Getting Surfshark VPN set up on your router might seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, it’s a total game-changer for your home network. Here’s how you can do it, step-by-step, transforming your entire household’s internet experience.

You know how it is – you’ve got your phone, your laptop, maybe a smart TV, a couple of gaming consoles, and all sorts of smart home gadgets, right? Each of these devices could benefit from a VPN, but installing an app on every single one can be a real headache, and some devices don’t even have VPN app support. That’s where setting up Surfshark right on your router comes in. It basically means every single device connected to your home Wi-Fi automatically gets that sweet VPN protection, all the time. Think about it: your smart fridge, your PlayStation, your guest’s phone – all covered with just one setup. It’s an awesome way to make sure your online activity is private and secure across the board, stopping your internet provider ISP from peeking at your browsing habits and potentially slowing down your connection that’s called bandwidth throttling, and a VPN can help you dodge it!. Plus, if you’re trying to access content that’s restricted to certain regions, a router VPN makes it super easy to bypass those geo-blocks for all your devices. It’s pretty much a “set it and forget it” solution for whole-home digital security and freedom.

Table of Contents

Why Put Surfshark on Your Router? It’s a Game-Changer!

we’ve touched on it a bit, but let’s really dig into why connecting Surfshark to your router is such a smart move. It’s not just about convenience. it’s about comprehensive, always-on protection for your entire digital life.

Cover All Your Devices, Always

This is probably the biggest perk. Once Surfshark is running on your router, every device that connects to that Wi-Fi network instantly gets protected. No need to worry about installing individual VPN apps on each phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. It’s like putting a digital shield around your entire home. For a lot of VPN providers, you’re usually limited to a certain number of simultaneous connections, but with Surfshark on your router, that count effectively becomes one connection from the VPN provider’s perspective, protecting potentially dozens of devices in your home. This is fantastic, especially if you have a busy household with many people and many gadgets.

Protect Devices That Can’t Run VPN Apps

Ever tried to install a VPN on your smart TV, a Roku stick, a gaming console like a PlayStation or Xbox, or even some smart home devices? It’s often impossible because they just don’t support VPN apps natively. But if your router is running Surfshark, these devices still get all the VPN benefits – encrypted traffic, a hidden IP address, and access to different regional content – just by connecting to your Wi-Fi. This is huge for streaming enthusiasts and gamers!

Bypass ISP Throttling and Enhance Privacy

Your ISP can sometimes slow down your internet speed based on your online activities, especially if you’re streaming a lot or gaming intensely. This is called bandwidth throttling. When your internet traffic is encrypted by Surfshark on your router, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, so they can’t unfairly throttle your connection based on your activity. Beyond that, a VPN encrypts all your traffic, making it unreadable to snoopers, hackers, and even your ISP. This significantly boosts your online privacy and helps keep your personal data secure. Stuck with Surfshark? Here’s How to Fix Your VPN When It Won’t Connect

Access Geo-Restricted Content Everywhere

Want to watch a show that’s only available in another country? Or access a website blocked in your region? A router VPN makes this easy for every device in your home. Just change the server location on your router’s VPN settings, and suddenly, all your connected devices appear to be browsing from that new location.

Set It and Forget It

Once you’ve done the initial setup, Surfshark on your router pretty much runs itself. It’s always on, always protecting, without you needing to remember to activate it on individual devices. It’s peace of mind, all the time.

Checking Router Compatibility: The Crucial First Step

Before you get all excited and start digging into settings, you need to confirm if your router can even handle a VPN. Not all routers are created equal, and many older or basic models especially those provided by your ISP don’t have the necessary features.

How to Check if Your Router is VPN-Compatible

Read the Manual: This is often the quickest way. Look for terms like “VPN Client,” “OpenVPN,” or “WireGuard” in your router’s user manual, or check the manufacturer’s website by searching for your specific model.
Check Surfshark’s Compatibility List: Surfshark has a helpful support page that lists compatible routers and often provides specific setup guides. This is your best bet for up-to-date information.
Look for VPN Client Functionality: Generally, if your router has a “VPN Client” section in its administrative interface, you’re probably good to go. Most routers that can run OpenVPN will support a Surfshark connection.
Custom Firmware: If your router doesn’t natively support VPNs, you might be able to flash it with custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato. This is a more advanced step and comes with some risks, like potentially voiding your warranty or bricking your router if done incorrectly. However, it opens up a world of possibilities for routers that otherwise wouldn’t be compatible. Surfshark provides guides for many of these custom firmwares too.

Routers That Generally Work Well with Surfshark

Many routers from brands like ASUS especially those with AsusWRT or Asus Merlin firmware, TP-Link, and some Netgear models are generally compatible. ASUS routers like the RT-AX88U Pro, AX3000, and RT-AX86U are often highlighted for their ease of VPN setup and strong performance. GL.iNet routers are also frequently recommended for their VPN-friendly features and portability.

Surfshark vs VPN Unlimited: A Head-to-Head Battle for Your Online Privacy

Routers That Are Often NOT Supported at least with default firmware

You’ll likely run into trouble with routers from brands like Arris, Belkin, Cisco, TRENDnet, TotoLink, Ubee, and Google WiFi. Most routers provided by internet service providers ISPs also typically lack VPN client support. If you have one of these, you might need to consider flashing custom firmware or getting a new router.

General Setup Guide: The Core Process

No matter your router brand, the general flow for setting up Surfshark on a router typically involves a few core steps. We’ll mostly focus on OpenVPN because it’s widely supported and a solid choice, and briefly mention WireGuard where applicable, as it offers faster speeds and better performance.

Unlocking Twitter (X) with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Privacy and Freedom

Step 1: Get Your Surfshark Manual Setup Details

This is where you grab the specific credentials and configuration files you’ll need. These are different from your regular Surfshark account login email and password.

Log in to your Surfshark account: Head over to the Surfshark website and log in with your usual credentials.
Navigate to Manual Setup: Once logged in, look for a “VPN” section, then usually a “Manual setup” option.
Choose Router and Protocol: You’ll typically see options for different devices. Select “Router”.
- For OpenVPN: Select “OpenVPN” as the protocol. Here, you’ll find your unique Service Username and Service Password for manual connections. Make sure to jot these down or copy them somewhere safe. You’ll also need to download the .ovpn configuration file for your desired server location. Surfshark usually lets you pick a specific country or even city. If you’re unsure, picking a recommended or “Fastest” server is usually a good start.
- For WireGuard: Select “WireGuard” as the protocol. You’ll typically need to generate a new key pair a private key and a public key if you don’t have one already. Make sure to copy and save your Private Key – it only shows up once! Then, you’ll choose your desired server location and download the .conf configuration file.

Step 2: Access Your Router’s Administration Panel

You need to get into your router’s settings.

Find Your Router’s IP Address:
- On Windows: Open Command Prompt search for “cmd”, type ipconfig, and hit Enter. Look for the “Default Gateway” IP address. It’s often something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
- On macOS: Go to ‘System Preferences’ or ‘System Settings’ on newer versions > ‘Network’. Select your Wi-Fi connection, click ‘Advanced’, then ‘TCP/IP’. Your router’s IP address will be listed next to ‘Router’.
- Alternatively: Check the back of your router for a sticker with the IP address and default login credentials.
Open Your Browser: Type the router’s IP address into the address bar of your web browser just like a website URL.
Log In: Enter your router’s administrator username and password. If you haven’t changed them, these are usually admin/admin or printed on a sticker on the router. If you can’t log in, you might need to factory reset your router, but be warned, this will erase all your current settings.

Step 3: Configure the VPN Client on Your Router

This is the main part where you tell your router how to connect to Surfshark. The exact steps and names of menus might differ slightly between router brands and firmware versions, but the general idea is the same.

Find the VPN Client Section: Once logged into your router’s interface, navigate to the VPN settings. This is often under an “Advanced Settings,” “VPN,” or “VPN Client” tab. If you don’t see a “VPN Client” section, your router might not support this feature directly.
Add a New VPN Profile/Client: Look for an option like “Add Profile,” “Add Client,” or “Add Server List Entry”.
Select VPN Protocol: Choose either “OpenVPN” or “WireGuard” based on the configuration files you downloaded from Surfshark.
Enter Details/Upload Configuration:
- For OpenVPN:
  - Description/Connection Name: Give your VPN profile a recognizable name, like “Surfshark US” or “MyHomeVPN.”
  - Import .ovpn file: Most routers will have an option to “Choose File” or “Upload” the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded earlier. Select it and upload.
  - Username and Password: Enter the specific Surfshark Service Username and Service Password you obtained from the manual setup page.
- For WireGuard:
  - Description/Connection Name: Again, a clear name is good, like “Surfshark WG UK.”
  - Import .conf file: Look for an option to upload the .conf file you downloaded.
  - Private Key: Some routers might ask you to paste the WireGuard Private Key directly.
Save and Apply Settings: After entering all the details, click “Save,” “Apply,” or “OK” to store your new VPN configuration.
Activate the VPN Profile: You’ll usually see a list of VPN client profiles. Find the one you just created and click “Activate” or toggle a switch to turn it on. It might take a few moments for the connection to establish.

Step 4: Verify Your VPN Connection

You want to make sure everything’s working as it should.

Use an IP Checker Tool: Disconnect your device from Surfshark’s app if you have it running and ensure it’s connecting through your router’s Wi-Fi. Then, open a browser and visit a website like “whatismyip.com” or Surfshark’s own IP checker.
Check for New IP Address and Location: If the VPN is working correctly, you should see an IP address and location that match the Surfshark server you connected to, not your actual home IP and location. If it shows your real IP, something went wrong, and it’s time to troubleshoot.

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

Specific Router Guides

While the general steps are similar, each router brand’s interface can look a bit different. Let’s look at some common ones.

How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on an ASUS Router AsusWRT/Asus Merlin

ASUS routers are quite popular for their VPN capabilities, especially those running AsusWRT or the custom Asus Merlin firmware. They often support both OpenVPN and WireGuard, and some even have a dedicated “VPN Fusion” feature.

Method 1: OpenVPN Setup on ASUS Router

Get Your Surfshark OpenVPN Details:
- Log in to your Surfshark account on their website.
- Go to “VPN” -> “Manual setup.”
- Select “Router” and then “OpenVPN.”
- Generate your Service Username and Service Password these are unique for manual setups, separate from your main account login. Keep these handy.
- Select your desired server location and download the UDP .ovpn configuration file. UDP is usually faster, but TCP is an option if you have connection issues.
Access ASUS Router Interface: Open your web browser and go to your router’s IP address e.g., 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com. Log in with your admin credentials.
Navigate to VPN Client: In the left sidebar, click on “VPN.” Then, go to the “VPN Client” tab.
Add a New Profile: Click the “Add profile” button at the bottom.
Configure OpenVPN Client:
- Select the “OpenVPN” tab.
- Description: Give your profile a name e.g., “Surfshark US”.
- Username & Password: Enter the Surfshark Service Username and Password you noted earlier.
- Import .ovpn file: Click “Choose File” or “Upload” and select the .ovpn file you downloaded. Once uploaded, click “OK”.
- Important: Leave “Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually” unticked.
Activate: You’ll see your new profile listed. Click “Activate” next to it to connect. The “Connection Status” should change to “Connected” after a few seconds.

Method 2: WireGuard Setup on ASUS Router especially with VPN Fusion

Some newer ASUS routers with “VPN Fusion” make WireGuard setup very streamlined.

Generate Surfshark WireGuard Key Pair:
- Select “Router” and then “WireGuard”.
- If you don’t have a key pair, select “I don’t have a key pair,” name it e.g., “ASUS Router WG”, and click “Generate a new key pair”.
- Crucially, copy your Private Key and save it. It’s usually a long string of characters. You won’t need the Public Key for most router setups.
- Now, choose your desired server location and you might get a .conf file or simply the configuration details displayed. Note down the server address and port if they are separate.
Access ASUS Router Interface: Go to your router’s IP address or router.asus.com and log in.
Navigate to VPN Fusion: In the left sidebar, click on “VPN,” then go to the “VPN Fusion” tab.
Add Profile: Click “Add profile”.
Configure WireGuard:
- Connection Name: Enter “Surfshark WireGuard” or similar.
- VPN Type: Select “Surfshark” if it’s a direct integration option, otherwise “WireGuard”.
- Region: Choose your desired Surfshark location.
- Private Key: Paste the Private Key you copied from the Surfshark website.
- Bind Devices Optional: You can choose to apply this VPN connection to all devices or selectively bind specific devices.
Apply and Enable: Click “Apply and Enable” at the bottom of the page. You might also need to toggle the “Service State” to “ON”.

How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on a TP-Link Router

TP-Link routers also often support OpenVPN and WireGuard client functionality, usually found under an “Advanced” section. Surfshark with Transmission: Your Ultimate Guide for Secure Downloads

Method 1: OpenVPN Setup on TP-Link Router

*   Go to "VPN" -> "Manual setup" -> "Router" -> "OpenVPN".
*   Copy your Service Username and Service Password.
*   Select your server location and download the UDP .ovpn configuration file.

Access TP-Link Router Interface: Open your browser and log in to your TP-Link router’s web interface often 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or tplinkwifi.net.
Navigate to VPN Client: Go to “Advanced” -> “VPN Client”. Enable the “VPN Client” option.
Add a New Server: In the “Server List” section, click “Add” and then “Set up manually”.
Configure OpenVPN:
- VPN Type: Select “OpenVPN”.
- Description: Give it a name e.g., “Surfshark Germany”.
- Username & Password: Paste your Surfshark Service Username and Password.
- Import .ovpn File: Click “Browse” or “Choose File” and upload the .ovpn file.
Save and Assign Devices: Click “Save”.
- Assign Devices: TP-Link often requires you to manually assign devices to the VPN tunnel. In the “Device List” area, click “Add” and check the boxes for the devices you want to protect via the VPN, then click “OK”.
Enable the VPN: In the “Server List” area, make sure the toggle next to your newly created VPN profile is enabled/activated.

Method 2: WireGuard Setup on TP-Link Router

Generate Surfshark WireGuard Configuration:
- Log in to your Surfshark account.
- Go to “VPN” -> “Manual setup” -> “Router” -> “WireGuard”.
- Generate a new key pair if needed, copy your Private Key.
- Select your desired server location and download the .conf file.
Access TP-Link Router Interface: Log in to your TP-Link router’s web interface.
Navigate to VPN Client: Go to “Advanced” -> “VPN Client.” Enable the “VPN Client” option.
- VPN Type: Select “WireGuard”.
- Description: Name your profile e.g., “Surfshark WG”.
- Import .conf File: Click “Browse” or “Choose File” and upload the .conf file you downloaded.
- Assign Devices: Similar to OpenVPN, assign the specific devices you want protected by the WireGuard VPN.
Enable the VPN: Ensure the VPN profile is enabled in the “Server List”.

How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on a Netgear Router

Netgear routers, if they support a VPN client, will follow a similar manual setup process to ASUS and TP-Link. The key is finding the “VPN Client” section in your specific Netgear model’s firmware.

Check Netgear Compatibility: First, confirm your Netgear router model supports a VPN client usually OpenVPN or WireGuard. You’ll typically find this information in your router’s manual or on Netgear’s support website. If it supports it, you’re in business.
Get Your Surfshark Manual Setup Details: Just like with other routers, go to your Surfshark account, navigate to “Manual setup” -> “Router,” and choose either “OpenVPN” or “WireGuard.”
- For OpenVPN: Download the .ovpn file and note your Service Username and Password.
- For WireGuard: Generate your key pair especially the private key and download the .conf file.
Access Netgear Router Interface: Open your browser, type your Netgear router’s IP address often 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net, and log in.
Find the VPN Client Settings: This can be tricky, as Netgear interfaces vary. Look under “Advanced,” “VPN,” or “Security” settings for a “VPN Client” or “OpenVPN Client” section.
Configure the VPN Profile:
- You’ll typically find an option to “Add a new VPN profile” or similar.
- Select the protocol OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Upload the .ovpn or .conf file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Enter your Surfshark Service Username and Password if you’re using OpenVPN. If using WireGuard, you might need to paste your private key or the .conf file will handle it.
- Give the profile a descriptive name.
Save and Connect: Save your settings and then activate the VPN connection.
Verify: Use an IP checker to confirm your new IP address and location.

Remember, Netgear’s interface for VPN client settings might not be as straightforward as some ASUS models, so take your time and refer to your specific router’s documentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common snags and how to fix them:

No Internet After Connecting VPN

Check DNS Settings: Sometimes, your router’s DNS settings might interfere. Try manually setting your router’s DNS to Surfshark’s usually 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92 for WireGuard, or check Surfshark’s site for OpenVPN DNS or a public DNS like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 or Google 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4.
Firewall Settings: Ensure your router’s firewall isn’t blocking the VPN traffic. For WireGuard, check that UDP port 51820 is open. For OpenVPN, ports like 1194 UDP or 1443 TCP are common.
Incorrect Credentials/Config File: Double-check that you entered the correct Surfshark Service Username and Password not your account login! and that you uploaded the right .ovpn or .conf file. A tiny typo can break the connection.
Wrong Protocol/Server: Make sure you selected the correct VPN protocol OpenVPN or WireGuard and that the server address/configuration file is for a working Surfshark server.
Router Reboot: A simple reboot of your router can sometimes clear up minor glitches.

Slow Speeds

Server Distance: Connecting to a VPN server that’s geographically far away will naturally reduce your speed. Try connecting to a server closer to your physical location.
Server Load: Some servers might be more congested than others. Try switching to a different Surfshark server.
VPN Protocol: WireGuard is generally faster and more efficient than OpenVPN. If your router supports it, try using WireGuard.
Router Performance: Older or less powerful routers might struggle to encrypt and decrypt traffic at high speeds. This is a common bottleneck for router VPNs.
ISP Throttling or lack thereof: While a VPN can prevent ISP throttling, if your ISP isn’t throttling you, the encryption overhead of a VPN can still introduce a slight speed reduction.

VPN Disconnecting Frequently

Keepalive Settings: In OpenVPN settings, there might be a “keepalive” option. Increasing this e.g., to 10 or 20 seconds can help maintain a stable connection.
Firmware Update: Ensure your router is running the latest firmware. Updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements.
Server Stability: Try a different Surfshark server.
Interference: Other network traffic or devices might be interfering.

Troypoint Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide for Firestick & Beyond

Advanced Tips and Features

Once you’re comfortable with the basic setup, you might want to explore some advanced options.

VPN Kill Switch

While Surfshark has a software-based Kill Switch, a router VPN inherently provides a form of network-wide kill switch. If the VPN connection on your router drops, all devices connected to it will lose internet access unless you’ve configured specific routing rules. This prevents your real IP from being exposed.

Split Tunneling VPN Bypass

Some advanced routers especially those with custom firmware like OpenWRT or Asus Merlin’s VPN Fusion/Director allow for “split tunneling” or “VPN bypass”. This means you can choose which devices or even which applications on your network use the VPN tunnel and which connect directly to the internet. For example, you might want your smart TV to use the VPN for geo-restricted streaming, but your work laptop to connect directly for maximum speed and to avoid any potential conflicts with corporate networks. Surfshark vpn tiers

Changing VPN Servers

To change your VPN server location, you usually need to log back into your router’s admin panel, navigate to the VPN client settings, and either select a different profile if you’ve set up multiple or edit the existing one to point to a new server’s configuration file or address.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPN router and why should I use Surfshark on it?

A VPN router is simply a Wi-Fi router that has VPN software installed and configured on it. Using Surfshark on your router means that every single device connected to that Wi-Fi network gets instant VPN protection without needing individual app installations. This is super handy for smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart home devices, and guest devices that can’t run VPN apps, ensuring all your online activity is encrypted, private, and secure. It also helps prevent your ISP from throttling your speeds and allows all devices to access geo-restricted content.

Is my router compatible with Surfshark VPN?

Not all routers support VPN client functionality. To check, look for a “VPN Client” section in your router’s administrative interface or check your router’s manual for support of OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols. Surfshark’s website also provides a list of compatible routers and setup guides. Many ASUS, TP-Link, and custom firmware routers like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Tomato work well. Most ISP-provided routers or older models from brands like Arris, Belkin, or Google WiFi often aren’t compatible without custom firmware. Is Proton VPN Better Than Surfshark?

What’s the difference between my Surfshark account login and service credentials for router setup?

Your Surfshark account login is the email and password you use to log into the Surfshark website or app. For manual router setup, you need specific “Service Credentials” a unique username and password that are generated through your Surfshark account’s manual setup section. These are different from your regular login details and are essential for your router to authenticate with Surfshark’s servers.

Should I use OpenVPN or WireGuard for my router setup?

Both OpenVPN and WireGuard are excellent VPN protocols supported by Surfshark. WireGuard is generally recommended if your router supports it, as it’s known for offering significantly faster speeds, better performance, and a more lightweight design compared to OpenVPN. However, OpenVPN is more widely supported across a broader range of routers and firmwares, making it a reliable fallback if WireGuard isn’t an option for your specific router.

My VPN connection isn’t working or is very slow after setup. What should I do?

First, double-check your Surfshark Service Credentials username and password and ensure the correct .ovpn or .conf file was uploaded. If you have no internet, check your router’s DNS settings. try using Surfshark’s DNS or a public one like Cloudflare or Google. Also, verify your router’s firewall isn’t blocking VPN ports e.g., UDP 51820 for WireGuard, UDP 1194 or TCP 1443 for OpenVPN. For slow speeds, try connecting to a geographically closer Surfshark server, or switch to a different server to avoid congestion. If your router is older, its processing power might be a bottleneck, as encryption takes resources. Rebooting your router can sometimes fix temporary issues.

Can I use Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature on my router instead of a full VPN?

Yes, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature that you can set up on your router. Smart DNS is useful for accessing geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPNs like Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation without the encryption overhead of a full VPN. However, it’s important to understand that Smart DNS does not provide the same level of security and privacy as a full VPN, as it doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address. It primarily bypasses geo-restrictions.

How do I change the VPN server location on my router?

To change the server location, you’ll need to log back into your router’s administration panel. Navigate to the “VPN Client” settings. If you’ve set up multiple Surfshark profiles for different locations, you can simply activate the desired one. If you only have one profile, you’ll typically need to edit it, download a new .ovpn or .conf file for your desired location from your Surfshark account, and then upload/configure it into the existing profile, then save and reactivate. Unlock Your Internet: Top Surfshark VPN Tips You Need to Know

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 set
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

How to set up surfshark vpn on router