How to Get Surfshark VPN Working on Your Samsung Smart TV (The Real Talk Guide)

Updated on

Struggling to get Surfshark VPN on your Samsung Smart TV? You’re not alone! A lot of us try to download a VPN app directly onto our Samsung TVs, only to find out it’s just not possible. Samsung Smart TVs run on a system called Tizen OS, and that system doesn’t natively support VPN apps. Yep, that means you can’t just head to the Samsung App Store and grab Surfshark like you would on your phone or computer. It’s a bit of a bummer, but don’t worry, there are definitely ways to get around this and still enjoy all the benefits of Surfshark on your big screen.

Surfshark

If you’re looking to unblock geo-restricted content, keep your online activity private, and enjoy a smoother streaming experience without your internet provider slowing things down, using Surfshark with your Samsung TV is totally worth it. I’ll walk you through the best methods I’ve found, from the super-easy to the a-little-more-technical, so you can pick what works best for your setup. We’re talking Smart DNS, setting up Surfshark on your router, or even using your computer as a virtual hotspot. Let’s get your Samsung Smart TV hooked up with Surfshark!

NordVPN

Table of Contents

Why Can’t I Just Download Surfshark on My Samsung Smart TV?

Let’s clear this up right off the bat. Unlike some other smart TV platforms, like Android TV or Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs operate on their own Tizen OS. This operating system simply doesn’t have the built-in functionality to run VPN applications directly. Think of it like trying to run a PlayStation game on an Xbox – different systems, different rules. Even trying to sideload an APK file which is an Android app package won’t work because Tizen doesn’t support Android apps. So, if you’re asking “can you get Surfshark on Samsung Smart TV?” directly from an app store, the answer is a firm no. But this doesn’t mean “does Surfshark work on Samsung Smart TV?” has to be a no. It absolutely does, just with a little creativity!

Surfshark

Amazon

NordVPN

The Best Ways to Get Surfshark VPN on Your Samsung Smart TV

Since a direct app isn’t an option, we have to use some clever workarounds. Here are the most effective methods to get Surfshark’s power onto your Samsung TV:

Surfshark Surfshark with Transmission: Your Ultimate Guide for Secure Downloads

Method 1: The Easiest Option – Surfshark Smart DNS No VPN Encryption, but Great for Streaming

If your main goal is to access geo-blocked streaming content and you’re not overly concerned about the full encryption a VPN offers, Surfshark’s Smart DNS is probably the easiest and fastest way to go. This method tricks streaming services into thinking you’re in a different location without encrypting your internet traffic. It’s fantastic for unblocking things like different Netflix libraries or other region-locked services.

Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Activate Smart DNS in Your Surfshark Account

First things first, you need to tell Surfshark you want to use their Smart DNS service.

  1. Log in to your Surfshark account on their website. You can do this from any web browser on your computer or phone.
  2. Once logged in, look for the “Smart DNS” section or “Manual setup” under the VPN tab.
  3. If you haven’t used it before, you’ll likely see an option to “Activate Smart DNS” or “Get Started”. Go ahead and click that. Surfshark will usually register your current public IP address for this service.
  4. Once activated, you’ll see a couple of DNS server IP addresses. Write these down or keep the page open, because you’ll need them for your TV.

Step 2: Configure Your Samsung Smart TV’s Network Settings

Now, let’s tell your TV to use those new DNS servers. Troypoint Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide for Firestick & Beyond

  1. Turn on your Samsung Smart TV.
  2. Grab your TV remote and press the “Menu” or “Home” button it varies slightly by model, but usually the one that brings up your main settings.
  3. Navigate to “Settings” and then select “Network”.
  4. Go to “Network Status”.
  5. On the Network Status screen, you should find an option called “IP Settings” or “DNS Settings”. Select it.
  6. Look for the “DNS Setting” option and switch it from “Get automatically” or “Auto” to “Enter Manually”.
  7. Now, enter the DNS Server IP address you got from your Surfshark account into the field. If you have a second one, you might be able to enter it as well, or just use the primary one.
  8. Press “OK” or “Done” to save the settings.
  9. Restart your Samsung Smart TV completely turn it off and on again, maybe even unplug it for a minute to make sure the changes take effect.

And there you have it! You’ve successfully configured Surfshark Smart DNS on your Samsung Smart TV. Your TV should now be able to access content from the region associated with that Smart DNS. Just remember, this only changes your perceived location and doesn’t encrypt your data like a full VPN connection would.

Method 2: The Most Comprehensive Option – Router Setup Full VPN Protection for All Devices

If you want full VPN encryption and protection for your Samsung Smart TV and every other device connected to your home Wi-Fi, setting up Surfshark on your router is the way to go. This method ensures that anything connected to your router automatically uses the VPN, which is awesome for protecting all your smart home gadgets, phones, laptops, and, of course, your TV, all at once. This is the answer to “how to set up Surfshark VPN on Samsung Smart TV” for complete coverage.

The catch? It can be a bit more technical, and not all routers are VPN compatible. You’ll typically need a router that supports VPN client functionality like OpenVPN or WireGuard and sometimes even custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. ISP-provided routers usually don’t support this.

Step 1: Check Router Compatibility & Firmware

  1. Find out if your router supports VPNs. You can check your router’s manual, look up your model online, or contact the manufacturer. Brands like Asus, Netgear, and Linksys often have compatible models.
  2. If your router supports it, you might need to install specific VPN-compatible firmware on it. Surfshark usually has detailed guides for popular router models on their website e.g., Asus, DD-WRT, Tomato routers. Follow their instructions very carefully, as flashing incorrect firmware can brick your router.

Step 2: Configure Surfshark on Your Router

The exact steps here will vary greatly depending on your router model and firmware. However, the general idea is this:

  1. Access your router’s admin panel. You usually do this by opening a web browser on a device connected to your Wi-Fi and typing in your router’s IP address common ones are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  2. Log in with your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, they’re often on a sticker on the router itself.
  3. Look for a “VPN” or “VPN Client” section in the admin panel, often under “Advanced Settings” or “Security”.
  4. You’ll likely need to download configuration files from your Surfshark account. On the Surfshark website, look for “Manual setup” or “Router” options, where you can download OpenVPN configuration files usually .ovpn files or find WireGuard setup details.
  5. Upload the configuration files to your router or manually enter the server details, username, and password provided by Surfshark.
  6. Activate or connect the VPN on your router.

Step 3: Connect Your Samsung Smart TV to the VPN-Protected Wi-Fi

Once your router is set up with Surfshark, your job on the TV is super simple: Surfshark vpn tiers

  1. Connect your Samsung Smart TV to your home Wi-Fi network as usual.
  2. Since the VPN is running on the router, all devices connected to that Wi-Fi network, including your TV, will automatically be protected by Surfshark. You won’t need to change any settings on the TV itself.

To check if it’s working, try accessing a geo-blocked streaming service that you previously couldn’t. You can also visit an “What is my IP address?” website on a device connected to the same Wi-Fi to confirm your IP location has changed.

Pros of Router Setup:

  • Full VPN encryption for all connected devices.
  • Set it and forget it: Once configured, all devices are protected automatically.
  • Ideal for devices that don’t support VPN apps natively, like Samsung Smart TVs.
  • Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so this setup is perfect for that.

Cons of Router Setup:

  • More complex and technical to set up initially.
  • Requires a VPN-compatible router.
  • Changing server locations means logging into your router’s admin panel each time, which can be less convenient.
  • Slightly reduced internet speeds due to router encryption overhead.

Method 3: The Flexible Option – Virtual Router/Hotspot Windows PC

This method lets you turn your Windows computer into a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot, and then your Samsung Smart TV connects to that hotspot. It’s a great workaround if you don’t want to mess with your main router or if your router isn’t VPN compatible.

Step 1: Install Surfshark on Your Windows PC

  1. Download and install the Surfshark VPN app on your Windows computer.
  2. Log in to your Surfshark account.
  3. Connect to a VPN server of your choice within the Surfshark app on your PC. Choose a location that unlocks the content you want to watch on your TV.

Step 2: Create a Mobile Hotspot on Your Windows PC

  1. On your Windows PC, press Windows Key + S to open the search bar, type “Mobile hotspot settings”, and press Enter.
  2. Turn on the “Mobile hotspot” feature. This will create a new Wi-Fi network from your computer. You can customize the network name SSID and password here.
  3. Scroll down to “Related settings” and click “Change adapter options”.
  4. In the Network Connections window, right-click on your Surfshark VPN connection it might be named something like “Surfshark TUN” or similar and select “Properties”.
  5. Go to the “Sharing” tab.
  6. Check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection”.
  7. From the dropdown menu under “Home networking connection:”, select the mobile hotspot you just created the one with the SSID you set earlier.
  8. Click “OK” to save these changes.

Step 3: Connect Your Samsung Smart TV to the Hotspot

  1. On your Samsung Smart TV, go to the “Network” settings.
  2. Scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
  3. You should see the name of the mobile hotspot you created on your Windows PC. Select it.
  4. Enter the password for the hotspot if prompted.
  5. Once connected, your Samsung Smart TV will be using the internet connection that is already protected by Surfshark on your computer.

Pros of Virtual Router: Is Proton VPN Better Than Surfshark?

  • Full VPN protection for your TV.
  • Easier than router setup if you don’t have a compatible router.
  • Allows easy server switching by just changing it in the Surfshark app on your PC.

Cons of Virtual Router:

  • Your computer needs to stay on and running Surfshark for the TV to have VPN protection.
  • Relies on your computer’s Wi-Fi adapter, which might not be as stable or fast as a dedicated router connection.
  • This method is primarily for Windows PCs, as macOS doesn’t natively support sharing a VPN-protected connection over Wi-Fi easily.

Method 4: The Streaming Device Approach Super Easy for Compatible Devices

This isn’t directly putting Surfshark on your Samsung Smart TV, but it’s a fantastic workaround that’s often easier than router setup. If you have a separate streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Google TV, or an Android TV box connected to your Samsung Smart TV, you can install the Surfshark app directly onto that device. These devices usually have their own app stores that do support native VPN apps.

Amazon

  1. Connect your streaming device e.g., Fire TV Stick to an HDMI port on your Samsung Smart TV.
  2. Go to the device’s app store e.g., Amazon Appstore for Fire TV, Google Play Store for Android TV.
  3. Search for “Surfshark VPN” and install the app.
  4. Log in with your Surfshark credentials.
  5. Connect to a server of your choice.
  6. Now, any streaming or internet activity you do through that streaming device will be protected by Surfshark, and you’ll see it all on your Samsung TV!

Pros of Streaming Device Approach:

  • Extremely easy setup if you already have a compatible device.
  • Full VPN encryption for the streaming device.
  • Easy to change servers directly from the device’s Surfshark app.

Cons of Streaming Device Approach: Unlock Your Internet: Top Surfshark VPN Tips You Need to Know

  • Requires an additional hardware purchase if you don’t already own one.
  • Only the traffic from the streaming device is protected, not the entire Samsung TV’s functions like its built-in apps, if you use them.

Method 5: Screen Mirroring Quick Fix, Not a Permanent Solution

While not a full VPN integration for your TV, if you just want to quickly watch something geo-restricted, screen mirroring from your phone or tablet where Surfshark is already installed and running to your Samsung Smart TV can work.

  1. Install Surfshark on your smartphone or tablet and connect to your desired VPN server.
  2. Ensure your phone and Samsung TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. On your phone especially Android phones, look for a feature like “Smart View,” “Screen Cast,” or “Screen Mirroring” in your quick settings. Tap it.
  4. Your phone will scan for nearby devices. Select your Samsung Smart TV from the list.
  5. Confirm any prompts on your TV or phone to start mirroring.
  6. Now, whatever is on your phone’s screen, including content accessed through a VPN-protected app, will be displayed on your Samsung Smart TV.

Pros of Screen Mirroring:

  • Very quick to set up for occasional use.
  • No complex network configurations needed.

Cons of Screen Mirroring:

  • Your phone needs to stay active and connected.
  • Not ideal for long streaming sessions or if you want to use the TV’s native apps.
  • Quality can sometimes be inconsistent depending on your phone and Wi-Fi network.

NordVPN

Why Use Surfshark on Your Samsung Smart TV Anyway? The Benefits!

You might be thinking, “This sounds like a bit of a hassle, why bother?” But trust me, once you get it set up, the benefits of using Surfshark with your Samsung Smart TV are pretty awesome.

Surfshark This video is sponsored by surfshark vpn

Unlock Global Streaming Libraries

This is probably the biggest reason most people want a VPN on their TV. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ offer different content based on your geographical location. By connecting to a Surfshark server in another country, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and access a world of movies, shows, sports, and documentaries that aren’t available in your region. Imagine catching up on that show only available in the UK, or accessing the vast US Netflix library. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, giving you plenty of options.

Enhance Your Online Privacy and Security

Your Smart TV, just like your phone or computer, connects to the internet, and that means your online activity can be tracked. Surfshark encrypts your internet connection, which means your viewing habits and personal data are protected from prying eyes. This includes your Internet Service Provider ISP, potential hackers, and even data-hungry advertisers. When you’re using a router-based VPN or a virtual router, you get that full encryption for your TV, ensuring everything stays private. Surfshark boasts AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption standards, which are top-tier for keeping your data locked down.

Stop ISP Throttling

Ever notice your internet speed slows down when you’re streaming a lot, especially at peak times? That’s often your ISP deliberately slowing down throttling your connection when they detect heavy streaming activity. When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, only that you’re connected to a VPN server. This makes it much harder for them to selectively throttle your speed, potentially leading to smoother, buffer-free streaming.

Protect All Your Devices with Router Setup

One of the coolest things about setting up Surfshark on your router is that it protects every device connected to that Wi-Fi network. This means your Samsung Smart TV, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and even smart home devices are all covered by the VPN’s security. Surfshark is known for offering unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription, making a router setup incredibly efficient. You can literally watch a movie on your TV while someone else browses on their phone, both protected by Surfshark. Surfshark VPN Tanio: Jak Złapać Najlepszą Okazję na Świetną Prywatność Online

Say Goodbye to Annoying Ads and Malware with CleanWeb

Surfshark comes with a feature called CleanWeb which can block ads, trackers, and even malware. While this feature is primarily active when you use the Surfshark app on a device like a virtual router setup or a streaming stick, it can still contribute to a cleaner, safer streaming experience by preventing unwanted pop-ups and potential threats from reaching your network.

NordVPN

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are some quick tips if your Surfshark VPN on Samsung TV isn’t working as expected:

Surfshark

  • Double-check your IP address: After setting up any method, visit a “What is my IP address?” website from a device connected to the same network or browse on your TV if possible to confirm your IP location has changed.
  • Clear your TV’s cache and cookies: Sometimes old location data can get stuck. Look in your TV’s settings for options to clear browsing data or reset streaming apps.
  • Restart everything: A classic tech tip for a reason! Try restarting your TV, your router, and the device running Surfshark if using a virtual router.
  • Ensure Smart DNS is activated and IP updated: If using Smart DNS, make sure it’s active in your Surfshark account and that your current public IP address is registered with their Smart DNS service. If your IP changes e.g., after a router restart, you might need to reactivate it.
  • Check Surfshark server status: Sometimes a specific server might be experiencing issues. Try connecting to a different server location within the Surfshark app or router settings.
  • Consult Surfshark support: Surfshark has 24/7 customer support via live chat. If you’re really stuck, their team can help you diagnose and resolve specific setup problems. They’re usually pretty good about walking you through router configurations or Smart DNS issues.
  • Router firmware updates: If you’re using a router setup, ensure your router’s firmware is up to date, and that you’re using the correct VPN client configuration files from Surfshark.

NordVPN Surfshark怎么样?2025年深度评测:你真的需要它吗?

Samsung Smart TV VPN Free: Is It Worth It?

You might come across options for a “Samsung Smart TV VPN free”. While the idea of a free VPN sounds appealing, I strongly advise against using them, especially for your Smart TV.

Here’s why:

  • Limited Performance: Free VPNs often have very few servers, slow speeds, and strict bandwidth caps. This means constant buffering, low-quality streams, and frustrating delays, making your streaming experience worse, not better.
  • Security Risks: Many free VPNs collect and sell your data to third parties which defeats the whole purpose of a VPN for privacy!, inject ads into your browsing, or even contain malware. Your privacy is compromised, not protected.
  • Poor Unblocking Capabilities: Free VPNs are usually quickly detected and blocked by streaming services, so they won’t reliably unblock the content you want to watch.
  • Lack of Support: If something goes wrong, you’re usually on your own. Premium VPNs like Surfshark offer dedicated 24/7 customer support.

When it comes to something as important as your online privacy and streaming enjoyment, investing in a reputable paid VPN like Surfshark is definitely the smarter choice. Surfshark often has competitive pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Surfshark

NordVPN Surfshark VPN: Dein Weg zum kostenlosen 7-Tage-Trial (und mehr!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download the Surfshark app directly on my Samsung Smart TV?

No, unfortunately, you cannot directly download the Surfshark VPN app onto your Samsung Smart TV. Samsung TVs use a proprietary operating system called Tizen OS, which does not natively support VPN applications. This means there’s no official Surfshark app available in the Samsung App Store. You’ll need to use one of the workaround methods we discussed, like Smart DNS, router setup, or a virtual router.

Surfshark

What is the easiest way to use Surfshark on my Samsung Smart TV?

The easiest way to get Surfshark working on your Samsung Smart TV for streaming geo-restricted content is by using Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature. This method involves simply changing the DNS settings on your TV to Surfshark’s Smart DNS servers, which helps bypass region blocks without needing to install any software on the TV itself. It’s quick, doesn’t require a special router, and is great for unlocking different streaming libraries.

Does Surfshark Smart DNS offer the same protection as a full VPN?

No, Surfshark Smart DNS does not offer the same level of protection as a full VPN connection. While Smart DNS is excellent for bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking streaming content by changing your perceived location, it does not encrypt your internet traffic. A full VPN, on the other hand, encrypts all your data, providing enhanced privacy and security against tracking and potential cyber threats. If full encryption is your priority, using Surfshark on your router or via a virtual router is recommended.

Will using Surfshark on my router slow down my internet speed on my Samsung TV?

It’s possible to experience a slight reduction in internet speed when running a VPN on your router. This is because the router has to encrypt and decrypt all the internet traffic for every device connected to it, which requires processing power. The actual impact on speed depends on your router’s capabilities, your original internet speed, and the VPN server you connect to. However, reputable VPNs like Surfshark are optimized for speed, and for most casual streaming, the speed reduction is often negligible. What Exactly is Surfshark VPN and Why Does It Matter for “Tai” (Taiwan)?

Can I use Surfshark to unblock specific streaming services on my Samsung TV?

Yes, absolutely! One of the primary reasons people use Surfshark on their Samsung Smart TV is to unblock geo-restricted streaming services. By connecting to a Surfshark server in a different country e.g., a US server for Hulu or a UK server for BBC iPlayer, you can make it appear as though your TV is located in that region. This allows you to access content libraries that are normally unavailable in your actual physical location. Surfshark’s large server network gives you plenty of options for unblocking various services.

What if my Samsung Smart TV is an older model? Does Surfshark still work?

Most of the workarounds for Surfshark on Samsung Smart TVs, like Smart DNS, router setup, or virtual router, don’t rely on the TV’s internal operating system capabilities beyond basic network settings. So, generally, yes, Surfshark should still work even with older Samsung Smart TV models. The key is whether your TV can connect to Wi-Fi and allows you to manually change DNS settings, or if it can connect to a Wi-Fi network provided by a VPN-enabled router or a virtual hotspot.

Can I get a free VPN for my Samsung Smart TV?

While you might find mentions of “free VPN for Samsung Smart TV,” it’s generally not recommended. Free VPNs often come with significant drawbacks such as slow speeds, limited bandwidth, unreliable unblocking capabilities, and most importantly, compromised privacy and security. Many free services collect user data, display intrusive ads, or lack strong encryption. For a reliable, secure, and fast streaming experience with your Samsung Smart TV, a premium service like Surfshark is a much better and safer investment.

Surfshark VPN and SOCKS5: Clearing Up the Confusion for Better Online Security
0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for How to Get
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *