Setting up Surfshark on your GL.iNet router can feel like unlocking a whole new level of internet freedom, and honestly, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. This setup lets you protect every device on your home network with just one VPN connection, making it super convenient for families or anyone who just wants to secure all their gadgets without fiddling with individual app installations. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to get Surfshark running smoothly on your GL.iNet router but also understand why this combination is a must for your online privacy and security. We’ll walk through everything from choosing the right GL.iNet model to picking the best VPN protocol, making sure you get a faster, more secure internet experience wherever you are.

Table of Contents

Why a GL.iNet Router with Surfshark VPN?

You might be thinking, “Why bother with a router VPN when I can just use the Surfshark app on my devices?” That’s a fair question, and here’s the real talk: putting Surfshark on your GL.iNet router changes the game for a few key reasons.

Protect Your Entire Network

Imagine this: you’ve got your phone, your laptop, a smart TV, maybe a gaming console, and a few other smart home gadgets. Each one needs protection, right? Installing Surfshark on your GL.iNet router means every device connected to that router instantly gets VPN protection. You don’t have to worry about individual app installations, device limits Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, but this just simplifies things, or forgetting to turn on the VPN. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that covers your whole at home. Surfshark vpn mod github

Security on the Go Travel Routers

This is where GL.iNet routers truly shine, especially their travel-friendly models like the GL.iNet Mango or GL.iNet Beryl. Picture yourself in a hotel, airport, or a coffee shop using their public Wi-Fi. Those networks are often insecure and a playground for anyone looking to snoop on your data. By connecting your GL.iNet travel router to the public Wi-Fi and then connecting your devices to your router’s private Wi-Fi network, everything you do is encrypted and routed through Surfshark VPN. It’s like having your own secure bubble wherever you are. Plus, you only need to connect one device your GL.iNet router to the hotel Wi-Fi, saving you the hassle of connecting each of your several devices separately.

Bypass Geo-Restrictions & Censors

Ever tried to access content or services that aren’t available in your current location? A GL.iNet router with Surfshark makes it simple. By connecting to a Surfshark server in a different country, all your devices appear to be in that location. This is super handy for accessing your favorite news, educational content, or even staying connected to services from home when you’re traveling. It can even help you get around strict internet censorship in some regions, though you might need Surfshark’s “NoBorders” mode for that.

Centralized Control & Ease of Use

GL.iNet routers run on a custom OpenWRT-based firmware, which is known for being user-friendly, even if you’re not a tech wizard. Their web interface makes managing your VPN connection straightforward. You can easily switch servers, change protocols, or turn the VPN on or off, all from one central point. This means less fuss and more time enjoying your secure internet.

Choosing Your GL.iNet Router: Which One is Right for You?

GL.iNet offers a range of routers, each with different strengths. When you’re looking to run Surfshark, especially if you plan on using the faster WireGuard protocol, considering the router’s processing power is a smart move.

Popular Models for Surfshark VPN

Many GL.iNet models are excellent choices, and Surfshark offers detailed setup guides for their firmware versions 3.x and 4.x. Here are some common ones that come up in discussions: Demystifying Surfshark VPN on Linux: Official GUI, Git, and How to Get Connected

GL.iNet Mango GL-MT300N-V2: This little guy is a popular travel router. It’s compact and budget-friendly, perfect for basic VPN use on the go. While it might not hit the fastest WireGuard speeds, it’s a solid choice for general browsing and light streaming.
GL.iNet Beryl GL-MT1300 / Beryl AX GL-MT3000: The Beryl series offers a step up in performance. The original Beryl GL-MT1300 is often recommended for its good balance of size and speed, offering decent WireGuard performance. The newer Beryl AX GL-MT3000 brings Wi-Fi 6 and even better VPN speeds, with WireGuard speeds potentially hitting around 300Mbps, making it a strong contender for heavier use.
GL.iNet Opal GL-SFT1200: Another excellent travel router, the Opal is known for being a reliable option for Surfshark VPN. It offers a good blend of features and performance for its price point.
GL.iNet Slate AX GL-AXT1800 / Flint 2 GL-MT6000: These are more powerful, higher-end routers. The Slate AX is capable of handling WireGuard connections with impressive speeds. The Flint 2 GL-MT6000 is one of their top-tier offerings, providing robust performance for demanding VPN scenarios, with WireGuard speeds on some models reaching up to 355Mbps or more. If you’re really serious about speed and have a fast internet connection, these are the ones to look at.

Performance Considerations

When choosing a router, keep in mind that the CPU and RAM affect VPN speeds. WireGuard is generally more efficient, so even less powerful routers can handle it better than OpenVPN. However, a more powerful router will give you faster VPN throughput, which is especially important if you have a fast internet connection and want to maintain as much speed as possible while encrypted. GL.iNet actually lists estimated WireGuard speeds for several of their models, so you can check those figures when making your decision.

Getting Started: Your Surfshark Account & Credentials

Before you can get Surfshark running on your GL.iNet router, you’ll need an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one, you can easily get one from Surfshark’s website. Once you’re subscribed, the next crucial step is to gather your manual VPN credentials and configuration files. These aren’t your regular login email and password, so pay close attention!

Setting up Manual VPN Credentials

Log in to your Surfshark account: Head over to the Surfshark website and log in to your account.
Navigate to Manual Setup: Look for “VPN” in the menu, then click on “Manual setup”.
Choose your Protocol: You’ll typically have the option between OpenVPN and WireGuard. For most GL.iNet users, especially with newer models, WireGuard is often recommended for its speed and efficiency. However, OpenVPN is a reliable classic if WireGuard gives you trouble or isn’t supported on an older router. We’ll go through both setup methods.
- For OpenVPN: Select “OpenVPN protocol.” Then, find the “Credentials” tab and click “Generate credentials.” You’ll see a unique username and password. Make sure to save these somewhere safe or keep the tab open, as you’ll need them later.
- For WireGuard: Select “WireGuard protocol.” You’ll typically be asked to generate a key pair. If you don’t have one, choose “I don’t have a key pair,” give it a name, and click to generate. You’ll get a public and a private key. Save both of these.

Downloading Configuration Files

After getting your credentials, you’ll need to download the server configuration files:

For OpenVPN: Go to the “Locations” tab within the manual setup section. Find the server location you want to connect to and click the download icon next to it. You’ll usually get options for UDP and TCP. UDP is generally faster, so start with that, but TCP can be useful if you’re having connection issues.
For WireGuard: Similarly, in the “Locations” tab, select your desired server and click the download icon. This will give you a .conf file.

Pro Tip: Choose a server location that’s geographically close to you for better speeds, or a specific location if you’re trying to bypass geo-restrictions for content access.

Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your GL.iNet Router Step-by-Step

Now that you have your Surfshark credentials and config files, let’s get them loaded onto your GL.iNet router. The steps are pretty similar for most GL.iNet routers with 3.x or 4.x firmware, which are the most common versions today. Get Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom & Security

OpenVPN Configuration

If you chose OpenVPN, here’s how to set it up:

Log in to Your Router: Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. The default is usually 192.168.8.1 or sometimes 192.168.1.1. If those don’t work, check the label on the back or bottom of your router for the correct gateway IP and login credentials. Once prompted, enter your router’s administration password the default is often “admin” if you haven’t changed it.
Navigate to VPN Client Settings: Once you’re in the GL.iNet administration panel, look for the “VPN” tab in the left-hand menu. Under that, find “OpenVPN Client” and click on it, then select “Add a New OpenVPN Configuration”.
Import Configuration File: A new window will pop up. This is where you’ll import the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier from Surfshark. Just drag and drop the file into the designated area or use the “Upload” button. You should get a confirmation that the file uploaded successfully.
Enter Credentials and Connect: After the file is imported, you’ll need to enter the manual Surfshark VPN username and password that you generated earlier remember, these are not your regular Surfshark account login details. Unlock Global Gaming Deals with Surfshark VPN on Gamivo
- Give your VPN profile a descriptive name in the “Description” field e.g., “Surfshark Germany”.
- Enter your Surfshark service username.
- Enter your Surfshark service password.
- Click “Submit”.
- Finally, click the “Connect” button next to your newly created VPN profile.

You should see a “Connected” status, and your router will now be routing all traffic through Surfshark.

WireGuard Configuration

For those opting for WireGuard which, again, is often faster on GL.iNet routers:

Generate Key Pair & Download Config if you haven’t already: If you haven’t done this, go back to your Surfshark account’s manual setup page.
- Select the WireGuard protocol.
- If you don’t have a key pair, choose “I don’t have a key pair,” give it a name, and generate it. Save both your public and private keys.
- Then, choose your desired Surfshark server location and download its .conf file.
Connect to Router Interface: Just like with OpenVPN, log into your GL.iNet router’s web interface using its IP address e.g., 192.168.8.1 and your admin password.
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- On the left-hand menu, click on “VPN,” then select “WireGuard”.
- Click on “Set up WireGuard manually”.
- Now, you’ll need to open the .conf file you downloaded from Surfshark using a text editor like Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac.
- Copy the entire content of that .conf file and paste it into the “Configuration” box on your GL.iNet router’s WireGuard setup page.
- Make sure your private key from the Surfshark manual setup page is correctly inserted into the PrivateKey = field within the configuration. Sometimes the downloaded file might have a placeholder like <insert_your_private_key_here>, which you need to replace.
- Click “Apply” or “Add” the button might vary slightly depending on your firmware version.
- Once the profile is added, simply click “Connect” next to it.

Your router should now establish a WireGuard VPN connection through Surfshark.

WireGuard vs. OpenVPN: Which Protocol Should You Use?

This is a question many people ponder when setting up a VPN, and for good reason! Both WireGuard and OpenVPN are strong protocols, but they have different strengths.

WireGuard: This is the newer, leaner kid on the block. It boasts significantly less code around 4,000 lines compared to OpenVPN’s 70,000-100,000, making it faster and potentially more secure because there’s less code to audit for vulnerabilities. For most GL.iNet routers, especially those with decent processing power, WireGuard will almost always give you better speeds. Surfshark itself recommends WireGuard for routers as it’s more lightweight and performs better on weaker hardware. If speed is a priority for streaming, gaming, or general browsing, WireGuard is usually the way to go.
OpenVPN: This is the veteran, open-source protocol that has been around for ages and is widely trusted. It’s incredibly versatile and highly configurable, offering both UDP faster and TCP more reliable, can bypass some network restrictions options. While it’s generally slower than WireGuard, it’s often natively supported by more routers and can be a solid choice if WireGuard gives you trouble or if you need specific customization options. It’s also a good fallback if you’re in a highly restrictive network environment where WireGuard might struggle without obfuscation though Surfshark’s “NoBorders” mode can help with this, usually requiring OpenVPN.

My recommendation for GL.iNet routers with Surfshark: Start with WireGuard. Its speed and efficiency are a perfect match for router-based VPNs, letting you get the most out of your internet connection while staying protected. If you run into issues or have specific needs like needing TCP for a very restricted network, then give OpenVPN a try. Is Surfshark VPN Good for Gaming?

Maximizing Your Surfshark & GL.iNet Experience

You’ve got Surfshark running on your GL.iNet router – awesome! But let’s make sure it’s working perfectly and you’re getting the most out of it.

Checking Your Connection: IP and DNS Leak Tests

This is a crucial step after any VPN setup. You want to confirm that your real IP address isn’t showing and that your DNS requests aren’t leaking outside the VPN tunnel.

Surfshark’s built-in tests: Surfshark provides convenient IP leak and DNS leak tests directly on their website. Simply visit their site while connected through your router’s VPN and run these tests.
What to look for: The tests should show an IP address and DNS servers belonging to Surfshark, matching the server location you chose. If you see your original IP or DNS servers from your internet provider, something might be wrong, and you’ll need to troubleshoot.

Using Advanced Features: Split Tunneling Bypasser, NoBorders Mode

GL.iNet routers and Surfshark work together to offer some powerful features:

Split Tunneling Surfshark’s Bypasser: This lets you decide which specific websites or apps go through the VPN and which bypass it. Why is this useful? Maybe your banking app flags transactions from a “foreign” IP address, or a local service needs your real location. With Bypasser, you can route only specific traffic through the VPN, leaving the rest to use your regular internet connection. GL.iNet routers have their own VPN policies that allow for similar granular control, letting you decide which devices or domains use the VPN.
NoBorders Mode: If you’re in a country with heavy internet censorship, NoBorders mode can be a lifesaver. This Surfshark feature is designed to bypass strict firewalls and restrictions, giving you access to the open internet. When you enable it, your VPN connection becomes “obfuscated,” meaning it scrambles your VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, making it harder for censors to detect and block. This feature is usually associated with OpenVPN.

Optimizing Speed

Sometimes, even with WireGuard, you might notice slower speeds. Here are a few things to consider:

Server Selection: The further away the VPN server, the slower your speeds usually are. Try connecting to a Surfshark server closer to your physical location. Also, some servers might just be more congested than others. Don’t be afraid to try a few different ones in your chosen region.
Router CPU Power: While WireGuard is efficient, older or less powerful GL.iNet models will inherently have lower maximum VPN speeds compared to newer, more robust ones like the Beryl AX or Flint 2.
Internet Connection Quality: A VPN can’t magically make your internet faster than your base connection. If your ISP speed is slow, your VPN speed will also be limited.
MTU Maximum Transmission Unit Adjustment: This one’s a bit more advanced, but some users on GL.iNet forums have found that adjusting the MTU value can significantly improve WireGuard speeds, especially on certain connection types like IPv6 & PPoE. If you’re experiencing really slow speeds, exploring MTU settings on your GL.iNet router might help, but proceed with caution and research the optimal values for your specific setup.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Even the best setups can hit a snag. If your GL.iNet Surfshark VPN isn’t working as expected, don’t panic. Here are some common problems and how to tackle them: How to Get a Surfshark Free Trial and Test Drive Top-Tier VPN Protection (Risk-Free!)

Slow VPN Speeds:
- Try a Different Server: As mentioned, server distance and load play a big role. Switch to a closer or less congested Surfshark server.
- Change Protocol: If you’re on OpenVPN, switch to WireGuard for a speed boost. If you’re already on WireGuard, briefly try OpenVPN to see if the issue is protocol-specific.
- Adjust MTU: This has helped some GL.iNet users with WireGuard. Check GL.iNet forums for recommended MTU values for your router model and connection type.
- Check Local Network: Is your internet connection slow without the VPN? Test your raw internet speed to rule out ISP issues.
Connection Errors / VPN Not Connecting:
- Incorrect Credentials/Keys: Double-check your Surfshark manual VPN username and password for OpenVPN, or your public/private key pair for WireGuard. Make sure there are no typos, and for WireGuard, ensure the private key is in the correct format and length in the .conf file. These are different from your regular Surfshark account login.
- Outdated Firmware: Ensure your GL.iNet router’s firmware is up to date. Surfshark guides are often tailored to specific firmware versions e.x., 3.x or 4.x, and an older firmware might not be fully compatible or have bugs.
- Configuration File Issues: Sometimes, the .ovpn or .conf file might be corrupted or outdated. Download a fresh one from your Surfshark account.
- VPN Rules: On GL.iNet routers, there are VPN policies or rules. Make sure they’re set to “all devices” or “all domains” to ensure everything goes through the VPN, unless you intend to use split tunneling. An incorrect rule could be blocking traffic.
- Interfering Apps/Software: While less common on a router, ensure no other VPN software or overly aggressive firewalls on devices are conflicting with the router’s VPN connection.
- IPv6 Issues: Surfshark suggests checking if IPv6 is enabled on your network, as it can sometimes cause connection issues.
VPN Not Activating on All Devices:
- Router Reboot: Sometimes a simple reboot of your GL.iNet router can resolve temporary glitches.
- Device Reconnection: Disconnect and reconnect your devices to the router’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet to ensure they pick up the new VPN-routed connection.
- Check VPN Policy: On your GL.iNet router, go to “VPN” -> “VPN Policies.” Make sure the policy is set to include all devices or that no specific devices are excluded from VPN protection.

If you’ve tried these steps and are still facing issues, don’t hesitate to contact Surfshark’s customer support. They’re usually very helpful and can provide specific guidance for your router and setup.

Surfshark Pricing: Getting the Best Value

When it comes to getting Surfshark for your GL.iNet router, understanding their pricing plans can help you make the most budget-friendly choice. Surfshark is generally considered one of the more affordable premium VPN services, especially on their longer-term plans. Surfshark VPN on Firestick: Your Ultimate Guide (and What Reddit Says!)

Understanding the Plans Starter, One, One+

Surfshark typically offers three main subscription tiers:

Surfshark Starter: This is your basic VPN package. It includes all the core VPN features like unlimited device connections, a kill switch, split tunneling Bypasser, rotating IP, and access to their global server network 3200+ servers in 100 countries. For most users looking to secure their GL.iNet router, this plan has everything you need.
Surfshark One: This plan builds on the Starter package by adding extra security tools. You usually get Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Search a private search engine, and Surfshark Alert a data breach monitoring tool. This is great if you want a more comprehensive cybersecurity suite beyond just the VPN.
Surfshark One+: The top-tier plan includes everything from Surfshark One, plus features like Incogni, which helps remove your personal data from company databases. This is for those who want the maximum level of online privacy and data protection.

Long-term vs. Monthly Subscriptions

Like most VPN providers, Surfshark offers significant discounts if you commit to a longer subscription.

Monthly Plan: This is the most flexible but also the most expensive option. You pay month-to-month, which is good if you only need the VPN for a short period, but it’s not the most cost-effective for long-term use.
1-Year Plan: This offers a substantial discount compared to the monthly plan, billed annually. You’ll often get a few extra months free as a bonus.
2-Year Plan: This is consistently their best value, offering the lowest monthly average cost. You typically pay for two years upfront and often receive several additional months free, making it the most budget-friendly choice if you plan to use Surfshark long-term with your GL.iNet router.

Key takeaway: If you’re planning to use Surfshark with your GL.iNet router for the foreseeable future, the 2-year plan offers the best value. Prices can fluctuate, and they often run promotions, so it’s always a good idea to check their website for the most current deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GL.iNet routers work best with Surfshark VPN?

Many GL.iNet routers work well with Surfshark, especially models like the GL.iNet Beryl AX GL-MT3000, Slate AX GL-AXT1800, and Flint 2 GL-MT6000, which offer excellent WireGuard speeds. Even smaller travel routers like the GL.iNet Mango GL-MT300N-V2 and Opal GL-SFT1200 are compatible and provide good performance for their size, particularly with WireGuard.

Is WireGuard or OpenVPN better for a GL.iNet router with Surfshark?

For most GL.iNet routers, WireGuard is generally recommended. It’s a newer, more lightweight protocol that offers significantly faster speeds and better performance on router hardware compared to OpenVPN, without compromising security. However, OpenVPN is a reliable alternative if WireGuard causes issues or if you need specific features like TCP for highly restricted networks. Surfshark VPN for Firestick UK: Your Ultimate Guide to Unrestricted Streaming

How do I get Surfshark credentials for manual setup on my GL.iNet router?

You’ll need to log into your Surfshark account on their website, go to the “VPN” section, then “Manual setup.” Choose your preferred protocol WireGuard or OpenVPN. For OpenVPN, you’ll generate a unique username and password. For WireGuard, you’ll generate a public/private key pair. These are specific manual setup credentials, not your regular Surfshark login email and password.

Why are my VPN speeds slow on my GL.iNet router with Surfshark?

Slow speeds can be due to several factors:

Server distance/load: Connect to a Surfshark server geographically closer to you or try a different server.
Router’s processing power: Less powerful GL.iNet models will naturally have lower maximum VPN throughput.
VPN protocol: Ensure you’re using WireGuard if speed is a priority, as it’s typically faster than OpenVPN.
MTU settings: For WireGuard, adjusting the MTU value on your GL.iNet router can sometimes improve speeds, especially if you have a specific connection type.
ISP speed: Your VPN speed can’t exceed your base internet speed from your provider.

Can I use Surfshark’s Bypasser split tunneling feature with my GL.iNet router?

Yes, in a way! While Surfshark’s app-based Bypasser offers specific app control, GL.iNet routers have their own VPN policies feature. This allows you to configure which connected devices or specific domains on your network will use the VPN tunnel and which will bypass it, achieving a similar outcome to split tunneling. You can find these settings in your GL.iNet router’s administration panel under the VPN section.

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Unlocking Online Freedom: Your Ultimate Guide to GL.iNet Routers with Surfshark VPN