How to Set Up and Watch CNN With Surfshark? (2026)

You can set up Surfshark and watch CNN from anywhere outside the US by installing the VPN on your device and connecting to a US-based server location.

Given Surfshark’s 600+ US-based servers, spoofing your IP to appear as if you’re in the US has never been easier.

Keep reading as I outline the steps to unblock CNN on various devices, like mobile, PC, smart TV, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.

Get Surfshark to Watch CNN

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How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN?

Unblock CNN content on all your devices seamlessly by buying a Surfshark subscription, which offers unlimited simultaneous connections. 

Once done, proceed with these tutorials.

How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN on Mobile?

Here are the steps to watch CNN on your mobile using Surfshark and stay updated with the 24-hour news coverage, entertainment, sports, and much more:

1. Launch the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and install the Surfshark app. I’ll use an iPhone to illustrate this, but the process is similar for Android devices.

2. Open the app and sign in with your credentials.

3. Permit Surfshark to add VPN configuration. Android users must accept any connection requests when prompted.

4. Connect to a US-based server location.

5. Launch the CNN app and stream Newsroom, AC360, At This Hour, or anything else you fancy_._

How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN on PC?

To access CNN content from anywhere on PC using Surfshark, follow these instructions:

1. Download the Surfshark app for Windows or macOS.

2. Install the app by following the installation wizard.
3. Launch the Surfshark app and sign in with your credentials.

4. Connect to a US-based server.

5. Go to the CNN website, and click “Live TV” in the top right corner. From there, verify your TV provider to stream CNN originals like Pinnacle and The Hunt with John Walsh.

How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN on Smart TVs?

For Smart TVs running Android TV or Google TV, you can conveniently install the Surfshark app directly from the Google Play Store and connect to a US server. Samsung and LG sets have no Surfshark app, and Surfshark ended its SmartDNS service in February 2026, so the DNS setup this section used to describe is gone.

Here’s how to get a non-Android Smart TV onto Surfshark instead.

1. Pick a method. Either install Surfshark on your router (next section) or share it from a Windows PC as a hotspot (covered in the gaming section below).
2. Connect the router or PC to a US server, then join your TV to that Wi-Fi network from its Network settings.
3. Restart your TV and launch Hulu, YouTube TV, DirectTV, SlingTV, or any third-party app to unblock popular CNN shows like The History of Comedy and Inside Politics.

How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN on Streaming Devices?

If you own a Fire TV stick, you can download Surfshark from the Amazon Appstore to unblock CNN content (it needs Fire OS 5 or later, so not the first-generation stick). Similarly, Apple TV HD and 4K models on tvOS 17 or later can install Surfshark’s Apple TV app from the App Store.

However, the process becomes slightly more intricate on other streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast since they lack dedicated Surfshark app support.

Your best option here is to set up Surfshark on your router.

1. Log in to the Surfshark dashboard and click “Manual setup” under the VPN menu.

2. Select “Router,” then choose the “OpenVPN” protocol.
3. Keep the following window open, as you’ll require the credentials shown later.

4. Switch the locations tab and pick any server based in the US.

5. Download the OpenVPN UDP configuration file.

6. Sign in to your router’s admin panel and navigate VPN > VPN Client > Add Profile.

7. Choose the OpenVPN option, and enter the credentials you found earlier. Then, upload the router configuration file you downloaded in the third step.

8. Click “OK” to save the profile and “Activate.”

Allow your router some time to reboot, factory reset your Roku, Chromecast, or any other streaming device, and create a new US account after connecting to the newly encrypted Wi-Fi network.

Once done, you can stream the CNN channel on your streaming devices through third-party platforms like Sling TV, Hulu, DirectTV, and YouTube TV.

How to Set Up Surfshark to Watch CNN on Gaming Devices?

I watch CNN Primetime via YouTube TV on my Xbox, and since Xbox consoles can’t install a VPN app, I share Surfshark’s connection with the console instead.

You can install Surfshark on your router and connect it to your Xbox console to unblock CNN.

However, if the router setup seems too complex, here’s the procedure to turn your Windows PC into a virtual router. Surfshark supports Wi-Fi hotspot sharing on Windows only, and it needs the OpenVPN protocol.

1. Open the Surfshark Windows app, go to Settings > VPN settings > Protocol, and select OpenVPN (UDP). Stay disconnected for now.
2. Open Windows Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot and turn it on.

3. Type “Network connections” into the Windows search bar, right-click Data Channel Offload for Surfshark (the “DCO” adapter), and pick Properties.
4. On the Sharing tab, check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection,” choose the Local Area Connection your hotspot added, and click OK.

5. Back in the Surfshark app, connect to a US server.
6. Access the Wi-Fi settings on your Xbox and connect to the hotspot you created to enjoy unrestricted access to CNN regardless of location.

What’s the Best Surfshark Server to Stream CNN From Anywhere?

All of Surfshark’s 600+ US-based servers effectively unblock CNN content. 

However, you may experience congestion issues on some servers.

To ensure exceptional speeds that facilitate 4K streaming, utilize the P2P servers based in the US. Type “p2p” into the search bar located at the top to find these servers.

I had a fantastic streaming experience with the Denver P2P server while watching the CNN original Race for the White House.

Additionally, Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol is the best choice for unblocking CNN due to its optimal blend of security and speed. Therefore, set the protocol to WireGuard from Settings > VPN settings > Protocol.

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FAQs

Stream CNN From Anywhere With Surfshark!

Surfshark is your best companion if you’re a CNN fan residing in Canada, the UK, or anywhere else. Connecting to a US server can easily unblock a rich library of CNN content, including documentaries, news shows, mini servers, and even reality TV programs.

So why wait any longer? Use these irresistible Surfshark discounts to save more on your purchase and bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by CNN.