Setting Up a VPN on Your PlayStation: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to access location-blocked content with your PS5, you’ve probably noticed that you can’t use VPN apps on your PlayStation. While Sony discourages users from using VPNs by not making them available in the PlayStation store, there are still ways to use a VPN with your PlayStation console.

This guide covers two methods for using a VPN with your PS4 or PS5. It also provides recommendations for the best VPNs to use with PlayStation.

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Why would you need a VPN on PlayStation?

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data so it’s more difficult for hackers or your ISP to see what you’re doing. There are several benefits to using a VPN on your computer or mobile device. Those benefits extend to your PlayStation as well.

You can use a VPN on your PlayStation console to:

Access region-blocked games
Hide your info while streaming
Protect yourself from DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks if you are a live streamer
Access region-blocked content on services such as Netflix
Reduce your ping to lower your lag time when you’re gaming online

Keep in mind that using a VPN does not change your PlayStation Network region. This is linked to the country you chose when you created your PlayStation account.

Using a VPN with your PS4 or PS5 isn’t as simple as doing so with a computer or mobile device. Sony doesn’t allow VPN apps in the PlayStation store and you cannot install apps on a PlayStation console directly. So you have to get a little creative.

Fortunately, there are two proven ways you can set up a VPN with your PS4 or PS5. Let’s go through each one.

Set up a VPN with your PlayStation using a router

The first method involves setting up a VPN on your Wi-Fi router. You should sign up for a VPN service beforehand, as you will need your login details, server address, and a pre-shared key for encryption. You should also check that your router supports VPN connections, because not all do.

The process for setting up a VPN with your router varies depending on the VPN service and router you have, but it will generally look like the following:

Log into your router.
Go to the settings menu and find the VPN page.
Enter your VPN details.

The downside to this method is that all devices on your home network will be using the VPN, not just your PlayStation console. That could present a problem for other devices. If you don’t want your whole network connected to a VPN, you can use the second method.

Set up a VPN with PlayStation using your PC

You can connect to the VPN on your PC or laptop, then connect your computer to your PlayStation. Your computer will need to be connected to Wi-Fi as well as have an Ethernet port, or have two Ethernet ports.

For Windows, follow this process:

Go to the Control Panel then to Network and Sharing Center.
Select Change adapter settings.
Right-click on your active Internet connection and select Properties.
Select the Sharing tab and enable the option Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
Click OK.
On your PlayStation, navigate to Network settings and set up a new network connection. Choose the Use a LAN Cable option, select Easy, then decline to use a proxy server.

For macOS, follow this process:

Search for System Preferences in the menu.
Navigate to Sharing and then Internet Sharing.
Select WiFi in the Share your connection from the dropdown menu.
Enable Internet Sharing if it isn’t already.
On your PlayStation, go to Network settings and set up a new network connection. Choose the Use a LAN Cable option, select Easy, then decline to use a proxy server.

Once you get set up, you shouldn’t have any problem using your VPN with your PlayStation console.

The best VPNs for PS5

You’ll need to purchase your VPN service before using it with your PS4 or PS5, so ensure you pick the right one. Some of the best VPNs for PlayStation are:

NordVPN: NordVPN is a good all-around VPN that works well for PlayStation console users. It focuses on security so it’s ideal for live streamers and online gaming. It’s also one of the fastest VPNs to work with PlayStation.
ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN makes its own Wi-Fi router, so if your router isn’t able to connect to a VPN, you might consider getting the firmware from ExpressVPN. You can easily switch it on and off using the router app and the low-latency servers are perfect for gaming.
SurfShark: SurfShark provides quick access to US-based streaming services and has no connection limit, so you can use it for as many devices as you want. It also blocks ads and trackers automatically and doesn’t keep any logs.
CyberGhost: With over 7,000 high-speed servers, lag isn’t a problem when using CyberGhost. You can also connect up to seven devices and block ads, malware, and trackers with this VPN.
PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN has far fewer servers than its competitors but it has lightning-fast speeds. The range of services you can unblock with PrivateVPN is extensive as well, and it comes with encryption, kill switch, and leak protection.

Using a VPN with your PlayStation console

If you want to use a VPN with your PS4 or PS5, there are ways to make it happen. With the simple methods outlined above, you can access geo-blocked games and streaming content, and keep your data private. Additionally, if you’re looking to setup VPN on Xbox, similar steps can be followed to ensure you get the same benefits of privacy and access to restricted content on your gaming console.