How to Use Surfshark VPN: Fast & Secure Setup in 2026?

deur | Last updated Jan 11, 2026

Hoe gebruik je SurfsURKVPN?

Using a VPN can feel confusing at first.

You just have to watch your favorite shows or keep your data safe, but all the settings and buttons look complicated.

If you don’t set it up right, you might not be protected at all.

You could be leaking your private info or still get blocked from the websites you want to visit.

That is frustrating and risky.

Don’t worry, it is actually very simple.

In this guide, we will show you how to use Surfshark VPN the right way.

We will break it down into easy steps so you can get secure in minutes.

Surfshark-logo
Surfhaai

Protect every device you own with Surfshark. Connect to 3,200+ servers across 100 countries direct. Enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections and try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark VPN Tutorial

Learning the ropes is easy with this Surfshark VPN tutorial.

We guide you through the whole process, from downloading the app to clicking that connect button.

You will be browsing safely and hiding your location in no time at all.

How to use Alternative ID

Do you hate spam? This feature creates a fake online person for you.

It keeps your real info safe while you enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on your internet connection.

Here is how to use Surfshark VPN features like this to protect your identity.

Step 1: Access the Feature

  • Open the Surfshark app or log into your Surfshark account.
  • This works on the website or the Surfshark VPN app.
  • Click the Alternative ID tab. It is separate from the VPN servers list or VPN settings.

Step 2: Create Your Persona

  • Hit “Create.”
  • Pick a gender and country, or let the VPN provider choose.
  • This identity protects you better than just using a virtual private network alone.
surfshark Alternative ID
  • Enter your real email address.
  • This links to the new ID without exposing your main inbox.
  • Verify it with the code sent to you. Now you are ready to use a vpn tool that goes beyond just streaming services.

Step 4: Use It Online

  • Copy your fake details from the dashboard.
  • Paste them into websites.
  • Emails are forwarded to you safely. You don’t need to check VPN protocol settings for this; it just works!

How to use Surfshark Antivirus

A VPN hides your personal internet traffic from your internet service provider, but it cannot stop a virus you download.

That is why you need the Antivirus.

It works alongside your encrypted connection to keep you safe on the Surfshark desktop app and mobile apparaten.

Step 1: Install the Antivirus Module

  • Open the app. You do not use browser extensions for this part.
  • Click the Antivirus shield icon.
  • If you are on a Surfshark free trial, maken sure this feature is unlocked.
  • Click “Install” to install Surfshark Antivirus gegevens.

Step 2: Run Your First Scan

  • Click “Start Scan.”
  • This checks for bad files immediately.
  • It works even if your vpn connection drops, so you are always safe.
Surfshark Antivirus

Step 3: Schedule Automatic Scans

  • Go to settings. You don’t need advanced settings for this.
  • Set a time for the scan to run.
  • You do not need to pick server locations or find the fastest server; the scan happens right on your device.

Step 4: Manage Quarantined Files

  • If the app finds a virus, it locks it up.
  • This acts like a kill switch for malware.
  • Delete these files to clean your computer.

Google tracks what you look for. Surfshark Search does not.

It gives you a secure connection for your questions.

Here is how to use this feature on your mobile device or computer to boost your online security.

Step 1: Find the Search Tool

  • Make sure you download Surfshark and log in.
  • Look for the Surfshark logo in the app sidebar.
  • Click the Search icon. It works on various devices, so you can even use it via a browser on your smart TV.
  • Type what you want in the search bar.
  • This tool automatically blocks ads and trackers.
  • It loads very fast, so you will never need a speed test.
Surfshark-zoekopdracht

Step 3: Change Your Location

  • You can see results from other countries without moving your actual location.
  • This is different from the quick connect button, which changes your ip address for the whole device.
  • You do not need auto-connect on for this specific feature to work.

Step 4: Lock SafeSearch

  • Go to the settings menu inside the Search tool.
  • Click the settings tab to filter out adult content.
  • See how well the vpn work to keep you private.
  • If you are new, remember there is usually a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can also try it risk-free.

Alternatives to Surfshark VPN

  • NordVPN: Bekend om zijn omvangrijke servernetwerk en een breed scala aan beveiligings- en privacyfuncties.
  • ExpressVPN: Geprezen om zijn consistent hoge snelheden en gebruiksvriendelijke applicaties op diverse apparaten.
  • PureVPN: Biedt een aanzienlijk aantal servers en extra functionaliteiten.
  • ProtonVPN: Legt de nadruk op sterke beveiliging en privacy, en is gevestigd in Zwitserland.
  • PrivadoVPN: Biedt een gratis versie met beperkte data en een sterke focus op de privacy van de gebruiker.
  • AdGuard VPN: Integreert naadloos met de advertentie- en trackerblokkeringsmogelijkheden van AdGuard.
  • Virtueel schild: Ontworpen voor eenvoud en gebruiksgemak, waardoor het zeer geschikt is voor beginners.
  • StrongVPN: Bekend om zijn robuuste encryptie en betrouwbare serververbindingen.
  • SnelsteVPN: Biedt betaalbare abonnementsopties met behoorlijke verbindingssnelheden.
  • AuraVPN: Inclusief bescherming tegen identiteitsdiefstal naast de VPN-service.
  • CyberGhost: De app biedt gebruiksvriendelijke apps en gespecialiseerde servers die geoptimaliseerd zijn voor verschillende online activiteiten.
  • McAfee VPN: Een standaard VPN-optie die vaak wordt meegeleverd met de beveiligingssoftware van McAfee.
  • Privé internettoegang: Een VPN-aanbieder met een lange geschiedenis en een sterke focus op gebruikersprivacy en aanpassingsmogelijkheden.
  • Mysterium: Werkt als een gedecentraliseerde VPN die gebruikmaakt van een peer-to-peer netwerkinfrastructuur.

Surfshark VPN Compared

We hebben alternatieven voor SurfsharkVPN bekeken, dus hoe verhoudt SurfsharkVPN zich tot die alternatieven?

  • SurfsharkVPN versus NordVPNHet biedt onbeperkte apparaatverbindingen, terwijl NordVPN een groter servernetwerk heeft.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus ExpressVPN: Het is over het algemeen voordeliger en staat een onbeperkt aantal apparaten toe, terwijl ExpressVPN bekendstaat om zijn constante snelheden en goede reputatie.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus PureVPN: Het is vaak sneller en heeft meer functies, terwijl PureVPN een groter aantal servers heeft. Surfshark biedt in tests betere ondersteuning voor streaming.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus ProtonVPN: Het is over het algemeen voordeliger en biedt onbeperkte verbindingen, terwijl ProtonVPN zich richt op sterke beveiliging en privacy en iets sneller kan zijn.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus PrivadoVPN: Het biedt onbeperkte verbindingen en meer functies, vaak tegen een betere prijs op de lange termijn, terwijl PrivadoVPN een degelijk gratis abonnement heeft, maar een kleiner servernetwerk.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus AdGuard VPN: Het is een uitgebreide VPN met meer functies, terwijl de kracht van AdGuard VPN ligt in de geïntegreerde advertentieblokkering.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus Virtual Shield: Het biedt meer functies en betere prestaties dan het eenvoudigere Virtual Shield.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus StrongVPN: Het biedt onbeperkte verbindingen en is vaak voordeliger geprijsd, terwijl StrongVPN bekend staat om zijn sterke encryptie.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus FastestVPN: Het biedt over het algemeen meer functies en betere prestaties dan het budgetvriendelijke FastestVPN.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus AuraVPN: Het richt zich op VPN-functies en onbeperkte verbindingen, terwijl AuraVPN ook bescherming tegen identiteitsdiefstal biedt.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus CyberGhost: Het biedt onbeperkte verbindingen en heeft vaak betere prijzen op de lange termijn, terwijl CyberGhost gebruiksvriendelijke apps en gespecialiseerde servers heeft.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus McAfee VPN: Het is een speciale VPN-service met meer functies en betere prestaties dan de standaard VPN van McAfee.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus privé-internettoegang: Het biedt onbeperkte verbindingen en heeft vaak betere streamingmogelijkheden, terwijl PIA bekend staat om aanpassingsmogelijkheden en een groot servernetwerk.
  • SurfsharkVPN versus Mysterium: Het maakt gebruik van een traditioneel servernetwerk dat bekendstaat om zijn snelheid en functies, terwijl Mysterium een ​​gedecentraliseerde VPN is.

Conclusie

Improving online safety is simple.

A good vpn hides your online activity and protects your digital life.

It runs on any operating system, so set up Surfshark on other devices after picking a payment method.

Watch Surfshark work by choosing a server.

You get an unlimited number of gadgets on one connection.

That is how Surfshark works. Connect now to find other cool features.

Run a test to confirm internet access.

You will see these cool features when you install the app.

The main screen shows everything Surfshark offers.

Open your device’s app, tap Quick Connect, and connect to the VPN today.

Veelgestelde vragen

How do I use Surfshark VPN?

Download the app, log in, and click “Quick Connect.” This guide shows you exactly how to use SurfsharkVPN to stay safe and hide your location easily on any device.

How do I know if my Surfshark VPN is working?

Check your IP address online to see that if it changed. You can also test tools in the app to quickly check your speed and connection status.

How to use a VPN for beginners?

Just sign up, install the app, and click one button. A good vpn service like Surfshark handles all the difficult technical settings for you automatically, so you stay safe.

Do you leave Surfshark on all the time?

Yes, you should keep it on. It protects your data constantly. If you turn it off, you lose privacy. Only turn it off if a specific app needs it.

What is the best protocol for Surfshark VPN?

WireGuard is usually the best choice. It is very fast and secure. You can also choose “Auto” in your settings to let the app pick the right one.

More Facts about Surfshark

  • Surfshark protects your privacy by sending your internet connection through its own private servers, which hides your real digital address (IP).
  • It scrambles your internet data with encryption, making it unreadable to hackers and keeping your information safe.
  • By hiding your location and scrambling your activity, Surfshark helps stop companies from showing you targeted ads.
  • You can always save your money when shopping online by pretending to be in a different country, which helps you find lower prices.
  • You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want at the same time without paying extra.
  • It keeps your personal data safe when you use public Wi-Fi networks, like at coffee shops or airports.
  • The Auto-Connect feature can turn on the VPN automatically as soon as you start your device or join a Wi-Fi network.
  • You can search for specific cities or countries in the “Locations” tab to choose where you want to connect.
  • Also, you can download the app from the official Surfshark website or app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store.
  • After downloading the app, you just need to log in with the username and password you created.
  • If you are not happy with the service, you can get your money back within 30 days.
  • To stop using the VPN, you just click the “Disconnect” button in the app.
  • Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 different countries for you to choose from.
  • You can check the speed indicators in the app to help you pick the fastest server.
  • To make sure your real location stays hidden, you can run tests to check for IP and DNS leaks.
  • Dynamic MultiHop sends your data through two different servers instead of one for double the safety.
  • There are easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and Linux computers.
  • To use Surfshark on a new phone or computer, just download the app and log in with your current account.
  • You can click “Quick-connect” to let the app instantly find the best server for you.
  • You can change your settings and manage your connection right from the app’s main screen.
  • If you use a Mac, iPhone, or Android, you can try Surfshark for free for 7 days.
  • The cheapest plan is usually the 24-month option, which costs about $2 per month.
  • You can also pay for your subscription using credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or even cryptocurrency.
  • You can switch between different connection styles (protocols), such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, to improve speed or security.
  • Enabling “Two-factor authentication” in your settings adds an extra layer of security to your account.
  • You can install the browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to help block ads while you surf the web.
  • The CleanWeb feature stops ads, trackers, and computer viruses from loading.
  • The Bypasser feature lets you choose specific apps or websites that will work without the VPN, even while it is on.
  • The Kill Switch automatically cuts off your internet if the VPN stops working, ensuring your data never leaks.
  • The NoBorders feature helps you use the internet freely in countries that try to block VPNs.
  • The Rotating IP feature changes your digital address every few minutes to make you harder to track, but your connection stays smooth.

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