If you’re using Surfshark on Android and notice that the app redirects you to the Google Play Store to log in, this behavior is expected for users who installed Surfshark directly from Google Play.
In this article we explain why this happens, how it improves your security, and what alternatives you have if you prefer not to use Google services.
What changed and why?
To better protect our users, Surfshark has implemented Google Play Automatic Integrity Protection for the app distributed through the Google Play Store.
This security mechanism helps us combat a growing issue on Android: imposter apps.
Across the internet, there are third-party sources offering “modded” or “cracked” versions of popular apps. These apps are often altered and re-signed by malicious actors, which can turn a privacy tool into a serious security risk.
By relying on Google Play’s built-in protection, we ensure that:
- The app running on your device is genuine: Google verifies the app’s "integrity" to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.
- Malicious clones are blocked: It prevents re-signed, fraudulent versions of Surfshark from being distributed to our users outside of Google Play without our permission.
As part of this verification process, Google requires you to be signed in to your Google account, which is why you’re redirected to the Play Store when launching the app.
What if I don’t want to sign in to Google?
We understand that many Surfshark users make a deliberate choice to limit or avoid Google services. This includes users who rely on Secure Folder, Private Space, or “de-Googled” Android environments.
You still have full control here. Using the Google Play version is not required.
Using Surfshark without Google Play services
If you prefer a Google-free setup, Surfshark offers an official APK download directly from our website. This version provides the same features, speeds, and protections, but uses Surfshark’s own integrity checks instead of Google Play services.
Learn more how to set up Surfshark VPN on Android using APK installation.
Once installed, the APK version works independently of Google Play and will not require a Google account sign-in.