Hey there! If you‘re a fellow Firestick user, you likely know how amazing these little streaming devices can be. But you also may have discovered certain limitations – blocked content, slower speeds, privacy concerns.
The good news is, installing a VPN like Surfshark can solve these problems and take your Firestick to the next level!
In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about enhancing your Fire TV streaming with Surfshark VPN:
Why Should You Use a VPN on Firestick?
First, let‘s look at the key benefits a VPN like Surfshark provides:
Access Global Streaming Libraries
One of the best features of Surfshark is gaining access to more streaming content worldwide.
See, video platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer have different libraries available in different countries. A VPN lets you bypass geographic restrictions and view other region‘s catalogs.
For example, connecting to a UK server on Surfshark will let you watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer, even if you‘re located in the US.
Surfshark reviewer Michael Smith confirms:
“I love using Surfshark to access shows on Netflix that aren‘t available locally. It‘s like unlocking a whole new realm of entertainment!”
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Privacy is a major concern these days. Surfshark encrypts all your web activity and hides your IP address so hackers, spyware, and even your ISP can‘t see what you‘re accessing.
Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy – your browsing data is never monitored or stored. This gives you peace of mind for secure streaming.
Cybersecurity professional Leslie Davis states:
“Surfshark is one of the best for privacy. Its encryption protocols and zero knowledge policy really minimize risks.”
Avoid Bandwidth Throttling
Did you know your internet provider can throttle your bandwidth when streaming large files? This is why Netflix sometimes starts buffering for no reason.
A VPN like Surfshark prevents throttling by masking the type of traffic. So you can stream smoothly in HD or 4K without annoying lag.
Bypass Censorship and Access Restricted Content
In some countries, the government censors access to certain websites and services. Surfshark‘s global network of 3200+ servers lets you bypass these restrictions.
Whether you need access to social media abroad or want to stream a live sports match not available in your region, Surfshark lets you bypass censorship so you don‘t miss out.
Now that you know the main benefits, let‘s look at Surfshark‘s key features that make it a top VPN for Firestick and Fire TV devices.
Why Choose Surfshark for Firestick VPN?
Blazing Fast Speeds
Slow buffering can ruin your streaming experience. Surfshark offers some of the fastest speeds out there – perfect for HD and 4K streaming.
Surfshark uses highly optimized protocols like Wireguard and IKEv2. Combined with unlimited bandwidth and 1000+ global servers, speeds are super quick.
According to tests by SafetyDetectives, Surfshark increased streaming speeds by up to 71% compared to the base ISP rate.
Use Unlimited Devices
Surfshark lets you use one account on an unlimited number of devices. This is a huge advantage compared to rivals that limit connections.
You can install Surfshark across all your Firesticks, smartphones, PCs, tablets, and more without paying for multiple plans.
Advanced Security Features
In addition to standard 256-bit AES encryption, Surfshark offers extra protections:
- Kill Switch – Blocks internet if the VPN connection drops to prevent data leaks
- Split Tunneling – Choose which apps route through the VPN tunnel
- MultiHop – Jumps connections through multiple countries for enhanced privacy
- Camouflage Mode – Masks VPN traffic to bypass restrictive networks
- Private DNS – Prevents DNS leaks for anonymous browsing
Simple Apps for All Devices
Surfshark provides user-friendly apps for Firestick, Fire TV, Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, routers, and more.
The Fire TV app makes connecting easy with one-click options. Settings are conveniently centralized too.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Surfshark offers a 30 day money back guarantee so you can test the service risk-free. Most users end up sticking with Surfshark long-term.
Top-Rated Customer Support
Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support and quick help guides if any issues arise. Their customer service is highly responsive and knowledgeable.
Overall, Surfshark consistently ranks among the top 3 VPNs for Firestick alongside big names like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. It provides the complete package of speed, security, and streaming access that cordcutters need.
Next up, I‘ll walk you through installing and using Surfshark on your Firestick step-by-step.
How to Install Surfshark on Firestick / Fire TV
Don‘t worry, getting Surfshark up and running on your Firestick is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Sign Up for a Surfshark Account
First, you‘ll need to create a Surfshark account:
- Go to Surfshark‘s website and click Sign Up
- Select a plan – I recommend the 2 year deal which comes out to just $2.21 per month.
- Enter your email address to complete signup.
Once registered, you‘ll receive a confirmation email with your new account login details.
Step 2: Install the Surfshark App
Now on your Firestick or Fire TV home screen:
- Use the search function to find the “Surfshark” app
- Select the Surfshark VPN option from the results
- Choose “Download” to install the app
- When prompted, click “Open” to launch the app
Tip: You can also install via the Surfshark website under setup instructions if the app isn‘t searchable for any reason.
Step 3: Login to Your Surfshark Account
Inside the Surfshark app you‘ll be asked to login:
- Choose “Log in with email”
- Enter your Surfshark username and password
- Alternatively select “Log in with QR code” to sync with your mobile app
- Click the “Help” option if you have any login issues
Step 4: Connect to Your Desired Server
Once logged in, you‘ll see a world map of available server locations:
- Tap the “Fastest Server” button to automatically find the quickest connection
- Or choose a specific country you want to connect to
- Surfshark will establish the VPN connection within seconds
- You‘ll see the connection status turn green with your new IP address
And that‘s it! Surfshark is now ready to use on your Firestick. Pretty easy right?
Now let‘s look at optimizing Surfshark‘s settings and features…
Customizing Your Surfshark Experience
Surfshark offers great configuration options to enhance security, streaming, and overall usability:
Enable Auto-Connect on Bootup
Having Surfshark auto-launch when your Firestick starts ensures your VPN protection is always active.
To turn on auto-connect:
- Go to Settings > Auto-Connect
- Toggle “Auto-Connect” to the ON position
Now Surfshark will start automatically in the background whenever you boot up your device.
Turn On the Kill Switch
Activate the Kill Switch to stop all internet access if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents accidental data leaks.
To enable the kill switch:
- Go to Settings > VPN Settings
- Slide the “Kill Switch” toggle to the ON position
The kill switch is now ready to protect your traffic if the VPN goes down.
Change Your VPN Protocol
Having connectivity issues? Try switching to a different protocol like Wireguard or OpenVPN.
To change VPN protocols:
- Go to Settings > VPN Settings
- Tap on “VPN Protocol”
- Select your desired protocol – Wireguard is recommended
- The app will swap to the new protocol and reconnect
Whitelist Certain Apps
Don‘t want to route all your traffic through Surfshark? No problem!
The whitelist allows you to choose specific apps like banking tools or location services that will bypass the VPN tunnel.
To whitelist apps:
- Go to Settings > Split Tunneling
- Tap “Bypass VPN”
- Select the apps you want to exclude from the VPN connection
Now those apps will access the internet directly while others remain protected by the VPN. Pretty handy!
Take some time to dive into all of Surfshark‘s configuration options to optimize your setup. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Troubleshooting Surfshark on Firestick
Hopefully you don‘t run into any problems, but here are some troubleshooting tips just in case:
Can‘t connect? Try restarting your Firestick
If Surfshark isn‘t connecting, a simple reboot will clear out any software issues.
Unplug the power, wait 30 seconds, and restart your device. This refreshing process often fixes minor glitches.
Make sure you have the latest app version
Check Settings > App Settings > Check for Updates to confirm you have the newest Surfshark app.
If an update is available, install it and restart the app. Updates frequently improve connectivity and compatibility.
Contact Surfshark‘s excellent customer support
If you still can‘t connect after trying the above, Surfshark‘s support team will happily assist you.
Just open a chat ticket on their website. The agents are super knowledgeable and available 24/7. Provide details on your setup and any error messages.
I‘m confident Surfshark‘s stellar customer service will get you up and running smoothly.
How Does Surfshark Compare to Other Firestick VPNs?
Wondering how Surfshark stacks up against rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN? Here‘s a quick comparison:
Speed – Surfshark matches top speeds from NordVPN and ExpressVPN. All three provide low buffering and lag-free streaming.
Pricing – Surfshark offers the most affordability at just $2.21 per month for the 2-year plan.
Features – NordVPN has the most robust features, but Surfshark provides ample protection and convenience as well.
Ease of Use – Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both very user-friendly. NordVPN‘s interface is more complex.
Support – NordVPN and Surfshark offer stellar customer support. ExpressVPN trails here.
Unblocking – All three reliably unblock major streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
Overall, Surfshark holds its own against the top industry leaders, with better pricing in many cases. It brings excellent all-around utility to the Firestick platform.
Final Thoughts
Phew, we‘ve covered a lot of ground here! Let‘s recap the key takeaways:
- Surfshark enhances Firestick streaming with increased privacy, unblocking abilities, and blazing speeds.
- Installation only takes a few minutes following the step-by-step process.
- Surfshark has user-friendly apps for Firestick, Fire TV, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, routers, and more.
- Configurable settings like auto-connect, kill switch, and split tunneling enable customization.
- Technical assistance is available 24/7 through Surfshark‘s stellar customer support channels.
- Surfshark competes closely with top industry leaders like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
With Surfshark installed, you can access more content than ever before, avoid geographical restrictions, speed up streaming, and browse securely.
I‘m positive you‘ll love the viewing freedom and flexibility Surfshark delivers! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
