How to use VPN on PS4 and PS5: 4 ways to connect via VPN

Using a VPN on your phone, laptop or PC is generally quite simple. Unfortunately, the process is much more complex if you want to use one on Sony’s PS4 and PS5. Much to the dismay of gamers, Sony doesn’t allow VPN apps on its platform, meaning you can’t simply browse Sony’s PlayStation Store, find the NordVPN or ExpressVPN app and connect.

In fact, you can’t even sideload VPN apps because the consoles simply don’t support them.

But before you click away in discouragement, there are a handful of unofficial ways to use a VPN on the PS4 or PS5 to access other regions of Netflix, get early access to new games, improve laggy online connections, and more. We outline here the four best ways to use a VPN on PS4 and PS5.

Oh, and if you also have the last-gen Xbox, be sure to check out our guide to setting up a VPN on Xbox.

Why should I use a VPN on my PS4 or PS5?

Before we explain the different methods, let’s first talk about Why you may want to use a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.

Firstly, it can reduce your ping, which means a reduction in lag when gaming online, and it also protects you from possible DDOS attacks if you’re a streamer.

In addition to improving online gaming performance, you may also be able to play new games before they are released in your region. Same-day games in Australia can usually be downloaded and played several hours before those in the UK and US. But if you use a VPN, you can trick your console into thinking you’re in Australia and get early access to the latest PlayStation titles.

Oh, and using the console’s streaming apps you can access geo-locked content from all over the world. Did someone say American Netflix?

As we said, the big problem is that you cannot configure a VPN service or install an app directly on the consoles. This means the process is a little more complicated than some might like, but there are four main options open to you.

Set up a PS4 or PS5 VPN via a Wi-Fi router

Because your console gets its internet connection from your router, it is the first device in the chain that can provide a VPN connection.

Many modern routers support a VPN connection. All you have to do is manually enter your account information in your Wi-Fi router settings.

The problem is that the steps vary depending on your router brand and VPN service, which means it’s almost impossible for us to explain how to do this here. However, the general process is to log into your router, find the settings menu, and find a VPN page. Here you will be asked to enter information including:

• Name of the service
• Server address
• Your account name/email address
• Your password
• A pre-shared key for encryption

If your router doesn’t support VPN connections, you can invest in a router that does a Wi-Fi router from ExpressVPN or one from a supplier such as FlashRouters. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is by far the easiest way to set up a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.

Before you do that, you need to decide which provider you want to use. NordVPN is one of the best all-rounders and is a good option for those who want to manually enter VPN details, as there are plenty of tutorials on how to do this on different routers on its website. There’s no shortage of VPN providers, though, and we’ve listed our favorites in our roundup of the best VPN services for those new to the world of virtual private networks.

Keep in mind that running a VPN on your router means that every device that connects to the internet will have to use the VPN connection, and that can cause problems for some devices.

Set up a Smart DNS on your PS4 or PS5

If using a VPN router is a bit overkill for your needs, there is a way to change location on devices that don’t officially support VPNs. It’s called Smart DNS and is quite easy to set up. The catch is that not all VPN providers offer this functionality.

It’s not as slick as a VPN, it doesn’t allow quick location changes like a full VPN app, and it doesn’t encrypt your data, but if you have a specific area you want to connect your console to it’s a good option.

The good news is that Surf shark, NordVPN And ExpressVPN they all offer the functionality, so if this is the route you want to take, you’ll need to subscribe to one of those services. If you use ExpressVPN, it has a handy guide on how to obtain a Smart DNS address for use on PlayStation.

Once you’ve received your Smart DNS address from your VPN provider, here’s how to use it on your console:

PS4

1. Go to the Settings menu.
2. Select Network.
3. Select Set up Internet connection and select LAN or Wi-Fi, depending on which you are using.
4. Select Custom.
5. Set the IP address to Auto.
6. Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
7. Set DNS to Manual and enter the Smart DNS provided to you by your VPN.
8. Set MUT settings to Auto.
9. Set proxy server to Do not use.
10. Select Test Internet Connection to verify your settings.

PS5

1. Go to the Settings menu.
2. Select Network.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select ‘Set up internet connection’ and select LAN or Wi-Fi, depending on which you use.
5. Highlight your connection and press the Options button to open the options menu.
6. Select Advanced settings.
7. Set the IP address to Auto.
8. Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
9. Select Manual in the DNS Settings section.
10. Enter the Smart DNS provided by your VPN provider and click Next.
11. Set MUT to Auto.
12. Set proxy server to Do not use.
13. Select Test Internet Connection to verify your settings.

If all goes well, you should successfully connect to your Smart DNS and be able to access content from abroad on your console.

Set up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via a Windows PC

If your VPN doesn’t offer Smart DNS functionality, there’s also a way to share a connection from Windows, essentially turning your PC into a virtual router. Your computer needs both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi (or a second Ethernet port), because it needs to be able to connect to your broadband router for an Internet connection.

Also make sure you have already signed up with a VPN provider as you will need the login details.

1. Install the VPN software of your choice on your PC and connect to it.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the back of your PC (or laptop) and the other end to the PS4 or PS5.
3. Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and select Change adapter settings on the left side of the window.

4. Right-click on your VPN connection and click Properties.

   

5. Open the Sharing tab and make sure that ‘Allow other network users to connect using this computer’s Internet connection’ is selected.

   

6. Select Home Network Connection and select your Internet connection from the drop-down menu. Please note that this must be a Wi-Fi connection if your PC only has one Ethernet port.

   

7. On your PS4, go to Settings > Network settings > Set up internet connection > Use a LAN cable and select the simple connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Internet Connection Setup. This will automatically scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
8. Select “Do not use a proxy server” when prompted.
9. If you want, you can test your internet connection and if everything went well, your console should now be connected to the internet via a VPN.

Set up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via your Mac

If you don’t have a Windows PC, you can also use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, if you have both on hand. Make sure your Mac has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi and is within range of your console.

Oh, and sign up with a VPN provider if you haven’t already – we’ve got a list of the best Mac VPNs if you need help choosing.

1. Install the VPN software of your choice.
2. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the back of your Mac and the other end to the console.
3. Go to System Preferences > Sharing and select Internet Sharing from the list on the left.
   
4. Select Wi-Fi from the ‘Share your connection from’ drop-down menu.

   

5. Make sure Ethernet is checked in the ‘To computers using’ list.
   
6. Check the box to the left of Internet Sharing in the list to enable sharing of your Internet connection and confirm the decision when prompted. If successful, a green icon will appear.
   
7. Open the VPN software on your Mac and connect to your chosen server.
8. On your PS4, go to Settings > Network settings > Set up internet connection > Use a LAN cable and select the simple connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Internet Connection Setup. This will automatically scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
9. Select “Do not use a proxy server” when prompted.
10. If you want, you can test your internet connection and if everything went well, your console should now be connected to the internet via a VPN.

And there you have it! Four easy ways to connect your PS4 or PS5 to the internet via a VPN and reap the benefits.

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