In this article, we are going to go over the best VPN for PS4 and how to use them, so you can secure your console’s connection and access geo-locked content.
Setting up and using a VPN on a computer or smartphone is simple, but it’s not the case with consoles – especially Sony’s PS4 and PS5. Because Sony does not allow VPN apps on its platform, you won’t be able to access the PlayStation Store and download NordVPN or ExpressVPN software. The consoles don’t support Sideloading VPN apps, so you can’t do it. That’s not good news, but there are still a few options for using a VPN on the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 to watch different parts of Netflix, gain early access to new games, improve laggy online connections, and more. Here we’ll tell you how to use a VPN for PS4 or PS5 in all possible ways.
Why would you use a VPN on your PS4 or PS5?
Let’s start by explaining why you would want to use a VPN for PS4 or PS5. First and foremost, using a VPN on your PlayStation 4 can help you minimize ping while online gaming, as well as protect you from DDOS assaults if you’re a streamer.
Aside from increasing your online gaming performance, you may be able to play new games before they’re released in your region. Games that are unveiled on the same day typically become available for download and play in Australia hours before those in the United Kingdom and the United States. You can trick your console into thinking you’re in Australia by using a VPN, therefore get early access to the newest PlayStation games. Oh, and you may use the console’s streaming applications to access geo-restricted material from all over the world.
Setting up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via Wi-Fi router
This is the first device in the chain that can provide a VPN connection since your console gets its internet connection from your router. Most current routers support VPN connections, and all you have to do is check your Wi-Fi router settings manually. The process varies based on your router’s brand and VPN service, making it difficult for us to describe here. However, look for a VPN page within your router’s settings menu. You’ll be required to supply information such as:
- Name of the service
- Server address
- Your account name/email address
- Your password
- A pre-shared key for encryption
Setting up a Smart DNS on your PS4 or PS5
If you don’t have a VPN router and want to change the location on devices that don’t officially support VPNs, there is a technique called Smart DNS. It’s known as Smart DNS and it’s rather simple to set up, with the exception that not all VPN services provide the feature.
It’s not quite as slick as a VPN, doesn’t allow for fast location changes like a complete VPN software, and doesn’t encrypt your information, but if you want to connect your console to a certain region it’s a viable alternative. Here’s how to use your Smart DNS address on your console once you’ve gotten it from your VPN provider.
PS4
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select Network.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select either LAN or Wi-Fi depending on which one 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 of choice provided you.
- Set MUT Settings to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- Select Test Internet Connection to verify your settings.
PS5
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select Network.
- Select Settings.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select either LAN or Wi-Fi depending on which one you use.
- To access the options menu, highlight your connection and then press the Options button.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Set IP address to Auto.
- Set DCHP Host to Do Not Specify.
- On the DNS settings section, select Manual.
- Set DNS to Manual, and input the Smart DNS your VPN of choice provided you.
- Set MUT to Auto.
- Set Proxy Server to Do Not Use.
- Select Test Internet Connection to verify your settings.
If everything goes as planned, you should be able to connect to your Smart DNS and view foreign content on your console.
Setting up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via your PC
If your VPN doesn’t include Smart DNS features, you may share a connection from Windows by turning your PC into a virtual router. Because it will need to connect to your home broadband router for an internet connection, your computer will need both an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi or a second Ethernet port. Also, double-check that you’ve already joined a VPN service since you’ll need the login details.
- On your PC, download and install the VPN software of your choice. After that, connect to it.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable from the back of your PC or laptop to the PS4 or PS5.
- Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center and choose Change Adapter Settings on the left side of the screen.
- Right-click on your VPN connection and click Properties.
- Open the Sharing tab and check that ‘Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection is selected.
- Select Home Networking Connection and select your internet connection from the menu.
- 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.
- Choose “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
If everything went as planned, your console should now be linked to the internet via a VPN.
Setting up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via your Mac
Another alternative is to use a Mac and an Ethernet connection if you have them available. Check that your Mac has an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi, as well as being in the range of your console. Then, follow these steps:
- On your Mac, download and install the VPN software of your choice.
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable from the back of your Mac to the PS4 or PS5.
- Go to System Preferences > Sharing and select Internet Sharing from the list.
- From the ‘Share your connection from’ drop-down menu, select Wi-Fi.
- From the ‘To computers using’ list, make sure Ethernet is enabled.
- On the list, check the box to the left of “Internet Sharing” to enable sharing of your internet connection, and confirm if prompted. If everything has worked out correctly, a green icon will appear.
- Open the VPN software and connect to a server.
- 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.
- Select “Do Not Use a Proxy Server” when prompted.
If everything went as planned, your console should now be linked to the internet via a VPN.
Best VPN for PS4
The following VPNs are all outstanding alternatives for your PS4 and PS5, from the simplicity of use to the best features, value for money, and secure operation.
We hope that you enjoyed this article on the best VPN for PS4 and how to use them. If you did, you might also like to check out Sony announces three month Apple TV+ trial for PS4 users, or how to increase PS4 and Xbox One storage using an external hard drive.