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Sony doesn’t support VPN apps on its platform, so you can’t download a VPN app from the PlayStation Store to set up a connection. However, the good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to avoid it. Today we will guide you through those solutions.
In this article, we will show you the easiest ways to set up a VPN on a Playstation 4.
Set up a VPN through your Wi-Fi router
The easiest way to use a VPN with your PS4 is through your router. By setting up a VPN on your router, all traffic flowing through your router (including traffic from your PS4) will be automatically encrypted.
VPN connections are supported by most modern routers. You simply need to enter your account details in the router settings. The exact steps depend on the router manufacturer, but essentially the process will look like this:
- Gonna ExpressVPN to set up a VPN account and subscription.
- Log in to your router and find the settings menu.
- Locate the VPN page where you will need to enter the following details provided during your ExpressVPN account setup:
- The name of the service
- Server address
- Your account name/email address and password
- A pre-shared key for encryption
Now, when you connect your PS4 to the Internet, it will use the VPN connection. This new connection works for all your connected devices.
Set up a VPN through your computer
If your router does not allow VPN connections, this is the option for you. It’s also best to use this method if you prefer not to have all of your devices use the VPN. With these steps, you will basically turn your computer into a virtual router.
Before you begin, however, you’ll need a computer with Internet access and an additional Ethernet cable to connect to your console.
It may seem a little complicated, but it is relatively simple. Here’s how to set this up through Windows:
- Visit ExpressVPN to set up a VPN account and subscription.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN application.
- Launch the application and click “Sign up.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register and log in.
- Choose a subscription plan, choose the country for your connection and press the Power button to connect.
- Connect your Ethernet cable to your computer and your PS4.
- Go to “Control Panel,” “Network and Internet,” then “Network and Sharing Center.”
- On the left, click “Change adapter settings.”
- On your VPN connection, right-click and then select “Properties.”
- On the “Sharing” tab, make sure “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” is selected.
- Select “Home Network Connection,” then from the drop-down menu, then choose your Internet connection. It will need to be a “Wi-Fi” connection if your computer has an Ethernet port.
- Now on your PS4, select “Settings”, “Network Settings”, “Set up Internet Connection”.
- Choose “Use a LAN cable” and then select the “Easy Connection” method.
- When prompted, select “Do not use a proxy server.”
- If you wish, you can now test your Internet connection to confirm that your PS4 is connected to the Internet through your VPN.
Follow the same steps to use a VPN over macOS:
- Plug your Ethernet cable into the back of your PS4 and your Mac.
- Go to “System Preferences,” “Sharing,” and choose “Internet Sharing.”
- From the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu, select “Wi-Fi.”
- Make sure the “Ethernet” option is checked in the “To computers using” list.
- Check the box to the left of “Internet Sharing.”
- In your browser, visit the ExpressVPN website to set up a VPN account and subscription.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN application.
- Open the app and select “Sign up.”
- Follow the prompts to register and log in.
- Select a subscription plan. Choose the location you want to connect to and press the Power button to connect.
- Test your internet connection to confirm that your PS4 has successfully connected to the internet through your ExpressVPN.
How to use a VPN on a PS4 with a Windows PC
To use a VPN on your PS4 through a Windows PC, you can set up a virtual hotspot on your computer and connect to it. Basically, your computer will share the VPN connection with your PS4.
You will need an Ethernet cable and your computer needs an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi card to make all the connections. This method is not as technical as it seems. Here’s how to set it up quickly:
- Connect your PS4 console and your computer using an Ethernet cable.
- Go to “Control Panel,” “Network and Sharing Center,” and then choose “Change adapter settings.”
- Right-click on your VPN, then choose “Properties.”
- Under “Sharing,” make sure “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection” is selected.
- Download and install ExpressVPN.
- Click “Sign Up” and then follow the instructions to set up a subscription.
- Choose the country and press the Power button to connect.
- From your PS4, test your Internet connection to confirm that you have successfully connected through your ExpressVPN account.
How to use a VPN on a PS4 with a Mac
To use a VPN on your console with your macOS, you can set up a virtual router. This method will share your computer’s VPN connection with your PS4 console.
To set this up you will need an Ethernet cable and your Mac needs an Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi card to make all the connections. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your Mac.
- Click “Sign In” to create an account and choose your subscription.
- Connect your Mac and PS4 using an Ethernet cable.
- Navigate to “System Preferences,” “Sharing,” and then from the list on the left, choose “Internet Sharing.”
- Select “Wi-Fi” from the “Share your connection” drop-down menu.
- Make sure “Ethernet” is checked in the “To computers using” list.
- To the left of “Internet Sharing,” check the box to enable Internet connection sharing. If prompted, confirm your choice. If successful, a green icon will appear.
- Open the ExpressVPN app to connect to a server in your chosen country.
- On your PS4, navigate to “Settings,” “Network Settings,” and then “Set up Internet Connection.”
- Select “Use a LAN cable” and then “Easy connection method.”
- When prompted, click “Do not use a proxy server.”
- Test your PS4’s Internet connection to confirm that it is connected to the Internet through your ExpressVPN account.
Additional FAQs
Will my ping be affected when using a VPN?
Your ping will not be affected when using VPN. One of the purposes of a VPN in gaming is to reduce lag by offering fast connections to a network of servers around the world.
Play your PlayStation from anywhere in the world
Using a VPN on your PS4 will make it think you are accessing it from somewhere else in the world. It’s great for reducing lag in games, accessing new PlayStation games, or geo-restricted streaming content.
Since Sony does not support VPN apps or downloading them, you can configure your router to use a VPN connection by manually entering your VPN account details. Alternatively, you can configure your computer as a virtual router.
