Big changes are happening at Surfshark! The popular VPN service has officially said goodbye to Shadowsocks. If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry. We’re here to break it all down for you in a fun and simple way.
Whether you’ve been using Shadowsocks with Surfshark or just heard about it now, this change may impact your browsing — especially if you’re in heavily-censored regions. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s dive into what this really means.
Wait, What Is Shadowsocks?
Good question! Shadowsocks is a special kind of proxy. It was made to help people get around internet blocks and censorship. Think of it like a secret tunnel through the internet. If you live in a country with a lot of online restrictions, Shadowsocks helped keep things open and free.
It’s been around for years and is popular in places like China and Iran. It’s lightweight, simple, and fast. But here’s the catch — it’s not a full VPN. It doesn’t encrypt your traffic the same way other VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard do.
Why Did Surfshark Drop It?
Surfshark decided to stop supporting Shadowsocks for a few good reasons. This wasn’t a random decision. Here’s why:
- Shadowsocks is not a true VPN protocol – It’s a proxy tool, so it lacks key security features.
- It’s harder to maintain – Keeping Shadowsocks running smoothly across many countries and platforms was challenging.
- Better options are now available – Surfshark offers other powerful tools that do a better job.
According to the Surfshark team, they want to focus on simpler and stronger tools. Their goal? To give users a solid mix of privacy, security, and speed. And Shadowsocks just didn’t fit the bill anymore.
What If You Were Using It?
If you relied on Shadowsocks, don’t worry — there are alternatives. Surfshark has not left users in the dark. They’ve got you covered with other great options:
- OpenVPN – It’s secure, trusted, and widely supported.
- WireGuard – It’s fast, modern, and very efficient.
- NoBorders Mode – A special Surfshark feature made for use in restricted regions.
These tools offer better protection against snooping and work great with Surfshark. Plus, they’re easier to set up and manage than Shadowsocks.
How to Switch
Making the move from Shadowsocks is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open your Surfshark app.
- Go to Settings > VPN Settings.
- Select your preferred protocol: WiredGuard or OpenVPN.
- Let the app reconnect. You’re good to go!
That’s it. No stress, no mess. Your secure internet experience continues without a hitch.
What About Users in Censored Countries?
That’s a big concern. Users in countries with strict censorship often rely on Shadowsocks to access the open web. But Surfshark has thought of that too.
NoBorders mode is still available. It automatically detects if you’re in a restricted network and activates itself. It then suggests the best servers to use.
So even without Shadowsocks, you can still enjoy access to global content with tools built right into Surfshark.
The Bottom Line
Shadowsocks is out, but Surfshark is still strong. They’ve replaced it with more secure and modern solutions. And for most users, the change is actually a good thing.
Here’s a quick summary:
- Shadowsocks was removed due to security and maintenance issues.
- Surfshark offers better protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- NoBorders mode helps users in restricted countries stay connected.
Surfshark wants to keep your browsing smooth, secure, and censorship-free — all without the need to deal with outdated tools. So go ahead, update your settings, and enjoy the ride!