Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Surfshark VPN on Linux

Surfshark VPN installation for Linux Using a VPN on Linux is important for online security and privacy, especially in 2025, when data protection has become a priority. Installing Surfshark VPN on Linux helps you browse privately, view content from different regions, and protect your internet connection from online threats. Setting up a VPN on Linux is a bit different from other operating systems because it needs some manual setup. However, it is simple if you follow the correct steps.

Surfshark supports several protocols, such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, to provide both protection and fast connections. If you want to browse privately, keep your data safe, or watch material from around the world, installing Surfshark VPN on Linux is a good choice. This guide will show you how to set up Surfshark VPN on Linux, check your connection, and fix any problems you might have. Here are simple steps to set up your VPN on a Linux machine safely and easily.

Why Use Surfshark VPN on Linux?

Linux is known for being secure and open-source, but it can still face hacking threats, data tracking, and content limits based on location. Installing Surfshark VPN on Linux improves your privacy by protecting your internet traffic, making it very hard for hackers, internet service providers, or others to see what you do online. A VPN helps you get around location-based limits so you can access streaming services, websites, and apps that might not be available in your area. Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want, so you can secure all your Linux devices with just one subscription.

One more benefit of using Surfshark on Linux is its no-logs policy, meaning it does not keep any record of your browsing past or personal information. Surfshark VPN offers a smooth and safe online experience, making it an essential tool for Linux users, whether you’re working from home, watching videos, or just browsing the web. 

Surfshark VPN installation for Linux

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Surfshark VPN on Linux

Step 1: Sign Up for Surfshark

• Visit the Surfshark website and sign up for a subscription.
• Complete the registration process and make a note of your login credentials.

Step 2: Install Dependencies

Before installing Surfshark VPN on Linux, ensure that your system has the required dependencies. Open the terminal and run the following commands:

For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems:

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sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install -y openvpn unzip

For Fedora/CentOS systems:

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sudo dnf install openvpn unzip

Step 3: Download Surfshark OpenVPN Configuration Files

• Go to the Surfshark VPN website and log in to your account.
• Navigate to the VPN Setup page.
• Download the OpenVPN configuration files for Linux.

Step 4: Extract the Configuration Files

• Extract the zip file you downloaded containing the Surfshark configuration files:

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unzip surfshark-linux.zip -d ~/surfshark

Step 5: Connect to Surfshark VPN Server

1. In your terminal, navigate to the directory where you extracted the configuration files:

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cd ~/surfshark

2. Choose a server configuration file from the folder, such as nl.private.shark.ovpn for the Netherlands server or another server of your choice.
3. Connect to the VPN using OpenVPN:

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sudo openvpn –config nl.private.shark.ovpn

4. When prompted, enter your Surfshark username and password (the same credentials you used to sign up).

Step 6: Verify Your Connection

Once connected, you should see output in the terminal showing that you are connected to the Surfshark server. You can verify that your IP address has changed by running the following command:

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curl ifconfig.me

It should show the IP address of the Surfshark server.

Step 7: Disconnect from the VPN

To disconnect from the VPN, simply press Ctrl+C in the terminal where the OpenVPN session is running.

That’s it! You’re now connected to Surfshark VPN on your Linux system.

Surfshark VPN Features for Linux

Feature	Description
Encryption	Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Supported Protocols	OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2
Kill Switch	Prevents data leaks if the VPN disconnects
No-Logs Policy	Ensures your activity is not tracked
Unlimited Devices	Use on multiple devices simultaneously

How to Disconnect Surfshark VPN on Linux

If you are using Surfshark VPN on a Linux system and need to disconnect, follow these simple steps:

Method 1: Using Terminal (CLI)

1. Type the following command and press Enter:bashCopyEdit
2. Open the terminal on your Linux device.

surfshark-vpn down

1. This will disconnect your VPN session immediately.

Method 2: Disconnect OpenVPN or WireGuard Manually

If you’re connected using OpenVPN or WireGuard, you can disconnect by:

OpenVPN:

bashCopyEditsudo systemctl stop openvpn-client@surfshark

WireGuard:

bashCopyEditsudo wg-quick down wg0

Method 3: Restart Network Services

If the VPN does not disconnect properly, you can reset your network with:

bashCopyEditsudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Conclusion

Installing Surfshark VPN on Linux is an easy and effective way to improve your online privacy and security. Whether you want to avoid censorship, protect your private information, or stream without limits, Surfshark is a good choice. This guide gives you clear steps to install the VPN, check that it’s working, and solve any issues you might have. With strong encryption, fast servers, and no tracking of your activity, Surfshark is a top VPN for Linux users. If you care about your online privacy, you should install Surfshark VPN. Give it a try today for a safer and more open internet experience on your Linux system.

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