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Let's go through all the features and settings available at Surfshark. Note that some of them are only available for certain devices. For example, the option to change the encryption cipher is only available on Surfshark apps for Android. The reason for this is that not all technology can equally operate on all systems.
This article will look into which Surfshark features are available on which operating systems and their purpose.
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CleanWeb
CleanWeb works as an adblocker - it will block ads and malicious links on your browser before they can harm you. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).
Bypasser (a.k.a. split-tunneling or Bypass VPN)
The Bypasser allows you to select applications or websites which will not be routed through the VPN connection. That’s useful if your bank needs to see your real location to make sure it’s you! (Available on Android, Windows).
Route via VPN (reverse Bypasser)
Reverse Bypasser allows you to select apps that will go only through the VPN tunnel. All other apps will see your real IP address. (Available on Android, Windows).
Surfshark Search
If you value your privacy, then Surfshark Search is the zero-ad, zero-tracker search tool that you want. Use it for browsing without anyone collecting your data and search history. Feel free to read more about it here. (Available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.).
Surfshark Alert
Surfshark Alert is an identity protection tool that checks online databases if your data was ever stolen and sold by hackers. Plus, it will send you real-time alert messages if your data gets breached in the future. You can read more about it here. (Available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.).
Kill Switch
If you unexpectedly disconnect from Surfshark, KillSwitch will ensure that no sensitive data gets out by cutting off the internet connection until you reconnect to a Surfshark VPN server. Turn it on if you want to take extended security measures. (Available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).
Camouflage mode
Camouflage mode makes your connection look like regular browsing traffic. It assures that even your internet provider can’t tell that you’re using a VPN. Stay private, always. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux).
Override GPS location
Almost all Android phones have a GPS function. A VPN itself does not cover GPS location tracking, but Surfshark's Override GPS location feature allows you to match your GPS signal to the Surfshark server's location that you are connected to. We describe this feature in more detail in this article. (Available on Android).
NoBorders
Your Surfshark app might detect that you connected to a network with certain restrictions. Usually, countries such as China, Russia, or UAE have huge network restrictions. In such a case, NoBorders mode will activate - this mode will help you log in to your Surfshark app and see the list of servers that work best under current network restrictions, which would not be possible without the NoBorders mode. (Available on Android, Windows, macOS, iOS).
Invisible to devices
If you turn on this feature, your device will not be visible to other devices on the same network. Therefore, you will be unable to communicate with other devices on the same network, e.g., printers, portable speakers, smart TVs, Chromecasts, etc.
However, this feature will come in handy on public networks - where you do not want any other devices on the same network to connect to your device. (Available on Windows, Android).
Auto-connect
This feature will save you some time because you won't need to open the Surfshark app and click any button to connect to Surfshark servers.
If you turn on Auto-connect, your device will connect to the VPN as soon as it finds Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS).
Start with Windows
This feature will make the Surfshark app start automatically as soon as you boot your computer, so you do not need to search for it and start manually. (Available on Windows).
Change Protocol
Your Surfshark app has the option to change the default protocol. A protocol is a set of rules that determines how your data will be sent and received. All protocols used at Surfshark are secure and reliable, but one protocol might perform better than another on your network. If you experience any kind of connectivity issues when connected to Surfshark servers, you may want to try changing protocols.
Launch your Surfhark app, then go to Settings -> VPN Settings -> Protocol to find this setting. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, macOS).
Change Data Encryption
An option to change the default encryption cipher is available on the Surfshark app for Androids. Encryption cipher is an algorithm that encrypts the information that is sent and received to your device. Encryption ensures that your information is encoded, and no one else can read it. ( Available on Android).
Static Servers
Surfshark has many different servers in each location. Therefore, if you connect to a New York location, you might get a different IP address each time. However, if you connect to a static server, you will get the same IP each time. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS).
Multi-Hop servers
Connect via multiple countries at once to take ID protection & footprint masking to a whole other level. Your connection will hop from one server to another, bringing you an extra layer of protection. (Available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS).
Small Packets
This feature is available on Android devices only. Whatever you do online, your data is being divided into packets (chunks of information) to send it smoothly. Each packet contains a part of the information that you want to send or receive. By turning on Small Packets, you will reduce the size of each transmitted packet, which may improve the connection speed and stability. (Available on Android).
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