When it comes to using a VPN on your phone, laptop, or PC, the process is generally straightforward. However, things get a bit more complicated when trying to set up a VPN on Sony’s PS4 and PS5. Sony does not allow VPN apps on its platform, making it impossible to simply download a VPN app from the PlayStation Store and establish a connection.
Even sideloading VPN apps is not an option as the consoles do not support them.
But don’t lose hope just yet. There are a few unofficial methods to use a VPN on the PS4 or PS5 to access content from different regions, get early access to new games, improve online connections, and more. Here are the four best ways to use a VPN on PS4 and PS5.
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If you also own an Xbox, check out our guide on setting up a VPN on Xbox.
Why would I use a VPN on my PS4 or PS5?
Before we dive into the methods, let’s discuss why you might want to use a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.
Using a VPN can help reduce ping, minimize lag during online gaming, and protect against potential DDOS attacks for streamers.
In addition to improving online gaming performance, you can also access new games before they’re officially released in your region. By tricking your console into thinking you’re in a different location, you can get early access to the latest PlayStation titles.
Furthermore, by using the console’s streaming apps, you can access geo-locked content from around the world, including US Netflix.
The main challenge lies in the fact that you can’t directly configure a VPN service or install an app on the consoles. However, there are four main options available to you.
Set up a PS4 or PS5 VPN via Wi-Fi router
Since your console connects to the internet through your router, this is the first device that can provide a VPN connection.
Many modern routers support VPN connections, requiring you to manually enter your account details in the router settings.
The steps vary based on your router brand and VPN service, making it challenging to provide a universal guide. Generally, you need to log into your router, access the settings menu, and locate the VPN page. Here, you’ll need to input details such as the service name, server address, account name/email, password, and encryption pre-shared key.
If your router doesn’t support VPN connections, consider investing in one that does, such as a Wi-Fi router from ExpressVPN or FlashRouters. While this may not be the most budget-friendly option, it’s the easiest way to set up a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.
Before making a decision, choose a VPN provider to use. NordVPN is a popular choice with plenty of tutorials on setting up VPN details on various routers available on their website. There are many VPN providers to choose from, so be sure to explore your options.
Keep in mind that running a VPN on your router means that all devices connecting to the internet will use the VPN connection, which may cause issues for some devices.
Set up a Smart DNS on your PS4 or PS5
If setting up a VPN router seems excessive for your needs, consider using Smart DNS to change your console’s location. While not as seamless as a VPN, Smart DNS is easy to set up and offered by select VPN providers.
Smart DNS doesn’t provide the same level of encryption as a VPN, but it allows you to connect your console to a specific region. Providers like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN offer Smart DNS functionality, requiring a subscription to access this feature.
If you opt for ExpressVPN, they provide a helpful guide on obtaining a Smart DNS address for PlayStation usage.
Once you have your Smart DNS address from your VPN provider, follow these steps to use it on your console:
PS4
- Go to Settings menu.
- Select Network.
- Choose Set Up Internet Connection and pick LAN or Wi-Fi based on your connection.
- Select Custom.
- Set IP address to Auto.
- Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
- Set DNS to Manual and enter the provided Smart DNS.
- Set MUT Settings to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- Select Test Internet Connection to confirm settings.
PS5
- Access the Settings menu.
- Choose Network.
- Select Settings.
- Choose ‘Set up Internet Connection’ and select LAN or Wi-Fi based on your connection.
- Highlight your connection and press the Options button to access the menu.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Set IP address to Auto.
- Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
- Under DNS settings, choose Manual.
- Enter the Smart DNS from your VPN provider and proceed.
- Set MUT to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- Test Internet Connection to verify settings.
If successful, your console should be connected to Smart DNS, allowing access to international content.
Set up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via Windows PC
If your VPN provider doesn’t offer Smart DNS, you can share a connection from Windows to turn your PC into a virtual router. Your computer needs both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi to connect to the broadband router.
Make sure to sign up with a VPN provider before proceeding.
- Install the VPN software on your PC and connect to it.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your PC and the other end to the PS4 or PS5.
- Access Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and select Change Adapter Settings.
- Right-click on your VPN connection and choose Properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab and ensure ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection’ is selected.
- Select Home Networking Connection and choose your internet connection from the drop-down menu.
- If you only have one Ethernet port on your PC, it must be a Wi-Fi connection.
- On your console, go to Settings > Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable and choose Easy connection method for PS4. For PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection to scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
- Choose “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
- Test your internet connection to ensure the console is connected via VPN.
Set up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via your Mac
If you don’t have a Windows PC, you can use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, provided your Mac has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi within range of your console.
Make sure to sign up with a VPN provider and install the VPN software on your Mac.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your Mac and the other end to the console.
- Access System Preferences > Sharing and choose Internet Sharing from the list.
- Select Wi-Fi under ‘Share your connection from’.
- Ensure Ethernet is checked under ‘To computers using’.
- Enable Internet Sharing to share your connection and confirm if prompted.
- Open the VPN software on your Mac and connect to a server.
- On your console, go to Settings > Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable and choose Easy connection method for PS4. For PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection to scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
- Choose “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
- Test your internet connection to ensure successful VPN connectivity.
With these methods, you can easily connect your PS4 or PS5 to the internet using a VPN and enjoy the benefits it offers.
