In this article, you will learn how to use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Chromecast, and AirPlay screen mirroring — as well as a wired HDMI connection — while your Surfshark VPN connection is active. Because a VPN changes your IP address and can hide your devices from your local network, some of these features may not connect as expected. This guide explains why that happens and shows you the workaround for each connection type.
Before you start
- Connect both devices involved in casting or mirroring (for example, your phone and TV) to the same Wi-Fi network;
-
Update the Surfshark app to the latest version.
NOTE: Surfshark currently offers application bypassing on Windows, Android, Android TV, and macOS. It is not supported on iOS, so the Bypasser workarounds below apply only to those supported platforms.
Here's what to do
Connect with an HDMI cable (simplest option)
- Connect your device to the TV with an HDMI cable. On a phone or tablet, use a compatible HDMI adapter (for example, a USB-C-to-HDMI or Lightning-to-HDMI adapter).
- On the TV, select the matching HDMI input.
-
Your screen appears on the TV, and the VPN stays active.
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
CarPlay and Android Auto need a direct connection to your car's head unit, either wired or wireless. VPN routing can interfere with that connection, so the head unit may fail to detect your phone. The right workaround depends on your platform.
Android Auto (recommended: Bypasser)
Follow these steps to add Android Auto to Surfshark's Bypasser:
- Open the Surfshark application.
- Tap on Settings, then tap VPN settings.
- Choose the Bypasser option.
- Toggle the Bypasser switch to the ON position.
- Make sure Bypass VPN is selected, then tap Apps and select Android Auto so it isn't affected by the VPN connection. Those apps then bypass the VPN while everything else stays protected.
If you use GPS override, disable it, as it will interfere with map applications. To do so, go to the Surfshark app -> Settings -> VPN settings -> Advanced settings and disable Override GPS location.
Apple CarPlay (iOS)
Surfshark does not offer App Bypasser on iOS, so this option doesn't apply. Follow these steps instead:
- Disconnect from the VPN.
- Reconnect once CarPlay establishes the session.
Allow local network discovery
A VPN can hide your devices from each other on the local network, which blocks casting and mirroring. To fix this, adjust the local network discovery setting in the Surfshark app. The exact steps depend on your platform.
On iOS: disable Invisible on LAN
- Open the Surfshark app.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap VPN Settings.
-
Disable Invisible on LAN (ensure the switch is off).
On Android: enable Discover on LAN
- Open the Surfshark app.
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap VPN settings.
- Tap Advanced settings.
-
Enable Discover on LAN (ensure the switch is on).
Chromecast / AirPlay / general screen mirroring
Older Chromecast devices, AirPlay, and most media-mirroring services include no built-in VPN support. To use a VPN, move it from the streaming device to the network. Choose one of the following:
- Connect the device to a VPN-enabled router, so the entire network — including the Chromecast or AirPlay target — shares the VPN connection. You can read more in this how-to article on setting up a router with Surfshark;
-
Share the VPN connection from a Windows PC to the casting device. You can do that by following this how-to guide for setting up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot using Windows.
Casting from an Android phone to an Android TV
A VPN can hide the two devices from each other on the local network. To prevent this:
- Follow the steps above to enable local network discovery (Discover on LAN) on your Android phone.
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Start casting from the Android phone to the Android TV.
You may also be interested in: