Trying to get Surfshark VPN to work with Netflix can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, but trust me, it’s totally worth it to unlock a world of content! Here’s how to use Surfshark VPN to watch Netflix and bypass those pesky geo-restrictions, making sure you get the most out of your streaming experience. We’ll walk through everything from setting it up to troubleshooting common hiccups, so you can kick back and enjoy your favorite shows, no matter where you are. Surfshark is a fantastic choice for Netflix because it’s built to handle streaming with great speeds and a huge server network. You’ll find it can often change your Netflix region in a snap and easily get around Netflix’s VPN blockers, giving you access to libraries you might not normally see. Plus, it works across tons of devices and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is super handy if you’re sharing an account with family or friends.

Table of Contents

Why Geo-Restrictions Are a Thing with Netflix and why you need a VPN

You know how it is – you’re traveling, or maybe a friend tells you about an amazing show on Netflix, only to find out it’s not available in your region. It’s truly a bummer! This happens because Netflix has different content libraries in different countries. Think of it like this: movie studios and TV networks sell licensing rights to Netflix for specific regions. So, a show might be available in the U.S. but not in the U.K., or vice versa, all because of those agreements.

This is where a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, comes into play. A VPN lets you connect to a server in a different country, essentially making it look like you’re browsing from that location. When you use a VPN like Surfshark, it encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server of your choice, which hides your real IP address and gives you a new one from the server’s location. So, if you’re sitting in Europe but want to watch a show that’s exclusive to Netflix Japan, you just connect to a Japanese server, and poof – Netflix thinks you’re in Japan.

Why Surfshark is a Great Pick for Netflix Streaming

When it comes to picking a VPN for Netflix, Surfshark really shines. It’s not just about changing your IP address. it’s about doing it reliably, quickly, and securely. Here’s why I think Surfshark is such a strong contender:

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Massive Server Network: Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. That’s a huge number of options, meaning if one server isn’t working with Netflix, you’ve got plenty of others to try. The more servers, the better your chances of finding one that bypasses Netflix’s detection.
Consistent Unblocking: Surfshark is known for its ability to consistently unblock numerous Netflix libraries. Reports show it works with anywhere from 9 to 30 Netflix regions, including popular ones like the US, UK, Canada, Japan, India, France, and Italy. While Netflix is always trying to block VPNs, Surfshark is often one step ahead.
Blazing Fast Speeds: Nobody likes buffering, especially when you’re in the middle of an exciting scene. Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol, which is super fast and helps ensure you get a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience, even in HD or 4K. During tests, Surfshark has delivered impressive average speeds, often well above the 25 Mbps needed for 4K streaming.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a huge perk! With just one Surfshark account, you can protect and connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time. So, you and your family can all stream Netflix or browse securely on your phones, laptops, smart TVs, and tablets simultaneously without any issues. This is a big advantage over many other VPNs that limit connections.
Advanced Features for Streaming:
- Smart DNS: For devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like some Smart TVs or gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature is a lifesaver. It allows you to unblock US Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ by redirecting DNS queries without full encryption, which can sometimes result in faster speeds.
- NoBorders Mode: If you’re in a country with heavy internet restrictions or facing a tough network firewall, NoBorders mode automatically kicks in. It provides you with a list of servers that are optimized to work under these conditions, helping you access content that might otherwise be blocked.
- Bypasser Split Tunneling: This feature lets you choose which apps go through the VPN and which bypass it. So, you could have Netflix streaming through the VPN while other apps use your regular internet connection. This can help optimize performance.
- Kill Switch: This is a crucial security feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the Kill Switch automatically disconnects your internet to prevent your real IP address from being exposed, keeping your streaming location and your privacy under wraps.

Surfshark’s commitment to security, speed, and versatility truly makes it a top-tier choice for enhancing your Netflix experience. It’s no wonder it consistently ranks highly among VPNs for streaming.

Getting Started: How to Set Up Surfshark for Netflix

Using Surfshark to access different Netflix libraries is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be streaming in no time!

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Step 1: Get a Surfshark Subscription

First things first, you need an active Surfshark subscription. They often have some great deals, so keep an eye out for those. Once you’ve picked a plan that works for you, create your account.

Step 2: Download and Install the Surfshark App

Next, you’ll need to download the Surfshark app onto the device you want to stream Netflix on. Surfshark has native apps for pretty much everything:

Computers: Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile Devices: iOS iPhone, iPad, Android
Smart TVs: Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs using native apps or Smart DNS
Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox

Just head to the Surfshark website or your device’s app store like the App Store for iPhone and install it. The setup process is usually very quick and user-friendly.

Step 3: Connect to a Server

Now for the fun part!

Open the Surfshark app and log in with your credentials.
You’ll see a list of server locations. Choose a server in the country whose Netflix library you want to access. For example, if you’re after U.S. Netflix content, pick a server in the United States. If it’s a specific show you’re after, you can even use a site like uNoGS unofficial Netflix online Global Search to see which country has it, then connect to a server there.
- Popular choices for Netflix often include: USA, UK, Canada, Japan, India, France, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and South Korea.
Connect to the server by clicking the “Connect” button. Surfshark often has an “Auto-connect” feature that can pick the fastest server for you, but for Netflix, you’ll want to manually select a country.
- Quick tip: If you’re not sure which server to pick, some posts recommend specific cities like Boston USA or London UK servers for Netflix. Also, if you’re trying to watch a show that originated in a particular country, connecting to a server in that country can sometimes give you a smoother experience. Don’t be afraid to try a few different servers in the same country if one isn’t working.

Step 4: Open Netflix and Start Streaming!

Once Surfshark shows you’re connected, open your Netflix app or go to the Netflix website in your browser. You should now have access to the content library of the country you connected to! You don’t even need to log out and log back into Netflix most of the time. Just refresh the page, and you should see the new content. Watching ViuTV with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Uninterrupted Entertainment

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Netflix Isn’t Working

Even the best VPNs can sometimes hit a snag with Netflix, as Netflix is constantly working to detect and block VPNs. If you find Surfshark isn’t working with Netflix, don’t worry, there are several things you can try.

Try a Different Server

This is often the quickest fix. Netflix blocks VPN services by identifying and blocking IP addresses from known VPN servers. But Surfshark has a massive network, so it’s unlikely all their servers in a country are blocked.

Simply disconnect and reconnect to a different server within the same country you were trying to access. For example, if the New York server isn’t working, try a Los Angeles or Miami server. This will assign you a new IP address, which Netflix might not have blocked yet.

Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Your browser or Netflix app stores cookies and cache files that can sometimes give away your real location, even when using a VPN. Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to the Latest Version

For browser streaming: Go into your browser settings and clear your entire browsing data, including cache and cookies. After clearing, restart your browser. A “hard refresh” holding Shift and clicking the refresh button on the webpage can also sometimes help clear the cache for that specific page.
For Netflix app streaming: If you’re on a mobile device or smart TV, try clearing the app’s cache if available in settings or even uninstalling and reinstalling the Netflix app.

Change Your VPN Protocol

Surfshark offers different VPN protocols the rules your VPN connection follows. Sometimes, switching to a different one can help bypass Netflix’s detection or resolve buffering issues.

Go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol within the Surfshark app.
Try switching from your current protocol e.g., WireGuard to OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2. WireGuard is often the fastest, but sometimes OpenVPN is more robust for bypassing blocks.
After changing the protocol, restart Netflix.

Check for IP Leaks and how Surfshark helps

An IP leak means your real IP address is accidentally being exposed, even with the VPN on. Surfshark has features like DNS leak protection and a Kill Switch to prevent this.

Make sure your Kill Switch is enabled in the Surfshark app settings. This will automatically cut your internet if the VPN connection drops, protecting your anonymity.
You can also do a quick DNS leak test online just search for “DNS leak test” to ensure your VPN is working correctly.

Use Surfshark’s NoBorders Mode

If you’re in a heavily restricted network environment like some public Wi-Fi networks, workplaces, or countries with strict censorship, the NoBorders mode might be the solution. This feature is designed to work in such conditions.

NoBorders mode usually activates automatically when restrictions are detected.
However, you can also enable it manually: Go to Settings > VPN Settings > Advanced Settings, and toggle NoBorders ON. This will give you a list of servers optimized for restricted networks.

Adjust DNS Settings Smart DNS

Sometimes, manually changing your device’s DNS servers can help, especially if you’re facing general connectivity problems with Netflix or using a device that doesn’t support the full VPN app.

Surfshark recommends using specific DNS addresses like 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92.
You can find DNS settings in your device’s Network settings e.g., under Wi-Fi/Ethernet settings and change them to manual. This is different from the VPN connection itself, as Smart DNS primarily unblocks content without encryption.

Disable Other VPNs or Browser Extensions

If you have other VPN software or browser extensions that could interfere with network settings, try disabling them temporarily. They might be clashing with Surfshark’s connection. Also, ensure your Surfshark app is up to date, as outdated software can cause issues. How to set up surfshark vpn on router

Check for Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Your firewall or antivirus software might sometimes block VPN connections, mistaking the encrypted traffic for something suspicious.

Try temporarily disabling your firewall/antivirus or, ideally, whitelist the Surfshark app in its settings to allow it to connect properly.

Contact Surfshark Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and Netflix still isn’t cooperating, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They offer 24/7 live chat support and are usually very helpful in diagnosing and resolving issues. They might be able to recommend specific servers or offer advanced troubleshooting steps.

Maximizing Your Netflix Experience with Surfshark

Getting Surfshark to work with Netflix is just the beginning. There are ways to make your streaming experience even better.

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Watching Netflix on Different Devices

One of Surfshark’s biggest strengths is its compatibility across various platforms.

Smartphones and Tablets iPhone, Android: Just download the app from your respective app store. The process is identical: open the app, connect to your desired country, then open Netflix.
Smart TVs Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick: Surfshark offers native apps for many smart TVs and streaming devices, making setup simple.
Devices Without Native VPN Support Gaming Consoles, Older Smart TVs: This is where Smart DNS comes in handy. You can configure your device’s network settings to use Surfshark’s Smart DNS, which helps bypass geo-blocks without requiring a full VPN app. Remember, Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic, so it’s primarily for unblocking. Another option is to set up Surfshark on your router, protecting all devices connected to it.

Speed Considerations and Tips

While Surfshark is known for its speed, there are a few things that can affect your streaming quality:

Distance to Server: Generally, the closer you are to the VPN server, the faster your connection will be.
Server Load: If a server is overloaded with too many users, speeds might drop. Surfshark often provides information on server load, so try choosing a server with lower usage.
Internet Service Provider ISP Throttling: If your ISP is intentionally slowing down your connection for streaming, using a VPN can actually improve your Netflix experience by preventing this throttling.
WireGuard Protocol: As mentioned, stick with WireGuard for the best speeds when possible.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a consistent, high-quality Netflix streaming experience with Surfshark, opening up a world of entertainment you might have otherwise missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Netflix work with Surfshark?

Yes, Surfshark VPN works very well with Netflix. It’s designed to help you access different Netflix libraries from around the world by allowing you to connect to servers in various countries. While Netflix constantly tries to block VPNs, Surfshark is known for its consistent unblocking capabilities.

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How do I use Surfshark on Netflix?

It’s quite simple! First, get a Surfshark subscription and install the app on your device. Then, open the Surfshark app, log in, and connect to a server in the country whose Netflix library you want to watch. Once connected, open your Netflix app or browser, and you should have access to that region’s content.

What if Surfshark VPN on iPhone Netflix is not working?

If you’re facing issues with Surfshark on your iPhone while trying to watch Netflix, try these steps:

Connect to a different Surfshark server in the same country.
Clear your Netflix app’s cache or reinstall the app.
Change the VPN protocol in Surfshark’s settings e.g., try OpenVPN/UDP if WireGuard isn’t working.
Ensure NoBorders mode is active in Surfshark’s advanced settings if you’re on a restricted network.
Check for IP leaks and ensure your Kill Switch is on.
Contact Surfshark’s customer support for specific guidance.

Which Surfshark server is best for Netflix?

There isn’t one single “best” server as Netflix is constantly updating its blocking efforts. However, generally, servers in countries with large Netflix libraries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan are popular choices and often work reliably. If one server in a country doesn’t work, simply try connecting to a different server location within that same country.

Can I use Surfshark VPN to watch any Netflix library?

Surfshark is quite powerful and can unblock a significant number of Netflix libraries, often 15 to 30 different regions, including popular ones like the US, UK, Canada, France, India, and Italy. While it can unblock many, Netflix’s detection methods are sophisticated, so there’s always a slight chance a specific server might be temporarily blocked. However, Surfshark is dedicated to bypassing these restrictions, and with its vast server network, you usually have plenty of alternatives. Unlocking Twitter (X) with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Privacy and Freedom

Is it legal to use a VPN with Netflix?

In most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. However, Netflix’s terms of service prohibit using VPNs to access content outside your licensed region due to content licensing agreements. While Netflix tries to block VPN usage, there are no reported cases of users facing legal penalties or having their Netflix accounts suspended for using a VPN. It’s generally a cat-and-mouse game between VPN providers and Netflix’s blocking technology.

Why is my Surfshark VPN not connecting to Netflix?

Several factors can prevent Surfshark from connecting to Netflix:

Netflix might have detected and blocked the specific IP address of the server you’re using.
Your browser or Netflix app might have cached location data, revealing your true location.
Your VPN protocol might not be optimal for bypassing current Netflix blocks.
Network issues, an outdated Surfshark app, or interference from firewalls/antivirus software could also be at play.
Trying the troubleshooting steps outlined above, especially switching servers and clearing your cache, usually resolves these issues.

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How to Use Surfshark VPN to Watch Netflix: Your Ultimate Guide