Struggling to get your whole home protected with a VPN? Here’s how to set up Surfshark on your router so every device is covered, no individual app installs needed. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably thought about how annoying it is to install a VPN app on every single gadget in your house—your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, gaming console, and who knows what else. Well, installing Surfshark directly on your router is like hitting the “easy button” for whole-home privacy and security. This way, every single device that connects to your Wi-Fi network automatically gets that sweet VPN protection. No more fiddling with apps, no more worrying if you forgot to turn it on, it just works.

Think about it: your smart TV, gaming consoles, and even some smart home gadgets don’t even have native VPN app support. By setting up Surfshark on your router, they all get encrypted traffic and protection without you lifting a finger after the initial setup. Plus, while Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections, running it on your router technically only counts as one connection, freeing up those “slots” for devices you might take on the go. It’s a must for families, folks with a ton of devices, or anyone who just wants set-it-and-forget-it security.

Now, before we jump into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth noting that this isn’t always a super straightforward process, and it really depends on your router. Some routers are just born ready for VPNs, while others might need a little extra TLC like flashing custom firmware, which can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful. But don’t sweat it, I’m going to walk you through it. Let’s get your entire digital ecosystem protected!

Table of Contents

Why Put Surfshark on Your Router? The Real Perks

You might be wondering, “Why go through all this trouble when I can just use the Surfshark app?” Fair question! Here’s why a router-level VPN setup is often the ultimate play:

Whole Network Protection: This is the big one. Once Surfshark is on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi network is automatically protected. We’re talking phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, smart home devices, and even guest devices. No more installing individual apps.
Bypass Device Limits Sort Of: While Surfshark already offers unlimited simultaneous connections, setting it up on your router still counts as just one connection from Surfshark’s perspective. This is pretty sweet and gives you peace of mind.
Always-On Security: Your VPN is always active as long as your router is on and connected. You don’t need to remember to turn it on for each device. This means continuous encryption and privacy.
Protect Incompatible Devices: Many devices, especially smart TVs and gaming consoles, don’t support VPN apps directly. A router VPN covers them all, extending privacy and geo-unblocking capabilities to devices that otherwise wouldn’t have them.
Streamlining Your Setup: For those who want simplicity, a single router configuration means less management across multiple devices.
Enhanced Online Gaming: Some users report that by choosing the right VPN server and routing through a VPN-enabled router, they can sometimes improve gaming experiences by reducing latency or accessing region-locked content.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are a couple of trade-offs you should be aware of:

Loss of Advanced App Features: When Surfshark runs on your router, you typically lose access to some of the cooler features available in the dedicated Surfshark apps, like CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, Bypasser split tunneling, or MultiHop double VPN. These features usually require the app to be installed on the device itself.
Slight Speed Decrease Potentially: Routing all your traffic through the VPN on your router can sometimes lead to a small dip in internet speed, depending on your router’s processing power and the VPN server load.
Harder to Switch Servers: Changing VPN server locations usually means logging into your router’s admin panel, which isn’t as quick as just clicking a button in an app.
Less Flexibility Per Device: All devices on the network share the same VPN server location and settings. If you want one device to be in the US and another in the UK, you’d need a more advanced setup like VPN Fusion on some ASUS routers or multiple VPN-enabled routers.

Despite these cons, for many people, the sheer convenience and comprehensive protection of a router VPN far outweigh the downsides.

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Prerequisites: What You Need Before We Start

Alright, before we roll up our sleeves and get technical, make sure you have these things ready:

An Active Surfshark Subscription: This is a no-brainer. You can’t connect to Surfshark’s servers without an account.
A VPN-Compatible Router: This is crucial. Not all routers support VPN client functionality right out of the box.
- How to check?
  - Check your router’s manual: Look for terms like “VPN Client,” “OpenVPN,” “WireGuard,” or “L2TP” in the settings or specifications.
  - Google it: A quick search for VPN compatibility should give you the answer.
  - Look in your router’s settings: Log into your router’s admin panel we’ll cover how in a bit and poke around for a “VPN” or “Advanced Settings” tab. If you see “VPN Client” options, you’re likely in luck.
- Common compatible routers: Many ASUS, TP-Link certain models, Netgear certain models, Linksys with custom firmware, GL.iNet, and Cudy routers often support VPN clients. Routers running custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato are also usually compatible.
- Incompatible routers: Most ISP-provided routers usually don’t support VPN clients. Brands like Arris, Belkin, Cisco, and Google WiFi are often incompatible with stock firmware.
- Router Firmware: Ideally, your router needs firmware that supports OpenVPN or WireGuard client mode. Surfshark actually recommends WireGuard for its speed and security, but OpenVPN is a widely supported and reliable option. Some ASUS routers support “VPN Fusion” which makes setting up multiple VPN connections or routing specific devices much easier.
Surfshark Manual Setup Credentials: These are not your regular email and password. You’ll need specific service credentials for manual VPN setups.
- Log into your Surfshark account on their website.
- Navigate to the VPN section, then select Manual Setup.
- Choose Router as the setup method and select your preferred protocol OpenVPN is common for routers, but WireGuard is also an option for compatible ones.
- Look for the Credentials tab and generate credentials. Save these somewhere safe, you’ll need them!
Surfshark OpenVPN or WireGuard Configuration Files .ovpn or .conf: These files contain the server settings your router needs to connect.
- While still in the Manual Setup section on the Surfshark website, head to the Locations tab.
- Find the server location you want to connect to.
- Download the appropriate configuration file usually a .ovpn file for OpenVPN or .conf for WireGuard. For OpenVPN, you’ll often have a choice between UDP and TCP. UDP is generally faster. Download the one you prefer.
A Stable Internet Connection: You’ll need this during the setup process to ensure everything downloads and configures correctly.

Got all that? Awesome! Let’s get to the setup.

General Steps: How to Install Surfshark VPN on Most Compatible Routers Using OpenVPN

Even though router interfaces vary, the core process for setting up OpenVPN is pretty similar. We’ll use OpenVPN here as it’s the most common protocol for router setups.

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Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address and Log In

First things first, you need to access your router’s brain, its administrative panel.

Find Your Router’s IP:
- On Windows: Open the Start menu, type cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for the “Default Gateway” — that’s your router’s IP address. It’s usually something like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.10.1.
- On macOS: Click the Apple menu > System Settings or System Preferences > Network. Select your Wi-Fi connection, click Details or Advanced > TCP/IP. Your router’s IP address will be listed next to “Router.”
Open Your Browser: Once you have that IP address, open your web browser Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc. and type the IP address into the URL bar, then hit Enter.
Log In: You’ll see a login screen.
- If you’ve never changed them, the default credentials are often admin for both username and password, or admin with no password.
- Pro Tip: Check the back or bottom of your physical router. the default login details are often printed on a sticker there. If you’ve changed them and forgotten, you might need to factory reset your router but be careful, this erases all your settings!.

Step 2: Navigate to the VPN Client Section

Once you’re logged into your router’s admin panel, you’ll need to find the VPN client settings.

Look for a tab or section labeled VPN, Advanced Settings, VPN Client, or OpenVPN Client. The exact location can vary wildly between router brands and models. Don’t be afraid to click around a bit.
If you can’t find anything related to a “VPN Client,” your router likely doesn’t support VPNs with its current firmware. In this case, you might need to consider flashing custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato which is a more advanced process and carries some risk or getting a new, VPN-compatible router.

Step 3: Configure the OpenVPN Client

This is where you’ll upload your Surfshark configuration file and enter your credentials.

You’ll typically see an option to Add Profile, Add new OpenVPN client, or similar. Click that.
Select OpenVPN as the VPN Type or protocol.
Upload the .ovpn file: Look for an option like “Choose File,” “Import .ovpn File,” or “Upload” next to a field for a configuration file. Select the .ovpn file you downloaded from the Surfshark website earlier. Upload it and wait for it to process. You should get a “Complete” message if successful.
Enter Credentials: You’ll need to input the Username and Password you generated in the Surfshark Manual Setup section remember, these are not your regular Surfshark login details.
Description/Name: Give your VPN connection a recognizable name, like “Surfshark US Server” or “My Home VPN.”
Other Settings: Some routers might ask for additional details like:
- Protocol: Choose UDP usually faster or TCP.
- Port: For UDP, it’s often 1194. for TCP, 1443.
- Authentication Mode: TLS is common.
- Encryption Cipher/Hash Algorithm: Leave these as default if not specified, or match them to Surfshark’s recommendations often AES-256-CBC, SHA-512.
- Start with WAN / Enable: Make sure this is checked or enabled so the VPN starts automatically.
Save and Apply: Once all details are entered, click Save, Apply Settings, or OK.

Step 4: Activate and Test Your Connection

Almost there! Now you need to turn on the VPN and make sure it’s working. Review Surfshark VPN: Is It Really That Good in 2025?

Activate: In the VPN Client section, you should see your newly created profile. Look for an Activate button or a toggle to enable it. Click it to connect.
Connection Status: Your router’s interface should show a “Connected” status or a green checkmark if the connection is successful. If it says “Connecting” and gets stuck, or shows an error, don’t panic. we’ll cover troubleshooting later.
Verify Your IP Address: This is the most important step to confirm everything’s working.
- On any device connected to your now VPN-enabled router, open a web browser.
- Go to a website that shows your IP address, like “What is my IP address?” or Surfshark’s own IP checker tool.
- Your IP address should now reflect the location of the Surfshark VPN server you chose, not your actual home IP. If it does, congratulations, you’ve successfully set up Surfshark on your router!

Specific Router Guides: ASUS, TP-Link, and Netgear

While the general steps are a good roadmap, some router brands have specific nuances. Let’s look at a few common ones.

How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on an ASUS Router ASUSWRT/VPN Fusion

ASUS routers, especially those with ASUSWRT firmware, are often praised for their VPN client capabilities. Many newer ASUS models also support VPN Fusion, which makes things even easier.

Get Credentials & Config Files: Just like in the general steps, log into your Surfshark account, go to Manual Setup, select Router, choose OpenVPN or WireGuard if supported by your ASUS model, generate credentials, and download your preferred server’s .ovpn or .conf file.
Access Router Admin: Open your browser, type in your ASUS router’s IP often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1, and log in.
Navigate to VPN Settings: In the left sidebar, click on VPN.
Select VPN Client: Go to the VPN Client tab or VPN Fusion if your router has it.
Add Profile: Click the Add profile button.
Configure OpenVPN Client:
- Select the OpenVPN tab.
- Description: Give it a name.
- Username & Password: Enter your Surfshark manual setup credentials.
- Import .ovpn File: Click “Choose File” and upload the .ovpn file you downloaded. Make sure “Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually” is unticked.
- Click Upload, then OK.
Activate Connection: You should now see the new VPN connection. Click Activate to connect your router to the Surfshark server. A blue checkmark usually indicates success.

For ASUS with WireGuard via VPN Fusion: Some newer ASUS routers with VPN Fusion support WireGuard.
- After logging into your router and going to VPN Fusion, click Add profile.
- Choose Surfshark as the VPN Type.
- Select your desired Country/Region.
- You’ll need a Private Key from Surfshark’s manual setup, under the WireGuard protocol option. You’ll generate a new key pair there. Copy the private key and paste it into your router settings.
- Bind the devices you want to use the VPN with or enable “Apply to all devices”.
- Click Apply and Enable.

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

TP-Link routers also often support OpenVPN client mode, but the menu names might be a little different. Surfshark vpn rabatt

Get Credentials & Config Files: Same as before, grab your Surfshark manual setup username, password, and the .ovpn file from the Surfshark website.
Access Router Admin: Log into your TP-Link router’s web interface often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
Navigate to VPN Client: Go to the Advanced tab, then find VPN Client.
Enable VPN Client: Check the Enable box next to “VPN Client” and click Save if present.
Add a VPN Server: In the “Server List” section, click + Add or Add Profile.
Set Up Manually & OpenVPN: Select “Set up manually” and choose OpenVPN as the VPN Type.
Enter Details:
- Description: Give your connection a name.
- Username & Password: Paste your Surfshark manual credentials.
- Import .ovpn file: Click Browse or “Choose File” and upload your downloaded .ovpn file.
- Click Save.
Assign Devices Important for TP-Link!: Many TP-Link routers require you to manually assign which devices use the VPN tunnel.
- Look for an option like “Device List” or “VPN Client List” and click Add.
- Select the devices connected to your network that you want to route through the VPN, then click OK.
Enable Connection: Finally, enable the toggle next to your new VPN profile in the “Server List” area.

How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on a Netgear Router

Netgear routers vary widely in their VPN client support. Many stock Netgear firmwares don’t support OpenVPN client mode, meaning you might need custom firmware like DD-WRT.

Firmware Check: First, confirm your Netgear router supports OpenVPN client mode. If not, consider flashing DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. Be very careful with this process, as incorrect flashing can damage your router.
Get Credentials & Config Files: Obtain your Surfshark manual username, password, and .ovpn files.
Access Router Admin: Open your browser and go to your Netgear router’s IP address commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in.
Navigate to VPN Settings: Look for a VPN or OpenVPN section, usually under “Advanced Settings.”
Configure VPN Client DD-WRT Example:
- If using DD-WRT, go to Services > VPN.
- Enable the OpenVPN Client.
- You’ll need to enter server information server IP/name, port, protocol, paste the Surfshark login credentials, and sometimes copy/paste certificate information from your .ovpn file.
- Save, Apply Settings, and then Reboot your router.
Verify Connection: Once it reboots, check your IP address online to ensure it reflects the VPN server location.

Troubleshooting Common Surfshark Router VPN Issues

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly on the first try, and that’s totally normal. Here are some common problems and how to tackle them:

“Connecting” Status Stuck: This is a common one.
- Double-check Credentials: Make sure the Surfshark manual setup username and password are exactly correct. These are different from your account login.
- Re-upload .ovpn File: The configuration file might be corrupted or incorrectly uploaded. Try downloading a fresh .ovpn file from Surfshark and re-uploading it.
- Try a Different Server/Protocol: Sometimes a specific server might be temporarily overloaded or have an issue. Download an .ovpn file for a different Surfshark server location, or try switching between UDP and TCP protocols if your router allows. UDP is generally faster but can be less stable than TCP.
- Check Router Compatibility: Reconfirm that your router model definitely supports OpenVPN/WireGuard client mode. If it doesn’t, you might need custom firmware.
- Test with OpenVPN Connect App: Surfshark suggests testing your .ovpn file on a device using the official OpenVPN Connect app. If it doesn’t work there, the issue is with the configuration file or Surfshark server, not your router.
Slow Internet Speeds:
- Router Processing Power: Your router might not be powerful enough to handle the encryption overhead at high speeds. This is a common limitation of consumer-grade routers. High-end routers like the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro or dedicated VPN routers like those from FlashRouters or Vilfo are designed for better performance.
- Choose a Closer Server: Connect to a Surfshark server geographically closer to your physical location. This generally reduces latency and improves speed.
- Switch Protocols: If you’re on OpenVPN TCP, try OpenVPN UDP for potentially faster speeds. WireGuard is often the fastest protocol.
- Avoid Double VPN: Don’t run the Surfshark app on a device that’s already connected to your VPN-enabled router. This creates a “double VPN” scenario which will severely slow down your speeds.
- Restart Router: A simple reboot can sometimes clear up performance issues.
VPN Disconnecting Frequently:
- Check Internet Connection: Ensure your underlying internet connection is stable. A spotty connection will cause VPN drops.
- Update Firmware: Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve stability.
- Disable IPv6: Some routers or network setups can have issues with IPv6 when a VPN is active. Try disabling IPv6 in your router settings.
Some Devices Aren’t Protected:
- TP-Link Specific: If you have a TP-Link router, remember you might need to manually assign devices to the VPN tunnel in the router’s settings.
- Clear DNS Cache: Sometimes devices hold onto old DNS information. Clear the DNS cache on the device and/or restart it.
- Router’s DNS Settings: Ensure your router’s DNS settings aren’t overriding the VPN’s DNS.
Lost Router Access After VPN Setup: If you can’t access your router’s admin panel, try disconnecting the VPN client from within the router interface if you can or even doing a temporary factory reset as a last resort, as this clears all settings. Sometimes the VPN changes network routing in unexpected ways.
When in Doubt, Contact Support: Surfshark’s customer support is available 24/7 via live chat or email. They can provide specific guidance for your router model and help troubleshoot. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can all routers use Surfshark?

No, unfortunately, not all routers can use Surfshark, or any VPN for that matter. Your router needs to have a built-in VPN client feature, typically supporting OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols, in its firmware. Many older routers or those provided by internet service providers ISPs often lack this functionality. If your router doesn’t support it, you might need to flash it with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato which is a more advanced process or consider buying a new, VPN-compatible router.

What is the best router for Surfshark VPN?

The “best” router for Surfshark really depends on your needs and budget, but generally, you want one with robust processing power and native VPN client support for OpenVPN or WireGuard. ASUS routers are frequently recommended due to their user-friendly interfaces like ASUSWRT and VPN Fusion and strong performance. Models like the ASUS RT-AX88U Pro or ASUS AX3000 are often cited as excellent choices. Dedicated VPN routers from companies like FlashRouters or Vilfo also come pre-configured and optimized for VPNs, offering superior performance and ease of use, though they tend to be more expensive.

Does installing Surfshark on my router slow down my internet?

It’s possible, yes. Encrypting and decrypting all your network traffic requires processing power, and your router’s CPU has to work harder. The speed impact depends on your router’s specifications, the VPN protocol you use WireGuard is often faster than OpenVPN, the distance to the VPN server, and the server’s load. More powerful routers will experience less of a speed drop. To minimize slowdowns, choose a VPN server close to your physical location and use the WireGuard protocol if your router supports it.

Can I use Surfshark’s advanced features like CleanWeb or Bypasser when it’s on my router?

Generally, no. When Surfshark is configured on your router, it acts as a basic VPN tunnel, encrypting all traffic. Advanced features like CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, Bypasser split tunneling, or MultiHop double VPN are usually part of the dedicated Surfshark apps and require the app to be running on individual devices to function. If those features are crucial for specific devices, you’d need to use the Surfshark app on those devices instead of or in addition to the router VPN. Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom

What if my router doesn’t support VPN client mode?

If your router doesn’t have native VPN client support, you have a few options. First, you could look into flashing custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato onto your router. This can add VPN client capabilities, but it’s a technical process that carries a risk of “bricking” your router if done incorrectly, so proceed with caution. Alternatively, you could purchase a new router that is known to be VPN-compatible, like many ASUS, GL.iNet, or FlashRouters models. Another option for unblocking content, but without the encryption benefits, is to use Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature.

How do I update the Surfshark VPN on my router?

Updating Surfshark on your router isn’t like updating an app. you typically don’t update the “VPN itself.” Instead, you’d update your router’s firmware. Router manufacturers occasionally release new firmware versions that might improve VPN performance, stability, or add new features. You’ll usually find firmware updates in your router’s admin panel under a “Firmware Upgrade” or “System Tools” section. Always download firmware directly from your router manufacturer’s official website and follow their instructions carefully to avoid issues. If Surfshark releases new configuration files or changes their server setup, you might need to download and re-upload new .ovpn files to your router.

Can I connect some devices to the VPN and others directly to the internet when Surfshark is on my router?

Yes, some routers offer this functionality, often called “VPN bypass” or “selective routing.” On some ASUS routers with VPN Fusion, you can easily assign specific devices to use the VPN tunnel while others go through the regular internet connection. Some custom firmware like DD-WRT also allows for this advanced configuration. If your router doesn’t have this feature, all devices will automatically use the VPN connection.

Surfshark VPN: ¿Qué es, para qué sirve y por qué deberías usarlo?

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Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your Router: Your Ultimate Home Network Protector