VPN help needed

[squashyhat]

I am going on holiday to France soon and have subscribed to Surfshark VPN so that I can access the UK Netflix site, BBC iplayer etc while I am away. I have downloaded it onto my tablet and phone. Now what? Do I wait until I am away and then activate it? Which server do I need to access? Anything else I need to do? The guidance is very confusing.

I don’t know about Surfshark but I have used NordVPN all over the world and it’s v straightforward- just navigate to the app and choose your location as being in the UK (any of the available ones) and then connect.

I've not used Surfshark VPN but hopefully the following will help?

1. Think of the VPN like “pretending your device is still in the UK”

A VPN is a bit like a digital postcode mask.

When you’re in France, your tablet/phone will normally look “French” to websites.

Turning on Surfshark and choosing a UK server makes your device appear as if it’s in the UK.

So for UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc., you want your VPN to say “I’m in the UK”.

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1. Install and log in before you go

You’ve already downloaded Surfshark on your tablet and phone, which is great.

1. Open the Surfshark app on each device.
2. Log in with the account you created when you subscribed.
3. Just make sure it opens and you can see the list of countries/servers.

- You don’t have to use it yet—this is just to check it’s ready.

Think of this like packing your suitcase: you’re just checking everything fits before you leave.

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1. When you arrive in France, connect to a UK server

Once you’re in France and on Wi‑Fi (hotel, apartment, etc.):

1. Open the Surfshark app.
2. Choose a UK server

- There’s usually a list of countries—tap “United Kingdom” (or “UK”). - If there are several UK locations, just pick any to start with (e.g. “London”).

1. Tap “Connect”.

- Wait a few seconds until it says you’re connected (often with a green tick or similar).

At this point, your device is effectively “wearing a UK mask” online.

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1. Then open Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.

After Surfshark says you’re connected to the UK:

1. Open the app you want to use (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, etc.).
2. Sign in as normal with your existing accounts.
3. You should now see the UK versions (as if you were at home).

If something doesn’t work first time:

• Close and reopen the streaming app.
• If still no luck, disconnect and reconnect to a different UK server in Surfshark, then try again.

Hope this works for you. Happy holiday!