How to Add a Surfshark VPN to Chrome Browser: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to add a Surfshark VPN to Chrome browser One of the most effective methods for protecting your privacy and securing your online activities while perusing the internet is to utilize a VPN. Surfshark provides a user-friendly Chrome extension that encrypts traffic and prevents monitoring, which is a popular choice among many users who prefer browser-based VPN extensions for their convenience.

Surfshark’s Chrome extension is capable of facilitating the access of geo-restricted content, the blocking of advertisements, or the concealment of one’s IP address. In this guide, we will guide you through the process of adding Surfshark VPN to your Chrome browser, clarify its primary features, and offer suggestions for enhancing its security and performance.

Understanding the Features of Surfshark’s Chrome Extension

The Surfshark VPN extension for Chrome is equipped with a diverse array of features that enhance your browsing experience. It ensures that your internet activity is private and protected from hackers, advertisers, and internet service providers by providing end-to-end encryption. CleanWeb is one of its most significant capabilities, as it prevents the installation of malware, trackers, and advertisements during the browsing process.

It also provides Bypasser (divided tunneling), which enables you to select which websites utilize the VPN and which ones do not. WebRTC protection is another significant benefit, as it prevents websites from detecting your actual IP address. Surfshark’s Chrome extension is an effective instrument for safeguarding one’s online privacy due to these capabilities.

How to add a Surfshark VPN to Chrome browser

Step 1: Install the Surfshark VPN Extension

• Open Google Chrome on your computer.
• Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Surfshark VPN.”
• Click on “Add to Chrome” and then select “Add extension” to install it.

Step 2: Log In to Your Surfshark Account

• Click on the Surfshark VPN icon in the Chrome toolbar.
• Enter your login credentials (email and password) to sign in.
• If you don’t have an account, click “Sign Up” and follow the instructions.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN Server

• Click the “Connect” button to connect to the fastest available server.
• You can also manually select a specific country to access geo-restricted content.
• Once connected, your browsing data is now encrypted and secure.

How to Connect to a VPN Server and Change Locations

Connecting to a server is effortless and rapid after you have installed and authenticated into Surfshark VPN. To establish an automatic connection to the server that is the fastest available, simply select the “Connect” button. To access content from a specific country, select the “Locations” tab and select a server from the selection.

Surfshark provides access to thousands of servers in more than 100 countries, ensuring that you can consistently establish a rapid and dependable connection. By connecting to various locations, you can circumvent geo-restrictions and access content from streaming platforms, websites, and services that may not be accessible in your country.

Using CleanWeb to Block Ads and Trackers

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is an excellent addition to the Chrome extension. When enabled, it blocks annoying ads, malicious websites, and tracking scripts that follow you across the web. This not only improves your privacy and security but also enhances page loading speeds, as websites no longer have to load unnecessary advertisements.

To enable CleanWeb, open the Surfshark VPN extension, go to Settings, and toggle on CleanWeb. You will immediately notice a difference in browsing speed and overall performance. Unlike traditional ad blockers, CleanWeb operates at the network level, making it more effective at blocking harmful and intrusive ads.

Enabling Bypasser (Split Tunneling) for Select Websites

Surfshark VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic through its servers by default. Nevertheless, some users may prefer to exclude specific websites from the VPN connection. This is where the Bypasser (divided tunneling) feature is particularly beneficial. It enables you to designate specific websites that will execute on your standard internet connection, while the remainder of your traffic is routed through the VPN.

For instance, you may wish to utilize a VPN for private browsing or streaming purposes while maintaining a direct connection to your local banking websites. To enable Bypasser, navigate to Settings > Bypasser in the extension and specify the domains you wish to exclude.

Preventing IP Leaks with WebRTC Protection

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a browser feature that enables video and audio communication on websites without the need for plugins. Nevertheless, WebRTC has the potential to reveal your actual IP address, even if you are connected to a VPN. This is classified as a WebRTC breach, and it has the potential to jeopardize your privacy.

Surfshark’s Chrome extension automatically disables WebRTC, thereby safeguarding your actual IP address from potential cyber threats, advertisers, and websites. While connected to Surfshark, it is possible to visit a WebRTC breach test website in order to verify that WebRTC protection is functioning properly. The VPN is functioning correctly if your actual IP address is concealed.

 Troubleshooting Common Surfshark VPN Issues on Chrome

Users may occasionally encounter complications when employing Surfshark VPN on Chrome. Slow speeds, connection failures, and extension breakdowns comprise the most prevalent complications. In the event that Surfshark is unable to establish a connection, you may wish to attempt to connect to a different server or to refresh your browser.

For optimal performance, establish a connection to a server that is situated in close proximity to your physical location if your browsing speed is sluggish. Additionally, it is possible to disable any Chrome extensions that may be interfering with Surfshark and clear your browser cache. The issue may be resolved by updating Chrome to the most recent version and reinstalling the Surfshark extension if the extension malfunctions frequently.

Comparing Surfshark Chrome Extension vs. Desktop App

Feature	Surfshark Chrome Extension	Surfshark Desktop App
Full System Encryption	No	Yes
Kill Switch	No	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
CleanWeb (Ad Blocker)	Yes	Yes
WebRTC Leak Protection	Yes	No
MultiHop Servers	No	Yes

The Chrome extension is ideal for browser-based security but lacks the full system encryption and advanced features found in the desktop app. If you need complete device protection, installing the Surfshark desktop application is recommended.

Conclusion

A simple yet efficient method of improving your online security is to integrate Surfshark VPN into your Chrome browser. It guarantees a private and ad-free browsing experience with features such as CleanWeb, Bypasser, and WebRTC protection. Surfshark VPN offers a secure and efficient solution for accessing geo-restricted content, blocking intrusive advertisements, or preventing monitoring.

Nevertheless, the Surfshark desktop application is the superior option for achieving comprehensive device encryption. Install the Surfshark VPN extension on your Chrome browser if you have not already done so, and take control of your online privacy today!

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