Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol, the fastest of its three VPN protocols.
It extends the functionality of its WireGuard protocol to smartphones (Android and iOS) and PCs (Linux, Windows and MacOS). Surfshark is also one of the few VPN providers offering WireGuard for their router setups.
Furthermore, you can enable and use Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol on Android-based systems such as the Amazon Fire TV stick or Android TVs.
Keep reading to learn how to enable Surfshark WireGuard for reliable encryption and speed.
How to Enable the Surfshark WireGuard Protocol on PCs?
The fastest and easiest way to enable Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol on a PC is via the app settings. However, Surfshark also allows manual PC app setups, and there’s one for WireGuard.
Here’s how to use the protocol across both setup methods.
Method #1 – Via the PC App
I’ll use my Windows PC for this demonstration, but the steps are similar across MacOS and Linux (Debian 11 & Debian 11+, Ubuntu 20.04 & Ubuntu 20.04+, Mint 20 & Mint 20+).
- Get a Surfshark subscription. Buy one with these one-time discount deals.
- Choose “Surfshark Starter” to get the VPN only.
- Download the Surfshark PC app. I recommend clicking the “Download” tab on the Surfshark website to get the latest PC version.
- Install and launch your Surfshark PC app. I’ll use the Windows app for this demo, but the steps are similar across other PCs.
- Sign in to Surfshark with your username and password. These are the details you used to sign up from step 1.
- Click Settings > VPN settings.
- Scroll to “Protocol” and toggle the dropdown.
- Click “WireGuard.”
- Return to the VPN homepage to connect to any server.
- Wait for the connection confirmation.
- Stream 4K content, download torrents rapidly, play games without lag, and browse the web fast, thanks to WireGuard.
Method #2 – Manual Setup Method
If you prefer the root-level, manual WireGuard setup for your PC, Surfshark makes that possible.
Follow the guides below, depending on your device’s operating system, to set it up:
However, there’s currently no manual WireGuard setup for Linux users.
How to Enable the Surfshark WireGuard Protocol on Smartphones?
Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol can also be enabled on iOS and Android smartphones.
I’ve demonstrated the process below with my iPhone, but the steps are similar for Android devices:
- Got your Surfshark account? Grab one with these HUGE deals.
- Download the Surfshark app from your device’s app store.
- Tap the Surfshark app to launch it.
- Log in with your account credentials.
- Tap Settings > VPN settings.
- Tap “Protocol.”
- Select “WireGuard,” then tap “Close.”
- Tap “VPN,” then connect to any server. I’ll tap “Quick-connect” to get the automatically-determined fastest server.
- Wait for the connection confirmation.
- Tap/swipe up the connection box to confirm that WireGuard is active.
How to Enable the Surfshark WireGuard Protocol on Routers?
Most VPNs prefer OpenVPN for their router setup. However, this is usually slower and doesn’t perform well with some gaming titles.
Fortunately, Surfshark allows you to set up and enjoy WireGuard on your routers.
Follow the video guide below to make it happen.
Once completed, connect your smart TV, gaming console, smart home units, and other devices to the router for that encrypted speed blast from WireGuard.
What Surfshark Features Don't Work on WireGuard?
All Surfshark features work on the WireGuard protocol except its Camouflage Mode. That’s because Camouflage Mode was designed for obfuscation and only activates over the protocols of OpenVPN (TCP) or OpenVPN (UDP).
This isn’t a huge dealbreaker if you’re not dealing with harsh censorship, network firewalls, or highly restrictive networks. Hence, most Surfshark users can get by without needing obfuscation.
Speed, Security, and Compatibility
WireGuard (and its variants or derivatives) offers the best balance of speed and security across commonly used VPN protocols.
Thankfully, Surfshark makes it available for its major supported devices.
You even get it on routers, meaning smoother 4K streams on your Samsung Smart TV and zero-lag Fortnite gameplay on PlayStation/Xbox.
If you want all that, now’s the best time to get Surfshark’s WireGuard cheaper with these fantastic discounts.
