Playstation VPN Setup Guide (2023)

A VPN establishes a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. A VPN does this by masking your internet protocol (IP) address and location with an alternative IP address.

An IP address will reveal to third parties your general physical location and can also be used to track your online activities. Your IP address can reveal certain information to third parties, particularly your general location and your internet service provider (ISP). Although third parties cannot specifically identify your identity based on your IP address alone, your ISP will be able to identify who you are based on your IP address.

VPNs are most commonly used for online privacy. They are also used by businesses to establish remote access to their network and increase their network security.

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There are several reasons to consider using a VPN on PlayStation 4 (PS4) or PlayStation 5 (PS5), including:

• Increased security and anonymity: If you typically use a VPN to mask your IP address, it only makes sense that you’ll want your PlayStation to be protected too. Because a VPN will mask your IP address, it allows you to game anonymously and protects your identity.
• Protection from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks: Gamers can sometimes become targets of DDoS attacks that disrupt their gaming sessions. A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt a target website or online server by flooding it with traffic. In gaming, these attacks might be used by other players to disrupt an opponent’s server and make it difficult for them to keep playing. A VPN can protect a player from DDoS attacks because it masks the original IP address a hacker is using.
• Access geo-restricted content and early releases: Using a VPN can enable you to access gaming content that is restricted in your region. This also makes it possible to access games that are released early only in a specific region.

Installing a VPN on your PlayStation is not as straightforward of a process as installing one on your laptop or mobile device because you cannot download the software directly on your PlayStation, but there are other methods for setting up a VPN.

There are a few options available:

• Installing a VPN on your router
• Connecting your PS4 or PS5 to your computer that is using a VPN
• Setting up a VPN for your PS4 or PS5 through a mobile app

We cover these options and how to set them up below.

Setting up a VPN on your router will ensure that any device that connects to your Wi-Fi connection will be protected. Installing a VPN to your router is likely the easiest way to set up a VPN not only for your PlayStation but for any other device that connects to the internet. What makes it convenient is that it’s always there—you don’t have to worry about whether it’s off or on.

The process of configuring a VPN to your router will be different for each router and VPN provider. Many routers do support a VPN connection and the process of configuring it is as simple as inputting your account details in your Wi-Fi router settings.

VPN providers also sell routers with a VPN already preconfigured. If you want to configure a VPN manually, the best way to go is to refer to the instructions on your VPN provider’s website. Generally, they will list the steps for each option. For example, ExpressVPN provides the firmware to install for your router based on which device you currently own. VPN providers will typically also provide tech support.

You can turn on a VPN on your Mac and then connect your PlayStation to your device using an ethernet cable as a way for your PlayStation to be connected to a VPN too.

Here is how to set that up:

1. Install the VPN on your Mac. This is a straightforward process. Once you sign up for a VPN, you will typically be directed to follow a series of prompts by your VPN provider about how to get it set up. Read our guide about how to set up a VPN.
2. Connect your ethernet cable to your computer on one end and your PS4 on the other.
3. On your Mac, select System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.
4. Make sure “Share your connection from” is set to “Wi-Fi.”
5. Under “To computers using” select “Ethernet.”
6. Ensure the new preferences have been set by making sure the light next to “Internet Sharing” is now green.
7. On your Mac, go back to your VPN application and ensure it is connected.
8. On your PS4, select Settings > Network Settings > Set up Internet Connection and then select “Use a LAN cable” This will ensure the PS4’s internet connection is through the Ethernet and that you are connected to the VPN.
9. Select “Do not use a Proxy server” when you are prompted.

The process to connect your VPN through Windows is similar in that you use an ethernet cable once you set up the VPN on your Windows.

1. Install the VPN on your Windows. This is a straightforward process. Once you sign up for a VPN, you will typically be directed to follow a series of prompts by your VPN provider about how to get it set up.
2. Connect your ethernet cable to your computer on one end and your PlayStation on the other.
3. Select Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections > Change adapter options.
4. Select the Ethernet icon and click Properties.
5. Check the box that says, “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
6. Under home networking connection select “Ethernet.”
7. On your PS4, select Settings > Network Settings > Set up Internet Connection and then select “Use a LAN cable” This will ensure the PS4’s internet connection is through the Ethernet and that you are connected to the VPN. On PS5 you will be set up once you select “Set up Internet Connection.”

When connecting to a VPN through a mobile app you will have to make sure that your VPN supports sharing.

1. Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi router.
2. Connect your PlayStation to the same router, either through a LAN cable or Wi-Fi.
3. Download the application called Every Proxy.
4. Inside the app, choose the same IP address that is being used for the phone and for your PlayStation.
5. In your console, choose Manual settings for Wi-Fi connection. Then under Proxy Server, select “Use.” You will be prompted to input your host IP address and port number. When the connection is successful, you’ll be connected through your VPN.
6. You can check whether your PS4 or PS5 is connected to your VPN by typing in “What is my IP address” in the console and making sure the IP address matches your VPN’s address.

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There are several different ways to set up a VPN for your PlayStation. Installing a VPN to your router may be the most straightforward option as once you set it up, every device you connect to your Wi-Fi will always be connected to your VPN. The other alternative options are to connect your PlayStation to your computer that is using a VPN or to use a mobile app. While each of these options involves a few steps, they are all manageable. Once you set up a VPN for your PlayStation, you’ll have increased security, anonymity and potentially the ability to access games in other regions.