How you can Use VPN on Your PlayStation 4

Setting up your PlayStation 4 to a VPN shouldn’t be a hard nut to crack. Whether you are a techie or not, you should, in a couple of easy steps, be able to connect your PS4 to a reliable virtual private network.

But, as it turned out, using a VPN on your PlayStation 4 is pretty hard to set up. You see, PS4 doesn’t support VPN directly, unfortunately.

That is not to say; you can’t connect your PS4 to a VPN. There’s a way around it, and you are going to learn three ways to set up a VPN on your game console.

But first, why do you even need a VPN?

A VPN or virtual private network in full is a network of secured servers scattered across several geographical locations that provide a security layer when browsing over the internet.

There are several reasons gamers, especially hardcore players, use a VPN connection. Some of them include:

• To access geo-restricted games and content. Often, gaming sites and other entertainment platforms have content that is restricted to people from a specific location. A VPN can help you bypass the geo-restrictions and access the content comfortably if you happen to be in one of the restricted areas.
• To minimize browsing lag. A VPN ensures you experience a seamless, buffer-free, fast game time when you play online. To do this, the VPN often reduces your ping by connecting you to dedicated gaming servers.
• To protect you from prying eyes. If you are concerned about protecting your privacy online, a VPN can help mask your IP while using the in-built PS4 browser.

So, how do you install a VPN on your PS4?   

As mentioned earlier, you will learn about three possible methods to use a VPN with your PS4. So here we go:

Connect your PS4 to a router

Since connecting to a router is probably the way you provide internet to your PS4 console, you may want to install a VPN at this phase to ensure the protection you need.

However, note that connecting your router to a VPN will impact all the other devices in your space that shares the network from the router.

First, you will want to make sure your router is VPN compatible. For a tech-savvy person, you can flash the router by yourself if it is not compatible with a VPN. Or simply buy a VPN router.

Then follow these steps to set up your PS4 console to work with a VPN:

Step 1: Sign up for a VPN service.

Step 2: Log in to your router using your password

Step 3: On your router’s admin panel, navigate to the VPN client page

Step 4: Enter your VPN connection details. This includes your username and password, the IP address of the server you want to connect to from your router, and an encryption key.

Step 5: Save the changes and exit your router’s admin panel.

Step 6: Boot PS4 console. Navigate to settings. Open Network settings.

Step 7: Click Set up Internet Connection. Select Wi-Fi. Select the relevant Wi-Fi network.

Step 8: Connect to the network. When prompted, input the correct login details.

Step 9: Save and exit.

Step 10: Test connection to ensure everything is working correctly.

How to use a VPN with PS4 Console on PC

Use the next two methods to connect your game console to a VPN from your laptop, depending on your system, whether a Windows or Mac PC, each of the methods should work for you.

You will need a crossover cable to connect your computer to the game console.

Step 1: Download and install a VPN app on your Windows computer.

Step 2: Connect your PC to the PS4 console with the crossover cable.

Step 3: Navigate to the Network and Sharing Center on your Control Panel

Step 4: Click Change Adaptor Settings. Select and right-click on the VPN connection.

Step 5: Click Properties and navigate to Sharing. Select the box that says: Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.

Step 6: Navigate to the Home Networking Connection and select your Ethernet connection.

Step 7: Connect to your preferred served through the VPN app you installed.

Step 8: Boot game console and navigate to Settings. Select Network Settings. Select Set Up Internet Connection. When prompted, select Use a Lan Cable.

Step 9: Tick Easy for connection method and Confirm Do Not Use a Proxy Server when prompted.

Step 10: Click OK to accept settings and Test Connection to ensure everything works correctly.

How to use a VPN with PS4 Console on Mac

Step 1: Download and install a VPN app on your Mac

Step 2: Connect your Mac and game console with a crossover cable

Step 3: Navigate to System Preferences. Select Sharing. Select Internet Sharing.

Step 4: From the ‘Share Your Connection From’ drop-down menu, select Wi-Fi

Step 5: Tick the Ethernet option on the ‘To Computers Using’ list.

Step 6: Enable sharing of connection between your computer and game console by ticking the box beside Internet Sharing. A green icon will appear if successful.

Step 7: Launch the VPN and select your preferred server.

Step 8: Boot game console and navigate to Settings. Select Network Settings. Select Set Up Internet Connection. When prompted, select Use a Lan Cable.

Step 9: Tick Easy for connection method and Confirm Do Not Use a Proxy Server when prompted.

Step 10: Click OK to accept settings and Test Connection to ensure everything works correctly.

What VPNs do we recommend?

While several VPNs are promising to deliver reliable internet connection, we recommend ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN not only provides a reliable and fast connection, but the app also uses trusted server technology that is confirmed to offer essential privacy protections. It is easy to use and set up and helps you access websites you wouldn’t have otherwise. To learn more about ExpressVPN, please visit here.

So there you have it, with the steps above, regardless of the device you use, you can now begin to enjoy a seamless online gaming experience while unblocking websites to access your favorite content.