You can install Surfshark on a compatible router to which your LG Smart TV is connected. Alternatively, use your computer as a virtual router, sharing its Surfshark-protected internet connection with your LG TV.
On top of that, you can set up Surfshark SmartDNS to unblock content on your LG Smart TV.
In this article, I’ll show you these three quick ways to set up and use Surfshark on your LG Smart TV.
How to Install Surfshark on LG TV? (Step-By-Step Guide)
Below are the three ways to use Surfshark on LG Smart TVs:
- Set Up Surfshark via Physical Router
- Set Up Surfshark via Virtual Router
- Set Up Surfshark via Smart DNS Proxy
Method 1: Set Up Surfshark via Physical Router
LG’s WebOS operating system doesn’t support VPN apps, but you can still connect the TV to an internet connection on a physical router with Surfshark installed.
But before you start, confirm if your router supports a VPN installation.
Check the video below for more information on this.
Here’s how to configure Surfshark VPN on an AsusWRT router, which I’ve chosen for this example.
- Purchase a subscription from Surfshark. (Use these discounts).
- Locate your router login details. You can get them on this page.
- Click on the “Credentials” tab on top to see them. Note the credentials.
- Click the “Locations” tab. You’ll see different Surfshark servers.
- Get the OpenVPN configuration file of your preferred location and download it. For example, download the US location configuration files to unblock Hulu, US Netflix, etc.
- Open the configuration panel of your router. You can access it by typing your router’s IP address in your browser directly. It’s usually 192.168.1.1. But If you don’t know the router’s IP address, here’s how to find it:
For Windows 10 users:
- Open the “Start” menu, type, and choose “Command Prompt.”
- A console window will appear; type “ipconfig” and press “Enter.”
- You should see your router’s IP address on the “Default Gateway” line.
For macOS:
- Head to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click “Network.”
- Then, select Wi-Fi > Advanced… > TCP/IP.
- Your router’s IP address is next to “Router.”
- A login prompt should pop up after you type the IP address into your browser. The login details should be “admin/admin” or “admin“ without a password if you’ve never changed them.
- Log in and click the “VPN tab” in the left sidebar.
- Next, select “VPN Client.”
- Click “Add profile.”
- Click on “OpenVPN” and type the following:
- Description: Choose any name you prefer.
- Username: Enter the Surfshark username service credentials you noted in Step 3 above.
- Password: Enter the Surfshark account service password you saved in Step 1 above.
- A prompt will appear asking you to choose the configuration file you want to use. Click “Choose File.”
- Navigate to where you saved the downloaded configuration files. If there’s a .ovpn file, choose that.
- Upload it. A success message will pop up if the process went right.
- Leave the “Import the CA file or edit the .ovpn file manually” option unchecked and then click “OK.” A new connection setup should be visible.
- Click ”Activate” to connect your router to the Surfshark server.
- Confirm if the connection is secure by doing an IP leak and a DNS leak test here.
- Press the SMART button on your LG smart TV remote and scroll to the Home menu.
- Choose Start Connection and connect to the router. Your TV should now be connected.
Method 2: Set Up Surfshark via Virtual Router
The procedure is straightforward. The only drawback is that you’ll have to do it whenever you want to set up a Surfshark connection to your LG Smart TV.
For this, you should have installed Surfshark on your PC.
- Navigate to the Mobile hotspot settings on your PC and turn it “On.”
- Scroll down under Related settings and click “Change adapter options.”
- Right-click on your VPN’s internet connection( in this case, it’s “SurfsharkWireGuard“) and select “Properties.”
- On the next window, click on the “Sharing” tab and check the “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” box.
- Connect your LG Smart TV to the newly created Wi-Fi hotspot, and you’re good to go!
Method 3: Set Up Surfshark via Smart DNS Proxy
Setting up Surfshark via SmartDNS is the easiest and fastest VPN method on your LG Smart TV. However, note that the method lacks encryption. So I would recommend it as a streaming service unblocker, not as a VPN.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Buy a Surfshark plan. SmartDNS is automatically included in the affordable package.
- Log in to your Surfshark account and head to this page.
- Find your smart DNS addresses.
- Next, head to “Network Settings” on your LG Smart TV.
- If your TV is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, click on the “Wi-Fi Connection” tab. If it’s connected via an Ethernet cable, choose “Wired Connection/Ethernet.” In my case, it’s a Wi-Fi connection.
- Head to “Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.”
- On the next window, Click the “EDIT” button.
- Uncheck “Set Automatically.”
- Enter one of the four DNS addresses in Step 3 above and click “Connect.”
- Wait for your LG Smart TV to connect to the internet using smart DNS servers.
And that’s it. You’ve successfully configured smart DNS on your LG TV! You can now enjoy streaming your favorite content on various streaming platforms.
Why Is Surfshark Not Working With My LG Smart TV? 4 Fixes
If you’ve successfully installed Surfshark on your LG Smart TV but still can’t unblock geo-blocked content or stream anything, it might be due to various connectivity problems.
Try the following troubleshooting tips/fixes:
- Check Your Subscription Status: Billing issues might sometimes result in the cancelation of your subscription. So, check your Surfshark account’s subscription status to rule this out.
- Switch Servers: Surfshark servers are usually very reliable and stable. However, the server you’re trying to connect to might be having issues or overloaded. Try a different server to see if that resolves the problem.
- Activate Kill Switch: If you’re getting proxy error messages when streaming geo-restricted content, it could be because your IP is leaking. This happens when your VPN connection drops. Luckily, enabling the Surfshark kill switch can fix that.
- Reinstall Surfshark: A small error during setup can affect your connection, especially if you’re using the VPN via your router. If the issue persists, reset your router and install Surfshark again.
Still, stuck? You can reach out to Surfshark customer support for assistance.
They have 24/7 customer support, available via email and live chat.
Surfshark Alternative VPNs for LG Smart TV
If Surfshark doesn’t work for you, or you’d rather just have something else, try these alternatives:
- ExpressVPN: An excellent Surfshark alternative if you’re looking for a VPN that allows you to share its connection over Mac. The provider also offers a SmartDNS service – MediaStreamer – which works smoothly with LG Smart TV and an easier router setup pathway.
- NordVPN: NordVPN offers LG Smart TV users safety, privacy, geo-unblocking, and good streaming speeds. Also, it has P2P servers and an in-house protocol for faster streaming speed.
- IPVanish: This provider is compatible with a broader range of routers, including TP-link. It also supports L2TP/IPsec, allowing you to set it up on LG TV through your Macbook. The VPN unblocks most streaming services, and I only faced issues with BBC iPlayer during tests.
FAQs
Can Surfshark Unblock Netflix on LG Smart TV?
Yes, Surfshark can unblock Netflix on LG TV. You’ll need to set it up on a physical or virtual router and link your TV to the resulting Wi-Fi network to access any Netflix library anywhere with this VPN.
Is It Legal to Use Surfshark on My LG Smart TV?
Yes, it’s legal to use Surfshark on your LG Smart TV. However, while using the VPN, don’t do anything that violates your VPN’s terms of use policy, and you’ll continue to enjoy the full breadth of its service safely.
Wrapping It Up
The LG Smart TV has many features that makes the viewing experience worthwhile and pleasurable. However, content restrictions and issues arising from online security and protection can make your Smart TV susceptible to cyber-attacks/fraud or limit your enjoyment.
Thankfully, Surfshark ensures you can utilize the full features available to you on your Smart TV securely.
Ready to unlock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and the like on your LG Smart TV?
Take advantage of our Surfshark offers and binge on your favorite shows.
