How to sign up and create account on Surfshark

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-19

Quick Answer

Sign up for Surfshark by visiting their website, selecting a subscription plan, entering your email address, and completing the payment process. Once payment is confirmed, you'll receive login credentials and can download the app to start using the VPN service.

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Prerequisites

Valid email address
Payment method (credit card or PayPal)
Internet connection
Web browser or mobile device

Step-by-Step Instructions

Visit Surfshark's official website

Open your web browser and navigate to surfshark.com. Click on the Get Surfshark or Start Free Trial button prominently displayed on the homepage.

Ensure you're on the official website to avoid phishing attempts by checking the URL matches exactly.

Use an incognito or private browsing window to avoid cached data that might affect pricing or promotional offers.

Choose your subscription plan

Review the available subscription options displayed on the pricing page. Surfshark typically offers:

24-month plan - Best value with maximum discount
12-month plan - Good balance of savings and commitment
1-month plan - Most flexible but highest monthly cost

Select your preferred plan by clicking Get [Plan Name] button.

Longer-term plans offer significant savings, and Surfshark includes a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Enter your email address

On the checkout page, enter your email address in the Email field. This will be your login username and where Surfshark sends important account information.

Double-check your email address for accuracy as you'll need to verify it and use it for future logins.

Use an email address you regularly check and have long-term access to, as it's tied to your subscription and support requests.

Select payment method and enter details

Choose your preferred payment method from the available options:

Credit/Debit Card - Enter card number, expiration date, and CVV
PayPal - Click to redirect to PayPal login
Cryptocurrency - Follow prompts for crypto payment
Google Pay/Apple Pay - Use saved payment methods

Fill in the required payment information accurately.

Credit card payments are processed immediately, while some alternative payment methods may take longer to confirm.

Review and complete your order

Review your order summary showing:

Selected subscription plan and duration
Total price and any applicable discounts
Billing cycle information

Check the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy checkbox if required, then click Complete Order or Buy Now.

Take a screenshot of your order confirmation for your records, including the order number and billing details.

Verify your email address

Check your email inbox for a verification message from Surfshark. The subject line typically reads "Welcome to Surfshark" or "Verify your email".

Click the Verify Email or Confirm Account link in the email. If you don't see the email, check your spam or junk folder.

Email verification usually happens automatically after payment, but manual verification may be required for some payment methods.

Set up your password

After email verification, you'll be prompted to create a password for your account. Create a strong password that includes:

At least 8 characters
Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
Numbers and special characters

Enter your password in both the Password and Confirm Password fields, then click Create Account.

Use a unique password you haven't used for other accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store it securely.

Download and install Surfshark app

Once your account is created, you'll be redirected to the download page or your account dashboard. Download the appropriate Surfshark app for your device:

Windows/Mac - Download desktop application
iOS/Android - Download from App Store or Google Play
Browser Extension - Install Chrome, Firefox, or Edge extension

Install the app and log in using your email and password to start using Surfshark.

You can use your Surfshark account on unlimited devices simultaneously, so download apps on all your devices for complete protection.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Email verification not received

Check your spam/junk folder first. If still not found, log into your Surfshark account dashboard and click Resend Verification Email. Ensure your email provider isn't blocking emails from Surfshark domains. Wait up to 15 minutes as delivery can be delayed.

Payment declined or failed

Verify your payment details are correct including card number, expiration date, and billing address. Contact your bank to ensure they're not blocking the transaction. Try a different payment method like PayPal or contact Surfshark support for alternative payment options.

Cannot access account after signup

Ensure you're using the correct email address and password. Click Forgot Password on the login page to reset your password. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try logging in from a different browser or device.

Promotional discount not applied

Ensure you clicked through from a valid promotional link or entered the correct coupon code. Try opening the signup page in an incognito window to avoid cached pricing. Contact Surfshark customer support with your promotional code if the discount still doesn't apply.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Surfshark website before purchasing.

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