How to Download Surfshark VPN App on Roku?
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In an age where digital privacy, unrestricted access to content, and online security have become increasingly important, many users turn to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to enhance their internet experience. One of the most reliable and feature-rich VPNs available today is Surfshark VPN. With its powerful features like military-grade encryption, no-log policy, and the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, Surfshark is a go-to choice for users worldwide.
However, when it comes to using a VPN on Roku, things can be slightly more complex. Unlike many other streaming devices, Roku does not natively support VPN apps. That means you cannot directly download the Surfshark VPN app on your Roku device as you would on a smartphone, tablet, or PC. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use Surfshark with Roku — it simply requires an alternative setup.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore in detail how to use Surfshark VPN with Roku, step by step. We’ll explain different methods, what you’ll need, how each process works, and why using a VPN with Roku is beneficial. This guide will have no hyperlinks or phone numbers, and it aims to help you get up and running with Surfshark on Roku smoothly and efficiently.
Before we dive into the setup methods, it’s important to understand why you might want to use a VPN like Surfshark with Roku:
1. Access Geo-Restricted Content
Many streaming platforms restrict content based on your location. For example, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ offer different libraries in different countries. With Surfshark, you can connect to servers in various regions and access content available there.
2. Online Privacy
Surfshark encrypts your internet traffic, preventing ISPs and third parties from monitoring what you watch or browse. This is particularly useful for avoiding targeted ads or surveillance.
3. Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Some ISPs slow down your internet speed when they detect high usage, such as streaming. A VPN hides your activity from your ISP, potentially improving streaming performance.
Roku’s operating system is a closed environment that does not support VPN applications or allow the manual configuration of VPN settings. You cannot install APK files or use the Google Play Store or any similar app store.
As a result, you must use a VPN indirectly — by connecting your Roku device through another device or network that has Surfshark configured.
There are three primary ways to use Surfshark VPN on Roku:
Set up Surfshark on a physical router
Share a VPN connection from a Windows or macOS computer
Use a virtual router (hotspot) via a computer with Surfshark installed
We’ll explore all three options in detail below.
When you install Surfshark on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi — including Roku — automatically uses the VPN connection. This is the most seamless and consistent method for using a VPN with Roku.
A VPN-compatible router (supports OpenVPN or WireGuard)
A Surfshark VPN subscription
Basic access to your router’s settings
Log into your router’s control panel using its IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Locate the VPN section in your router settings. This may vary depending on the router brand (Asus, Netgear, TP-Link, etc.).
Manually configure a VPN connection by entering the Surfshark server details. Surfshark offers configuration files that you can download and import into your router. These include your username, password, server address, and other settings.
Enable the VPN connection and ensure it is working properly.
Connect your Roku to the router’s Wi-Fi network.
Once connected, Roku will now use the VPN connection running through the router, and your IP address will appear as coming from the selected VPN server location.
One-time setup
Works with all devices on your network
No software installation on Roku
Requires a compatible router
Can be complex for beginners
A Windows 10 or later PC with Surfshark installed
An Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection
A Roku device
Install and open Surfshark VPN on your Windows PC.
Connect to your preferred VPN server (based on the content you want to access).
Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
Toggle “Share my Internet connection with other devices” to ON.
Under “Share my Internet connection from,” choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on how your PC is connected.
Click on Change adapter options.
Right-click on the Surfshark TAP adapter, go to Properties, click on the Sharing tab, and check the box “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
In the dropdown, choose the name of your mobile hotspot connection.
On your Roku device, go to Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless, and connect to the hotspot created by your PC.
Now, your Roku will be using the VPN-protected internet connection from your PC.
No need to buy a special router
Good for occasional VPN use
Not as stable as router setup
Requires your PC to remain on
Similar to Windows, you can share your Mac’s VPN connection with Roku.
A Mac running macOS with Surfshark installed
An Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection
A Roku device
Install and connect Surfshark VPN on your Mac.
Go to System Preferences > Sharing.
Select Internet Sharing from the list on the left.
In the "Share your connection from" drop-down, choose Surfshark’s adapter.
In the "To computers using" section, check Wi-Fi.
Click on Wi-Fi Options, create a network name and password, then enable Internet Sharing by checking the box.
Your Mac will now broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that your Roku can connect to.
On Roku, go to Settings > Network > Wireless, and connect to the new Wi-Fi hotspot created by your Mac.
Uses existing hardware
Offers VPN protection without modifying router
Setup can be complex for new users
Mac must remain on
Choose the right VPN server location. If you're trying to access U.S. Netflix, select a U.S. server in Surfshark.
Use a wired connection for stability. If you're using a PC or Mac as a hotspot, connect them to the internet via Ethernet.
Restart your devices after setup to ensure a stable VPN connection.
Check your IP address through a Roku-compatible browser to verify the VPN is working (on a separate device).
VPN Not Working with Roku
Recheck VPN connection on router or PC
Make sure Roku is connected to the correct network
Restart your Roku and modem/router
Slow Streaming Speeds
Try a server closer to your physical location
Switch to a different VPN protocol in Surfshark settings (like WireGuard)
Streaming App Errors
Some services may detect and block VPNs. Try clearing Roku’s cache or switching servers.
While you cannot directly download or install the Surfshark VPN app on Roku, there are effective workarounds that let you enjoy the full benefits of a VPN on your streaming device. Whether you choose to set up the VPN through a physical router, share a VPN connection from your PC or Mac, or use a virtual hotspot, each method enables you to bypass geographic restrictions, protect your privacy, and enjoy a broader range of content from around the world.