You may require avirtual private network (VPN)for various reasons. A VPN is useful for accessing a region-locked beta through the PlayStation Store, watching Netflix from another country, and avoiding distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks while online. However, adding a VPN connection to your Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) may seem tricky if not set up correctly. This guide explains how to connect your PS5 through a VPN.

Use a trustworthy VPN.Free VPNs often provide weaker securityand may track your data compared to subscription-based options.

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How to set up a VPN using a Windows PC

you may connect your PS5 to a computer and use it as a proxy for the installed VPN. However, for this to work, your computer requires a working Ethernet port (preferably two, but the second is optional). One port connects your computer to your PS5. The other port connects from your computer to your router.

  1. Plug in an Ethernet cable connecting to your PC (with the installed VPN software) and PS5.

red rectangle outline over network and sharing center on a windows pc control panel

  1. Navigate toControl Panel>Network and Internet>Network and Sharing Center.

4. On the left side, selectChange adapter settings.

  1. Right-click the internet source connected to your VPN, chooseProperties, andthen navigate to theSharing tab.

  2. SelectAllow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.

red rectangle outline on left side highlighting change adapter settings in network and sharing center

  1. ChooseWiFiorEthernetunder Home Networking Connection and clickOK.

On your PS5

Navigate toSettings>Network. Then, selectSet Up Internet Connectionand chooseUse a LAN CableandDo Not Use a Proxy server.

How to set up Smart DNS on a PS5

Setting up your PS5 with a Smart DNS connection may allow you to bypass a region lock for streaming services. Read the steps below to learn more.

  1. Turn on your Sony PS5 console and accessSettings>Network.

red rectangle outline over sharing tab in ethernet properties

2. InsideNetwork, navigate toSettings>Set Up Internet Connection.

  1. Select a LAN or Wi-Fi connection, highlight the connection by pressingtheOptions buttonon your controller, and chooseAdvanced Settings.

  2. Inside theAdvanced Settingspage, change to the following: IP Address Settings toAutomatic, DCHP Host toDo Not Specify, Proxy Server toDo Not Use, and MTU Settings toAutomatic. See the table below this section for a summary of these settings.

red rectangle outline over internet connection sharing option in the sharing tab

  1. Set DNS SettingstoManual, and inside the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS fields, enter the values from your VPN provider.

6. SelectOKand chooseTest Internet Connectionto confirm your new settings.

IP Address Settings

Do Not Specify

Proxy Server

Do Not Use

MTU Settings

How to set up a VPN using a Wi-Fi router

Setting up a VPN via a Wi-Fi router requires your PS5 to read your VPN-supported router as a Wi-Fi source (or connected directly to the router via an Ethernet cable). However, the Wi-Fi router needs VPN support.

How to set up a VPN on your router

Protect all your devices at home

If your router doesn’t support a VPN connection, acquire one from ourtop VPN picks, ExpressVPN (Aircove) and NordVPN (FlashRouters). This method may be slightly more expensive than the others. After turning on the Wi-Fi source and connecting to your PS5, you can immediately access the VPN.

All devices using this Wi-Fi source also have access to the VPN.

Learning more about virtual private networks

Before committing to VPNs, take the time to learn more about them. Some VPNs (often the free options) provide less safety, while others hurt speed and connection stability. Learning when and why it isbest to use a VPNcould go a long way.