How to Set Up a VPN on PlayStation

Let’s face it: The world is a better place because PlayStation exists. Where else can you play Call of Duty one minute and get your Netflix on the next? PlayStation is just like every other device, though, in one important regard – if you’re taking it online, you need a VPN.

VPNs route your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel, and at the other end of that tunnel, assign you a new IP address so you can surf in complete anonymity. You don’t have to worry about hackers stealing your identity or the government tracking your browsing history. You can also get access to streaming content that’s only available in certain countries.

Here’s the problem: PlayStation 4 and 5 don’t support VPNs. That means if you’re going to protect yourself when you’re online, you’re going to have to get creative.

We have no idea why Sony refuses to allow VPN apps on its platform. You can’t even download a VPN app onto PlayStation. There are two good workarounds for this situation, though. You can either connect to a VPN through your existing router, or you can use your computer to set up a virtual router.

That’s it. Every time you log on to the internet from your PS4, your connection will be protected by the VPN. Your data will be encrypted, and your actual IP address will be hidden behind an address assigned to you by the VPN.

There is a downside to using this method, though. It’s not easy to select a different server for your VPN. One of the advantages of using a VPN is that you can access streaming content from all over the world. Often, though, you need to be connected to a server in the location you’re trying to stream from. If you’re using the router method for connecting to the VPN, you’ll need to reconfigure your router’s settings every time you want to switch to a new server. If you do a lot of server-hopping, that can get tedious.

Create a Virtual Windows Router

If you’re looking to expand your content by server-hopping, you might prefer a different method – one that lets you reset your location just by pressing a button. You’ll still be using a router, only this time that router will be virtual. Setup takes a little more time than with the previous method, and you’ll need an Ethernet cord; however, once you’re set up, changing VPN settings is a breeze.

Here are the instructions if you’re on a Windows computer:

1. Choose a VPN. You might want to consider one of our best VPNs for Windows devices.
2. Sign up for a subscription to the VPN.
3. Download the VPN onto your computer and install the software.
4. Log in to the VPN and choose a server.
5. Once you’re connected to the VPN, navigate to Settings.
6. Go to Network & Internet.
7. Navigate to Mobile hotspot.
8. Select Edit under the Network details.
9. Enter your desired Network name and Network password.
10. Click Save.
11. Toggle on the Share my Internet connection with other devices setting.
12. Log on to your PlayStation.
13. Navigate to Settings.
14. Then click on Network and then Set Up Internet Connection.
15. Choose your computer’s new Wi-Fi hotspot.
16. If asked, choose Easy as your connection method.
17. If asked, choose Do Not Use Proxy Server.

Create a Virtual Mac Router

The instructions for using a Mac device as your virtual server are similar, except there’s no Wi-Fi option since Macs can’t send and receive Wi-Fi at the same time.

1. Choose a VPN and sign up for a subscription.
2. Install the VPN app on your Mac.
3. Plug one end of your Ethernet cord into your Mac’s Ethernet port.
4. Go to System Settings.
5. Search for on “Sharing”.
6. Click on “Sharing”.
7. Scroll down to “Internet Sharing” and click on the lowercase “i”.
8. Under Share Your Connection From, choose VPN.
9. Under In To Computer Using, check the box for Wi-Fi.
10. Create a password and a network name.
11. Leave the channel as Default.
12. Set the Security as WPA2 Personal.
13. Click OK.
14. Enable Internet Sharing.
15. Turn your Wi-Fi network on.
16. Plug the other end of your Ethernet cord into your PlayStation’s Ethernet port.
17. Log on to your PlayStation.
18. Go to “Settings”.
19. Click on “Network”.
20. Choose “Use a LAN Cable”.
21. When asked, choose Easy as your connection method.
22. When asked, choose Do Not Use Proxy Server.

Whether you’re using a Windows device or a Mac, the advantage to the virtual modem method is that because you’re using your computer to access the VPN, you’ll be able to use the VPN’s app to adjust settings. This includes changing which servers you connect to.

» Multiple consoles: Learn how to install a VPN on the Xbox

Why You Need a VPN on PlayStation

You may not have thought about using a VPN with your PlayStation, but there are actually several good reasons to do so.

• Security: First and foremost, a VPN will protect you from malicious cyberattacks, particularly if you happen to be using your PlayStation on a public Wi-Fi.
• Privacy: Even if you’re using your PlayStation on your own home ISP, the government can access your browsing history just by subpoenaing your provider. A VPN conceals your IP address, so not even the government can track you.
• Less Lag: When you’re gaming, you want the lowest ping rate possible. Low latency means less lag and better gameplay. A VPN uses a more direct route to send data packets than an ISP. As a result, you get a better ping rate.
• More content: If you’re not using a VPN, you’re probably missing out on tons of content. Streaming services like Netflix, for instance, offer different shows and movies in different countries. To access that content, though, you’ll have to convince the service you’re in the country where it’s offered. To do that, you’ll need a VPN. In the same way, you can get extra gaming content as well.
• No throttling: If you happen to use an ISP that throttles your service each month, a VPN is the answer. A VPN hides your activities behind its own IP addresses, so your ISP can’t tell exactly what you’re doing online. You can surf anywhere and to your heart’s content.

Choosing a PlayStation VPN

No VPN is right for everyone and every situation, but our complete VPN guide has all the information you need to make the perfect choice for your needs.

» Learn about: Installing a VPN on a Nintendo Switch

Recap

Personally, we hope Sony changes its attitude towards VPN apps. Sometimes you just need that extra layer of security. Until the company does, though, you now have a couple of options for solving the problem yourself.

We hope this guide will help you to connect to a VPN using alternative methods. There’s no reason you can’t enjoy gaming on PlayStation with ultra-fast speeds and anonymity.