How to Install Surfshark on FireStick

It’s easy to tell if you are a hardcore FireStick user by the hours you spend streaming or watching content on your Fire TV device.

Amazon FireStick offers the freedom to use the internet for great movies and TV shows. However, there’s a possibility that your network connection is exposed, and anyone can monitor or track your internet activity.

If you have been searching for a secure, safe way to stream content from your Fire TV device, we’ve arrived at the solution. Surfshark is a top VPN service you can use on your FireStick to protect browsing and streaming.

Surfshark provides full protection for your device and helps you view content from any part of the world. Let’s say you are based outside the US and UK and want to watch content in those regions; using a Surfshark server will help you access the content.

It spoofs websites with geo-blocks enabled, such as Hulu, HBO Max, and Netflix, by your masking your actual IP address and changing your location for them to give you access to their content library.

Surfshark has been a blessing to many people who travel frequently and help them keep up with their favorite channels and TV content. Luckily for you, you can use Surfshark on your Amazon Fire TV device because it supports all FireStick models.

If you are interested in installing SurfShark on your FireStick, this guide will greatly help you. Keep in mind that these installation guidelines will work on any Fire TV model, including FireStick Lite, Fire TV Cube, and FireStick 4K.

We will show you various methods to set up Surfshark on your Fire TV Stick device, so if one method doesn’t work, you can try the other.

SurfShark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use this VPN for free within the first thirty days of your subscription. If you are not okay with the service, you can contact them for a full refund. Visit the Surfshark website to subscribe.

 Why Install Surfshark on Amazon Firestick?  

Surfshark offers several benefits, ranging from security to streaming, and that’s why many cord-cutters use them on their streaming devices. Surfshark increases your Fire TV’s security and privacy by blocking your ISP from monitoring your web traffic and browsing history. It also shields your device from hackers, malware, viruses, ads, and trackers created by advertisers to know your physical location.

Moreover, Surfshark encrypts your online activity using its advanced VPN technology, so it doesn’t matter what you stream or do on the internet; no one will be able to view it.

The following reasons below show why you should install or use Surfshark on your FireStick device:

 1. Easy To Use  

The Surfshark app and interface are easy to use. You can connect to any server with a few clicks. You won’t have any issues connecting to their VPN servers even if you haven’t used a VPN.

 2. Unlimited Devices  

Surfshark has an edge over other VPN services due to its unlimited simultaneous connection feature. Basically, what this means is that there is no limit to the number of devices you can use with a single Surfshark account.

Rather than having multiple VPN accounts or using different VPN services, you can port all your devices over to Surfshark. This feature will benefit you if you have a large household or a huge network of devices; using Surfshark will help protect the data across those devices.

 3. No-Logs Policy  

As a rule of thumb, you want to ensure that the VPN provider you want to use doesn’t keep your logs. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store your IP addresses, network traffic, used bandwidth, and other browsing info like other VPN providers do.

Additionally, they prevent their users from targeted ads and other forms of data theft.

 4. Block Malware and Ads   

SurfShark has an advanced feature known as CleanWeb, which serves the purpose of an AdBlocker. CleanWeb blocks all intrusive ads and malware from ruining your Fire TV streaming experience.

The CleanWeb feature is not enabled by default, so if you want to use it on your streaming device, enable it from the app settings.

 5. Top-Level Security System  

Surfshark offers high-level, industry-standard security and encryption systems, making it one of the best secure VPNs on the market.

Thanks to their advanced security standards, they ensure the safety of your log-in, personal data, and information. Surfshark ensures your devices’ 100% privacy and security and prevents anyone from viewing your online activity.

 6. 24/7 Support  

Amazingly, Surfshark has a reliable customer support system for customers. If you are facing issues you want to resolve as soon as possible, you can use their 24/7 live chat support on their website.

 7. Fast Servers  

Using a fast server or internet connection is a prerequisite for an immersive streaming experience. SurfShark is one of the fastest VPN providers to use, and they have fast servers that can help you stream HD and 4K content without lags or buffering.

Moreover, they have a feature that shows you the fastest server closest to you. If you are facing throttling issues from your ISP whenever using any streaming app, Surfshark will help you fix this easily.

 8. Unblock Streaming Sites and Apps  

Another reason to consider installing Surfshark on FireStick or any streaming device you own is to bypass geo-restrictions and access content on your favorite streaming apps and websites.

Some streaming services such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Netflix are licensed to show content in certain areas. But if you want to watch content from around the world and evade geo-blocks, using Surfshark will help.

Surfshark provides more than 3,200+ servers in many locations, which can help you access content in any streaming service. You won’t have to worry about geo-restrictions when using Surfshark on FireStick; rather, it lets you enjoy unlimited content from any streaming service.

SurfShark is one of the go-to VPNs for cord-cutters who jailbreak their Fire TV Stick devices. If you are searching for the best VPN for FireStick, you won’t have any issues using SurfShark.

 SurfShark Features  

Having seen why you should install Surfshark on FireStick, you also need to be aware of the features and benefits of this VPN. You get to use the awesome features of SurfShark when you download the app. Ultimately, these features help increase your privacy for a better streaming experience.

If you couldn’t find some of the features here, you are possibly using an outdated version of the app. Ensure you have the latest version of the SurfShark app on your FireStick. Typically, these features can be accessed from the Settings option.

You can customize the settings to turn on the VPN each time you launch the app. You will have a great time customizing the app’s settings; do what you know fits your needs. All features in the app can be accessed when you click on VPN Settings.

SurfShark provides different protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, L2TP, Shadowsocks, and WireGuard, to enhance your security. The app’s settings allow you to customize and adjust the VPN technology to suit your needs.

One of the most important features in the SurfShark interface is the Kill Switch feature. This feature automatically disables your internet connection once the VPN server becomes unstable. This can be helpful, especially if you don’t want your data exposed on any site or online service you are using. Most kill switches provided by other VPNs don’t work on FireStick, but SurfShark’s feature really works.

We also mentioned the CleanWeb feature that keeps away annoying ads and malware. It also protects your device from unverified websites and apps.

You can set the app to use smaller packets, which will improve your VPN browsing speed. Some users experience speed drops with VPN, but if you want to increase your internet connection on your network, router, or modem, you may turn on this option.

The results vary as some users have it turned on while others might have it disabled. Try both options and see what works for you.

Bypasser is Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, which lets you choose the apps you want to connect to the internet outside the encrypted VPN tunnel.

You will see another feature, “Route via VPN“, which lets you select the apps you wish to route through the VPN connection.

Enabling the Auto-Connect feature will automatically connect to a VPN server immediately after your Fire TV device is turned on. You may consider turning on this option if you want full protection and privacy.

If you want to switch servers, return to the app’s home screen and choose any server of your choice from the Locations tab. Surfshark provides over 3,200 severs in more than 65 countries worldwide. You can also use the search bar to search for specific regions’ servers.

If you return to the App Settings area, you will see other useful options, such as the app’s appearance, version, language, etc. You can customize these settings to your preferences.

You can try SurfShark for free – thanks to its reliable 30-day money-back guarantee policy, which lets you test the performance and get a refund when you are not dissatisfied with the service.

If you face difficulty setting up Surfshark on your FireStick, that doesn’t mean you can use this VPN or unblock streaming services on your device. I highly recommend applying any installation methods in this guide to use SurfShark VPN on your Fire TV device.

Start Using SurfShark on FireStick 

 Method 1: How To Install SurfShark VPN on FireStick  

Before now, certain Fire TV devices had issues installing SurfShark. Fortunately, SurfShark has an app built for Amazon FireStick devices, so it doesn’t matter which model or version you use; you can get this VPN installed on your device in no time.

You can’t install the SurfShark VPN software unless you have an account. If you are yet to sign up, take advantage of this huge offer today, as SurfShark offers TechBeastz readers a whopping 81% discount on their VPN plans.

Follow the steps below to set up SurfShark on your Fire TV Stick device:

• Step 1: Launch your FireStick device.

• Step 2: Click on Find from the home screen.
• Step 3: Click on the Search option and search for SurfShark VPN.

• Step 4: You will see the SurfShark VPN app in the results.

• Step 5: Click on the Get or Download button to download it on your FireStick device.

• Step 6: Once the app is installed, Click Open to launch it.
• Step 7: Enter your login credentials.

• Step 8: Select a VPN server.
• Step 9: Hit the connect button to use the VPN server. You can click on Fastest Location to connect to a VPN server quickly.

• Step 10: You will see a Connection request prompt on your screen. Click OK to continue.

• Step 10: Once you confirm you are connected, start streaming!

 Method 2: How To Sideload SurfShark App on FireStick  

If you cannot download SurfShark from the official FireStick app store, you can try sideloading the application. This method works for those who can’t find or access the SurfShark app on the Amazon Store.

You can sideload any app on FireStick using this method I will show you. Sideloading the app involves getting or downloading the .apk file of the app. The steps below will show you more insights into this:

• Step 1: Open your FireStick settings.

• Step 2: Select My Fire TV.
• Step 3: Go to Developer Options.

• Step 4: Click on Apps from Unknown Sources and enable this feature.

• Step 5: Return to the home screen and type Downloader in the Search bar.

• Step 6: Click on the app from the search results and click on Get to download it.

• Step 7: Launch the app after installation.
• Step 8: When you get to the Downloader home screen, you will see a URL box. Click the text box and enter the URL – surfshark.com/download.

• Step 9: Afterwards, the Surfshark website will be opened. Navigate the website and look for the download link/button for Amazon FireStick.

• Step 10: Once you download the app, click Install and follow the on-screen prompts.
• Step 11: Delete the .apk file after the app installation.

• Step 12: Open the SurfShark app.
• Step 13: Enter your login details.
• Step 14: Connect to any server.
• Step 15: You can start streaming on your favorite apps when the system alerts you that you’ve successfully connected to the VPN.

This method works on all Fire TV models – thanks to the Downloader app, which let you install any application, including third-party apps, on your Fire TV device. However, if you still can’t install the Surfshark app after following this method, try the one below.

 Method 3: How To Install SurfShark On Your Router  

Another way to use SurfShark on your Fire TV is to configure the VPN server on your router. Although this method requires a technical approach, it’s the last method to install on Surfshark on FireStick, most especially on older models.

Besides, installing SurfShark on your router will help protect all the devices connected to the network. Suppose you have many home devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, smart refrigerators, and other devices connected to your router. In that case, they will all enjoy VPN support and coverage.

In addition to that, configuring a SurfShark on your router will help you use the VPN on Roku, smart TVs, and other gadgets that do not have native support for VPN apps. If you own a Roku TV, consider seeing our guide for steps to installing SurfShark on Roku.

You enjoy a lot of privileges by installing a VPN on your router. However, check your router’s compatibility before installing a VPN on it. Most routers aren’t VPN-compatible; others are designed to accommodate VPN software installations.

Surfshark works with various routers, including ASUS (AsusWRT-Merlin) routers, OpenWRT, DD-WRT, and Tomato firmware. You can check your router’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether your current router is VPN-friendly. If your router’s firmware isn’t compatible with Surfshark, install a new one or purchase one that is compatible with it.

The instructions below will show you how to install SurfShark on your router.

• Step 1: Log in to your router control panel. This can be done by entering the router’s IP address in your internet browser and logging in using your credentials.
• Step 2: Go to the firmware installation page. This is typically found in the Administration section. Then upload the firmware files.

Note: You must be cautious, especially when installing third-party firmware on your Wi-Fi router. Remember that doing this incorrectly can void the warranty or damage the device.

• Step 3: Get SurfShark configuration for your router model.
• Step 4: The configuration files can be found on the Surfshark website. Log in to your Surfshark account and click on the Credentials tab.
• Step 5: Click the Location tab and select a VPN server you want to use. Click your preferred server, scroll down, and download the OpenVPN (UDP) file.
• Step 6: Go to the Credentials tab and copy the credentials on the page.
• Step 7: Launch your router control panel and find the OpenVPN tab in the VPN area.
• Step 8: Enter the credentials you received in Step 6.
• Step 9: Upload the configuration file you downloaded in Step 5, then apply the settings.
• Step 10: Once you are done, click the Activate button.
• Step 11: Afterwards, you will see a blue checkmark on the Connection Status tab showing your router is running on the VPN server.

The installation process varies depending on your router model and firmware. For a detailed guide, refer to our article on installing SurfShark on a router, where we shared various installation methods for supported router brands and models.

 How To Use SurfShark On FireStick  

If you could install Surfshark on your FireStick, you would probably want to know how to use it or get the best out of it.

One of the amazing features of Surfshark is that it helps you unblock geo-restrictions and unlock content in any region. If your actual location is somewhere like Russia or China, for instance, but you want to watch the U.K. or U.S. Netflix library, this won’t be a challenge if you are using SurfShark.

Follow the steps below to find out  how you can connect to a specific region:

• Step 1: Open the SurfShark app.

• Step 2: From the left-hand menu, you will see a list of countries and servers to connect to. Also, if you have a country in mind, you can search for it in the search option without having to scroll through the page.

• Step 3: Once you see the country you want, click to connect to the nearest server.
• Step 4: You must choose between static or multi-hop IP addresses.

Note: Static IP address assigns you the same IP address each time you connect to the VPN server. However, with a multi-hop IP address, you can connect to multiple VPN servers in different countries simultaneously. This feature ensures extra security for those who want their internet activity untraceable.

SurfShark gives unrestricted access to thousands of servers in many countries. It’s highly unlikely for you to run out of servers to connect to.

 How To Verify If Your FireStick is Surfshark-Enabled  

After installing Surfshark on your Fire TV device, you may want to check whether the VPN is active or working correctly.

Follow the steps below to know the status of your VPN connection:

• Step 1: Launch the SurfShark app on your FireStick and connect to your chosen server.
• Step 2: Install the Amazon Silk Browser or open your preferred FireStick browser.

• Step 3: Enter this web address – dnsleaktest.com in the URL search bar.

This will show your IP address and location, and you can use this information to know whether your FireStick is connected to SurfShark VPN servers.

Another way to check if SurfShark works on your FireStick is to enter whatismyip.com in the Downloader URL text box.

 What To Do If Surfshark Is Not Working On Your FireStick?  

Is Surfshark not working on your device, or does the VPN keep disconnecting? If you notice these errors, there are many solutions you can try to fix them.

1. Power off your FireStick: Unplug or power off your FireStick device for a few minutes (five minutes or more). Then, turn it off and use a different VPN server.
2. Update the app: If you are using an older version of the Surfshark app, visit the Amazon App Store and install the latest version.
3. Reinstall the app: If Surfshark isn’t working on your Fire TV device, you can uninstall and reinstall the app.
4. Check your ISP: Your network administrator or ISP may sabotage your efforts and prevent you from accessing Surfshark.
5. Contact SurfShark: The last resort is to contact the Surfshark customer support team, describe your issue, and they will proffer solutions.

 SurfShark Vs. ExpressVPN: Which Is The Best For FireStick? 

When it comes to choosing the best VPN, many users are stuck between two options – ExpressVPN and SurfShark. While both companies offer reliable VPN servers, many users don’t know which to use.

It is important to point out the similarities and differences between both brands to give you an informed decision. If you are facing a selection dilemma, you will find help in this section.

 1. Security and Encryption  

Top VPN providers like SurfShark and ExpressVPN provide advanced systems like AES 256-bit encryption to secure data. Also, they boast a kill switch feature to prevent your data and privacy from being exposed when the VPN connection drops.

Moreover, they do not log your data or browsing information because it violates the law in the British Virgin Islands, where both companies are based. So what they do to your files and data is delete them as soon as you are disconnected from the VPN server.

 2. Network Customization  

Both VPN services allow you to customize certain settings to maximize your streaming experience. For instance, you can tweak the app to restrict you from harmful sites or automatically connect you to the nearest server to your actual location.

 3. Server Locations  

SurfShark offers 3,200 servers, slightly more than ExpressVPN offers (3,000). However, ExpressVPN has more locations.

 4. Streaming Speeds  

Streamers should be cautious of using free VPN services because of slow speeds. Thankfully, premium VPN providers like Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer impressive speeds, but the latter is faster.

 5. Unblock Streaming Apps and Sites  

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN bypass geo-blocks on streaming services to give you access to more movies and TV shows.

You can unblock a huge number of streaming apps and networks such as ABC, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, CBS, FOX, and many more with these VPN services.

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark have been tested to unlock content in many geo-restricted sites.

 Frequently Asked Questions  

 What is Surfshark?  

Surfshark is a premium VPN service that protects your device’s internet activity and data.

 How Does SurfShark Work?  

Surfshark uses its VPN technology to encrypt your web traffic and hide your actual location and IP address to prevent your ISP, government, hackers or any internet surveillance agency from seeing your online activity.

When you connect to a Surfshark server, it creates encryption from your device to the server and protects all the signals and information it sends and receives.

The benefit of this VPN service is that it shields your online activity, meaning no one can view your streaming and internet activity.

 Is Surfshark Free?  

Although SurfShark is not a free VPN service, they offer a 7-day free trial for customers. So, if you are interested in trying out this VPN without committing to their service or spending money on a VPN subscription, you can try the 7-day free trial and evaluate their performance.

Even if you don’t use the 7-day free trial, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee across all their subscription plans, which makes their service risk-free.

 Is Surfshark Safe?  

Surfshark is both safe and legal. It doesn’t log your files but ensures the safety of your device.

 Is Surfshark the Best FireStick VPN?  

SurfShark is a top choice for Fire TV users due to its impressive support and service. Surfshark provides a huge collection of servers to access content in any part of the world.

Unlike other VPN providers, you will not experience buffering issues, lagging problems, or disconnections on Surfshark. There are lots of excellent VPNs out there; check the features and performance of these VPNs and select which one appeals to you.

 Is SurfShark Better Than ExpressVPN?  

Both SurfShark and ExpressVPN are quite similar in terms of performance, speed, number of servers, etc. They have a large number of servers that can unblock content in major streaming platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer and bypass geo-restrictions on these services.

Also, they have native support for Android and FireStick devices. In terms of speed, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than SurfShark. Furthermore, both VPN providers offer a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch feature, and AES 256-bit encryption.

Also, they are based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliances. As you can see, Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer similar services and performance; it all comes down to your personal choice and preferences.

 Will My Download Speeds Reduce While Using a VPN?  

It is normal to experience reduced download speeds while using a VPN because your internet traffic is encrypted and routed to a third-party server. However, Surfshark’s tunneling protocols optimize speed and are fast enough to stream HD or 4K content.

You won’t even realize you are using a VPN because their servers are fast and well-optimized for speed. Surfshark offers thousands of servers; you can be sure to find the fastest one to use.

 Can I Use SurfShark on My FireStick?  

Surfshark supports various FireStick models and generations, including 4K Fire TV Stick, 2nd & 3rd Gen models, and others. Hence, you can download the Surfshark app, which is compatible with all FireStick devices, except for the 1st Gen Fire TV devices released in 2014.

 How Do You Use Surfshark on FireStick? 

This guide is all you need to learn to set up and use Surfshark on FireStick. Once you use our guidelines, you are good to go.

 Does Surfshark Work With Netflix and Other Streaming Apps?  

Surfshark works great on many streaming services, such as Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and Hulu. You can access content on these platforms on your FireStick or any streaming device you own.

Once you set up Surfshark on Fire TV, you can enjoy unrestricted access to content on these streaming platforms, and you will enjoy this, especially while traveling or when you are in a country with stringent internet laws.

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs to use on Netflix. If you ever face difficulty using it with the Netflix app, consider clearing the cache, checking for DNS leaks, or using another server. That will solve the connection issues and help you stream your favorite content on Netflix.

 Why is Surfshark Not Working On My FireStick?  

First, ensure you are using the latest Surfshark app on your device. Consider changing the protocols or restarting your Fire TV device. You can power off your device and turn it on after 1-5 minutes.

Confirm your network connection speed is good, then try another VPN service. This could solve the issue.

 Why Is Surfshark Disconnecting on FireStick?  

If Surfshark is disconnecting on your FireStick or isn’t working for any reason, try a different protocol and see if the problem persists. From our experience, the OpenVPN (UDP) protocol is the best and most convenient one.

Regardless, even while you have everything properly set up, your ISP (BT, Virgin Media, or Sky) may be placing restrictions on your network if it is too fast. If you have exhausted different methods without finding a solution, you may have to try another VPN service like ExpressVPN.

 Conclusion  

SurfShark is a budget-friendly VPN service for Android and Fire TV users. This VPN service has no limitations or restrictions because it unblocks various streaming apps and helps you watch video content from any region of the globe.

Using Surfshark will protect your online activity and privacy from people monitoring and snooping your web traffic and internet activity. SurfShark gives you top-grade AES 256-bit encryption, top-notch security services, and other high-level features. You can easily bypass ISP throttling and hackers using this VPN.

Moreover, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you don’t have to purchase a separate VPN to connect an additional device in your home. You can enhance the online security and privacy of all the devices in your household using a single Surfshark account subscription.

Your SurfShark subscription is backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It costs only $2.05/month, and you save up to 84% on the 2-Year Plan, which comes with 2 extra Months FREE.

We hope you enjoyed this guide. You can use the information in this article to install and use Surfshark on your Fire TV streaming device.