Follow Up to Surfshark VPN Review:
This guide shows how to install Surfshark on Firestick and Android TV devices in 2022.
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When using Syncler and Surfshark is active I get the following error. There is no rhyme or reason I can discern why.
Java. Net. Exception: failed to connect to 0-cdn2-ovh-bea.energycdn.com/127.0.0.1:43
It is completely random when it happens unless Surfshark is stopped and then it never happens. , Most of the time I don’t use Surfshark because it is unreliable and constantly interferes unless completely shutdown. Surfshark randomly messes with my IPTV and my legal subscription to Dish Network on my Firestick Max. For no particular reason, both apps will not connect unless I turn it off. Plain Jane vanilla sites won’t allow connections
I have tried different VPN servers both in and out of the country. I have tried using split tunneling excluding the apps Surfshark keeps fouling up and it still messes with them unless I completely stop Surfshark. I have switched VPN protocols (i.e. automatic, open VPNs, wireguard, etc.) Reboot my Firestick, and switch my networks from 5g to 2.4. My minimum download speed is 300 MBps while up is north of 150.
What is the most perplexing is it totally random? What didn’t work yesterday does today and what worked 2 hours don’t. The only definitive adjustment that works without fail is turning of Surfshark
Try using the “route Through” option in settings and set only what you need on the vpn to route through.
I assume you are referring to the option of what used to be called “Split tunneling” what Surfsahrk is now calling Bypasser? I have routed it through and around Surfshark. Didn’t I point that out in my initial post?
Surfshark still continues randomly to interfere with Kodi, Syncler, Dish App, and IPTV even though I bypass the VPN. Today it works, tonight it won’t, tomorrow it does and then it doesn’t. On several occasions, it happens in the middle of a VIDEO. The ONLY thing I have been able to recreate is to choose 720p files over any 1080p or 4k files in Syncler. But even that is hit or miss and for the most part fails.
I have tried different players like EXO, MX, VLC, KODI, etc. They all produce the same result.
For example, when I use Syncler I click the disconnect option and everything works fine. I use VPN Monitor Dot which shows a Red flashing light when the VPN is disconnected and as soon as Surfshark decides it wants to reconnect for no apparent reason it turns green and everything stops working. The only solution is to stop the app. Bypassing and disconnecting Surfshark is a waste of time.
All my apps have been updated to the most current versions.
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Did you ever get a resolution? I am getting the same.
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No. i just assumed I was the first and only one in the history of mankind to experience this anomaly. You are now the second. Initially it happened on larger files like 4k’s and larger 1080p’s and dropping down to 720p’s seem to resolve the problem. But later the 4k’s worked and the smaller 720p files didn’t. Sometimes none of them worked without this interference. So the only solution was to turn off Surfshark.
It was completely random. Short of standing on my hands and farting the Star Spangled Banner I tried everything under the Sun to identify the problem . I finally uninstalled Surfshark and went back to IPVanish. The fact that you are now having the same issues at least validates that i am not alone in the universe experiencing this issue.
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Surfshark’s no log policy verified once again
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I also saw a relevant post on Tvfriendo
Just spent an hour with surfshark support, they confirmed that not all IPTV services work with surfshark. I have another IPTV service that I purchased in June good for 1 year and then I became a patron and learned about AB services.
I have 6 months left on my expressvpn that was going to renew for $10 a month so off course I removed the renewal.
So now when I use my expressvpn bout iptv services work on 2 devices, but if I use surfshark only AB services work. I am shocked the there are limitations in surfshark, cause the price troy provided was the cheapest out there. 
Sometimes you get what you pay for. Just because they are cheap doesn’t make them the best. It just makes them more affordable for people that need the affordability. I use IPVanish and have never tried anything else. I am not saying SurfShark isn’t good, I just think it is not as good as it is made out to be. IPVanish is more expensive, but I have always been able to talk to them and get a better price to keep them. I have never had a problem with anything with IPVanish. It just seems to me that SurfShark causes a lot of problems for a lot of people that post here on the insider. I have no such problems with IPVanish. I tend to not fix it if it isn’t broke. This is just my two cents worth.
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Thanks for your input have never tried IPVanish, I will look into it.
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My experience with Surfshark was similar. The software simply doesn’t like IPTV connections. Even disabling the CleanWeb setting on Connectivity screen did nothing to fix connection issues and trying static locations did not work. I have kept my ExpressVPN subscription and have had absolutely no problems with connectivity.
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There are a lot of good products out there. Some a tad more expensive than others. I myself have used a Proton Suite for years. Part of that suite is the best VPN I have ever had and I’ve had a lot. Nice to find something that just works and works well. One huge plus for me and one which many seem to doubt, is that Proton absolutely does not diminish my speed what so ever. My provider supplies me with a 150 down speed and I get all of it. Definately reduces part of the buffering equation. From all that I’ve heard Surfshark, fills the gap for those needing something less expensive and can be put on as many devices as they could want to put it on. That seems to be it’s biggest draw.
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Sometimes services blacklist vpn addresses. You need to try different vpn servers. Try some static ones or ones that don’t rotate ips.
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Hello, I made a video regarding this and the servers that will work.
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Great video Troy and yes static IP New York worked and gives me the best download of 167 mbps, less than what I was getting using fastest location but it works even with lower speed. Thank you
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Thanks
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I feel like it’s close to unsolvable to eliminate buffering/freezing issues because the cause can be any of several things. An internet hiccup, your VPN server, the IPTV service itself, blocking etc. Some channels get more buffering than others. It’s tiring changing channels back and forth to fix buffering. My buffering isn’t terrible just occasionally a pain.
I have another 18 months with Surfshark so I’m locked in. Great article @TROYPOINT, thank you.
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Glad it’s working! Keep in mind that you really only need about 15-20 Mbps to stream most IPTV services. Anything higher than what’s needed is overkill and won’t do anything for you.
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Ok I was not aware of that, I assumed the speed had to be at least 100 Mbps. Thanks for the update 
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