How to optimize for streaming (Netflix, Disney+) on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

To optimize streaming on Surfshark, use dedicated streaming servers, enable WireGuard protocol, and disable unnecessary features like MultiHop. Select servers closest to your location for best performance.

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Prerequisites

Active Surfshark subscription
Surfshark app installed on your device
Stable internet connection with at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming
Netflix or Disney+ subscription

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open Surfshark and access streaming servers

Launch the Surfshark app on your device. Click on Locations in the main interface, then select the Static IP or Streaming tab. These dedicated servers are optimized for streaming services and bypass geo-restrictions more effectively.

Streaming-optimized servers are specifically configured to work with popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+.

Select the optimal server location

Choose a server in the country where your desired content is available. For US Netflix, select a United States server. For Disney+, pick servers in United States, United Kingdom, or Canada. Click on the server with the lowest latency (ping) for best performance.

Servers marked with a streaming icon typically have better success rates with popular platforms.

Switch to WireGuard protocol

Go to Settings > VPN settings > Protocol. Select WireGuard from the dropdown menu. This protocol offers the best balance of speed and security for streaming, providing faster connection speeds than OpenVPN.

WireGuard typically provides 30-50% faster speeds compared to other VPN protocols.

Disable MultiHop and additional features

In Settings, turn off MultiHop if it's enabled, as it routes traffic through multiple servers and reduces speed. Also disable NoBorders mode unless you're in a restrictive country, and turn off Bypasser for streaming apps.

These features add extra security but can significantly impact streaming performance.

Enable Kill Switch and configure DNS

Navigate to Settings > VPN settings and enable Kill Switch to prevent IP leaks if the VPN disconnects. Under DNS settings, select Surfshark DNS to ensure optimal routing and avoid DNS leaks that could reveal your location.

Kill Switch prevents your real IP from being exposed during connection drops.

Test and optimize connection

Connect to your chosen server and visit fast.com or speedtest.net to check your connection speed. If speed is below 25 Mbps for 4K or 5 Mbps for HD, try connecting to a different server in the same country. Clear your browser cache and cookies before accessing streaming platforms.

Different servers can have varying loads and speeds even in the same location.

Configure streaming platform settings

Open Netflix or Disney+ and go to Account Settings > Playback Settings. Set video quality to Auto or your preferred quality. If you experience buffering, temporarily lower the quality to Medium or Standard and gradually increase it.

Starting with lower quality and increasing gradually helps identify your optimal streaming quality.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Netflix shows proxy error or won't load content

Disconnect from Surfshark, clear your browser cache and cookies, then reconnect to a different streaming server. Try using an incognito/private browser window or restart the Netflix app.

Slow streaming speeds or constant buffering

Switch to a less crowded server in the same region, change to WireGuard protocol if not already selected, or temporarily disable other devices using the same internet connection.

Disney+ content library appears limited

Ensure you're connected to a server in the correct region, log out of Disney+ completely, clear app data or browser cache, then log back in. Some content may take a few minutes to appear after connecting to a new region.

Connection drops frequently while streaming

Enable Auto-connect in Surfshark settings, switch to a more stable server, check if your router's VPN passthrough is properly configured, or try connecting via different network (mobile hotspot) to test.

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