When I first tried to get my internet traffic working just the way I wanted it with a VPN, it felt like navigating a maze. But honestly, getting Surfshark to route your internet traffic, whether it’s your whole home network or just specific apps, isn’t as scary as it sounds, especially with all the chatter and helpful tips you find on Reddit. This guide is all about showing you how to manage your Surfshark VPN routing, whether that means setting it up on your router for network-wide protection or using its clever Bypasser feature for selective app control. We’ll cover everything from how to set it up, what to do if things go wrong, and what the real users on Reddit are saying about their experiences. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to get your online world secured and working exactly how you like it with Surfshark.

Routing your internet traffic through Surfshark VPN can feel like you’re unlocking a whole new level of online privacy and control. Forget those confusing technical guides. we’re going to break down how to get Surfshark working for you, whether it’s protecting every device in your home or just a select few apps. We’ll dive into setting up Surfshark on your router, how to use its handy “Bypasser” feature also known as split tunneling, tackle common problems that pop up, and even explore what real users on Reddit have to say about their experiences.

At its core, routing via VPN means directing your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel provided by your VPN service. This hides your real IP address and encrypts your data, making your online activities much more private and secure. With Surfshark, you get a robust service that’s often praised on Reddit for being budget-friendly and user-friendly, offering features like over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, a strict no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers that wipe data with every reboot. Plus, they offer unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a huge bonus if you have a lot of devices. This guide will help you leverage these features for smarter, safer browsing.

Table of Contents

Understanding VPN Routing: Why Go Beyond the App?

You might be wondering, “Why should I even bother with routing my VPN traffic in a special way when I can just use the Surfshark app?” That’s a fair question! While the app is super convenient for individual devices, there are some powerful reasons to think about broader or more specific routing strategies.

What Exactly Is Routing via VPN?

Simply put, routing your traffic via VPN means deciding which parts of your internet activity go through the secure VPN tunnel and which don’t. When you connect a device directly to the Surfshark app, all its internet traffic usually goes through the VPN. But with more advanced routing, you get to choose. This could mean:

Whole-network protection: Every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network automatically gets VPN protection.
Selective app routing Split Tunneling: Only specific applications or websites use the VPN, while everything else connects directly to the internet.

Why Bother with It?

Going beyond the basic app connection offers some sweet perks:

Whole-Network Protection: Imagine protecting all your devices—your smart TV, gaming console, smart home gadgets, and even your kids’ tablets—all at once. Many of these devices don’t even have native VPN app support, so connecting your router to a VPN is often the only way to secure them.
“Unlimited Connections” Truly Unlimited: While Surfshark already offers unlimited simultaneous connections, setting it up on your router effectively counts as just one connection. This means you can protect countless devices without worrying about hitting any limits on your Surfshark account.
Always-On Security: Once your router is configured with Surfshark, every device that connects to your Wi-Fi is automatically protected. You don’t have to remember to turn on the VPN on each device, ensuring consistent privacy and security for your entire household.
Gaming & Streaming Optimization: For devices like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Roku, or Apple TV that don’t support VPN apps, a VPN router is a must. You can bypass geo-restrictions and potentially reduce lag for a smoother online experience.

So, whether you’re a privacy enthusiast, a big family with lots of gadgets, or someone who loves to stream content from anywhere, smart VPN routing can make a huge difference in your online life. What Exactly is a VPN, and How Does Surfshark Fit In?

Routing Your Entire Home Network: Surfshark on Your Router

When you want to secure every device connected to your home network, setting up Surfshark on your router is the way to go. It’s like putting a secure digital bubble around your entire home.

Is Your Router VPN-Ready?

Before you jump into the setup, you need to check if your router is actually compatible with VPNs. Not all routers are created equal, and some older or simpler models might not have the necessary features.

Here’s how to check: Watching ViuTV with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Uninterrupted Entertainment

Check the Manual: The quickest way is to look at your router’s manual or find it online. This information should be clearly stated.
Google It: A simple search for ” VPN compatibility” can usually give you the answer you need.
Ask Surfshark Support: If you’re still unsure, Surfshark’s live chat or email support can help you determine if your router is compatible.

Many modern routers from brands like ASUS, GL.iNet, and TP-Link often support VPN client functionality right out of the box. Some routers might require flashing custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT to unlock VPN capabilities, which can be a bit more technical but offers greater control. Surfshark themselves recommend a range of routers, including specific ASUS models like RT-AX88U Pro, RT-AX3000, RT-AX86U, GL.iNet like GL-AR300M, GL-MT300N-V2, and even some TP-Link and Linksys models.

Setting Up Surfshark on a Compatible Router: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Alright, let’s get down to business! The exact steps can vary a bit depending on your router’s brand and firmware, but the general process is pretty similar.

1. Accessing Your Router’s Control Panel

This is your router’s command center. You’ll need to:

Find your router’s IP address:
- Windows: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, and look for “Default Gateway.”
- macOS: Go to System Settings or System Preferences, then Network, select Wi-Fi, click Details or Advanced…, and find “Router” under TCP/IP.
Open a web browser: Type the IP address into the address bar e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and press Enter.
Log in: Use your router’s admin username and password. If you’ve never changed them, they might be on a sticker on the router itself, or look up the default credentials online.

2. Obtaining Surfshark VPN Credentials and Configuration Files

Your regular Surfshark app login email and password won’t work for manual router setup. You need special service credentials and configuration files:

Login to your Surfshark account on their website.
Navigate to the “Manual Setup” or “VPN” section, usually under “Devices” or “Credentials.”
Generate/Find your VPN username and password these are different from your account login. Jot them down carefully.
Download configuration files: You’ll typically find options for OpenVPN UDP or TCP and WireGuard. Download the .ovpn for OpenVPN or configuration files for the server location you want. OpenVPN is often recommended for most users for its balance of security and compatibility, but WireGuard generally offers faster speeds.

3. Flashing Custom Firmware If Necessary

If your router doesn’t natively support VPN clients, you might need to flash it with custom firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato. This is a more advanced step and comes with some risks, so proceed with caution: Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to the Latest Version

Research your specific router model thoroughly for compatible firmware and detailed flashing instructions.
Download the correct firmware from the DD-WRT or OpenWRT website.
Follow the manufacturer’s or firmware’s instructions precisely. Flashing incorrectly can “brick” your router.

4. Configuring the VPN Client on Your Router

Once you’re in your router’s admin panel and have your Surfshark credentials/files, look for the VPN client section. This is often under “Advanced Settings” or a dedicated “VPN” tab.

For OpenVPN:
- You’ll typically need to enable the OpenVPN Client mode.
- Upload the .ovpn configuration file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Enter your Surfshark VPN service username and password where prompted.
- Select the protocol UDP is often faster, TCP more reliable and port number e.g., 1194 for UDP, 1443 for TCP.
- Apply/save the settings and activate the connection.
For WireGuard if supported:
- The steps vary more, but you’ll usually generate a key pair in your Surfshark account, copy the private key, and enter it into your router’s WireGuard client settings.
- You might need to install additional packages on OpenWRT.

5. Verifying the Connection

After configuration, it’s crucial to confirm that your VPN is actually working:

Check your router’s VPN status: Most router interfaces will show if the VPN connection is active.
Verify your IP address: On any device connected to your now VPN-enabled Wi-Fi, visit a website like “What is my IP?” Your displayed IP address should reflect the VPN server location you chose, not your actual location.

Benefits of a VPN Router Setup

Setting up Surfshark on your router brings a host of advantages that individual apps just can’t match:

Protects All Devices Automatically: This is the big one! Every phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, game console Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and even smart home devices like your security cameras or smart speakers connected to your Wi-Fi network will automatically be protected by the VPN. No need to install individual apps on each device.
Truly Unlimited Connections: Surfshark already offers unlimited device connections, but by running it on your router, you literally get network-wide protection, counting as just one connection against your account. This is fantastic for larger households or offices.
Constant, Automatic Protection: Once it’s set up, your VPN is always on. You don’t have to remember to activate it, reducing the chance of accidental data exposure.
Bypass Geo-Restrictions on Non-VPN Devices: Finally, you can access region-locked content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like certain streaming sticks or gaming consoles.

The Downsides to Consider

While a VPN router setup is powerful, it’s not without its drawbacks:

Technical Complexity: Let’s be real, it’s a bit more involved than just clicking “Connect” in an app. Flashing firmware or navigating router settings can be intimidating for beginners. FlashRouters even offers pre-configured routers to skip this hassle.
Less Flexible Server Switching: Changing server locations usually requires logging back into your router’s admin panel, which is more cumbersome than picking a new server in a user-friendly app.
Potential Speed Impact: Routing all your network’s traffic through a single VPN connection on a router, especially an older one, can sometimes lead to a more noticeable speed drop compared to using the app on a powerful device. This is because all data is encrypted and decrypted by the router’s hardware.
Lost App Features: Many advanced features specific to the Surfshark app, like the Bypasser split tunneling for individual app routing or the Kill Switch on some platforms, might not be available or function the same way when the VPN is run directly on the router.

How to set up surfshark vpn on router

Selective Routing: Using Surfshark’s Bypasser Split Tunneling for Specific Apps

Sometimes, you don’t want everything going through the VPN. Maybe you need to access local network resources, or perhaps a particular app works better without the VPN. That’s where Surfshark’s Bypasser feature, which is their version of split tunneling, comes in handy. It’s available on their Windows and Android apps.

What Is Surfshark’s Bypasser Split Tunneling?

The Bypasser feature gives you granular control over your VPN connection. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, you can choose:

“Route via VPN”: Only selected apps or websites on Windows will use the VPN tunnel, while all other traffic goes directly through your regular internet connection.
“Bypass VPN”: Selected apps or websites on Windows will not use the VPN, while all other traffic does go through the VPN.

This is super useful for balancing security with convenience, especially if you have apps that don’t play nice with VPNs or if you want to optimize speed for certain activities.

How to Route Specific Apps via VPN Windows/Android

Let’s say you only want your torrent client or a specific communication app to go through the VPN, leaving everything else untouched. Here’s how: Stuck with Surfshark? Here’s How to Fix Your VPN When It Won’t Connect

Open the Surfshark app on your Windows or Android device.
Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Bypasser.
Toggle on “Route via VPN.” Make sure you select this option, not “Bypass VPN,” as that does the opposite.
Click “Select apps” or “Add apps”. You’ll see a list of installed applications.
Choose the apps you want to route through the VPN. If your app isn’t listed, you might be able to manually locate its .exe file on Windows.
Reconnect to any Surfshark server. Now, only the apps you selected will use the VPN tunnel. everything else will use your regular internet connection.

Some Reddit users have found this particularly useful for isolating specific activities like torrenting.

How to Bypass VPN for Specific Apps Windows/Android

Conversely, if you want most of your traffic encrypted but need certain apps like banking apps or local streaming services to access the internet directly:

Toggle on “Bypass VPN.” This is the default split tunneling mode for many VPNs.
Click “Select apps” or “Add apps” and choose the applications you want to exclude from the VPN.
Connect to a Surfshark server. All traffic except for the selected apps will now go through the VPN.

Current Limitations

While the Bypasser is a powerful tool, it’s worth noting one key limitation: currently, the “Route via VPN” feature doesn’t support selecting specific server locations per app. This means that if you choose to route an app via VPN, it will use the same VPN server location that your main Surfshark connection is using. This is a feature many users on Reddit have expressed interest in.

It’s also worth mentioning that some Reddit users have reported inconsistencies with the “Route via VPN” feature, sometimes finding it unreliable or routing unexpected traffic. If you encounter this, it’s a good idea to double-check your settings, try restarting the app or your device, and if issues persist, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support.

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

“Surfshark Route via VPN Not Working”: Common Issues & Troubleshooting Fixes

It’s totally normal to hit a snag now and then, especially with something as intricate as network routing. If your Surfshark VPN isn’t behaving as expected, don’t worry – most issues have straightforward solutions. Reddit discussions are full of people asking “is Surfshark VPN down?” or “how do I know if my Surfshark VPN is working?”, so you’re not alone!

Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Initial Checks

Always start with the basics. sometimes the simplest fixes are the most effective:

Is Your Internet Connection Stable? A weak or unstable internet connection is a prime culprit for VPN issues. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, using an Ethernet cable, or restarting your router to refresh your connection. Run a speed test without the VPN to ensure your base internet is working well.
Check Surfshark’s Status: Sometimes the issue isn’t with your setup but with Surfshark itself. Connect to a different VPN server location. The server you’re trying to use might be overloaded, under maintenance, or experiencing issues. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers, so there are plenty of alternatives.
Restart Everything: A classic tech tip, but it works! Try restarting the Surfshark app, your device, and even your router. This can clear temporary glitches.

Software & Settings

Many problems stem from software conflicts or incorrect settings: Unlocking Twitter (X) with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Privacy and Freedom

Outdated Surfshark App: Running an old version of the app can lead to routing errors and connectivity problems. Always make sure your Surfshark app is up to date, or try reinstalling it completely.
VPN Protocol Problems: Different VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 offer varying speeds and security, but they can also have compatibility issues with certain networks. If you’re having trouble connecting, try switching protocols within the Surfshark app settings. OpenVPN is often a good fallback for bypassing network restrictions.
Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Your security software might be mistaking the VPN for a threat and blocking its connection. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you’ll need to add an exception for Surfshark in your security software.
IPv6 Issues: Some VPNs can have issues with IPv6. Try disabling IPv6 on your device’s network settings.

Router-Specific Issues

If you’ve set up Surfshark on your router, these points are especially relevant:

Outdated Router Firmware: Just like your Surfshark app, your router’s firmware needs to be updated. An outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with VPN connections. Check your router’s settings interface or manufacturer’s website for updates.
VPN Passthrough: Ensure that VPN passthrough sometimes called “VPN Passthrough” or “PPTP Passthrough”, “IPSec Passthrough”, “L2TP Passthrough” is enabled in your router’s settings. Some routers might block VPN traffic by default.
DNS Issues: DNS problems can affect VPN stability. Try clearing your DNS cache or manually setting your DNS to a public server like Google DNS 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1.
Router Configuration Errors: Double-check all the steps you followed during the router setup. A misplaced character in your credentials or a wrong server address can prevent connection.

If you’ve gone through these steps and your “Surfshark route via VPN not working” problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact Surfshark’s 24/7 customer support. They’re usually very responsive and can provide personalized assistance.

Speed Considerations: Does Routing via VPN Slow Down Your Internet?

One common concern people have when using a VPN, especially when routing traffic through a router, is whether it will slow down their internet speed. It’s a valid question, and the short answer is: yes, a VPN will almost always introduce some level of speed reduction. But with a quality provider like Surfshark, this slowdown should often be barely noticeable.

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The Truth About VPN Speed Impact

A VPN essentially adds extra steps to your internet connection:

Your data is encrypted by the VPN client app or router.
It travels to a VPN server.
The VPN server decrypts the data and sends it to its destination.
The response travels back through the VPN server, is encrypted again, and sent back to your device for decryption.

Each of these steps, especially the encryption and decryption processes, requires processing power and adds a tiny bit of latency, which can result in a speed reduction.

Factors Influencing Speed

Several things can affect how much your speed drops:

Distance to the Server: The further away the VPN server is from your physical location, the longer it takes for your data to travel, and generally, the slower your speeds will be. Connecting to a server closer to you can significantly reduce latency.
Server Load: If a particular VPN server is overcrowded with too many users, its performance can suffer, leading to slower speeds for everyone connected to it. Surfshark actively monitors its servers, but switching to a less crowded server if available can help.
VPN Protocol Used: Different protocols offer different balances of speed and security. WireGuard is generally the fastest protocol, often outperforming OpenVPN, which is also a solid choice but typically a bit slower due to its heavier encryption overhead. IKEv2 is another option. Experimenting with different protocols can help you find the best balance for your connection.
Your Actual Internet Speed: If your base internet connection is already slow, any VPN will have a more noticeable impact. A good VPN can only work with the bandwidth you already have.

Surfshark’s Performance and Protocols

Surfshark is generally considered a fast VPN. In recent tests, Surfshark has maintained consistent speeds, with an average speed loss around 17-21% over the past few years. While all VPNs cause some slowdown, Surfshark aims to keep it minimal. For example, some users on Reddit have reported significant speed improvements when running Surfshark on a capable router compared to using the app on an individual device, sometimes seeing speeds up to 4 times faster.

Surfshark utilizes WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Surfshark with Transmission: Your Ultimate Guide for Secure Downloads

WireGuard: Often the go-to for speed. If available on your router or app, try this first for demanding tasks like streaming or gaming.
OpenVPN: A highly secure and reliable protocol. It might be a bit slower but is excellent for privacy and bypassing stricter network restrictions.

Tips to Optimize Speed

If you find your VPN speeds lagging:

Connect to a Closer Server: Always try a server that is geographically closer to you first.
Try Different Protocols: Switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN to see which one performs better for your specific setup and internet connection.
Check Server Load: If your app shows server load, pick one that’s less busy.
Restart Your Router/Modem: A fresh start can sometimes resolve underlying network issues.
Use a Wired Connection: Ethernet connections are generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.

Surfshark VPN Reddit: What the Community Says

Diving into Reddit is like stepping into a huge community living room where everyone’s sharing their unfiltered opinions and experiences. When it comes to Surfshark, especially regarding routing and router setups, you’ll find a mixed bag, but generally, the sentiment is quite positive.

Users on subreddits like r/surfshark and r/vpnreviews frequently praise Surfshark for its affordability, especially for the features it offers. The “unlimited devices” policy is a huge hit, making it a favorite for large households or anyone with multiple gadgets. People often highlight its strong security features, like a strict no-logs policy which has been independently audited and the use of RAM-only servers, ensuring user privacy. Troypoint Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide for Firestick & Beyond

Discussions on Router Setups

Many Reddit users have successfully set up Surfshark on their routers. They often share their experiences with specific router models, particularly ASUS and GL.iNet, noting the benefits of whole-network protection for devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other IoT devices that don’t support VPN apps. The convenience of having always-on protection without needing to manage individual apps is a big plus for many. Some have even reported noticeable speed improvements when using Surfshark on a capable router compared to the app. However, there are also discussions about the technical challenges of router setup, especially for less tech-savvy users. Some threads mention that while router setup is great for overall protection, you might lose access to some in-app features like granular control over the Bypasser or a readily accessible Kill Switch.

Bypasser Split Tunneling Consistency

The Bypasser feature, allowing selective routing of apps, is generally well-received for its utility, especially for torrenting or accessing local content while keeping other traffic secure. However, some Reddit threads indicate that the “Route via VPN” option can be inconsistent, sometimes routing unintended traffic or disconnecting without notification. Users have tried various troubleshooting steps, from reinstalling the app to changing DNS settings, but sometimes the issue persists. It’s also been noted that the feature doesn’t currently allow selecting specific server locations per app, which is a desired improvement for many.

Overall Value and Common Advice

Overall, Reddit users often recommend Surfshark as a solid, budget-friendly VPN for general use, streaming, and torrenting. When issues arise, the community and Surfshark’s support team on Reddit often suggest common troubleshooting steps: trying different servers or protocols, restarting devices, ensuring the app is updated, and checking for firewall interference. The consensus is that while no VPN is perfect, Surfshark offers a compelling package of features and value, especially when considering its performance, server network, and customer support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark a good VPN for routers?

Yes, Surfshark is generally considered a good VPN for routers, especially if you want to protect all devices on your home network simultaneously, including those that don’t natively support VPN apps like smart TVs or gaming consoles. Surfshark supports various router firmware like ASUS-WRT, DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Tomato and protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, and offers comprehensive setup guides. While the setup can be a bit technical, the benefit of always-on, network-wide protection is significant.

Surfshark vpn tiers

What is the Surfshark Bypasser feature?

Surfshark’s Bypasser is their version of split tunneling, a feature that lets you choose which applications or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. You have two main options: “Route via VPN” only selected apps go through the VPN or “Bypass VPN” selected apps bypass the VPN, while everything else is protected. It’s available on Surfshark’s Windows and Android apps.

Can I select a specific server location for each app using “Route via VPN”?

Currently, no. The “Route via VPN” feature in Surfshark’s Bypasser does not support selecting specific server locations for individual applications. Any apps you choose to route via VPN will use the same VPN server location that your main Surfshark connection is using. This is a requested feature by many users on platforms like Reddit.

Why is my Surfshark VPN router setup so slow?

Several factors can cause a slowdown in your Surfshark VPN router setup:

Router Processing Power: Older or less powerful routers might struggle with the encryption/decryption demands of a VPN, slowing down your entire network.
Distance to Server: Connecting to a VPN server far from your physical location will increase latency and reduce speed.
Server Load: The VPN server might be overcrowded. Try switching to a different, less busy server.
VPN Protocol: OpenVPN, while secure, can be slower than WireGuard. If your router supports it, try switching to WireGuard for better speeds.
Base Internet Speed: If your initial internet connection is slow, the VPN will only add to that slowdown.

What should I do if my Surfshark “Route via VPN” isn’t working?

If Surfshark’s “Route via VPN” Bypasser feature isn’t working as expected, try these troubleshooting steps: Is Proton VPN Better Than Surfshark?

Restart the Surfshark app and your device.
Ensure your Surfshark app is updated to the latest version.
Check your Bypasser settings: Double-check that you’ve correctly selected “Route via VPN” and chosen the right applications.
Try different VPN protocols in Surfshark’s settings.
Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software that might be interfering, then re-enable with an exception for Surfshark.
Reconnect to a different Surfshark server.
If the issue persists, reaching out to Surfshark’s customer support is a good idea.

Does Surfshark have a Kill Switch for router setups?

While Surfshark has a Kill Switch feature built into its Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android applications that automatically cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, this feature generally works at the application level. When you set up Surfshark directly on a router, the router itself acts as the VPN client, and native Surfshark app features like the Kill Switch might not be directly available or function in the same way. Some advanced router firmwares might offer their own network-level kill switch functionality, but this would depend on your router’s capabilities, not Surfshark’s software. The Linux app, for instance, does not include a Kill Switch.

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