How to Get a VPN on PS4: Easy Setup Guide

Introduction

PlayStation gamers are constantly looking for ways to improve latency, protect privacy, and unlock region‑locked content. That’s why the question how to get a vpn on ps4 appears on forums, Reddit threads, and YouTube tutorials alike. In 2025 the demand has surged because new titles like Starfield Online and Horizon: Wilds push bandwidth limits and because streaming services on the console often restrict access based on your location.

Whether you live in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Japan, a properly configured VPN can give you a US‑based server for faster matchmaking, a London exit node to access British‑only DLC, or a Tokyo gateway to stream regional anime on Netflix. This guide will walk you through the most reliable way to answer the question how to get a vpn on ps4 while also covering the essential steps for a successful setup vpn on ps4.

We’ll break down each method, discuss legal nuances (including whether VPN use is illegal in certain jurisdictions), and give you actionable tips you can apply right now. By the end of this article you’ll not only know how to get a vpn on ps4 but also how to setup vpn on ps4 without compromising performance.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Method 1 – Router‑Based VPN (Recommended for Most Users)

Running a VPN directly on your router ensures every device on your home network, including the PS4, benefits from the encrypted tunnel. This is the cleanest way to answer how to get a vpn on ps4 because the console never needs native VPN support.

• Choose a VPN provider with router support. Look for services that publish OpenVPN, WireGuard, or proprietary router firmware (e.g., ExpressVPN or NordVPN). GEO‑specific servers (US‑East, EU‑London, Asia‑Tokyo) are crucial for low ping.
• Log into your router’s admin panel. Most modern routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Enter your admin credentials.
• Locate the VPN client page. This can be under “Advanced > VPN” or “Network > VPN Client.” If your router does not have a built‑in client, flash it with DD‑WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato – all of which support OpenVPN and WireGuard.
• Upload the configuration file. Download the .ovpn (or .conf for WireGuard) from your VPN provider. Copy the entire file into the router’s import field.
• Enter your VPN credentials. Username, password, and any two‑factor token required by the provider.
• Save and activate the connection. The router will test the tunnel; once green, all devices on the LAN, including the PS4, are automatically protected.
• Test the connection on your PS4. Go to Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection. Verify the IP address shown belongs to the VPN server (e.g., a US IP if you selected a US node).

When you follow these steps you’ve effectively answered the core question of how to get a vpn on ps4 while simultaneously achieving a reliable setup vpn on ps4.

Method 2 – Share VPN from a PC or Mac (Good for Temporary Setups)

If flashing a router sounds daunting, sharing a VPN connection from a desktop computer is a quick alternative. This method also illustrates another angle on how to get a vpn on ps4 for users who already have a VPN client installed on their PC.

• Connect your PC to a VPN. Use the provider’s native app (OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.) and select a server close to the game’s primary region.
• Enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). On Windows, go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections, right‑click the VPN adapter, select Properties, then the Sharing tab, and check “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.” On macOS, open System Preferences → Sharing, enable “Internet Sharing,” and choose the VPN interface as the source.
• Connect the PS4 to the shared network. Plug an Ethernet cable from the PC to the PS4, or create a Wi‑Fi hotspot from the computer and join it on the console.
• Verify the IP address on the PS4. Perform a network test; the displayed IP should belong to your VPN provider.

This approach provides a fast answer to how to get a vpn on ps4 without any router firmware changes, and it also demonstrates a practical setup vpn on ps4 using a PC as a bridge.

Method 3 – Smart DNS (When You Only Need Geo‑Unlocking)

Smart DNS does not encrypt traffic but rewrites DNS queries to make it appear as if you’re browsing from another country. It’s an excellent compromise for users who only need to bypass geo‑restrictions for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu on the PS4.

• Subscribe to a Smart DNS service. Many VPN providers bundle Smart DNS (e.g., Surfshark, Private Internet Access).
• Get the DNS server addresses. Usually two IPv4 addresses and optional IPv6.
• Configure the PS4. Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection → Custom → Enter the DNS addresses manually.
• Test the connection. If the PS4 reports “Connection Successful,” you should now see content from the target region.

While Smart DNS does not provide the full security of a VPN, it still answers the core question of how to get a vpn on ps4 for users whose primary goal is unlocking region‑locked libraries. For a full‑fledged setup vpn on ps4 you’ll want one of the previous two methods.

Tips for a Smooth VPN Experience on PS4

Choose the right server location. Latency matters more than raw bandwidth for multiplayer games. If you’re in Brazil but want to play on a US East Coast server, select a VPN node in New York or Washington, D.C. If you’re in Germany, a Frankfurt or London node often yields the lowest ping for European titles.

Enable “Kill Switch” on the router or PC. A kill switch prevents your PS4 from falling back to the ISP’s IP if the VPN drops, which could expose your real location during a match.

Check for DNS leaks. Even with a VPN, a misconfigured DNS can reveal your true location. Use tools like dnsleaktest.com from the PS4’s web browser (or from a connected PC) to verify that the DNS servers belong to your VPN provider.

Consider bandwidth caps. Some VPN plans limit monthly data, which can affect large downloads like game patches. Opt for unlimited plans if you plan to use the VPN for long gaming sessions.

Legal considerations. Before you start, read local regulations. For example, using a VPN in China is heavily regulated – see Is it illegal to use VPN in China?. In most Western countries the practice is legal, but always verify the latest laws in your region.

Streaming specific advice. If your main goal is watching Netflix on PS4, you may need to verify that the VPN you choose works with Netflix’s geo‑checks. Our guide on Is it illegal to use VPN for Netflix? explains how to stay within the service’s terms while unlocking content.

Free vs. paid VPNs. Free services often have limited server locations and may log traffic. For gaming, a paid VPN offers faster speeds and better security. Read our review of Is Urban VPN free? to see why many gamers avoid fully free options.

Alternative Methods (Beyond the Classic Router/PC Bridge)

If you cannot modify your router and a PC is not always on, consider these alternatives:

• Virtual Router on Windows 10/11. The built‑in Mobile Hotspot feature can share a VPN‑connected Wi‑Fi adapter as a virtual router. Enable “Share my Internet connection” for the VPN adapter, then connect the PS4 to that hotspot.
• Raspberry Pi VPN gateway. A low‑cost Pi can run OpenVPN or WireGuard continuously. Plug it into your network, configure it as a gateway, and point the PS4’s DNS to the Pi.
• Cloud‑based VPN routers. Services like GlobeTrotter VPN provide a virtual router in the cloud; you configure a VPN profile on the PS4’s network settings directly via a “VPN over HTTPS” tunnel.

These workarounds still answer the original question of how to get a vpn on ps4 and give you multiple pathways to setup vpn on ps4 without buying new hardware.

Community discussions often surface hidden tricks. For instance, users on the PSNProfiles forum share custom firmware scripts that automate the router‑based VPN setup for specific models.

TechAdvisor also published a thorough walkthrough of both router and PC sharing methods, which aligns closely with the steps outlined above: How to use a VPN on PS4 and PS5. Their article confirms that the majority of gamers achieve sub‑30 ms latency when using a nearby server.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get a vpn on ps4 is no longer a mystery. By following the router‑based setup vpn on ps4 method you secure all traffic, reduce ping, and unlock region‑specific libraries. The PC‑sharing technique offers a fast, temporary solution, while Smart DNS provides a lightweight alternative for pure geo‑unlocking.

Remember to respect local laws – using a VPN is perfectly legal in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most of Europe, but you should always double‑check the regulations in restrictive regions (see the internal link about VPN legality in China). Choose a reputable provider, pick the nearest server to your game’s region, enable a kill switch, and test for DNS leaks.

Now you have a complete, actionable roadmap for how to get a vpn on ps4 and an in‑depth setup vpn on ps4 that works across multiple GEO contexts. Whether you’re a competitive gamer in Los Angeles, a streaming enthusiast in Manchester, or a casual player in Seoul, these steps will keep you connected, secure, and ready for the next battle.