Surfshark VPN : Award-winning VPN service

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Surfshark VPN Features

 

 

• CleanWeb
  
  Everybody hates seeing ads while gaming, streaming, or even basic browsing. Ads come out of nowhere and take precious time away from you while doing the things you enjoy online. Don't worry though, Surfshark has you covered!
   
  Surfshark CleanWeb: an Adblock VPN designed to block ads and malware!
   
  • Block ads & malware before they can load
    
  • Save mobile data & boost browsing speed
    
  • Avoid phishing attempts
    
  
  CleanWeb is our most popular feature included in every single one of our subscription packages. Works as an adblocker! It will block ads and malicious links on your browser before they can harm you. With CleanWeb enabled, the browser will show fewer ads, and fewer trackers will work. Not to mention you will be protected from some phishing attempts and malware! (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).
   
  
  More Information about Surfshark's CleanWeb HERE
   
  
  How to use CleanWeb?
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Bypasser™
  
  Surfshark Bypasser™ is Surfshark's split-tunneling VPN bypass! Bypasser™ allows you to select applications or websites which will not be routed through the VPN connection. That’s useful if your bank needs to see your real location to make sure it’s you! 
  
  Maintain control with Surfshark Bypasser™  - split tunneling VPN bypass!
   
  • Choose which data you want to encrypt
    
  • Use two different IP addresses at the same time
    
  • Keep your original speed on traffic you don’t want to protect
    
  
  Bypasser™ is an innovative tool that allows you to control your connectivity by choosing what applications or websites to route via VPN and vice versa. Bypasser™ has two options:
   
  • Bypass VPN blocks selected applications and websites from using the VPN connection. 
    
    
  • Reverse Bypasser (route via VPN) is an alternative, allowing only the chosen applications and websites to use the VPN connection. Reverse Bypasser (route via VPN) Reverse Bypasser allows you to select apps that will go only through the VPN tunnel. All other apps will see your real IP address. (Available on Android, Windows).
    
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark Bypasser™ HERE
   
  
  How to use Bypasser™ for Windows?
   
  
  How to use Bypasser™ for Android
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Pause VPN
  
  Pause VPN is a new Surfshark VPN feature. Surfshark provides a "button" on your connection screen that puts your VPN on hold. You can choose to pause the connection for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours. The VPN connection will automatically resume once the selected time period ends.
   
  
  Surfshark Pause VPN!
  
  
  Once activated, it allows your entire internet traffic to skip the VPN protection (the encryption and private tunneling) for a certain amount of time. What Pause VPN doesn’t do is disconnect you from the VPN. 
  
  You could look at it like Bypasser™ (a feature that skips VPN protection for selected apps and sites -- https://surfshark.com/features/split-tunneling) for your entire connection. But instead of specific apps or websites skipping the VPN, it pauses the protection for a limited time.
  
  
  Why use Pause VPN?
  While we don’t recommend surfing without a VPN connection, there are cases where you need to. With that in mind, Pause VPN will help you with:
  
  1. Saving brain RAM.
  - No need to reconnect manually after disconnecting.
  
  2. Accessibility.
  - Avoid access issues with location-sensitive services (online banking, etc.) 
  - Avoid access issues with services that have blacklisted VPN server IP (Internet Protocol) addresses.
  
  3. Convenience.
  - No need to turn auto-connect off to temporarily disconnect.
  - Avoid captchas and too many requests from the same IP.
  
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark Pause VPN feature HERE
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
• KillSwitch
  
  Kill Switch is a smart feature on the Surfshark apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It turns off your internet connection if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, protecting your data and location from exposure until you're reconnected. 
  
  A VPN Kill Switch is an automatic deactivation function for your internet connection. Once activated, it works quietly in the background – no input is needed from the user. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the Kill Switch disables your internet connection on a system level. That way, you don’t end up accidentally using the internet without being protected by a VPN. Thus, VPN Kill Switches ensure that your sensitive information is always under the protection of our industry-leading encryption and security protocols no matter what technical issues may get in the way.
  
  If you unexpectedly disconnect from Surfshark, KillSwitch will ensure that no sensitive data gets out by cutting off the internet connection until you reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server. Turn it on if you want to take extended security measures. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark VPN Kill Switch HERE
   
  
  How to use Kill Switch?
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
• Camouflage mode
  
  Camouflage mode, or also called Obfuscation, is one of many Surfshark features that makes your connectivity look like a regular internet connection from the outside by removing any VPN traces on your connection. This mode also does not affect your security in any way and even enhances it.
  
  
  The Camouflage mode's primary purpose is to bypass any content filtering by hiding your traffic and making it exceedingly difficult to monitor your activities. In case your country blocks VPN ports, Obfuscation uses your current network ports for a secure connection.
  
  
  Camouflage mode automatically runs when you connect to our servers using OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocols. You will find an option to change the protocol in the Settings menu of the Surfshark application. Camouflage mode makes your connection look like regular browsing traffic. It assures that even your internet provider can’t tell that you’re using a VPN. Stay private, always. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux).
   
  
  What is Camouflage mode?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Override GPS location.
  
  Almost all Android phones have a GPS function. A VPN itself does not cover GPS location tracking, but Surfshark's Override GPS location feature allows you to match your GPS signal to the Surfshark server's location that you are connected to. (Available on Android).
   
  
  How to change your GPS location?
  
  
  Most smartphones nowadays have a GPS function that allows finding your exact location. This function is often used by applications that require your physical location to provide the service or some specific features. 
  
  Some examples of such apps would be:
   
  • Uber (finds your location so the driver would know where to pick you up)
    
  • Google Maps (indicates your physical location as a starting point of your chosen route)
    
  • Snapchat (shows your location on the map, so your friends know where you are)
    
  
  
  Many apps that do not even need to know your actual location have access to this function on your phone, e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb, and Messenger. 
  
  This constant tracking might become inconvenient and frustrating, sometimes, having in mind that VPN alone can not override your GPS location. That's why spoofing your GPS tracking might come in handy.  If you enable this feature on the Surfshark app, it will automatically match your GPS location with your chosen server's location. 
   
   
  
  What is the GPS override feature and how to use it?
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
• NoBorders
  
  NoBorders is a Surfshark feature that allows you to use our VPN through network restrictions. If our app detects that someone’s trying to restrict your network (like your school’s firewall or internet provider) it will automatically activate NoBorders mode. This will give you a list of servers (and will connect you to the closest one automatically) that work best under network restrictions like geo-blocking or government censorship.
  
  Experience the open internet with NoBorders:
   
  • Bypass digital government censorship
    
  • Browse the web in restrictive regions without issues
    
  • Disconnect from the internet if your VPN connection drops
    
  • Everything in a single digital security app
    
  
  
  NoBorders allows Surfshark users to bypass restrictive regions (countries such as China, Russia, or UAE have huge network restriction) with no issues. When Surfshark app detects any kind of restrictions on your network, NoBorders automatically enables (turns-ON) , which gives you a selected list of servers that perform the best under such network restrictions. 
  
  Normally, NoBorders mode will turn on automatically whenever needed. (Available on Android, Windows, macOS, iOS).
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark NoBorders HERE
   
  
  What is NoBorders and how to use it?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Invisible to devices.
  
  This feature allows your device to be "invisible" to other devices on the same network. Therefore, you will be unable to communicate with other devices on the same network, e.g., printers, portable speakers, smart TVs, Chromecasts, etc. However, this feature will come in handy on public networks - where you do not want any other devices on the same network to connect to your device. (Available on Windows, Android).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Auto-connect
  
  This feature will save you some time because you won't need to open the Surfshark app and click any button to connect to Surfshark servers. 
  
  With "Auto-connect", your device will connect to Surfshark VPN as soon as it finds Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. Note: The "Trusted Network" feature (available in the Surfshark application for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS) cooperates with the "Auto-connect" feature, as trusted networks will only work with auto-connect enabled. Once you enable auto-connect, a "Preference" tab will appear on all devices. There you will be able to add or remove trusted networks. See link below for more information on "Trusted Network".
  
   
  
  How do trusted networks work?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Start with Windows
  This feature will make the Surfshark app start automatically as soon as you boot your computer, so you do not need to search for it and start manually. (Available on Windows).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Change Protocol
  Your Surfshark app has an option to change the default protocol. A protocol is a set of rules that negotiates and maintains the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Almost everything you do online is based on sending and receiving information. Your information has to be divided into small chunks of data (packets) to send it. Protocols determine in what order these packets will be sent, what encryption will protect them, etc. 
   
  
  VPN Protocols: which one is the best?
  
  
  Note: Surfshark will stop supporting IKEv2 on Windows due to its dwindling popularity. Removing the IKEv2 protocol will only affect the Surfshark Windows app. With that said, you can still use it on other operating systems (Android and iOS). 
  
  See additional info HERE
  
  Surfshark utilizes the protocols below:
   
  • OpenVPN
    
  • WireGuard®
    
  • IKEv2 / IPsec
    
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark VPN protocols HERE
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Change Data Encryption
  
  An option to change the default encryption cipher is available on the Surfshark app for Androids.  Encryption cipher is an algorithm that encrypts the information that is sent and received to your device. Encryption ensures that your information is encoded, and no one else can read it. (Note: Surfshark VPN uses IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard with the AES-256-GCM algorithm, which is faster than just AES-256.
   
  
  What is encryption?
   
  
  What is VPN encryption and how does it work?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Static Servers
  
  Surfshark has many different servers in each location. Therefore, if you connect to a New York location, you might get a different IP address each time. However, if you connect to a static server, you will get the same IP each time. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS).
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Multi-Hop servers
  
  Surfshark VPN with it's MultiHop™ allows users to connect via multiple countries at once to take ID protection & footprint masking to a whole other level. Your connection will hop from one server to another, bringing you an extra layer of protection. MultiHop™ is a feature that allows you to route your traffic through several servers at once to take your online security to a whole new level. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS).
  
  
  Benefits of MultiHop:
   
  • Impedes triangulation
    
    Connecting via two VPN servers makes it very hard to track you by logging VPN use and website access times.
    
    
  • Hides location better
    
    The more servers between you and whoever wants to track you, the harder it is for them to reach you or for data leaks to occur.
    
    
  • Improves privacy
    
    If anyone wants to get to you, they have to breach the VPN server you’re connecting to. That’s twice as hard to do with two VPN servers.
    
    
  • Can speed up connection
    
    You know how the most direct route isn’t always the fastest one? The same thing applies to the internet, so bouncing via two unusual routers might put you on a faster path.
    
   
  
  Double VPN for double the privacy and security_MultiHop
   
  
  MultiHop™ guide
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Small Packets
  
  This feature is available on Android devices only. Whatever you do online, your data is being divided into packets (chunks of information) to send it smoothly. Each packet contains a part of the information that you want to send or receive.  By turning on Small Packets, you will reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability. (Available on Android).
   
  
  More Information on Surfshark VPN Features and Settings HERE
   
  
  Surfshark Features you need to know

 

Surfshark VPN Protocols

 

 

What is the best VPN protocol?

A protocol is a set of rules that negotiates and maintains the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server. Almost everything you do online is based on sending and receiving information. Your information has to be divided into small chunks of data (packets) to send it. Protocols determine in what order these packets will be sent, what encryption will protect them, etc. All protocols used at Surfshark are fast and secure, and it is up to you if you just stay with the default option or switch to your preferred protocol.  

 

VPN Protocols: which one is the best?

Different protocols have advantages of their own. Some protocols guarantee better speed and image video/audio quality, while others – a more stable connection. Therefore, if you experience connectivity issues, you should try changing the protocol first. Surfshark utilizes the protocols below:
 

• OpenVPN
  
• WireGuard®
  
• IKEv2 / IPsec
  

 

• OpenVPN
  
  It's an open-source tunneling protocol. As an open-source project, its code is freely available on the internet, and it consistently receives updates and maintenance from security and networking experts from across the globe. You will find OpenVPN (UDP) and OpenVPN (TCP) options on your Surfshark app. UDP is known to be faster, great for streaming, video calls, or games. TCP is known to be stable and will deliver every single packet of information that you send from your device. Therefore, it might be slower compared to other protocols. OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.
  
   
  
  OpenVPN
  
  
  
  
• WireGuard®
  
  WireGuard* is one of the newest protocols that appeared in the cyber-security market. It's an open-source communication protocol that provides better performance than other available protocols. WireGuard is currently available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you can not find it on your Surfshark app, try updating it to the latest version.
  
   
  
  WireGuard®
   
  
  Fast and clutter-free WireGuard protocol is now live on Surfshark
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• L2TP
  
  Although L2TP might not be as secure as other protocols available in the market, Surfshark leaves an option to use this protocol in case you need it. This protocol might be faster, compared to OpenVPN, and it is available on many home routers.
  
   
  
  L2TP
   
  
  Surfshark is removing the IKEv2 protocol from Windows
   
  
  What protocols can I use with Surfshark?

 

OTHER Products

 

• Surfshark One
  
  
  Surfshark One is a complete subscription package, including Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Alert, Surfshark Search, and the all-new Surfshark Antivirus!
  
   
  
  
  
  
  The Surfshark One plan gives you all the same VPN features, and adds Avira-powered antivirus (Surfshark Antivirus), data breach monitoring (Surfshark Alert) and privacy-friendly internet search (Surfshark Search). The Surfshark Antivirus is currently available for Android, Windows, and macOS users, but in the near future, we might expand the availability of the feature to other operating systems as well. The antivirus supports on-demand scans, for instance, but doesn't have any real-time protection, so it's not a substitute for a full antivirus app.
  
   
  
  Surfshark One: VPN, Search, Alert, Antivirus – the privacy suite you need
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Surfshark Alert
  
  
  Surfshark Alert is an identity protection tool that checks online databases if your data was ever stolen and sold by hackers. 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  With Surfshark Alert you can:
   
  • Monitor your data
    
    Surfshark Alert can track if your email, national ID, or credit card data appears among newly leaked data. 
    
    
  • Know what was lost
    
    It’s not just your email address that leaks. Alert will tell you what other pieces of personal data tied to your account were exposed in a breach. 
    
    
  • Get notified of breaches
    
    Surfshark Alert will email you as soon as your data is discovered in a leak. With his kind of warning, you can act fast to secure your accounts. 
    
  
  
  Surfshark Alert is a feature that helps you protects you from security breaches! Breaches which occur when your stored information is leaked. That might include your passwords, email addresses, card details, and other data that you have entered when registering at some particular website. Surfshark Alert scans the web for breaches and informs you about them so you can take specific actions immediately. Surfshark Alert will send you real-time alert messages if your data gets breached in the future. (Surfshark Alert is part of Surfshark One and is available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.).
   
  
  Has your email address been leaked? Find out now!_Surfshark Alert
   
  
  Protect your credit cards from data leaks_Surfshark Alert
   
  
  Monitor your National ID for data leaks_Surfshark Alert
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Surfshark Antivirus
  
  
  Surfshark Antivirus is a new additional feature integrated into Surfshark application. This means that your protection has gone up a few levels. The main purpose of Antivirus is to increase your privacy and security by scanning all the files and folders on the user computer, including executable files, documents, and other file types that may be infected with malware. It is available for all users who purchase Surfshark One and are using Windows or Android devices. Surfshark for Windows is currently available only on Windows 10 and newer OS versions.
   
  
  
  
  
  Available on Windows and Android, Surfshark Antivirus uses a proven detection engine that works really fast and has a minimal load on system resources. It is bundled with the Surfshark One package and found on your VPN app like the other features. The app also uses heuristic detection to look for code similar to one found in viruses. This not only helps infected apps, but also detect polymorphic viruses that evolve all the time. Surfshark Antivirus works symbiotically with the Clean Web feature to block malware downloads from the web before they even happen. (Surfshark Alert is part of Surfshark One and is available for Windows, macOS and Android)
   
  
  Surfshark Antivirus: your ally against malware
   
  
  Surfshark Antivirus
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Surfshark Search
  
  
  Surfshark Search is a secure answer to "Google search"! With "Google search", you can access any information or type of entertainment. However, the search is not without its flaws and dangers. Luckily, Surfshark's Search can help you overcome ads, tracking and make your browsing effective and pleasant.
  
   
  
  
  
  
  Surfshark Search is an ad-free (zero-ads), zero-tracker, no-logs private search tool that allows you to see organic results without tracking or interference. It is browsing without anyone collecting your data and search history. (Surfshark Search is part of Surfshark One and available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.)
   
  
   
  
  How to use Surfshark Search?
   
  
  5 reasons why you should consider getting Surfshark Search
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Introducing "Incogni"
  
  Deleting your data from online databases for you. Incogni contacts data brokers on your behalf with requests to delete the data they have on you, helping you escape the clutches of online marketing. 
   
  
  Introducing Incogni
  
  
  
  What are data brokers?
  Data brokers collect data on you from anywhere they can: public records, apps you use, services you log in to – the works. Such data can include names, ages, genders, phone numbers, as well as a wide variety of interests. 
  
  All of that allows them to create an intrusive portrait of you – and then sell it to marketers or anyone else willing to pay for it. These third parties can then even use it for tailored marketing campaigns or other business decisions.
  
  The Incogni team, equipped with the legal experience you may not have, will speed this process up for you. Instead of having to read through reams of legalese and having to remember which brokers answered emails at all, you’ll be able to simply observe the process via our updates. (Available for US, UK, Canada, Switzerland, and EU residents only)
  
   
  
  Introducing Incogni: Deleting your data from online databases for you