How to Use VPN on PS4 and PS5: 4 Ways to Connect Via VPN

Setting up a VPN on a PC or smartphone is pretty straightforward, but the same can’t be said for consoles, especially Sony’s PS4 and PS5. Much to the dismay of gamers, Sony doesn’t allow VPN apps on its platform, which means you can’t just browse Sony’s PlayStation Store, find the NordVPN or ExpressVPN app, and set up a connection.

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

But before you click discouraged, 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 slow online connections and more. Here we outline the four best ways to use a VPN on PS4 and PS5.

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

Why use a VPN on my PS4 or PS5?

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

First of all, it can lower your ping, which means reduced lag when playing online, and it will also protect you from potential DDOS attacks if you’re a streamer.

Along with improved online game performance, you’ll also be able to play new games before they’re released in your region. Games that release on the same day usually become available to download and play in Australia a few hours before those in the UK and US. But, by using 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 around the world. Did someone say US Netflix?

As we touched on, the big catch is that you can’t set up a VPN service or install an app directly on the consoles. This means that the process is a little more complicated than some might like, but there are four main options available to you.

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

Since your console gets its internet connection from your router, this is the first device in the chain that could provide a VPN connection.

Many modern routers support a VPN connection – all you need to do is manually enter your account details into your Wi-Fi router settings.

The problem is that the steps vary depending on the brand of your router and your VPN service, which means it’s almost impossible for us to explain how to do it 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 details including:

Service name
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 one that does, like a Wi-Fi router ExpressVPN or one from a provider such as FlashRouters. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s by far the easiest way to set up a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.

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

Note that running a VPN on your router means that every device that connects to the internet will have to use the VPN connection, which can cause issues for some devices.

Set up Smart DNS on your PS4 or PS5

If using a VPN router is a bit too much of a stretch for your needs, there’s a way to change the location on devices that don’t officially support VPNs. It’s called Smart DNS and it’s pretty easy to set up – the catch is that not all VPN providers offer this feature.

It’s not 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 have a specific territory you want to connect your console to it. a good option.

The good news is that ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN all offer the feature, so if that’s 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 get a Smart DNS address to use on PlayStation.

Once you’ve obtained 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 Setup Internet Connection and select LAN or Wi-Fi depending on what you are using.
Select Custom.
Set the IP address to Auto.
Set DHCP Host to Do Not Specify.
Set DNS to Manual and enter the Smart DNS provided by your VPN.
Set the 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 LAN or Wi-Fi depending on what you are using.
Highlight your connection and press the Options button to display the options menu.
Select Advanced Settings.
Set the IP address to Auto.
Set DHCP Host to Do Not Specify.
In the DNS Settings section, select Manual.
Enter the Smart DNS you got from your VPN provider and click 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 be able to successfully connect to your Smart DNS and be able to access content from abroad on your console.

Setup a VPN for PS4 or PS5 via 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 will need both an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi connection (or a second Ethernet port) as it will need to be able to connect to your broadband router for an Internet connection.

Also make sure that you are already registered with a VPN provider as you will need the login details.

Install the VPN software of your choice on your PC, and connect.
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 side of the window.
Right-click on your VPN connection and click Properties.
Open the Sharing tab and make sure “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” is selected.
Select Home network connection and select your internet connection from the drop-down menu. Note that this will need to be a Wi-Fi connection if you only have one Ethernet port on your PC.
On your PS4, go to Settings > Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Use LAN Cable and select the easy connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Configure Internet Connection. This will automatically scan and configure your Ethernet connection.
Select “Do not use proxy server” when prompted.
You can test your internet connection if you wish, 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 through your Mac

If you don’t have a Windows PC, another option is to use a Mac and an Ethernet cable, if you have both handy. Make sure your Mac has an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi connection, 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.

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.
From the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu, select Wi-Fi.
In the “To computers using” list, make sure Ethernet is checked.
Check the box to the left of Internet Sharing in the list to enable sharing of your Internet connection and confirm the decision if prompted. A green icon will appear if successful.
Open the VPN software on your Mac and connect to the server of your choice.
On your PS4, go to Settings > Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Use LAN Cable and select the easy connection method. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Configure Internet Connection. This will automatically scan and configure your Ethernet connection.
Select “Do not use proxy server” when prompted.
You can test your internet connection if you wish, and if everything went well, your console should now be connected to the internet via a VPN.