PlayStation VPN Setup Guide – Forbes Australia Advisor

For many Australians, the PlayStation is the video game console of choice when it comes to home entertainment.

In fact, of the eight million Australians aged 14 and over who own such a device, Sony’s PlayStation 4 has taken the lion’s share of consoles, with 2.9 million households owning one, according to the latest data from Roy Morgan.

In comparison, the second and third most popular consoles at the time, Microsoft’s Xbox One and Nintendo’s Wii U, were owned by more than 1.8 million and 637,000 Australian households respectively.

While they can provide hour after hour of entertainment, like many digital devices, PlayStation consoles can also be vulnerable to hackers and malicious online activity. However, using a VPN on your console can provide more privacy and anonymity among other benefits. Setting up a VPN on your PlayStation isn’t as easy as installing one on your laptop. There are several ways you can do this.

We dive into the benefits of using a VPN on PlayStation and the step-by-step process for each installation method, below.

Special partner offers

Plan costs

AU$7.33 per month or AU$87.95 for the first year

price

Starts from AU$3.07 per month

Encryption

AES with 256-bit keys

He learns more

On the secure website for private internet access

number of devices

Unlimited

What is a VPN?

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the Internet. A VPN does this by masking your Internet Protocol (IP) address and location with an alternate IP address.

Your IP address will reveal your general physical location to third parties and can also be used to track your online activities. Your IP address can reveal certain information to third parties, especially your general location and Internet service provider (ISP). Although third parties cannot specifically identify you based on your IP address alone, your ISP will be able to identify you based on your IP address.

VPNs are commonly used for online privacy. They are also used by companies to create remote access to their network and increase the security of their network.

Benefits of using a VPN on PS4 or PS5

There are several reasons to consider using a VPN on PlayStation 4 (PS4) or PlayStation 5 (PS5), including:

Increased security and anonymity: If you typically use a VPN to hide your IP address, it makes sense that you’d want to protect your PlayStation as well. Since a VPN will hide your IP address, it allows you to play anonymously and protects your identity.
Protection against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: Gamers can sometimes become targets of DDoS attacks that disrupt their gaming sessions. A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to take down a targeted website or online server by flooding it with traffic. In games, these attacks may be used by other players to crash an opponent’s server and make it difficult for them to continue playing. A VPN can protect the gamer from DDoS attacks because it hides the original IP address used by the hacker.
Access geo-restricted content and early releases: Using a VPN can give you access to gaming content that is restricted in your region. This also allows access to games released early in a specific region only.

VPN options for Australians using PS4 and PS5

Installing a VPN on your PlayStation isn’t as easy as installing one on your laptop or mobile device because you can’t download the software directly onto your PlayStation, but there are other ways to set up a VPN.

There are a few options available:

Install a VPN on your router
Connect your PS4 or PS5 to your computer using a VPN
Set up a VPN for your PS4 or PS5 through the mobile app.

We cover these options and how to set them up below. You may also want to check out our picks for the best VPNs for gaming.

How to set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 through a router

Setting up a VPN on your router will ensure that any device that connects to your Wi-Fi connection is protected. Installing a VPN on your router is probably the easiest way to set up a VPN not only for your PlayStation but for any other device that connects to the Internet. What makes it convenient is that it is always on, so you don’t have to worry about turning it off or on.

The process of configuring a VPN for your router will be different for each router and VPN provider. Many routers support a VPN connection and the process of configuring it is as simple as entering your account details into your Wi-Fi router settings.

VPN providers also sell routers with a pre-configured VPN. If you want to configure your VPN manually, the best way is to refer to the instructions on your VPN provider’s website. In general, they will list the steps for each option. For example, ExpressVPN provides the firmware that will be installed on your router based on the device you currently have. VPN providers usually also offer technical support.

How to set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 through Mac

You can run a VPN on your Mac and then connect your PlayStation to your device using an Ethernet cable as a way to connect your PlayStation to the VPN as well.

This is how you can set it up:

Install a VPN on your Mac. This is a straightforward process. Once you sign up for a VPN, you’ll usually be directed to follow a series of prompts from your VPN provider on how to set it up. Read our guide on how to set up a VPN on any device in Australia
Connect the Ethernet cable to your computer on one end and your PS4 on the other
On your Mac, select System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing
Make sure “Share your connection from” is set to “Wi-Fi”
Under To computers using, select Ethernet
Make sure the new preferences are set by making sure that the light next to “Internet Sharing” is now green
On your Mac, go back to your VPN app and make sure it’s connected
On your PS4, select Settings > Network Settings > Set up Internet connection, then select Use LAN cable. This will ensure that your PS4’s internet connection is over Ethernet and that you are connected to a VPN
Select “Do not use a proxy server” when prompted.

How to set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 through Windows

The process of connecting your VPN over Windows is similar in that you use an Ethernet cable once you set up the VPN on your Windows.

Install a VPN on your Windows system. This is a straightforward process. Once you sign up for a VPN, you’ll usually be directed to follow a series of prompts by your VPN provider on how to set it up
Connect the Ethernet cable to your computer on one end and to your PlayStation on the other
Select Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections > Change adapter options
Select the Ethernet icon and click Properties.
Check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect over this computer’s Internet connection”
Under Home network connection, select “Ethernet”
On your PS4, select Settings > Network Settings > Set up Internet connection and then select Use LAN Cable. This will ensure that your PS4’s internet connection is over Ethernet and that you are connected to a VPN. On PS5, you’ll be set up once you select Set Up Internet Connection.

How to set up a VPN on PS4 or PS5 through mobile apps

When connecting to a VPN through a mobile app, you will have to make sure that your VPN supports sharing.

Connect your phone to a Wi-Fi router
Connect your PlayStation to the same router, either through a LAN cable or Wi-Fi
Download the app called Every Proxy
Within the app, choose the same IP address that is used for your phone and your PlayStation
On your console, choose manual settings for Wi-Fi connection. Then under Proxy, select “Use.” You will be asked to enter the host IP address and port number. When the connection is successful, you will be connected via your VPN
You can check if your PS4 or PS5 is connected to your VPN by typing “what is my IP address” into the console and making sure the IP address matches your VPN address

minimum

There are a few different ways to set up a VPN for your PlayStation. Installing a VPN on your router is probably the most obvious option, because once you set it up, every device you connect to Wi-Fi will always be connected to your VPN.

Other alternative options are to connect your PlayStation to your computer using a VPN or use a mobile app. While each of these options involves a few steps, they are all manageable. Once you set up a VPN for your PlayStation, you’ll enjoy greater security, anonymity, and perhaps the ability to access games in other regions.

Special partner offers

Plan costs

AU$7.33 per month or AU$87.95 for the first year

price

Starts from AU$3.07 per month

Encryption

AES with 256-bit keys

He learns more

On the secure website for private internet access

number of devices

Unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a VPN do on PlayStation?

Using a VPN on PlayStation protects your IP address from being hacked online. Just as you might use a VPN to hide activity from your personal computer, you may want to do the same for your PlayStation or other Internet-connected devices. Using a VPN for PlayStation allows you to increase security, anonymity, protect against DDoS attacks, and enable access to geo-restricted content.

Will a VPN allow me to access geo-restricted streaming content?

Of course, gaming consoles like PlayStations are multi-functional these days, doubling as a music and movie player and Blu-ray player, for example. Australians use it to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Stan, YouTube and more.

More than 6.4 million Australians aged 14 million and over said they watch subscription video on demand over an average seven-day period (32%), according to Roy Morgan’s 2018 data. However, it found that those who own a PlayStation 4 , Xbox One or Wii U were 50% more likely than the average Australian to watch this type of content in an average week.

It found that more than 1.4 million PlayStation 4 owners watched streaming content in an average week — about 50% of all PlayStation 4 owners.

For everyone who does, the right VPN can help them access geo-restricted content from streaming platforms.

Do Australians need a VPN for PS4?

No, you don’t need a VPN for PlayStation. Using a VPN for your PS4 or PS5 provides added security and anonymity by hiding your IP address, which is why some Australian gamers choose to use one.

Can I use my own VPN on my PlayStation?

If you’re already using a VPN, you can set it up to cover all your devices including your PlayStation through your router.

This way you can ensure that every device on your home network is protected. Don’t worry if you don’t have a computer, you won’t need one for this setup method.

How can I use a VPN on PS4 for free?

Once you have a VPN, you can configure it for your PS4 for free. What may cost money is a VPN service. Many VPN providers charge a monthly subscription fee. However, there are also a range of free VPN options available. Read our article on the best free VPNs for Australians.

How much does a VPN for PlayStation cost?

Some VPN services are free but offer limited services with slow speeds and data caps, for example. Also, service providers may sell your data to other companies, if you sign up for a free service.

Most VPN users prefer the benefits of a paid plan. These costs can cost Australians between $1.90 and $3.80 per month for a set term of 12 to 36 months, or $19 for a month.

Are you a PlayStation user looking to enhance your online gaming experience and protect your privacy while gaming? Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your PlayStation can provide you with added security and the ability to access region-locked content. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up a VPN for your PlayStation, so you can enjoy a safer and more versatile gaming experience. Whether you’re looking to access geo-restricted games or protect your personal information, a VPN can be a valuable tool for PlayStation users.