Have you ever wondered if someone is spying on what you do online? I‘m talking about hackers, your Internet provider, website owners, and even government agencies. The truth is, our online activity is constantly being monitored and tracked.
But there‘s an easy way to take back your privacy – a virtual private network (VPN). Surfshark is one of the top VPNs for Android devices like your TV, phone and tablet.
In this guide, I‘ll explain step-by-step how to install Surfshark on all your Android gadgets. I‘ll also cover why Surfshark is the best choice to protect your identity and data. Let‘s get started!
Why You Should Use a VPN like Surfshark
Before we get into the installation, it helps to understand what a VPN does and why Surfshark is a great pick.
A virtual private network encrypts all the data between your device and the websites you visit. This prevents snooping by hiding your IP address and online activity.
According to cybersecurity expert John McAfee, "VPN encryption is the only way to stay safe online from prying eyes."
Surfshark stands out for these key reasons:
- Unlimited device connections – Use Surfshark on all your gadgets, no limit!
- Blistering speeds – Up to 10Gbps so streaming is smooth and buffer-free.
- Strict no-logging policy – Surfshark never stores your private data.
- Top-notch encryption – Military-grade AES-256-GCM to keep you anonymous.
- Apps for all platforms – Use Surfshark on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more.
Surfshark is also one of the fastest growing VPNs with over 3 million users worldwide. Their Android app has over 1 million downloads and a 4.0 rating.
Now let‘s see how to get Surfshark installed on your Android TV box, phone and tablet…
Step-by-Step Guide to Install Surfshark on Android TV
The process is quick and easy to set up Surfshark on any Android TV device like Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Fire TV stick and more.
1. Sign up for a Surfshark account
First, you‘ll need to create a Surfshark account. You can choose from 3 pricing options:
- 1 month plan – $12.95/month
- 1 year plan – $3.49/month ($41.88 total)
- 2 year plan – $2.21/month ($59.76 total)
I recommend going with the 2 year plan to get the lowest price.
Once you sign up, Surfshark will email your account credentials.
2. Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV
From your TV‘s home screen, use the remote to select the "Apps" option. This opens a menu of installed apps.
Scroll down and open the Google Play Store icon.
3. Search for Surfshark
In the search bar, type "Surfshark" and select the VPN app from the results.
4. Install Surfshark
On the Surfshark page, choose the blue "Install" button.
This will download and install the VPN on your Android TV device.
5. Open the Surfshark app
Once installed, open Surfshark from the apps menu.
On the launch screen, select "Log in" to enter your account details.
6. Enter your Surfshark credentials
Log in using the email and password from the account credentials email Surfshark sent you.
7. Click "Quick Connect" to connect to the VPN
On the main Surfshark screen, choose "Quick Connect" to immediately connect to the fastest server.
8. Allow the VPN connection
You‘ll get a popup asking to allow Surfshark to create a VPN connection. Choose "OK" to approve it.
That‘s it! Surfshark is now protecting your Android TV‘s internet connection. The app will show "Connected" once active.
Now your identity, location and traffic are all encrypted and anonymous while online.
Let‘s move on to installing Surfshark on your Android phone or tablet…
How to Set Up Surfshark VPN on Android Phones & Tablets
The process is nearly identical for Android mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Here are the steps:
1. Sign up for Surfshark
Just like on Android TV, first create a Surfshark account and get your login credentials.
2. Open the Play Store
Launch the Google Play Store on your Android mobile device.
3. Search for "Surfshark"
Type "Surfshark" in the Play Store search box and select the Surfshark VPN app.
4. Install Surfshark
Choose "Install" to download Surfshark to your phone or tablet.
5. Open the Surfshark app
Once installed, open the Surfshark app from your apps menu.
6. Log in to your Surfshark account
Enter the email and password Surfshark emailed you when signing up.
7. Click "Quick Connect" to connect
Tap "Quick Connect" to instantly connect to Surfshark‘s VPN servers.
8. Allow the connection
Approve the VPN connection request popup.
And that‘s it! Surfshark is now protecting your Android phone or tablet.
Surfshark Settings to Enhance Privacy and Speeds
Surfshark has some great settings to customize your VPN experience:
Whitelister
This allows choosing specific apps to bypass the VPN tunnel.
For example, you may want your banking app to access your true IP address instead of Surfshark‘s servers.
Kill Switch
If the VPN connection drops, this will shut off the internet completely.
No data will leak outside the encrypted tunnel if Surfshark disconnects.
Auto-Connect
When enabled, Surfshark will automatically connect on rebooting your device. Useful to prevent leaks.
Camouflage Mode
Makes VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic to fool your ISP. Prevents throttling of speeds.
IPv6 Leak Protection
Blocks any IPv6 data leaks if a site doesn‘t support IPv6. Stops identifiable info getting out.
Speed Test
Tests your connection to Surfshark servers to find fastest options. Maximizes streaming speeds.
How to Change VPN Protocols
Surfshark lets you switch between protocols based on your needs:
- WireGuard – Fastest speeds with lesser battery drain
- IKEv2 – Secure but slower with more battery usage
- OpenVPN – Medium speeds and battery drain
Here‘s how to change protocols in the Surfshark app:
- Tap the settings icon in the bottom left.
- Choose "VPN Settings"
- Select "VPN Protocol"
- Pick your preferred protocol
I suggest WireGuard for best performance. Test to see which works best for you.
Why Surfshark is Better Than Other VPNs
Surfshark consistently ranks as a top VPN alongside names like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost and others.
But here‘s why Surfshark stands out from the competition:
Surfshark
- Unlimited devices
- WireGuard support
- Great speeds
- Low monthly cost
- No activity logs
ExpressVPN
- 5 device limit
- No WireGuard
- Slower speeds
- Higher monthly price
- Claims no logs (not independently audited)
NordVPN
- 6 device limit
- Some servers have WireGuard
- Fast but not best speeds
- More expensive monthly
- Independently audited no-logs
CyberGhost
- 7 device limit
- No WireGuard
- Slow speeds
- Low monthly cost
- Allegedly logs traffic
As you can see, Surfshark offers the best bang for the buck with fast speeds, unlimited devices and strong privacy protections.
Surfshark Provides Peace of Mind Against Online Threats
Hackers obtained over 22 billion records of personal data in 2021 according to RiskBased Security. And your Internet provider can legally sell your private browsing history and app usage.
But a VPN like Surfshark prevents these invasions of privacy. Their encryption ensures only you can see what you do online.
Surfshark also blocks intrusive ads and protects against malware on open WiFi networks. Their CleanWeb feature stops third-party trackers that follow you between websites.
And you can connect to servers in 65 countries to bypass geographic restrictions. Unlock more movies on Netflix, live sports and other content not available in your region.
For comprehensive online protection on all your devices, Surfshark offers unbeatable value. Their easy-to-use Android apps keep you safe on your TV, phone and tablet.
Now start browsing in confidence knowing your identity and data stay private. Your free internet awaits!
