Recently, there have been concerns about unstable connections with Surfshark VPN. That doesn’t mean users should abandon it or assume refunds are impossible. There is another official method to connect that will be explained here.
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An additional OpenVPN app is needed to configure the setup. In simple terms, users must input the path manually and connect to Surfshark VPN servers. This approach works for both PCs and smartphones. To connect via a manual OpenVPN setup, Surfshark service credentials are required. These are not the same as the regular login details used to access Surfshark VPN.
It may look daunting at first, but the process is straightforward and, most importantly, effective. The following steps explain how Surfshark VPN can be configured to work on all devices.
Bypass blocks and connect Surfshark VPN on a computer
First, open the VPN section and select manual configuration. If not logged in, enter the username and password provided during registration.
Access the tab labeled “References.” There, the login details can be saved for future use.
Switch to the “Locations” tab and choose a country. This determines the destination you will be redirected to when the VPN is active. Click the button next to the country name to open the dialog box.
Select the file type to upload: UDP or TCP. These are two VPN protocols. UDP is typically faster, so it is recommended.
Next, download the OpenVPN application.
Install the application and allow system changes. This is necessary because the OpenVPN app needs permission to manage network and VPN settings. Open the OpenVPN shortcut; the app will appear in the system tray, located at the bottom-right of the screen.
Follow these steps:
- Click the PKM icon and choose Import configuration, selecting the previously downloaded file on the Locations tab.
- Open the context menu again and select Connect.
- Enter the Surfshark service credentials saved earlier. Check the Save option to avoid re-entering them in the future.
- When connected, the icon next to the OpenVPN GUI will turn green.
- To disconnect, right-click and choose Detach.
If something goes wrong or a different country is needed, simply select a new location and update the necessary details.
Connect Surfshark VPN on a smartphone
Open the Surfshark website via any browser since the setup cannot be completed directly in the app. In the Manual setting section, copy the login and password and download the UDP profile for each country. If the file does not download, use a temporary free VPN or switch to a computer to obtain it.
Install the OpenVPN app. If Google Play is unavailable or the OpenVPN app cannot be found in the store, an APK version can be downloaded and installed manually.
Launch the OpenVPN app. You will be prompted to provide a profile link or to import a file. Choose the File option and add the downloaded country file there.
The process may require trying a different method. One workaround involved transferring the file from a computer via a messaging app, renaming the file to a simpler name, then opening it on the phone. Sometimes file-name length or characters can affect recognition on the device.
Enter the Surfshark service credentials saved earlier. Check the Save Password option to avoid retyping them, and tap Add in the upper-right corner of the screen.
If a connection is established, a confirmation window will appear. Tap Get on for the certificate prompt.
To disable the VPN, toggle the switch again; it will turn gray when disconnected.