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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Surfshark’s dedicated Apple TV VPN app is available now. Surfshark announced the release on April 15, 2024, after Apple added third-party VPN support in tvOS 17. To use it directly on Apple TV, you need an Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K running tvOS 17 or later and an active Surfshark subscription.
What Surfshark launched—and when
Apple announced tvOS 17 on June 5, 2023, including “Third-party VPN support, which enables developers to create VPN apps for Apple TV.” That platform change allowed services such as Surfshark to publish native Apple TV apps.
Surfshark’s official announcement, published April 15, 2024, confirmed that its Apple TV app was available. The app did not launch in 2026; Surfshark’s support documentation was updated in 2026 to reflect the current setup process.
What you need before installing
- An Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K that can run tvOS 17 or later.
- An active Surfshark subscription.
- Internet access on the Apple TV and access to the App Store.
The hardware family alone is not enough. Check the installed tvOS version under Settings > System > Software Updates before trying to install the app.
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#1 Best Overall
- 4K High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10) for stunning picture quality
- Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
- A10X Fusion chip for ultra-fast graphics and performance
- Voice search by asking the Siri Remote
How to set up Surfshark on Apple TV
- Open the App Store on Apple TV and search for Surfshark.
- Download and open the Surfshark app.
- Sign in using your Surfshark email address and password, select Continue with Apple, or use the displayed QR code or code to authorize the Apple TV from a device where you are already signed in.
- Choose a VPN location. Surfshark’s guide says locations can be searched and saved as favorites.
- Approve the VPN configuration prompt the first time you connect.
- Check the app’s connection status and displayed IP address to confirm that the VPN connection is active.
After setup, reconnecting normally involves opening Surfshark, selecting a location and connecting. The exact screens can change as Surfshark updates its tvOS app.
Does Surfshark work on all generations of Apple TV?
No. The direct app requires tvOS 17 or later, so only Apple TV models that support that software can use it. Surfshark specifically identifies Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K as supported families when they meet the tvOS requirement.
Rank #2
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Older Apple TV generations that cannot run tvOS 17 cannot install the native app. Surfshark says owners of first-, second- and third-generation Apple TV devices can instead use a VPN-enabled router.
What to do if your Apple TV cannot run the app
| Route | Additional equipment | Devices covered | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN-capable router | A router that supports VPN connections | Devices connected through that router | Setup can be complicated and may reduce connection speed. |
| Share a Windows VPN connection | A Windows computer | Apple TV connected through the shared connection | The Windows device must be available and configured for sharing. |
| Use a Fire TV Stick or Android TV box | An additional streaming device with Surfshark installed | The added Fire TV or Android TV device | Requires extra hardware and does not turn the Apple TV itself into a VPN client. |
A router is the broadest workaround because it can route multiple household devices through the VPN. It also requires the most network configuration. A separate Fire TV Stick or Android TV box is simpler if you are willing to watch through that device instead of Apple TV.
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
How to change the VPN location
Open Surfshark on Apple TV, browse or search the locations list, and select the country or city you want. You can favorite frequently used locations so they are easier to find later. The app displays the connection state and current IP address after connecting.
How large is Surfshark’s network?
Surfshark’s current support and product pages claim more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries. That is a company-published network-size figure, updated on Surfshark’s support material in 2026; it is not an independent measurement of Apple TV speed, reliability or streaming performance.
Rank #4
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
What this app does—and what it does not guarantee
The native app gives compatible Apple TV owners a direct way to establish a Surfshark VPN connection without configuring the Apple TV through another device. It does not by itself guarantee a particular streaming service will work, a specific playback speed or uninterrupted access from every location. Those outcomes depend on the service, network conditions, selected server and the policies of the content provider.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The Bottom Line
If your Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K runs tvOS 17 or later, install Surfshark from the App Store and sign in directly. Older models need a router, Windows connection sharing or a separate Fire TV/Android TV device instead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dolby Atmos for immersive, room-filling sound - 4K High Frame Rate HDR with Dolby Vision for fluid, crisp video
- A12 Bionic chip gives a big boost to audio, video, and graphics, for even better game and app experiences than ever before
- The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad - Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your device on your TV
- Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+ - Watch the latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music - Private listening using up to two sets of AirPods
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