VPN Guide • Updated for 2026
Surfshark Setup Guide: Best Defaults for Multi-Device Households
How to configure Surfshark for families and multi-device use — simple defaults, smart settings, and trade-offs to know.
Time: 5–10 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Watch: feature overload
Quick setup (TL;DR)
- Install Surfshark on every device you plan to use (unlimited devices allowed).
- Enable Kill Switch on laptops and desktops.
- Use Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi.
- Leave advanced features off unless you know why you need them.
- Expect simple, consistent protection across the whole household.
What you need before you start
- An active Surfshark subscription
- Devices for each household member (phones, laptops, tablets, TVs)
- Admin access for desktop installs
Household note: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections under one account.
Step-by-step Surfshark setup
Step 1 — Install on all devices
- Download Surfshark from the official website or app stores.
- Install on phones, laptops, tablets, and streaming devices.
Step 2 — Sign in once per device
- Use the same account across all devices.
- No device limits to manage.
Step 3 — Enable Kill Switch (important)
- Go to Settings → Connectivity.
- Turn on Kill Switch for desktops and laptops.
Step 4 — Set Auto-connect rules
- Enable auto-connect on public or unknown Wi-Fi.
- Optional: disable auto-connect on trusted home networks.
Step 5 — Verify it works
- Confirm IP address change.
- Run a basic DNS/IP leak test.
Recommended Surfshark settings (household-friendly)
- Protocol: Automatic (default)
- Kill Switch: Enabled on desktops
- Auto-connect: Enabled on public Wi-Fi
- CleanWeb: Optional (ads & trackers)
- Bypasser (split tunneling): Use sparingly
Optional features — when to use them
- CleanWeb: Reduces ads and malicious domains.
- Bypasser: Exclude banking or work apps if needed.
- MultiHop: Extra routing, slower speeds.
For most households, defaults are enough — complexity often causes problems.
Common mistakes (and fixes)
- Turning on every feature: increases friction without benefit.
- Skipping Kill Switch on laptops: risk of brief IP leaks.
- Using MultiHop everywhere: unnecessary slowdown.
- Assuming VPN = parental control: use device-level controls instead.
- Sharing account outside household: increases risk and confusion.
Reality check
- Surfshark is designed for convenience and scale.
- Unlimited devices ≠ maximum anonymity.
- Privacy posture is good for everyday use, not high-risk threat models.
What to do next
FAQ
- How many devices can I use? Unlimited under one account.
- Is Surfshark good for families? Yes — simplicity and scale are its strengths.
- Should kids use a VPN? Depends on age; use parental controls first.
- Does Surfshark make us anonymous? No — it reduces exposure, not identity tracking.
- Is it okay to leave it always on? For most households, yes.
Bottom line
Surfshark is one of the easiest VPNs to run across a whole household. Stick to simple defaults, enable the kill switch on key devices, and resist the urge to over-configure.