Setting up a VPN on a PC or smartphone is simple. Unfortunately, the method is far more complicated if you want to utilize one of VPN on PS4 and PS5. To the dismay of gamers, Sony does not allow VPN apps on its platform, so you cannot just browse Sony’s PlayStation Store, pick the NordVPN or ExpressVPN app, and establish a connection.
In truth, you cannot sideload VPN programs since the consoles do not support them.
But, before you click away dejected, there are a few unauthorized methods to utilize a VPN on the PS4 or PS5 to access different Netflix countries, gain early access to new games, fix sluggish internet connections, and more. Here are the four best methods to use a VPN on the PS4 and PS5.
Why would I use a VPN on my PS4 or PS5?
Before we explain the various methods, let’s talk about why you might want to use a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.
First off, it can reduce your ping, which means a reduction in lag when online gaming, and it’ll also protect you from potential DDOS attacks if you’re a streamer.
Aside from improved online gaming performance, you may be able to play new games before they become available in your region. Games published on the same day are often accessible for download and play in Australia hours before they are in the UK and US. However, by utilizing a VPN, you can mislead your system into believing you’re in Australia and gain early access to the latest PlayStation releases.
Oh, and the console’s streaming applications allow you to access geo-locked material from all around the world. Did someone mention US Netflix?
As we’ve alluded to, the big problem is that you can’t configure a VPN service or install an app directly on the consoles. This means the process is a little more involved than some might like, but there are four main options open to you.
Because your console receives its internet connection via your router, this is the first device in the chain that may provide a VPN connection.
Many current routers offer VPN connections; all you have to do is manually enter your account information into your router’s settings.
The problem is that the procedures differ depending on your router model and VPN provider, making it nearly hard for us to describe how to accomplish it here. However, the usual procedure is to log into your router, navigate to the settings menu, and search for a VPN page. Here, you’ll be prompted to input details like:
- Name of the service
- Server address
- Your account name/email address
- Your password
- A pre-shared key for encryption
If your router does not accept VPN connections, you might consider purchasing one that does, such as ExpressVPN’s Wi-Fi router or one from a seller like FlashRouters. It is not the cheapest choice, but it is by far the simplest method to configure a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.
Before you do that, you must determine which provider to utilize. NordVPN is one of the greatest all-arounders, and it is a wonderful alternative for individuals who wish to manually enter VPN information because its website contains several lessons on how to do so on a variety of routers. There is no lack of VPN companies out there, but we’ve highlighted our favorites in this roundup of the finest VPN services.
Running a VPN on your router requires every device that connects to the internet to use the VPN connection, which may cause issues for some devices.
Set up a Smart DNS on your PS4 or PS5
If using a VPN router is a little too overkill for your needs, there is a way to change the location on devices that don’t officially support VPNs. It’s called Smart DNS and it’s fairly easy to set up – the catch is that not all VPN providers offer the functionality.
It’s not quite as slick as a VPN, not allowing for quick location changes like with a full VPN app, and it doesn’t encrypt your data, but if you’ve got a specific territory you’d like to connect your console to it’s a good option.
The good thing is that Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all have the feature, so if this is the option you want to go, you’ll need to subscribe to one of these services. If you’re using ExpressVPN, there’s a great article on how to acquire a Smart DNS address for PlayStation.
Once you’ve received your Smart DNS address from your VPN provider, follow these steps to utilize it on your console:
PS4
- Head to the Settings menu.
- Select Network.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection and select either LAN or Wi-Fi depending on which you use.
- Select Custom.
- Set IP address to Auto.
- Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
- Set DNS to Manual, and input the Smart DNS your VPN provided you with.
- Set MUT Settings to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- Select Test Internet Connection to verify your settings.
PS5
- Head to the Settings menu.
- Select Network.
- Select Settings.
- Select ‘Set up Internet Connection’ and select either LAN or Wi-Fi depending on which you use.
- Highlight your connection and press the Options button to bring up the options menu.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Set IP address to Auto.
- Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
- On the DNS settings section, select Manual.
- Input the Smart DNS you got from your VPN provider, and hit Next.
- Set MUT to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- 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 Windows PC
If your VPN does not support Smart DNS, you can share a connection from Windows, thus converting your PC into a virtual router. To connect to your broadband router and access the internet, your computer will require both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi (or a second Ethernet port).
- Install the VPN software of your choice on your PC, and connect to it.
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the back of your PC (or laptop) and the other end into the PS4 or PS5.
- Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and select Change Adapter Settings on the left-hand side of the window.
4. Right-click on your VPN connection and click Properties.
7. On your PS4, go to Settings > Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable and select the Easy connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. This will automatically scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
8. Select “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
9. You can test your internet connection if you want, and if all has gone 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 own a Windows PC, another option is to use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, if you’ve got both to hand. Make sure that your Mac has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi, and is in range of your console.
Oh, and sign up to a VPN provider if you haven’t already –
- Install the VPN software of your choice.
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the back of your Mac and the other end into the console.
- Go to System Preferences > Sharing and select Internet Sharing from the list on the left-hand side.
4. From the ‘Share your connection from’ drop-down menu, select Wi-Fi.
5. From the ‘To computers using’ list, make sure Ethernet is ticked.
6. Check the box to the left of Internet Sharing on the list to enable the sharing of your internet connection, and confirm the decision if prompted. A green icon will be displayed if successful.
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 Easy connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. This will automatically scan and set up your Ethernet connection.
9. Select “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
10. You can test your internet connection if you want, and if all has gone well, your console should now be connected to the internet via a VPN.
So there you have it! Four simple methods to connect your PS4 or PS5 to the internet using VPN and gain the rewards.
