How to Get a VPN on Xbox

These days, your Xbox is practically an entertainment powerhouse. Between gaming marathons, streaming your favorite shows, jamming to Spotify, and catching live Twitch streams, you’re doing way more than just playing games. But here’s the thing – all that online activity makes you a target for hackers, nosy ISPs, and other digital snoops. While Microsoft doesn’t let you install a VPN directly on your Xbox (trust me, we’ve checked), there are some clever workarounds that’ll get you protected without needing a computer science degree.

How to Get a VPN on Xbox

There are three main ways you can make your VPN compatible with Xbox: through your computer, your router, or a personal hotspot.

» Learn About: The Best VPN for Xbox

Through a Computer

Mac

1. Connect your Mac to the internet via an Ethernet cable; it won’t work through Wi-Fi.
2. Go to System Settings.
3. Search for “Sharing”.
4. Click on “Sharing”.
5. Scroll down to “Internet Sharing” and click on the lowercase “i”.
6. Under “Share your connection from,” choose “VPN.”
7. Under “To computers using,” check the box for Wi-Fi.
8. Create a password and a network name.
9. Leave the channel as Default.
10. Set the Security as WPA2 Personal.
11. Click OK.
12. Enable Internet Sharing.
13. Turn your Wi-Fi network on.
14. Click Start.
15. Go into your Xbox’s settings.
16. Join this Wi-Fi network.

>> Learn More: How to Use a VPN for Torrenting

Windows 10

To properly connect your Xbox to your Windows 10 PC, the device must be wireless, with either a built-in interface or an external USB wireless adapter.

1. On your computer, press the Windows button.
2. Type in “cmd”.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
4. In the command prompt window, type in “netsh wlan show drivers” and press Enter.
5. Once you get your Xbox on the same network as your computer, connect your computer to your VPN.
6. Your web activity on your Xbox, as well as your private IP address, will be encrypted.

Once you get your Xbox on the same network as your computer, connect your computer to your VPN. Then, your web activity on your Xbox, as well as your private IP address, will be encrypted.

Through a Router

If you want a more permanent solution that covers all your devices (not just your Xbox), setting up a VPN on your router is the way to go. This method protects your entire home network, so your Xbox automatically connects through the VPN whenever it uses your Wi-Fi. The setup process varies by router brand – check your router manufacturer’s support site for specific instructions, but most modern routers from ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys support VPN configurations.

Through a Hotspot

There’s also the option of creating a personal hotspot on another device and then using that as your Xbox’s Wi-Fi. If your device is connected to a VPN, your Xbox will be, as well.

MacOS or iOS

To add your Xbox to a personal hotspot on your Mac, you’ll need iOS 8 or iPadOS 13 or later (though let’s be real, if you’re still running iOS 7 right now, you’ve got bigger problems than VPN setup).

1. On iOS, go to Settings.
2. Go to Personal Hotspot and toggle it on.
3. Go on your MacBook.
4. Join that network using the password listed on your phone.
5. Add your Xbox to this hotspot network.

Windows

1. On a Windows PC, go to Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Navigate to Mobile hotspot.
4. Select Edit under the Network details.
5. Enter your desired Network name and Network password.
6. Click Save.
7. Toggle on the Share my Internet connection with other devices settings.
8. Connect your Xbox to the mobile hotspot.

Why You Need a VPN on Xbox

A VPN for your Xbox might seem like overkill, but once you understand the benefits, you’ll wonder why you didn’t set one up sooner. Here are the three main reasons gamers and streamers are jumping on the VPN bandwagon:

• Security: If you happen to be using your Xbox on a public Wi-Fi network, using a VPN can prevent hackings. In fact, our VPN research indicated that nearly half of VPN users use the service for general security.
• Privacy: Whether you’re using the Xbox for gaming or to stream, VPNs encrypt all web traffic and IP addresses so your internet service provider won’t see what you’re doing.
• Streaming: Netflix has different libraries in different countries. With a VPN, you can access international content libraries on streaming apps. Plus, if you’re traveling abroad and want to watch your home country’s content, a VPN makes that possible. That’s why there are VPNs for Netflix, VPNs for Hulu, VPNs for Disney+, and more.

How to Choose an Xbox VPN

Our VPN guide gives a great overview of what to look for in a VPN in general, but you want to make sure that your VPN works with your Xbox, primarily.

VPN Xbox Compatibility

Technically, any VPN that works on your computer, phone, or router will work with your Xbox through one of the methods we mentioned. But some VPNs make the process way easier than others. For instance, ExpressVPN has excellent router support with custom firmware for certain models, while NordVPN offers detailed setup guides for each connection method. Pick a VPN that matches your technical comfort level and preferred setup method.

» Read more: VPN setup on the PS5

Free VPNs for Xbox

The best free VPNs that we’ve found for Xbox are:

• Surfshark: Technically not free forever, but Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee that works like a free trial VPN. After the trial period, Surfshark’s pricing starts at $2.19 a month for the two-year package.
• Trust.Zone: Compatible with Xbox 360 only, Trust.Zone is another free trial VPN, but it only lasts for three days. Learn more about Trust.Zone’s subscriptions.

Recap

Your Xbox has evolved into an all-in-one entertainment hub, handling everything from intense Call of Duty sessions to binge-watching The Last of Us on HBO Max. With all that online activity, a VPN isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential for protecting your privacy and unlocking content from around the world.

Sure, Microsoft doesn’t make it easy by blocking direct VPN installation, but the workarounds we’ve covered aren’t rocket science. Whether you go the computer route (our personal favorite for flexibility), set it up on your router (best for whole-home protection), or use a mobile hotspot (perfect for gaming on the go), you’ve got options.

The bottom line? A VPN on your Xbox gives you better privacy, enhanced security, access to geo-restricted content, and can even improve your connection to game servers in other regions. Just make sure you choose a VPN that plays nice with whichever setup method works best for your situation. Your future gaming self will thank you.