Using a VPN on your phone, laptop, or PC is usually very straightforward. Unfortunately, the method is far more complicated if you want to utilize one on Sony’s PS4 and PS5. To the dismay of gamers, Sony does not allow VPN apps on its platform, so you cannot simply browse Sony’s PlayStation Store, find the NordVPN or ExpressVPN app, and establish a connection.
In truth, you cannot sideload VPN programs because the consoles do not support them.
But, before you click away dejected, there are a few unauthorized ways to utilize a VPN on the PS4 or PS5 to access other Netflix countries, gain early access to new games, fix laggy online connections, and more. We highlight the four best ways of using a VPN on PS4 and PS5 right here.
Why would I use a VPN on my PS4 or PS5?
Before we go into the various techniques, let’s discuss why you might want to utilize a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.
For starters, it can lower your ping, resulting in less lag when playing online games, and it can also defend you from any DDOS attacks if you broadcast.
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 thinking you’re in Australia and gain early access to the latest PlayStation titles.
Oh, and the console’s streaming apps allow you to access geo-locked content from all around the world. Did someone mention US Netflix?
As previously said, the main issue is that you are unable to configure a VPN service or install an app directly on the console. This means the process is a little more complicated than some would prefer, but you have four primary options.
Set up a PS4 or PS5 VPN via Wi-Fi router
Because your console receives its internet connection from your router, this is the first device in the chain that may provide a VPN connection.
Many modern routers offer VPN connections; all you have to do is manually enter your account information in the Wi-Fi router settings.
The problem is that the steps differ depending on your router model and VPN service, making it nearly hard for us to explain 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 asked 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 could 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 way 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 numerous lessons on how to do so on a variety of routers. There is no shortage of VPN companies out there, but we’ve highlighted our favorites in this roundup of the best VPN services for those new to the world of virtual private networks.
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 employing a VPN router is too much for your requirements, there is a technique to alter the location on devices that do not officially support VPNs. It’s called Smart DNS and is rather simple to configure; however, not all VPN providers support it.
It’s not as seamless as a VPN, as it doesn’t allow for quick location changes like a full VPN program and doesn’t secure your data, but if you want to connect your console to a certain country, it’s a viable choice.
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 get a Smart DNS address for PlayStation.
Once you’ve got your Smart DNS address from your VPN provider, here’s how to use 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).
Also, make sure you’ve already joined up with a VPN provider, as you’ll need the login information.
- 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.
5. Open the Sharing tab and make sure ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection’ is selected.
6. Select Home Networking Connection and select your internet connection from the drop-down menu. Note that this will have to be a Wi-Fi connection if you’ve only got a single Ethernet port on your PC.
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
providing you don’t have a Windows PC, you can use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, providing you have both on hand. Make sure your Mac has an Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, and is within range of your console.
Oh, and if you haven’t already, sign up for a VPN provider; we’ve compiled a list of the best Mac VPNs if you need help deciding.
- 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 ways to connect your PS4 or PS5 to the internet using VPN and gain the rewards.
