How to Protect Your Online Privacy with Surfshark’s Alternative ID

Keeping your personal information safe online is more important than ever. Whether you’re signing up for a newsletter, creating an account, or filling out online forms, sharing your real email or identity can expose you to privacy risks like spam or data breaches.

Surfshark’s Alternative ID is a great way to address this issue. This feature (currently still in beta) helps you create a new online identity, including a proxy email connected to your real one. This allows you to register for services or manage accounts without exposing your private information.

In this guide, I’ll show you what Surfshark’s Alternative ID is, its benefits, and how to set it up to protect your digital privacy.

Let’s get started and take control of your online privacy.

What Is an Alternative ID?

An Alternative ID in Surfshark lets you create a new online identity, called an Alt Persona, along with a separate email known as an Alt Email.

This helps you use a different email for sign-ups and accounts while keeping your real email private.

Alt Persona

Alt Persona is a generated alternative identity for online use. It protects your personal details while you manage accounts or fill out forms.

• Customizable Identity: Includes options like name, date of birth, and address.
• Privacy Protection: Keeps your real identity hidden online.
• Seamless Integration: Works with your Alternative Email for a secure experience.

Alt Email

Alt Email acts as a proxy email that protects your real email address. It forwards all received messages to your linked real email, ensuring your privacy.

• Create a proxy email for sign-ups, accounts, and receiving emails.
• Automatically forward messages to your real inbox.
• Prevent exposing your real email address and reduce spam or security risks.

How to Set Up an Alternative ID

Setting up an Alternative ID with Surfshark is straightforward. You’ll need an active account or subscription with Surfshark.

First, open your browser, go to the Surfshark website, and log in to your account. Then, follow the instructions below.

1. Click on “Alternative ID” in the left sidebar.
2. Click “Create” to begin the setup process.
   

   

3. Let the system auto-generate a persona for you, or fill in the required details—select your gender, date of birth, country, and state—by selecting the “Edit manually” tab.
   

   

4. Click “Create Alt Persona”.
5. Review the generated alternative email. You can keep the default email or regenerate a new one.
   

   

6. Click “Continue” if satisfied with the email.
7. Link your real email by entering your real email address.
   

   

8. Click “Create Alt Email” to proceed.
9. Check your inbox for a verification message.
10. Complete the verification process to activate your Alternative ID.
    

    

Once verified, your Alternative ID will be active. Any messages sent to your Alternative Email will be forwarded to your real email inbox.

How to Edit an Alternative ID

The Alternative ID (which includes the Alt Persona and Alt Email) you created can be edited afterward or even deleted.

To edit your Alternative ID, first click on the “Alternative ID” tab in the left sidebar, and then follow the instructions below.

Edit Your Alt persona

1. Scroll down and click “Change” next to Alt persona.
   

   

2. Click “Regenerate” to get a new one, or select the “Edit manually” tab to enter the details manually. When done, click “Confirm changes.”
   

   

3. Tick the box labeled “Yes, I want to create a new one”.
4. Click “Confirm” to finalize the changes.
   

   

Edit Your Alt email

1. Click “Manage” under Alt email.
   

   

2. Customize your email by regenerating a new one, using the “Edit manually” option to adjust the username or domain, pausing email activity, or deleting it.
   

   

3. Once all changes are made, click “Confirm changes”.
4. If regenerating, tick “Yes, I want to create a new one”, then click “Create”.
   

   

How to Delete Your Alternative ID

Last but not least, if you want to delete your Alternative ID, go to the “Alternative ID” tab. Scroll down until you find the “Delete Alternative ID” button.

Click on it, check the box labeled “Yes, I want to delete this Alternative ID,” and then click “Delete.”

Please note, if you choose to delete this Alternative ID, you will lose all access to the persona and email associated with it. This action is irreversible. However, you can always recreate a new Alternative ID later if needed.

FAQ

How many Alternative IDs can I have?

You can create and manage one Alternative ID per Surfshark account. This ID includes a persona with details like name, date of birth, and address.

How many Alternative Emails can I have?

You can generate up to three Alternative Emails linked to your Alternative ID. These emails forward messages to your real inbox, keeping your personal email secure.

How much does Surfshark’s Alternative ID cost?

Surfshark’s Alternative ID is included in all Surfshark plans at no additional cost. The Alternative Number feature, providing a virtual phone number, costs an extra $5.00 per month on top of your subscription.

Is Surfshark’s Alternative ID legal?

Yes, using Surfshark’s Alternative ID is completely legal. It is designed to improve online privacy by providing alternative contact information.

What is Surfshark’s Alternative Number?

The Alternative Number feature provides a virtual U.S.-based phone number. It can be used to receive calls and messages without exposing your real phone number, enhancing your privacy.

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