If you’re wondering how to get Surfshark VPN on your Smart TV, you’re in the right place, because while it’s not always as simple as downloading an app, it’s definitely doable! Many of us want to bypass those annoying geo-restrictions that block our favorite shows or simply keep our online activity private, especially with Smart TVs becoming a central part of our home entertainment. Think about it: a VPN isn’t just about watching a different Netflix library. it also protects your data from prying eyes and can even help stop your internet provider from slowing down your speeds when you’re binging that 4K content.

This guide is going to walk you through all the practical ways to get Surfshark working with your Smart TV, whether you have a Samsung Smart TV, an LG Smart TV, or something else entirely. We’ll cover the easiest methods, like using Smart DNS, to more comprehensive solutions, such as setting up a VPN on your home router. By the end of this, you’ll be set up to enjoy a world of streaming content with enhanced privacy and security, transforming your big screen into a truly unrestricted entertainment hub.

Table of Contents

Why You’d Even Want Surfshark on Your Smart TV

So, you’ve got this amazing Smart TV, right? It’s probably a Samsung, given they hold a significant market share, around 28.3% as of 2024, or maybe an LG, which is also a strong contender with 15.2%. You use it for all your streaming, but have you ever hit that frustrating “content not available in your region” message? That’s where a VPN like Surfshark really shines.

What Surfshark Brings to Your Big Screen

Unlock Geo-Restricted Content: This is probably the biggest reason folks look into a VPN for their TV. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ often have different content libraries depending on where you are in the world due to licensing agreements. With Surfshark, you can connect to a server in another country and make it look like your TV is located there, instantly opening up new shows and movies. Imagine watching the US Netflix library from Europe, or accessing UK-specific content while on holiday abroad.
Enhance Privacy and Security: Smart TVs are essentially computers, and just like your phone or laptop, they’re connected to the internet. This connectivity can make them vulnerable to tracking and even potential cyberattacks. Surfshark encrypts your internet traffic, turning your viewing habits into a private matter. This means your Internet Service Provider ISP can’t snoop on what you’re watching, and any personal data your TV might send out remains secure.
Avoid ISP Throttling: Ever notice your streaming quality dipping or buffering kicking in, especially during peak hours? ISPs sometimes slow down your internet speed if they detect high-bandwidth activities like streaming 4K video – it’s called bandwidth throttling. When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, so they’re less likely to throttle your connection. This can lead to smoother, buffer-free streaming.

The Reality: Can You Just Download Surfshark Directly on Your Smart TV?

Here’s the thing you need to know upfront: most popular Smart TVs, especially Samsung’s Tizen OS and LG’s webOS, don’t have built-in VPN client support or a direct app store where you can just download Surfshark like you would on a phone or computer. It’s a common misconception, and many people wanting to use Surfshark VPN on Samsung Smart TV or Surfshark VPN on LG Smart TV hit this wall pretty quickly.

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However, if you’re lucky enough to have a Smart TV running Android TV like some Sony, Philips, or Hisense models, or external streaming boxes like Nvidia Shield, then you’re in luck! Android TV devices often have the Google Play Store, where you can easily find and install the Surfshark VPN app directly. Android TV held about a 34.2% global share in 2024, so there’s a good chance some of you might have one.

For everyone else, don’t worry! There are still fantastic workarounds to get Surfshark protecting your big screen.

Samsung Smart TVs: A Different Approach

Samsung Smart TVs mostly run on their proprietary Tizen operating system. While these TVs are fantastic for picture quality, they simply don’t have a native Surfshark VPN app available in their Smart Hub or app store. This means you can’t just search for “Surfshark VPN download Smart TV Samsung” and hit install. You’ll need to use one of the indirect methods we’ll cover, with Smart DNS often being the go-to for many.

LG Smart TVs: Similar Hurdles, Similar Solutions

Just like Samsung, LG Smart TVs typically use their own webOS platform, which also doesn’t support direct VPN app installations. So, if you’re looking for “install Surfshark VPN on LG TV,” you’ll find yourself needing to set up Surfshark on your home network in one of the following ways, similar to the Samsung situation.

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Your Best Bets: How to Get Surfshark Working on Your Smart TV

Since directly installing the Surfshark app isn’t an option for many Smart TVs, we’ve got a few clever methods to get that VPN goodness flowing to your screen. Each has its own benefits and a few things to keep in mind.

Method 1: The Smart DNS Trick Often the Easiest

This is often my first recommendation for anyone primarily looking to unblock geo-restricted content on their Smart TV. Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature is super simple to set up, and you don’t even need to be a tech wizard.

What is Smart DNS?

Think of Smart DNS as a specialized service that helps you bypass geographical restrictions on streaming content without encrypting your internet traffic. When you normally try to access a streaming service, your TV’s DNS Domain Name System server tells it which IP address to connect to. This often reveals your actual location. Surfshark’s Smart DNS reroutes only your DNS queries through its special servers, making it appear as if you’re accessing content from a supported region usually the US.

The key difference from a full VPN is that Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your data or hide your IP address. This means it’s fantastic for streaming because there’s no encryption overhead to slow things down, but it doesn’t offer the same level of privacy or security as a full VPN connection. Secure Your Whole Home: Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your ASUS Router

Setting Up Surfshark Smart DNS

The steps are pretty straightforward and usually similar for Samsung, LG, and other Smart TVs.

Activate Smart DNS on Your Surfshark Account:
- Log in to your Surfshark account on their website.
- Navigate to the “Smart DNS” section. You might find this under “My Account” or “VPN menu” or “Manual setup.”
- You’ll likely need to activate it for your current IP address. Once activated, Surfshark will provide you with two DNS server IP addresses. Make sure to note these down.
Configure Your Smart TV’s Network Settings:
- Grab your Smart TV remote.
- Go to your TV’s Settings menu.
- Look for Network settings, then Network Status or IP Settings.
- Find the option to change DNS Settings or Manual DNS setup.
- Choose “Enter manually” and input the primary and secondary DNS addresses Surfshark provided.
- Important: You might see an IP address on your TV that’s different from the one Surfshark activated Smart DNS for. Don’t worry about it. your TV shows an internal IP, while Surfshark uses your external public IP.
- Save your settings.
- Restart your Smart TV. This step is crucial for the changes to take effect.

Pros and Cons of Smart DNS:

Pros:
- Super Easy Setup: Seriously, it’s one of the simplest ways.
- Faster Streaming Speeds: No encryption means minimal speed loss.
- Wide Device Compatibility: Works on virtually any internet-connected device, including Smart TVs, gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, and Apple TV, that don’t natively support VPN apps.
- Unblocks Geo-Restrictions: Gets you access to those region-locked streaming libraries.
Cons:
- No Encryption/Less Security: Your internet traffic isn’t encrypted, and your real IP address isn’t hidden. This means it won’t protect you from ISP tracking or cyber threats.
- Limited Geo-Unblocking: Usually only provides access to US-based content libraries for unblocking.
- IP Address Changes: If your public IP address changes which can happen, especially with dynamic IPs, you’ll need to reactivate Smart DNS on the Surfshark website.

Method 2: Router Setup The “Whole Home” VPN Solution

If you’re serious about protecting all your devices, including your Smart TV, with full VPN encryption, then setting up Surfshark on your router is the way to go. This method essentially covers every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network.

Why Use a VPN Router?

A VPN-configured router acts as a central hub for your VPN connection. Once it’s set up, anything that connects to that router’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet will automatically be protected by Surfshark’s VPN, no individual app installations needed for each device. This is perfect for devices that don’t support VPN apps directly, like many Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even smart home gadgets.

How to Set Up Surfshark on a Router

This method is a bit more involved, and the exact steps vary a lot depending on your specific router model and its firmware. Surfshark has detailed guides for many compatible routers like Asus, GL.iNet, and those running custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT.

Here’s a general overview: Surfshark VPN: Is it Truly Safe and Lightning Fast?

Check Router Compatibility: Not all routers support VPN client software. You’ll need a router that can either run a VPN client natively or be flashed with custom firmware that supports it. Check Surfshark’s website for a list of compatible routers.
Access Your Router’s Admin Panel: You usually do this by typing your router’s IP address often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser. You’ll need your router’s admin username and password.
Download VPN Configuration Files: Log in to your Surfshark account on their website. Navigate to the “Manual setup” section, usually under “VPN,” and choose “Router.” You’ll typically find configuration files often OpenVPN or WireGuard and your VPN credentials username and password there. Download the files for your desired server location.
Install the VPN on Your Router:
- In your router’s admin panel, look for a “VPN” or “OpenVPN Client” section.
- Upload the configuration file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Enter your Surfshark VPN username and password when prompted.
- Activate the VPN connection.
Connect Your Smart TV: Once the router is configured and connected to Surfshark, simply connect your Smart TV to that Wi-Fi network as usual. Your TV’s traffic will now be routed through the VPN.

Pros and Cons of Router Setup:

*   Comprehensive Protection: Every device connected to your router gets VPN protection.
*   Full VPN Benefits: Includes encryption, IP masking, and geo-unblocking.
*   Set It and Forget It: Once configured, you don't need to do anything on individual devices.
*   Unlimited Devices: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, and a router setup extends that to your entire home network.
*   Complex Setup: Can be tricky, especially if you're flashing custom firmware.
*   Router Compatibility: Requires a VPN-compatible router, which you might need to purchase if yours isn't.
*   Potential Speed Impact: Encryption can sometimes slightly reduce internet speeds for all connected devices.
*   Changing Server Locations: Requires logging into your router's admin panel to change server locations, which is less convenient than using an app.

Method 3: Sharing Your VPN Connection Less Common, Still an Option

If you don’t want to mess with router settings or Smart DNS, you can turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot and share your VPN connection with your Smart TV. This works well for Windows PCs.

From a Windows PC Virtual Router

This method lets your Windows PC, with Surfshark installed, create a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot that your Smart TV can connect to.

Install Surfshark on Your PC: Make sure you have the Surfshark app installed and logged in on your Windows computer.
Enable Mobile Hotspot:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Toggle “Mobile hotspot” On.
- Click “Edit” to set a network name SSID and a strong password for your new hotspot.
Share the VPN Connection:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
- Find your Surfshark VPN adapter it might be labeled something like “TAP-Surfshark Windows Adapter”. Right-click on it and select Properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
- In the “Home networking connection” dropdown menu, select the name of the mobile hotspot you just created e.g., “Local Area Connection 10” or similar.
- Click “OK.”
Connect to VPN on PC: Open the Surfshark app on your PC, and connect to your desired server location. For this method, it’s often recommended to use the OpenVPN protocol within the Surfshark app settings to ensure proper sharing.
Connect Smart TV to Hotspot: On your Smart TV, go to your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the hotspot network you just created from your PC.

From a Mac

Sharing a VPN connection from a Mac is a bit trickier and might require older VPN protocols like OpenVPN, which Surfshark supports. You might need to manually set up the VPN on your Mac and ensure your Mac is connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable to then share that connection over Wi-Fi. The steps are less straightforward than on Windows.

Pros and Cons of Connection Sharing:

*   No Router Configuration Needed: Good if your router isn't VPN compatible.
*   Full VPN Encryption: Your Smart TV gets the full privacy and security benefits.
*   Easy Server Switching: Just change the server on your PC's Surfshark app.
*   PC Must Be On: Your computer needs to be running and connected to the VPN whenever you want your TV to be protected.
*   Potential Performance Issues: The connection might not be as stable or fast as a direct router connection.
*   Limited Mac Support: More complex for macOS users, and some VPNs might not support it for all protocols.

Method 4: Using a Dedicated Streaming Device Fire TV Stick, Android TV Box

This is a fantastic option if you want direct VPN app support and don’t mind an extra gadget. Many streaming devices run on Android TV or Fire OS, which are compatible with the Surfshark app.

Surfshark App Availability

Devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast with Google TV, and Android TV Boxes e.g., Nvidia Shield TV all have app stores that allow direct installation of the Surfshark VPN app. This is the most straightforward “app-based” solution for your TV.

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How to Install Surfshark on a Streaming Device

Plug in the Device: Connect your streaming device like a Fire TV Stick to an HDMI port on your Smart TV.
Go to the App Store: Navigate to the device’s app store e.g., Amazon Appstore for Fire TV, Google Play Store for Android TV.
Search for Surfshark: Type “Surfshark VPN” into the search bar.
Download and Install: Select the Surfshark app and click “Install” or “Download.”
Log In and Connect: Open the app, log in with your Surfshark credentials, and connect to a server location of your choice.

Pros and Cons of Streaming Device Method:

*   Direct App Support: The easiest way to get a native VPN app experience on your TV.
*   User-Friendly: Simple to install, log in, and switch servers within the app.
*   Full VPN Protection: Provides encryption, IP masking, and geo-unblocking for the streaming device.
*   Extra Hardware: Requires purchasing and setting up an additional device.
*   Only Protects the Device: The VPN only protects the streaming stick itself, not other Smart TV apps or devices on your network.

A Closer Look at Surfshark Features for Your TV Experience

When you’re picking a VPN for your Smart TV, especially for streaming, Surfshark brings some serious game. It’s not just about getting around geo-blocks. it’s about the quality of that experience.

Speed and Streaming Performance

Nobody wants buffering when they’re trying to enjoy a movie. Surfshark is known for its solid speeds, which is critical for smooth, high-definition streaming. They use modern VPN protocols like WireGuard, which offer a great balance of speed and security. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, you’re likely to find a fast server close to your desired streaming location, minimizing latency and maximizing your viewing pleasure. Surfshark Says “Different VPN Detected”: Here’s What to Do

Geo-unblocking Capabilities

Surfshark is pretty good at bypassing geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms. Users often turn to it for accessing different libraries on services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. This means you can tap into a much wider world of entertainment than what’s available in your home region.

Device Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a huge perk! It means you can protect your Smart TV via a router or hotspot, your phone, laptop, tablet, and any other device in your home, all under a single subscription. No need to worry about how many devices you’re running the VPN on – it’s all covered.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common hiccups you might encounter and how to deal with them:

Smart DNS Not Working:
- Check IP Address: Make sure your current public IP address is activated for Smart DNS on your Surfshark account. If your IP changes, you need to update it.
- Restart Everything: After changing DNS settings, always restart your TV and sometimes your router.
- Clear Cache: Some Smart TV apps might cache location data. Try logging out of the streaming app, clearing its cache if your TV allows it, or even reinstalling it.
VPN Connection Issues Router/Hotspot:
- Check Protocol: Ensure you’re using the recommended VPN protocol often OpenVPN for hotspot sharing.
- Verify Credentials: Double-check your Surfshark username and password for router setup.
- Router Firmware: Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date.
- Server Location: Try connecting to a different Surfshark server.
Slow Speeds/Buffering:
- Switch Servers: Connect to a server closer to your physical location or a less congested one.
- Try Different Protocols: If you’re on a router, experiment with OpenVPN UDP vs. TCP or WireGuard to see which performs best.
- Internet Speed: Make sure your base internet speed is sufficient for streaming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Surfshark VPN directly on my Samsung Smart TV?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot install Surfshark VPN directly on a Samsung Smart TV. Samsung’s Tizen operating system does not support native VPN applications. You’ll need to use alternative methods like Smart DNS, a VPN-configured router, or sharing a VPN connection from a computer or streaming device.

Does Surfshark VPN work on LG Smart TVs?

Yes, Surfshark VPN works on LG Smart TVs, but not through a direct app installation. Like Samsung TVs, LG’s webOS doesn’t support VPN apps. You can use Surfshark’s Smart DNS, set up the VPN on your home router, or share a VPN connection from a computer to protect your LG Smart TV.

What’s the easiest way to use Surfshark VPN on my Smart TV for streaming?

For most Smart TVs that don’t support direct VPN apps, the Smart DNS trick is often the easiest way to unblock geo-restricted streaming content. It involves changing your TV’s DNS settings to Surfshark’s Smart DNS servers, and it doesn’t require complex router setup or an extra device. However, remember it doesn’t offer encryption. Why Your Surfshark VPN Might Be Giving You Trouble (Common Culprits)

Will using Surfshark VPN on my Smart TV slow down my internet?

All VPNs can introduce a slight decrease in internet speed due to encryption and routing traffic through a distant server. However, Surfshark is known for its good speeds, especially with protocols like WireGuard. For streaming, Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature provides good speeds because it doesn’t encrypt your data, minimizing speed loss. A VPN can also improve speeds by preventing ISP throttling.

Can I use Surfshark on multiple devices, including my Smart TV?

Absolutely! Surfshark is fantastic because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription. This means you can protect your Smart TV using one of the indirect methods, your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices all at the same time without needing multiple subscriptions.

What’s the difference between Surfshark’s Smart DNS and a full VPN connection for my Smart TV?

Smart DNS primarily helps you unblock geo-restricted content by rerouting your DNS queries, making it appear as if you’re in a different location. It doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic or hide your real IP address. A full VPN connection, on the other hand, encrypts all your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and provides comprehensive online privacy and security, in addition to geo-unblocking. If privacy and security are your main concerns, a router-based VPN setup or a VPN-protected hotspot is better than Smart DNS.

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