A gaming controller placed next to a shield with VPN written on it.

A PlayStation is not just a gaming console — it’s an entertainment system. However, online entertainment can also be dangerous. Some threats exist even when playing games or streaming Netflix on your PS4/PS5. Unless you use a VPN, that is.

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    Why get a VPN on PS4 or PS5?

    A PS4/PS5 VPN is vital when you want to feel safe when gaming or relaxing with your favorite show after a long day. It will ensure that you’re always protected from third-party trackers and snoopers.

    A VPN protects you from digital peeping Toms by rerouting your internet traffic through a VPN server. Doing so gives you privacy and security benefits, like masking your location and your IP address.

    Wide coverage and server quality are also important. Different locations and a high number of servers ensure they’re not overcrowded. That’s why you don’t need to worry about a VPN impacting your speed. You can stream buffer-free and avoid ISP throttling for a smooth Netflix binge session whenever you want!

    So, ready to get started? I’ll show you two different ways to set up a VPN on your PS4 or PS5.

    Solution 1: Set up a VPN for PS4 & PS5 on a router

    You can set up a VPN on PS4 without a PC using your Wi-Fi router. We always recommend this method because it’ll make sure that all the other devices on your home network are protected too! Also, this will allow you to use a VPN on PS4 & PS5 without a PC. Here’s how you do it:

    1. Set up a VPN on your router;
    2. Configure the console:
      1. For PS4:
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 home screen.
        1. Enter the Dynamic Menu on your PlayStation 4 and go to Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 Settings tab with the Network settings option highlighted.
        1. Choose Network.
    A screenshot of Network settings on PlayStation 4 with the Set Up Internet Connection option highlighted.
        1. Choose Set up Internet Connection. 
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection screen.
    A screenshot of the Set Up Internet Connection screen on PlayStation 4.
        1. Select Use Wifi and set the connection method to Easy. 
        2. If prompted, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
      1. For PS5:
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Settings screen
        1. Go to Settings and choose Network.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Connection Status screen.
        1. Choose Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Settings screen.
        1. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection configuration screen.
        1. Choose Wi-Fi and connect.
    1. Done!

    The pros and cons of setting up a PS4/PS5 VPN on your router

    Pros:
    Cons:
    Protects all devices on your Wi-Fi network
    More difficult setup
    Requires only one setup

    If you’re using Surfshark as your PS4 and PS5 VPN and run into any issues with this (or anything else), contact our 24/7 support service. They’re always there for you!

    Solution 2: Set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 over a PC

    You can also use a PC to share a VPN connection to your PS4 or PS5. All you need is a desktop computer and an ethernet cable (note: this method only works on Windows): 

    1. Get and install a VPN for PC;
    2. Connect your PS4 to the PC with an Ethernet cable;
    3. Configure an Ethernet connection on your PC;
    4. Connect to whatever location you like on the VPN app;
    5. Configure the console:
      1. For PS4: 
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 home screen.
        1. Enter the Dynamic Menu on your PlayStation 4 and go to Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 Settings tab with the Network settings option highlighted.
        1. Choose Network.
    A screenshot of Network settings on PlayStation 4 with the Set Up Internet Connection option highlighted.
        1. Choose Set up Internet Connection. 
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection screen.
    A screenshot of the Set Up Internet Connection screen on PlayStation 4.
        1. Select Use Wifi and set the connection method to Easy. 
        2. If prompted, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
      1. For PS5:
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Settings screen
        1. Go to Settings and choose Network.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Connection Status screen.
        1. Choose Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Settings screen.
        1. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection configuration screen.
        1. Choose Wi-Fi and connect. 
    1. Done!

    The pros and cons of setting up a PS4/PS5 VPN on PC

    Pros:
    Cons:
    Can be done on any Windows computer with a hotspot
    Needs to be turned on every time you want to use a VPN
    Easy to set up

    Solution 3: Set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 over a Mac

    You can use a Mac to share a VPN connection to your PS4 or PS5, but you’ll need an ethernet cable: 

    1. Get a VPN for Mac;
    2. Install the app and connect to a server; 
    3. Connect the Mac and your Playstation with the ethernet cable;
    A screenshot of a macOS drop-down menu with the System Settings option highlighted.
    1. On Mac, go to System Settings;
    2. Choose General;
    A screenshot of the General settings tab on macOS.
    1. Click Sharing;
    A screenshot of the Sharing settings tab on macOS.
    1. Click Internet Sharing;
    2. In the Share your connection menu, select Wi-Fi; 
    3. In the To computers menu, choose Internet; 
    4. Ensure that Internet Sharing is on; 
    5. Connect on your console: 
      1. For PS4:
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 home screen.
        1. Enter the Dynamic Menu on your PlayStation 4 and go to Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 4 Settings tab with the Network settings option highlighted.
        1. Choose Network.
    A screenshot of Network settings on PlayStation 4 with the Set Up Internet Connection option highlighted.
        1. Choose Set up Internet Connection. 
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection screen.
    A screenshot of the Set Up Internet Connection screen on PlayStation 4.
        1. Select Use Wifi and set the connection method to Easy. 
        2. If prompted, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
      1. For PS5:
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Settings screen
        1. Go to Settings and choose Network.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Connection Status screen.
        1. Choose Settings.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Network Settings screen.
        1. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
    A screenshot of the PlayStation 5 Set Up Internet Connection configuration screen.
        1. Choose Wi-Fi and connect. 
    1. It’s done! 

    The pros and cons of setting up a PS4/PS5 VPN on Mac

    Pros:
    Cons:
    Can be done on any MacBook worth having
    Needs to be turned on every time you want to use a VPN
    Easy to set up

    Can I use a free VPN with Playstation?

    While plenty of free VPNs exist, they are usually very limited in speed, servers, and usability.  According to research conducted on free Android VPNs:

    • 18% don’t encrypt traffic, which is one of the most important features of security that VPNs provide;
    • 84% leak user data, which also compromises all the reasons to get a PS4 VPN;
    • 38% contain malware.

    After all, developing the app, running research and development to keep it secure, and hosting servers all require money. And where does that money come from? Ads, malware, selling your data, or the VPN being funded by state security agencies. 

    All in all, when comparing free VPN vs. paid — paid is better.

    In conclusion: your PS4/PS5 and a VPN — a match made in heaven!

    With a VPN, you can stay secure even with your ultimate PS4/PS5 entertainment system. All you’ve got to do is set it up! It might seem like a tedious task, but we always recommend the Wi-Fi router method. This way, you can make sure all your devices are VPN-protected.

    And now that you know how to set up a VPN on a PS4 and PS5 — why not practice it with Surfshark? Give us a shot, we won’t disappoint! Our infrastructure and servers are top-notch, and that’s a promise!

    Disclaimer: Surfshark does not encourage using a VPN in any way that would potentially violate the Terms of Service of other service providers.

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    FAQ

    Can I put a VPN on my PS4?

    You can’t put a VPN on a PS4, but you can connect it to a router that has a VPN on or share the connection from a computer that has a VPN installed. 

    Can I use a VPN on PS5?

    You can use a VPN with PS5, but you won’t be able to install it on the console itself. You’ll need to either connect the PS5 to a router that has a VPN installed or share a VPN-protected connection from a computer. 

    How do I use a VPN on PS5 without a PC?

    To use a VPN on a PS5 without a PC, you’ll need to set up the VPN on a router the PS5 can connect to or a Mac with the VPN app installed. 

    How much is a VPN for PlayStation? 

    Surfshark is a good VPN for use with PlayStation, and the most basic packs cost $1.99/month for the 24-month plan.