Are you tired of being limited by geo-restrictions when streaming your favorite shows and movies? Do you worry about your privacy while using your Amazon Firestick? If so, Surfshark VPN might be the solution you’re looking for. Surfshark offers a secure and private way to access content from around the world, protecting your data and preventing your internet service provider from throttling your connection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of how to install Surfshark on your Firestick, enabling you to unlock a world of streaming possibilities while safeguarding your online activity.
Using a VPN like Surfshark on your Firestick offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it allows you to bypass geographical restrictions, granting you access to streaming services and content that may not be available in your region. Imagine enjoying shows only available in the UK or movies exclusive to a US streaming platform – Surfshark makes this a reality. Secondly, it enhances your privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This prevents your internet service provider, advertisers, and other third parties from tracking your online activity and collecting your personal data. Finally, a VPN can sometimes prevent internet service providers from throttling your connection speed, especially when streaming high-definition video. This means smoother, buffer-free streaming experiences.
This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install Surfshark on your Firestick using different methods, ensuring that you can easily set up the VPN regardless of your technical expertise. We’ll cover installing directly from the Amazon App Store and, if necessary, sideloading the app. Please remember that installing apps from outside the official app store carries a small degree of risk, so always download from trusted sources and proceed with caution.
Before You Begin
Before you start the installation process, make sure you have the following:
An Amazon Firestick device connected to your TV with a stable internet connection.
An active Surfshark subscription. You can visit the Surfshark website to sign up for a plan that suits your needs.
Your Amazon account credentials (email and password).
If you need to sideload the application, you’ll also need to enable a specific setting on your Firestick.
Enabling Apps from Unknown Sources
Sideloading allows you to install apps that are not available in the Amazon App Store. This might be necessary if Surfshark is not directly available in your region or if you are using an older Firestick model. Here’s how to enable apps from unknown sources:
From the Firestick home screen, navigate to Settings. This is usually found on the far right of the top menu.
Select My Fire TV or Device. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Firestick model.
Choose Developer Options.
Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources. You may receive a warning message; acknowledge it to proceed.
Enabling apps from unknown sources allows you to install applications from outside of the Amazon Appstore. This feature allows users to install custom or third-party applications. Be sure to only download applications from a trusted source to protect your device from any harm that could come from unverified applications.
Method One: Installing Surfshark Directly from the Amazon App Store
The easiest way to install Surfshark on your Firestick is directly from the Amazon App Store. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any technical expertise.
Navigate to the Search function on your Firestick home screen. It’s usually represented by a magnifying glass icon.
Type “Surfshark” using the on-screen keyboard.
Select the Surfshark VPN app from the search results.
Click Download or Get. The button’s wording might vary slightly.
Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your internet connection speed.
Once installed, click Open to launch the Surfshark app.
Logging In to Your Surfshark Account
When the Surfshark app opens, you will be prompted to log in.
Enter your Surfshark username (usually your email address) and password.
Click Log In.
You might be prompted to grant Surfshark certain permissions. Allow these permissions to ensure the app functions correctly.
Connecting to a Server
Once you are logged in, you will see a list of available server locations.
You can either select a specific country or choose the “Fastest Server” option for optimal performance.
Click on your desired server location.
Click the Connect button.
The app will establish a secure connection to the Surfshark server. You will see a confirmation message once the connection is successful.
Verifying the VPN is Working
After connecting to a Surfshark server, it’s a good idea to verify that the VPN is working correctly. You can do this by using a website that displays your IP address. Open a web browser on your Firestick (you may need to install one from the App Store if you don’t have one already) and visit a site like “whatismyipaddress.com”. The IP address displayed should match the location of the Surfshark server you connected to. If it does, then your VPN is working correctly.
Method Two: Sideloading Surfshark Using Downloader
If Surfshark is not available in the Amazon App Store, or if you prefer to use an older version of the app, you can sideload it using an app called Downloader.
Install the Downloader App
From the Firestick home screen, navigate to the Search function.
Type “Downloader.”
Select the Downloader app from the search results.
Click Download or Get.
Wait for the installation to complete and click Open.
Finding the Surfshark APK
You need to find the Surfshark APK file to install the app via sideloading. The safest approach is to check the official Surfshark website for an official APK download link. If they provide one, use that. Otherwise, carefully research and only download from a trusted third-party source. Be extremely cautious when downloading APK files from unknown sources, as they could contain malware. A reputable APK mirror site might be a safe choice, but exercise caution.
Using Downloader to Download the APK
Open the Downloader app on your Firestick.
In the Downloader app, you will see a text field where you can enter a URL.
Enter the URL of the Surfshark APK file.
Click Go.
Downloader will begin downloading the APK file to your Firestick.
Installing the APK
Once the download is complete, Downloader will prompt you to install the APK file.
Click Install.
You may be prompted to grant Downloader permission to install apps. If so, follow the on-screen instructions to enable the necessary permission.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Click Open to launch the Surfshark app, or click Done to return to Downloader.
Launching and Logging In
The steps for launching the app and logging in are the same as in Method One. Follow the instructions under “Logging In to Your Surfshark Account” and “Connecting to a Server” above.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful installation, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Connection Problems: If you cannot connect to a Surfshark server, check your internet connection, try different server locations, or restart your Firestick.
App Not Working: If the Surfshark app is not working properly, try clearing the app’s cache or reinstalling the app.
Slow Speeds: If you are experiencing slow speeds while connected to Surfshark, try connecting to a different server location that is closer to your actual location. Also, make sure that no other bandwidth-intensive apps are running in the background.
Geoblocking Still Occurring: Sometimes, streaming services can detect that you are using a VPN. If this happens, try clearing the cache and data of the streaming app. You can usually do this in the Firestick’s settings under “Applications.”
If you are still experiencing problems, you can contact Surfshark support for assistance. Their support page has helpful information and FAQs.
Optimizing Surfshark for Your Firestick
To get the most out of Surfshark on your Firestick, consider these optimization tips:
Choosing the Right Server: Select a server location that is closest to your actual location for the best possible speed. If you are trying to access content from a specific country, choose a server in that country.
Auto-Connect Feature: If Surfshark offers an auto-connect feature, enable it so that the VPN automatically connects whenever you turn on your Firestick. This ensures that you are always protected.
Using Surfshark’s Kill Switch: If Surfshark offers a kill switch feature, enable it. This feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your IP address from being exposed.
Split Tunneling: (If Available) If Surfshark offers split tunneling, you can choose which apps use the VPN connection and which apps use your regular internet connection. This can be useful for improving speeds or accessing local content.
Conclusion
Installing Surfshark on your Firestick is a simple way to enhance your privacy, bypass geo-restrictions, and enjoy a more secure streaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install and configure Surfshark on your Firestick, unlocking a world of streaming possibilities. Whether you install Surfshark directly from the Amazon App Store or sideload it using Downloader, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying safer and unrestricted streaming. By using Surfshark on your Firestick, you can access previously unavailable movies and tv shows. Take the first step and install Surfshark on your Firestick today for a safer and more enjoyable streaming experience. Check out our other articles for more information on VPNs and other helpful streaming tips.
