Surge Pre-sales FAQs

What kind of software is Surge?

Surge is a network toolset software for professional technicians, with main functions including takeover, modification, and forwarding of network requests. You can read the online manual to understand the purpose of Surge.

Online Manual

Official Chinese Guide: Understanding the Principles of Surge

Is Surge a VPN?

Please note that although Surge has the ability to forward requests, it does not provide any VPN or proxy services. Surge is a pure tool-type software for technicians.

What is the relationship between Surge iOS and Surge Mac?

Surge iOS and Surge Mac are for iOS devices and Mac devices, respectively. Surge iOS can remotely manage Surge Mac and view Surge Mac's requests using the remote controller function. Surge Mac's Dashboard can view Surge iOS's requests via network or USB connection.

Surge tvOS is a free add-on for Surge iOS users. It's not linked with the Surge Mac version license.

Do Surge iOS and Mac need to be purchased separately?

Yes, the licenses for both are sold separately and need to be purchased separately.

What is the license format for Surge Mac, and how long is it valid?

The license for Surge Mac is valid for life and includes free updates within the purchased major version. We usually update the major version every two years. After a major version update, existing users can upgrade at a discounted price or continue to use the old version.

You don't need to worry about the possible cost-ineffectiveness of purchasing close to the major version update date. The upgrade fee is based on a tiered system related to the purchase time, and users who have purchased within the last six months can generally enjoy a free upgrade.

What is the license format for Surge iOS, and how long is it valid?

The license for Surge iOS is valid for life and includes lifetime maintenance updates. At the time of purchase, you automatically receive a one-year "feature update subscription" that unlocks new features for free within the first year after purchase. See Surge iOS Feature Update Subscription for details.

Is there a trial available?

Surge Mac offers a 14-day full-featured free trial. Surge iOS provides a 7-day full-featured free trial, with some features available for an unlimited free trial.

How many devices can a license be used on?

The Surge iOS license can be used on up to 3 devices you own, while the number of Surge Mac licenses is determined at the time of purchase.

Surge tvOS license can be used on your own Apple TV devices, with no specific quantity limit. However, obvious misuse may result in a ban.

What if I change my device?

You can deactivate the device before replacing it to release the license quota, or you can reset the license to deactivate all devices. See:

• Surge iOS Licensing FAQs

• Surge Mac Licensing FAQs

Why can't I find Surge in the App Store?

• Surge Mac: Surge Mac uses technology that is not compatible with the Mac App Store, so it cannot be installed from the Mac App Store. Please download and install it from the official website.

• Surge iOS/tvOS: Since the China region bans all VPN-related apps, Surge iOS cannot be listed in the China region, but other regions are not affected.