Have you ever been in that awkward spot where you need your VPN for privacy, but one specific app or website just won’t play nice with it? Maybe your banking app flags your VPN connection as suspicious, or a local news site just won’t load properly. It’s a common dilemma, and that’s where Surfshark VPN’s Bypasser feature swoops in to save the day! This guide is all about helping you understand and master Surfshark’s Bypasser, also known as split tunneling, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds: robust VPN protection where you need it, and direct internet access for everything else. No more constantly turning your VPN on and off. we’re going to get you set up for seamless, smart online freedom.

Table of Contents

What Exactly is Surfshark’s Bypasser Split Tunneling?

Think of your internet traffic like cars on a highway. Normally, when you use a VPN, all your cars data take a special, encrypted tunnel, which is super secure and hides where they’re really coming from. This is called “full tunneling.” But sometimes, you want some cars to take the regular highway directly to their destination, while others still get the secure tunnel. That’s precisely what split tunneling does.

Surfshark calls this clever feature Bypasser. It’s an innovative tool that basically creates two simultaneous connections: one protected by the VPN, and one that goes directly to the internet without encryption. This means you get to pick and choose which apps or websites use the VPN tunnel and which ones bypass it.

Surfshark’s Bypasser gives you two main options to tailor your traffic:

Bypass VPN: This is when you select specific applications or websites that you want to exclude from the VPN connection. They’ll use your regular internet connection, while everything else on your device stays protected by the VPN.
Route via VPN: This option is the opposite. You select only those applications or websites that you want to include in the VPN connection. Only their traffic will go through the VPN tunnel, and all other traffic on your device will use your normal internet connection.

The beauty of Bypasser is that it puts you in control. It helps you balance security, performance, and convenience without compromising your overall online privacy. How to Snag the Best Surfshark VPN Free Trial (And Why You Should!)

Why Would You Even Need to Bypass Your VPN?

You might be wondering, “Why bother with this bypass feature if the whole point of a VPN is to encrypt everything?” Well, it turns out there are a bunch of practical, everyday scenarios where Bypasser becomes incredibly handy.

Accessing Local Services Without a Fuss

Imagine this: you’re connected to Surfshark, enjoying secure browsing, but then you need to check your online banking, print a document to your wireless printer, or order food through a local delivery app. Many of these services, especially banking and home devices, are super sensitive to your IP address and might actually block you or require extra verification steps if they detect a VPN.

Online Banking: Banks often flag VPN usage as suspicious activity, leading to lockouts or requiring you to jump through hoops with two-factor authentication. By bypassing the VPN for your banking app or website, you can access your finances smoothly, without exposing your other online activities.
Smart Home Devices & Local Networks: Your smart TV, printer, or other network devices might rely on your local IP address to function correctly. If your VPN is on, they might lose connection. Bypasser lets these devices connect directly to your local network while the rest of your traffic remains encrypted.
Regional Content: Sometimes you want to check local news, weather, or specific region-locked content that requires your actual location, even while you’re accessing geo-restricted content from other countries through your VPN. Bypasser makes this possible.

Optimizing Speed for Data-Heavy Apps

Let’s be real, while VPNs offer amazing security, routing all your traffic through an encrypted tunnel can sometimes introduce a slight speed dip. For activities where every millisecond counts or where data consumption is high, this can be noticeable. Diving into Surfshark’s Network: What It Really Means

Streaming Services: You might be streaming a high-definition show on Netflix or YouTube, but the VPN connection causes buffering. Or maybe you want to watch content from your local Netflix library, even while connected to a VPN for other tasks. Bypasser lets you run streaming apps directly, potentially giving you faster, smoother playback and access to your local content.
Online Gaming: Gamers know that low latency is key. Routing your game traffic through a VPN server can sometimes add a few milliseconds, which can be the difference between winning and losing. With Bypasser, you can keep your game’s connection direct for optimal speed, while your background apps remain protected.
Large Downloads: If you’re downloading a huge file that doesn’t require VPN protection, you can bypass it to get the fastest possible speeds your internet connection offers.

Dealing with Stubborn VPN Blocks

Some websites, online services, or even workplace/school networks are designed to detect and block VPN traffic. They might prevent you from accessing certain content or services altogether.

Work/School Networks: Many corporate or educational networks restrict VPN usage. Bypasser can sometimes help you get around these blocks for specific applications that need a direct connection, though this depends on the strictness of the network’s firewall.
Anti-VPN Measures: Certain platforms actively try to identify and block VPN users. By selectively bypassing the VPN for these specific sites, you can gain access without turning off your VPN for everything else.

Using Bypasser ensures that your sensitive data stays encrypted where it matters most, while giving you the flexibility to handle other tasks without constant VPN toggling.

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

Getting Surfshark’s Bypasser up and running is pretty straightforward, but the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your device. Let’s walk through the general process and then look at some platform-specific details.

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General Steps to Enable Bypasser:

Open the Surfshark Application: Make sure you have the latest version of the Surfshark app installed on your device.
Go to Settings: Look for the “Settings” icon, usually represented by a gear. On Windows and macOS, it’s typically on the left-hand side panel. On Android and iOS, you’ll often find it on the bottom bar.
Navigate to VPN Settings: Within the settings menu, find and click on “VPN Settings.”
Find Bypasser: Tap or click on “Bypasser.”
Choose Your Mode: Here, you’ll select either “Bypass VPN” to exclude apps/websites from the VPN or “Route via VPN” to only send selected apps/websites through the VPN. Toggle the switch to enable your preferred option.

Now, let’s get into the specifics for different operating systems:

Setting Up Bypasser on Windows

Windows users get the full package with Bypasser, allowing both app and website/IP address exclusion.

Enable Bypasser: Follow the general steps above to enable either “Bypass VPN” or “Route via VPN.”
Select Applications:
- Click on “Select apps.”
- You’ll see a list of applications on your device.
- Check the box next to the apps you want to include or exclude.
- If your app isn’t listed, click “Add apps” and locate the .exe file.
Select Websites or IP Addresses:
- If you chose “Bypass VPN” for websites/IPs, enable it below the “Websites / IP addresses” tab.
- Click on “Add websites or IP addresses.”
- A window will pop up where you can type in the URL e.g., google.com or an IP address, then click “Add.”
Reconnect: Once you’ve made your selections, reconnect to any Surfshark server. Your chosen apps/websites will now behave according to your Bypasser settings.

Setting Up Bypasser on Android

Android users also get robust control over both apps and websites.

Enable Bypasser: Follow the general steps, then tap the switch bar to enable either “Bypass VPN” or “Route via VPN.”
- Tap on “Apps selected.”
- You’ll see a list of supported applications. Select the ones you want to bypass or route via VPN by tapping the box next to them.
Select Websites:
- Tap on “Websites selected.”
- Tap “Add Website” and type in the URL, then “Save.”
Connect: Return to the main Surfshark screen and connect to your preferred VPN location. Your selected apps and websites will now behave as configured.

Setting Up Bypasser on macOS

Surfshark brought its Bypasser feature to macOS recently around April 2025, which is a big deal as many VPNs don’t offer split tunneling for Apple devices. What is Surfshark VPN? Your Go-To Guide for Online Freedom

Enable Bypasser: Follow the general steps to reach the Bypasser section.
Select Apps or Websites:
- Click on “Add website” or “Add app.”
- Enter the website URL or find the app using the Finder tool.
Connect: Once set up, connect to a VPN server. Your Mac will now route traffic according to your Bypasser rules.

Setting Up Bypasser on iOS

For iOS devices iPhone, iPad, Surfshark’s Bypasser currently focuses on websites only, not individual apps. This is still a valuable feature, especially considering that iOS split tunneling is rare among VPNs.

Add Website:
- Click on “Add website.”
- Enter the website URL you wish to bypass.
Connect: After adding the website, connect to your VPN. The specified website will now bypass the VPN tunnel. There’s even a neat way to quickly add a website via the “share” option in iOS.

Browser Extensions

If you’re using the Surfshark browser extension, you can also set up a bypass list specifically for your browser traffic.

Open the Surfshark browser extension.
Click Settings on the left-hand panel.
Go to the Bypass list.
Click Add new and enter the website URL you want to bypass.

Remember, any data that bypasses the VPN tunnel won’t be encrypted, so your real IP address will be visible to those websites or apps. It’s always a good idea to keep sensitive personal information within the VPN tunnel.

Surfshark VPN Bypass Not Working? Let’s Fix It!

It can be super frustrating when you’re trying to get a feature like Bypasser to work, and it just isn’t cooperating. If you find your Surfshark VPN bypass not working, don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are several common reasons this happens and some straightforward troubleshooting steps you can try.

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Common Causes for Bypasser Not Working

Conflicting Applications: Sometimes, other software on your device, like antivirus programs, firewalls, or even another VPN app, can interfere with Surfshark’s connection settings. They might see Surfshark as a threat and block its functions.
Outdated Software: Using an old version of the Surfshark app can lead to compatibility issues and bugs, preventing features like Bypasser from working correctly.
Server or Protocol Issues: The specific VPN server you’re connected to might be experiencing problems, or the VPN protocol you’re using like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 might struggle with certain network restrictions.
Network Restrictions: Your local network e.g., at work, school, or even certain public Wi-Fi might have strict firewalls or parental controls that block VPN traffic or specific ports.
IPv6 Enabled: Surfshark currently doesn’t fully support IPv6, and having it enabled on your device or network can sometimes cause connection issues.
Cache and Cookies: For websites, your browser’s stored cache and cookies can sometimes contain old location data that conflicts with your VPN’s IP, leading to services detecting a VPN even when Bypasser is active.

Troubleshooting Steps to Get Your Bypasser Back on Track

Here’s a list of things you can try if Surfshark bypass isn’t working as expected:

Change VPN Server and Protocol:
- Switch Servers: One of the easiest fixes! If a particular server is acting up, just try connecting to a different one in the same country, or a nearby location.
- Experiment with Protocols: Go to Surfshark’s Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol. Try switching to a different protocol. OpenVPN UDP is often recommended for bypassing network restrictions and for speed. For streaming services like Netflix, sometimes WireGuard works best.
Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure your basic internet connection is stable and working fine without the VPN. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network, an Ethernet connection, or even a mobile hotspot to rule out issues with your primary network.
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- Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable your antivirus software or Windows Defender on Windows to see if they are blocking Surfshark. If that fixes it, add Surfshark to their exclusion list.
- Other VPNs/Proxies: If you have any other VPN applications, proxies, or network management tools installed, they could be conflicting. It’s best to disable or uninstall them before using Surfshark.
Update or Reinstall Surfshark App:
- Update: Always ensure you’re running the latest version of the Surfshark app. Developers constantly release updates to improve performance and bypass new restrictions.
- Reinstall: If an update doesn’t help, try a clean reinstallation. Completely uninstall Surfshark, clear any leftover files, restart your device, and then download and install a fresh copy from the official Surfshark website. Some Reddit users reported this helped with Bypasser issues.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: This is particularly important for website bypassing. Old browser data can reveal your true location. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can force websites to recognize your new or bypassed IP address.
Disable IPv6: Since Surfshark primarily works with IPv4, having IPv6 enabled can sometimes cause issues. You can typically disable IPv6 in your device’s network adapter settings.
Consider a Static IP: For some persistent issues, especially with streaming services that constantly block changing VPN IPs, getting a static IP from Surfshark could help. This provides you with a consistent IP address, making it less likely to be flagged.
Override GPS Location Mobile Devices: If you’re on a mobile device and still having issues with location-sensitive apps like Netflix, it might be using your device’s GPS. Surfshark has an option in Settings > Advanced to override GPS location. You might need to enable “developer mode” on your device for this. Surfshark VPN Review Australia: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Privacy Down Under

If you’ve tried all these steps and still can’t get Bypasser to work, it’s definitely time to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. They offer 24/7 live chat and email support, and they’re usually very helpful in diagnosing more complex issues.

Bypassing Tricky VPN Blocks with Surfshark

Beyond the specific Bypasser feature, Surfshark has some other tools and strategies built-in to help you get around tougher VPN blocks, especially in regions with heavy censorship or on networks that aggressively detect VPN usage.

Camouflage Mode Obfuscated Servers

This is a must when you’re up against sophisticated VPN detection systems, often found in countries with strict internet censorship. Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode is their answer to obfuscation. What it does is disguise your VPN traffic to look like regular, unencrypted internet traffic. Is surfshark vpn free

How it works:
When Camouflage Mode is active it’s automatically enabled when you use the OpenVPN protocol, your data packets are modified so that deep packet inspection DPI technologies, which analyze data to identify VPN traffic, can’t easily tell you’re using a VPN. This makes it much harder for firewalls to block your connection. If you’re struggling to connect in a restrictive environment, switching to OpenVPN UDP and ensuring Camouflage Mode is active is a great first step.

Switching Protocols for Better Evasion

We talked about changing protocols for troubleshooting Bypasser, but it’s also a key strategy for bypassing general VPN blocks. Different protocols have different ways of encrypting and routing your data, and some are better at evading detection than others.

OpenVPN UDP: As mentioned, this protocol is often recommended for its balance of speed and security, and it’s what enables Camouflage Mode. If other protocols are blocked, OpenVPN UDP might just get you through.
Other Protocols: Surfshark also offers WireGuard and IKEv2. If one protocol isn’t working, try another. Sometimes a less common protocol might slip past a basic block.

Dedicated IP Addresses

While using a shared IP address what most VPNs offer by default is great for anonymity, it can sometimes lead to blocks because many users share that same IP. Streaming services, for instance, might block an IP if they detect too many users accessing from it simultaneously, indicating VPN use.

A dedicated IP address is an IP that only you use. Because it’s not shared with thousands of other VPN users, it’s far less likely to be flagged as a VPN IP by websites or services. This can be especially useful for:

Accessing online banking.
Getting around reCAPTCHAs.
Accessing services that frequently block shared VPN IPs.

Surfshark offers dedicated IP addresses as an add-on, and they’ve recently expanded their dedicated IP locations. Supercharge Your Apple Experience: A Deep Dive into Surfshark VPN

Changing DNS Settings

Your Domain Name System DNS requests can sometimes leak your real location or reveal that you’re using a VPN. If your VPN’s DNS doesn’t match the IP address provided by the VPN server, some sophisticated blockers might catch on.

Surfshark uses its own private DNS servers, which helps prevent these kinds of leaks. However, if you’re still facing issues, you could manually configure your device to use Surfshark’s DNS servers e.g., 162.252.172.57 and 149.154.159.92 or other trusted public DNS servers within your network settings. This helps ensure consistency and can sometimes bypass DNS-based blocks.

By combining Surfshark’s Bypasser with these other powerful features like Camouflage Mode, different protocols, and potentially a dedicated IP, you’ve got a robust toolkit to tackle almost any online restriction.

Can Surfshark Bypass Netflix? And What to Do if It Doesn’t

Ah, Netflix – the ultimate test for many VPNs! We all love a good binge-watch of content from other regions, and Surfshark is often touted as a great VPN for streaming. So, can Surfshark bypass Netflix? Generally, yes, Surfshark is known to work with Netflix and is quite effective at helping users access different regional libraries. It effectively helps you change your local IP address to one from another country, letting you bypass those annoying geographical restrictions.

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Surfshark consistently updates its servers to combat Netflix’s sophisticated VPN-blocking firewalls. As of recent tests, Surfshark reliably works with Netflix in several key regions, including:

US
UK
Canada
France
Italy
Brazil
Mexico
India
Singapore

However, just like with any VPN, you might occasionally run into a “Surfshark Netflix VPN not working” situation, often greeted by the dreaded “Whoops, something went wrong… You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” message. When Surfshark reports “another VPN detected,” it usually means there’s a conflict or a setting that Netflix is picking up on.

Don’t throw in the towel just yet! Here’s what you can do if Surfshark isn’t playing nice with Netflix:

Connect to a Compatible Country/Server: Surfshark vpn on asus router
- First, ensure you’re connecting to one of the countries Surfshark is known to work with for Netflix like the ones listed above.
- If you’re already in one of those, try switching to a different server within that same country. Netflix actively blocks known VPN IP addresses, so a fresh server might do the trick.
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies: This is a super important step! Netflix uses cookies and cached data to remember your actual location. Even if your VPN is on, old location data in your browser can betray you.
- How to do it: Go into your browser’s settings, find “Clear browsing data,” and make sure to tick “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Clear everything from “All time.” After clearing, restart your browser or the Netflix app and try again.
Use a Different Encryption Protocol:
- In the Surfshark app, go to Settings > VPN Settings > Protocol.
- While OpenVPN UDP is good for general bypass, WireGuard is often recommended for streaming due to its speed and efficiency. Give that a try.
Consider a Static IP: As discussed earlier, a static IP can sometimes help with stubborn streaming blocks, as it provides a consistent, less-flagged IP address.
Override GPS Location for Mobile Netflix: If you’re using Netflix on your phone or tablet, the app might be using your device’s GPS to determine your location, even if your VPN IP says otherwise. Surfshark has a “GPS Override” feature found in Settings > Advanced that can help with this, though it might require enabling developer options on your device.
Log in to Netflix Before Connecting to VPN: Sometimes, logging into your Netflix account with your VPN disconnected, then connecting to your Surfshark VPN server, and finally refreshing Netflix can work. Can Surfshark VPN Be Used in China?
Restart Your Device: A classic IT solution, but often effective! A full restart can clear out any temporary glitches or conflicting processes.

By systematically working through these steps, you significantly increase your chances of getting Surfshark to work with Netflix and unlock those geo-restricted shows and movies you’ve been wanting to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surfshark Bypasser?

Surfshark Bypasser is Surfshark’s term for split tunneling, a feature that allows you to choose which internet traffic goes through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which bypasses it to use your regular internet connection. This gives you flexibility to balance security, speed, and access to local services.

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Is Bypasser available on all devices?

Surfshark’s Bypasser is available on most major platforms, including Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, as well as their browser extensions. However, there’s a slight difference for iOS, where the feature currently supports bypassing websites only, not individual applications.

Does using Bypasser make me less secure?

When you use the “Bypass VPN” option, the specific apps or websites you’ve chosen will connect directly to the internet without VPN encryption. This means your real IP address will be visible to those services, and your data won’t be protected by the VPN’s encryption. For sensitive activities like online banking, it prioritizes access over VPN anonymity, but you should always use caution and only bypass services you trust. Your remaining traffic that does go through the VPN remains secure.

Can I use Bypasser with Netflix?

Yes, you can use Bypasser with Netflix, and it can be especially useful if you want to access your local Netflix library while having other apps connected to the VPN. Or, if Netflix is blocking your VPN connection, you could try bypassing it for Netflix only, though clearing cache and trying different servers/protocols are often more effective first steps for Netflix-specific issues.

What if Surfshark Bypasser isn’t showing up?

If you can’t find the Bypasser feature, first make sure your Surfshark app is fully updated to the latest version. If it’s still missing, it might be due to your specific device’s operating system version or a rare app glitch. Try reinstalling the app or contacting Surfshark’s customer support for platform-specific guidance.

How is “Bypass VPN” different from “Route via VPN”?

These are the two modes within Surfshark’s Bypasser. “Bypass VPN” means you select specific apps or websites to exclude from the VPN – they’ll use your regular internet connection. “Route via VPN” means you select specific apps or websites to include in the VPN – only their traffic goes through the VPN, and everything else uses your regular internet connection. The “Bypass VPN” option is more common, letting you protect most of your traffic while allowing exceptions. Does surfshark vpn allow torrenting

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