free Trial: If you’re on iOS or Android, you can usually get a 7-day free trial through the app stores. This is a great way to test its bypassing capabilities on your mobile devices. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: For desktop users and longer subscriptions, Surfshark offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can sign up, pay for a subscription, use it for up to a month, and if you’re not satisfied or just want to try it risk-free, you can request a full refund, no questions asked. It’s effectively like using it for free for that period.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between these offers and truly “free” VPNs. Most free VPNs come with significant downsides: Surfshark VPN for BitTorrent: Your Ultimate Guide to Private & Fast Torrenting

Data Selling: Many free VPNs generate revenue by selling your browsing data to third parties, which defeats the entire purpose of using a VPN for privacy.
Poor Performance: Free VPNs often have limited servers, overcrowded networks, and slower speeds, making them ineffective for bypassing geo-restrictions or streaming.
Security Risks: They might lack strong encryption, suffer from DNS leaks, or even inject malware onto your device.
Ads: Expect a barrage of ads, which can be intrusive and annoying.

So, while Surfshark isn’t “free” in the long run, its trial and money-back guarantee offer a risk-free way to experience a premium service capable of reliable bypassing, without the compromises of truly free options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surfshark’s Bypasser feature?

Surfshark’s Bypasser, also known as split tunneling, is a feature that lets you choose which applications or websites route their internet traffic through the VPN tunnel and which ones connect directly to the internet. This provides flexibility, allowing you to secure sensitive traffic while letting other apps access local networks or services that block VPNs.

Can Surfshark bypass Netflix geo-restrictions?

Yes, Surfshark is highly effective at bypassing Netflix geo-restrictions and unblocking libraries in many countries, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and several others. If you encounter issues, try switching servers, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, or updating your Surfshark app. Surfshark VPN Billing: Your Ultimate Guide to Plans, Payments, and Peace of Mind

My Surfshark Bypasser isn’t working. What should I do?

If Surfshark’s Bypasser isn’t working, first, double-check your settings to ensure the correct apps or websites are selected. Then, try restarting the Surfshark app and your device. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version and temporarily disable any other interfering applications like other VPNs or firewalls. If problems persist, a reinstall or contacting Surfshark support might help.

How does NoBorders mode help bypass VPN blocks?

NoBorders mode is a Surfshark feature that automatically activates when the app detects network restrictions, like those imposed by firewalls or government censorship. It connects you to specialized servers optimized to bypass these blocks, making your VPN connection more resilient in highly restricted environments.

Is it safe to bypass my VPN for certain apps?

Using the Bypasser feature split tunneling means that the traffic from the selected apps or websites will not be encrypted by the VPN and will use your regular internet connection. This exposes that specific traffic to your ISP and potentially others. It is generally safe for non-sensitive activities like accessing local network devices or banking apps that require your real location, but you should avoid bypassing for any activities where strong privacy and encryption are critical.

Can I use Surfshark for free to bypass restrictions?

While Surfshark is a paid premium VPN, you can try its bypassing capabilities risk-free through its 7-day free trial on iOS and Android, or by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscriptions. This allows you to test the service for a limited period and get a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs, without resorting to unreliable and potentially unsafe free VPNs.

Master Your Connection: The Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN Bypass (Bypasser) for Seamless Online Access

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The Ultimate Guide to Bypassing Surfshark VPN: Features, Fixes, and Freedom