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How to Put a VPN on a PS5: A Gamer’s Guide to Enhanced Security and Access

The PlayStation 5 (PS5), a gaming powerhouse, doesn’t natively support VPN (Virtual Private Network) applications. To get a VPN running on your console, you’ll need to employ workarounds involving your home network or a dedicated router. Essentially, you’ll be routing your PS5’s internet connection through a VPN-protected source, giving it the benefits of location masking, potential speed improvements, and enhanced security.

Why Use a VPN on Your PS5? The Need for Speed… and Security!

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Why bother going through the extra steps of setting up a VPN for your PS5? The answer lies in several key benefits:

Accessing Region-Locked Content: Ever wanted to play a game before its official release in your region, or access content unavailable in your country? A VPN can mask your IP address, making it appear as if you’re connecting from a different location, unlocking geo-restricted content.
Enhanced Security and Privacy: Gaming isn’t always a safe haven. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, shielding you from potential DDoS attacks (distributed denial-of-service) often used by disgruntled opponents, and protecting your personal information from being intercepted.
Bypassing Bandwidth Throttling: ISPs sometimes throttle bandwidth for certain types of traffic, including gaming. A VPN can help circumvent this throttling, potentially improving your ping and overall online gaming experience.
Early Access to Games: As mentioned, a VPN may allow gamers to access games earlier than their local release date by connecting to a server in a region where the game is already available.
Protecting Against Swatting: Though rare, “swatting”—a malicious prank call made to emergency services to trigger a police response at your home—can be targeted. A VPN can help obscure your location and make it harder for malicious actors to identify your physical address.

Three Ways to Get VPN Protection on Your PS5

While the PS5 lacks direct VPN app support, there are proven methods to achieve the desired result:

1. Sharing Your VPN Connection from a Computer

This is the most common and often the simplest method. It involves using your computer (Windows or macOS) as a VPN-protected hotspot.

Step 1: Install a VPN Client on Your Computer: Choose a reputable VPN provider and install their application on your computer. Ensure the provider offers protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard for optimal speed and security.
Step 2: Connect to a VPN Server: Launch the VPN client and connect to a server in your desired location.
Step 3: Create a Mobile Hotspot (Windows) or Share Your Internet Connection (macOS):
- Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Enable the “Share my Internet connection with other devices” toggle. Select the VPN connection from the “Share my Internet connection from” dropdown.
- macOS: Go to System Preferences > Sharing. Select “Internet Sharing” from the list on the left. Choose “Share your connection from” and select the VPN connection. In the “To computers using” section, select “Wi-Fi” and configure the Wi-Fi options (network name and password). Enable the “Internet Sharing” checkbox.
Step 4: Connect Your PS5 to the Hotspot: On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. Select “Use Wi-Fi” and choose the hotspot network you created. Enter the password if required. Run a connection test to verify the connection.

Pros: Relatively easy to set up if you already have a VPN on your computer. No additional hardware is required.

Cons: Your computer needs to be on and connected to the VPN for the PS5 to have VPN protection. Can impact your computer’s performance. Might experience slower speeds compared to a direct router connection.

2. Configuring a VPN on Your Router

This method offers the most consistent and seamless VPN experience for all devices on your network, including your PS5. However, it requires a compatible router and a bit more technical expertise.

Step 1: Check Router Compatibility: Not all routers support VPN client functionality. Check your router’s manual or manufacturer’s website to see if it supports VPN client configuration. Look for routers that specifically mention support for OpenVPN or WireGuard. Popular brands known for VPN compatibility include ASUS, Netgear, and TP-Link (with specific models).
Step 2: Configure the VPN Client on Your Router: Access your router’s configuration page (usually by typing its IP address into a web browser). Navigate to the VPN settings section (the location varies depending on the router model). Enter the VPN server details (address, username, password) provided by your VPN provider.
Step 3: Connect Your PS5 to the Router: Ensure your PS5 is connected to the router’s Wi-Fi network or via an Ethernet cable. Since the VPN is configured on the router, all traffic passing through it, including the PS5’s traffic, will be protected by the VPN.
Step 4: Test the Connection: On your PS5, perform a connection test to confirm that the VPN is working correctly. You can use an online IP address checker through the PS5’s web browser to verify your IP address has changed.

Pros: Protects all devices connected to the router. Offers a consistent and stable VPN connection. No need to keep a computer running as a hotspot. Potentially faster speeds compared to the computer hotspot method.

Cons: Requires a VPN-compatible router. More complex to set up compared to the computer hotspot method. Can potentially slow down your overall internet speed depending on the router’s processing power.

3. Using a VPN-Enabled Router

This is the simplest option when wanting to make sure your PS5 is safe and secure. Instead of configuring your current router for VPN access, you can get a brand-new router that has the settings already in place.

Step 1: Purchase a VPN-Enabled Router: VPN-enabled routers are designed to provide VPN support straight out of the box. Popular brands include FlashRouters, Sabai Technology, and others that pre-configure routers with VPN software.
Step 2: Follow Router Setup: Follow all instructions that come with the VPN-enabled router to connect your PS5.
Step 3: Test Connection: On your PS5, perform a connection test to confirm that the VPN is working correctly. You can use an online IP address checker through the PS5’s web browser to verify your IP address has changed.

Pros: Ease of use. Little to no configuration needed. The PS5 will be safe right away.

Cons: Cost can be more expensive than other options.

Choosing the Right VPN Provider

Selecting a reliable VPN provider is crucial. Look for providers that offer:

Fast Servers: Servers located close to your gaming region will provide the best speeds and lowest latency.
Strong Security Protocols: Opt for providers that use OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols for robust encryption.
No-Logs Policy: A strict no-logs policy ensures that your online activity is not tracked or stored.
Reliable Customer Support: In case you encounter any issues, responsive customer support can be invaluable.
Router Compatibility (If applicable): If you plan to configure the VPN on your router, ensure the provider offers detailed instructions and configuration files for your router model.

Final Thoughts: Game On, Securely!

Setting up a VPN on your PS5 might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and the right guidance, you can easily enhance your gaming experience with added security, privacy, and access to region-locked content. Choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and network setup, and remember to prioritize a reputable VPN provider for optimal performance and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will using a VPN slow down my PS5’s internet speed?

Potentially, yes. VPN encryption adds overhead, which can slightly reduce your internet speed. However, a premium VPN with optimized servers should minimize the impact. Factors like server distance and network congestion also play a role. Choose a VPN with fast servers optimized for gaming.

2. Is it legal to use a VPN on my PS5?

Yes, in most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal. However, using a VPN to bypass copyright restrictions or engage in illegal activities is still illegal, regardless of whether you’re using a VPN.

3. Can I use a free VPN for my PS5?

While free VPNs exist, they are generally not recommended for gaming. They often have limited bandwidth, slower speeds, data caps, and may even contain malware. Investing in a reputable paid VPN is a safer and more reliable option.

4. How do I know if my VPN is working correctly on my PS5?

After setting up the VPN, use the PS5’s web browser to visit a website that displays your IP address (e.g., “what is my ip”). Verify that the displayed IP address matches the VPN server location you’re connected to. If it doesn’t, double-check your VPN configuration.

5. Can I use the same VPN account on multiple devices, including my PS5?

Most VPN providers allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously with a single account. However, the number of allowed devices varies depending on the provider and subscription plan. Check your VPN provider’s terms of service for details.

6. My router doesn’t support VPN client functionality. What are my options?

You have a few options:

Purchase a new router that supports VPN client configuration.
Use the computer hotspot method.
Install custom firmware (e.g., DD-WRT, Tomato) on your router (if compatible). This is a more advanced option that can unlock VPN client functionality.

7. Can a VPN protect me from DDoS attacks on my PS5?

Yes, a VPN can help mitigate DDoS attacks by masking your real IP address. When someone attempts to flood your IP address with traffic, they’ll be targeting the VPN server’s IP address instead.

8. Will Sony ban me for using a VPN on my PS5?

Using a VPN is generally not a violation of Sony’s terms of service. However, using a VPN to circumvent region restrictions or engage in other prohibited activities could potentially lead to account suspension.

9. I’m getting high ping when using a VPN on my PS5. What can I do?

Try the following:

Connect to a VPN server closer to the game server’s location.
Choose a VPN server with lower latency.
Experiment with different VPN protocols (e.g., WireGuard is often faster than OpenVPN).
Ensure your internet connection is stable and has sufficient bandwidth.
Restart your router and PS5.

10. How do I change the VPN server location on my PS5?

The process depends on the method you’re using:

Computer Hotspot: Disconnect from the current VPN server in your VPN client and connect to a new server.
Router Configuration: Access your router’s configuration page and change the VPN server settings.

11. Does a VPN affect the PS5’s download speed?

It can. The encryption process and the distance to the VPN server can impact download speeds. Choosing a server closer to your location and a VPN with optimized servers can help mitigate this.

12. Are there any VPNs that are specifically recommended for gaming on PS5?

Some VPNs are often cited as being good for gaming due to their speed and server network. Examples include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. However, it’s always a good idea to research and compare different providers based on your specific needs and location. Ensure they offer fast servers, low latency, and a wide range of server locations.