How to set up a VPN on PS5: Step-by-step instructions

The best VPN providers offer desktop and mobile apps which are straightforward to download, install, and set up. However, PS5 doesn’t support native VPN apps, which means many people understandably don’t know where to start when it comes to getting set up. That’s unfortunate because there are multiple advantages to setting up a VPN on PS5, including the ability to access geo-blocked content, avoid DDoS attacks, and potentially reduce lag and ping times.

This guide explains the multiple ways to set up a VPN on your PS5. It then breaks down the process with step-by-step instructions for each method. We’ll also go into greater depth regarding the benefits of using a VPN with your game console and recommend some of the best VPNs for your PS5.

Reasons to use a VPN on PS5

There are several advantages to setting up a VPN on a PS5 console:

Access geo-restricted content

By encrypting your data and changing your IP address, a VPN can help you spoof your location. This is ideal if you’d like to access geo-blocked content. For example, TV shows and movies on popular streaming services, many of which are accessible on PS5, are often geo-restricted for copyright and licensing reasons. Some games offer region-specific content or promotions. You can access all the above by using a VPN to change your PSN region.

Improve security and privacy

When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is sent through an encrypted tunnel. This shields it from third parties, including your ISP, hackers, or snoopers. This can prove to be very useful, particularly if the data in question is sensitive or if you’re using a less-than-secure network such as public wifi. What’s more, the VPN hides your real IP address, which adds an extra layer of privacy when playing, browsing, or streaming on your PS5.

Reduce lag and ping times

Generally, a VPN will slow your connection due to the encryption and data re-routing process. Yet, there are times when a VPN can improve performance and reduce lag and ping times. If your ISP is throttling your connection when gaming or streaming on your PS5 console, a VPN can bypass this. That’s because it encrypts your data so your ISP can no longer see what you’re doing online. Some VPNs, like CyberGhost, even provide gaming-optimized servers.

Avoid DDoS attacks

A VPN can provide the necessary protection for online gaming. Masking your real IP address reduces the risk of being targeted in a DDoS attack. Short for Distributed Denial of Service, a DDoS attack occurs when multiple systems flood a server with traffic, causing it to be overwhelmed and not work as it should.

VPN servers can be targeted in DDoS attacks, but you can switch to another VPN server to continue gaming normally.

Bypass account bans

Not all account bans are fair. Some may even be made in error. Bans involve blocking access from a specific IP address. If you’ve been banned from a game or service based on your IP address, a VPN can provide you with a new IP address so you can continue playing. Just keep in mind that using a VPN to do this goes against many games’ terms of service, and if caught, you could face another ban, one which may even be more severe.

Methods to set up a VPN on PS5

You have several options for setting up a VPN on your PS5. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each and provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started.

Set up a VPN on your router

Setting up a VPN on your Wi-Fi router allows you to protect all devices connected to its network automatically. This is ideal for consoles like the PS5 and some smart TVs that don’t support VPN apps. The trouble is that setting up a VPN with a router isn’t exactly beginner-friendly.

Here’s how to set up a VPN on your router:

1. Enter your router’s IP address into your browser’s address bar.
2. Log in using your username and password (you may need to check your router’s manual or the back of your router for this information).
3. Go to the VPN section of your router’s settings. This is likely to be located under “Advanced” or “Network”.
4. Select “Add a VPN connection” or a similar option before entering the VPN server details from your VPN provider. Consult your VPN provider’s website for details about protocol and authentication.
5. On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set up Internet Connection and then select Wi-Fi or LAN, followed by Easy Setup.
6. Connect to your VPN-protected wi-fi network. Your PS5 should now automatically connect to the internet via the VPN-connected router.

Use a Smart DNS service

A Smart DNS service lets you change your virtual location without encrypting your internet traffic. This allows for faster speeds, which, of course, is ideal for gaming and streaming. Having said that, a VPN offers better protection from threats because of its encryption.

Here’s how to use a Smart DNS service:

1. Select a reputable Smart DNS service. Some of the most popular VPN providers include Smart DNS services, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
2. Log in to the VPN and find the Smart DNS settings.
3. On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and then select Custom Setup.
4. Select Wi-Fi or LAN and set the IP address to Automatic.
5. For the DHCP Host Name select Do Not Specify.
6. Under DNS Settings, choose Manual and then enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses provided by your VPN.
7. Complete the setup and test your internet connection. Your PS5 should now use the Smart DNS to bypass geographic restrictions.

Share a VPN connection via PC or Mac

Sharing your computer’s connection with your PS5 is a good temporary solution if you don’t fancy configuring a VPN with your router.

Here’s how to share a VPN connection via Windows:

1. Connect to a VPN on your Windows PC.
2. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot.
3. Toggle the Mobile Hotspot switch to On.
4. Under Share my internet connection from, select Wi-Fi.
5. Below Share my internet connection with other devices, check your VPN is selected as the source network.
6. Take note of the network name and password
7. On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
8. Select Wi-Fi, choose your computer’s hotspot, and enter the password.

Here’s how to share a VPN connection via Android:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
2. Enable Wi-Fi Sharing to share your home Wi-Fi through the hotspot.
3. On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
4. Select Wi-Fi and choose your Android hotspot.
5. Complete the setup using the Easy Setup option.

Here’s how to share a VPN connection via MacOS: 

1. Connect to a VPN on your Mac.
2. Enable internet sharing by going to System Settings > General > Sharing. You’ll then need to toggle on Internet Sharing.
3. Choose your VPN connection as the source and Wi-Fi or Ethernet as the method of sharing.
4. Note that sharing a VPN from your Mac’s wifi network requires using a VPN that supports L2TP or IPSec.
5. Finally, go to your PS5’s Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. You can then select LAN Cable and choose Easy Setup.

Best VPNs for PS5

Some VPNs are better for PS5 than others. Ideally, you’ll want one that is fast, unblocks geo-restricted services, provides strong encryption, and doesn’t keep identifying logs.

We’ve outlined some of our top picks below. For a much more detailed look at each VPN, please read our complete guide to the best VPNs for PS5.

Here are the best VPNs for PS5:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for PS5. One of the fastest VPNs available. 7,000+ servers in 118 countries. Works with popular streaming services and even has a Smart DNS service.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for PS5. Fastest possible speeds and access to servers in 100 countries. Provides a Smart DNS service and is packed with extra security features.
3. IPVanish: Plenty of US servers for accessing Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and more. Ranks among the fastest VPNs and doesn’t have a connection limit. Also a no-logs provider.
4. ExpressVPN: Easy-to-install router firmware and its own Smart DNS service. Fast with excellent apps, 24/7 support, and a very high level of security and privacy protection.
5. CyberGhost: One of the largest VPN server networks. Provides not only a Smart DNS service but dedicated gaming and streaming servers. Includes ad and tracker blocking.
6. PrivateVPN: Smaller VPN provider but with excellent unblocking of streaming platforms. No-logs VPN with beginner-friendly apps and free remote help and installation.
7. Private Internet Access: Servers in 90+ countries and is more than fast enough for online gaming and streaming. Highly customizable apps and unlimited connections.

Can I use a free VPN on PS5?

Technically, you can use a free VPN on PS5 but there are a number of fairly significant limitations to be aware of. The PS5 doesn’t natively support VPN apps, so you need to use one of the above methods for getting set up. However, many free VPNs don’t support routers and most don’t provide a Smart DNS service either. This limits you to sharing a VPN connection from your PC or Mac, which isn’t a practical solution long-term.

On top of this, free VPNs tend to have heavy data caps as well as very limited server options. This contributes to their very poor performance and renders them impractical for gaming and streaming. It also limits your ability to actually bypass geographic restrictions. Free VPNs may not be able to invest as much into their security setups. One way some of them make money is through collecting and selling user data, which puts your privacy at risk.

Setting up a VPN on PS5 FAQs