Yes, you can use Surfshark on Xbox to unblock exclusive games like Planet of Lana or Immortality. With Surfshark, you also get perks like early game releases and discounts in regions where these aren’t typically available.
However, it’s worth noting that Surfshark does not support port forwarding, which might be a crucial feature for some gamers. If port forwarding is essential for your gaming experience, I recommend considering PrivateVPN, which offers both static and dynamic port forwarding.
Keep reading to find out how to set up Surfshark on your Xbox and compare its features with other VPNs!
How to Set Up Surfshark for Xbox?
You can set up Surfshark on Xbox using the virtual router, smart DNS, or home router methods.
The virtual router method only works with Windows PCs, as confirmed by Surfshark support. Linux and macOS users are stuck with the smart DNS or home router method.
If you have a Windows PC, here’s how to set up a Surfshark virtual router for Xbox:
- Purchase a Sufshark subscription (get a discount).
- Download and install the Surfshark Windows app.
- Log in to the Surfshark app with your credentials.
- Enable the Surfshark Kill Switch to play Xbox games on restricted school or office networks without exposing your real IP address to network admins. Go through Settings > VPN and toggle the Kill Switch ON.
- Select the WireGuard protocol. I prefer this protocol for my Xbox Series X since it offers buffer-free gaming and streaming (watched Peaky Blinders) via BBC iPlayer. Go through Settings > Protocol and select “WireGuard.”
- Return to the VPN dashboard, click Quick Connect, or search for a specific Surfshark server.
- I connected to Surfshark’s US-Boston server to join the American Minecraft InsanityCraft world.
- Ensure your Surfshark-Xbox connection is secure by checking for leaks. Your assigned Surfshark IP address should match that on the leak test site.
- Now, set up your Windows PC for VPN connection sharing by following the steps in the video below.
- Connect your Xbox console to the VPN hotspot. Go to Network > General tab > Network Settings > Set Up Wireless Network.
- That’s it! Enjoy Microsoft Xbox rewards, get EA membership, and unblock xCloud games on compatible devices worldwide. I enjoyed a 75% discount purchasing Assasin’s Creed Valhalla for my Xbox Series X on a Surfshark Denver connection.
You can also set up Surfshark on your Xbox using other methods:
Surfshark Not Working With Xbox UPnP? (Troubleshooting)
Connecting Surfshark to Xbox may cause UPnP issues that affect party chats.
And while terminating the VPN connection resolves the issue, that defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
Try these fixes to solve the Surfshark-Xbox UPnP issues:
- Log in to your router, locate “Open NAT,” enable “Port Forwarding,” and search for “Xbox Live Xbox Series X” under “Look for games.” This will auto-input predetermined ports and select Xbox for the private network option.
- Use Discord instead of party chats since it has native integration with Xbox and doesn’t require “OpenNat” or “Port Forwarding,” unlike party chats.
- Change your Surfshark VPN protocol from WireGuard to OpenVPN UDP. This method works best for network speeds of less than 300 Mbps.
- If you’re using custom router firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT, Asus-Merlin), enable the UPnP service on the router. Then, restart the router and Xbox console.
Best Surfshark Alternatives for Xbox
Surfshark is a reliable VPN for gaming and unblocking geo-restricted Xbox content. However, it lacks port forwarding, which may be a dealbreaker for users who want to enjoy the Xbox Remote Play feature on compatible PCs and mobile devices.
Thus, here are my top Surfshark alternatives that offer port forwarding for Xbox:
| Provider | Xbox Set Up | Unique Xbox Features | Drawbacks | Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrivateVPN | Virtual Router, Router | Port Forwarding, Dynamic Dedicated IPs | Lacks SmartDNS | Get Discounts |
| PureVPN | Virtual Router, Router | Port Forwarding, P2P Servers | Lacks SmartDNS and DDoS protection | Get Discounts |
FAQs
Does the Xbox Microsoft Store Offer the Surfshark VPN App?
The Xbox Microsoft store doesn’t offer a dedicated Surfshark app or any other VPN app. Furthermore, the Microsoft Windows store only offers “proxy” apps. Therefore, download the Surfshark app on your PC to use the virtual router setup, or set up the VPN on your home router to unblock Xbox content worldwide securely.
Can You Use Surfshark for Xbox Cloud Gaming?
You can use Surfshark for Xbox Cloud Gaming, as it unblocks exclusives like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 in unsupported regions (South Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, etc.). The VPN also reduces buffering and DDoS attacks on the platform for an enjoyable xCloud experience.
Enjoy Xbox Security and Access With Surfshark
Surfshark offers the speedy WireGuard protocol to lower pings for bandwidth-heavy Xbox games. The VPN also boasts robust security with military-grade encryption to evade DDoS attacks, such as the notorious Xbox DDoS party chat bug.
You can enjoy all the benefits Surfshark offers for Xbox risk-free for the next 30 days by grabbing these Surfshark deals.
But if you want to enjoy the benefits of port forwarding on Xbox, consider these exciting PrivateVPN discounts.
