How to Install a VPN on PlayStation (PS5 / PS4)

Using a VPN on most consoles is fairly simple, though not as straightforward as we’d all like. A lot of us here at CyberGhost are obsessive gamers in our own right, waiting for the day consoles begin to allow native VPN apps on their actual storefronts.

In the meantime, we’ve put a lot of work into making it easy to use a VPN on your PlayStation, with as little fuss and as much flexibility as possible. Here’s how to get started.

Why You Should Use a VPN on Your PS4 or PS5

There are several rock-solid reasons. For one, when you use a VPN, the traffic between your console and the VPN server is encrypted, making it hard for your ISP to throttle game traffic or even see what you’re doing. 

A VPN also hides your IP address, which helps you to avoid DDoS attacks and the like. This is important for any gamer, but it’s an especially big deal for streamers.

But most gamers use VPNs to help them get a more stable connection to game servers. A good VPN can actually bypass a lot of issues like misconfigured servers and congested networks. And, in the right circumstances, this can even lower your ping.

How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 on Your Router

This is by far the easiest way to set up a VPN for most consoles, including PlayStation. Many different routers or modems will allow you to route everything on your home networks through a VPN, and some will even allow you to set up separate connections for different devices. This feature isn’t available on every modem or router, though, so keep that in mind.

Here’s the basic process that works for every version of the console:

1. Get CyberGhost VPN.
2. Log in to your router or modem’s settings page via your browser.
   1. The IP address might be something like “192.168.0.1”, but that will depend on your device’s manufacturer and/or your ISP.
   2. Consult the label on your router, or call your ISP for the username and password if necessary.
3. Go to your router’s VPN settings, and configure it to use the CyberGhost VPN server of your choice. This may require some manual configuration.
4. Hop on your PlayStation and start gaming.

Again, this feature isn’t available for every router. Contact our Customer Support team if you have any questions, and for router recommendations if needed.

How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 with Smart DNS

CyberGhost has a cool feature that lets you reroute your internet traffic without a VPN. It’s called Smart DNS, and you can set it up without any changes to your router. Please note, however, that this service is only available to route your traffic to the UK or US, and doesn’t give you the same security features of a VPN network.

Just sign up for CyberGhost VPN, and follow the instructions for your console below:

How to Set Up a VPN on PS4

1. From the home screen, go to Settings and select Network.
2. Select Set up internet connection.
3. Pick your usual connection from the list.
4. Select the Custom option when asked how you want to set up your internet.
5. Set IP address settings to Automatic.
6. Set DHCP host name to Do not specify.
7. Under DNS settings, pick Manual.
8. Enter the DNS server IPs provided by CyberGhost.
9. Set MTU settings to Automatic.
10. Set Proxy server to Do not use.
11. Test the connection; make sure it all works.

How to Set Up a VPN on PS5

1. From the PS5 home screen, select Settings and then Network.
2. There, you’ll find another button that says Settings. Select it, and then Set up internet connection.
3. From there, go to Advanced Settings.
4. Set DNS Settings to Manual and enter the Smart DNS server IPs.
5. Hit the OK button and wait for your console to test the connection. 

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How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 with Your PC

I’ll say this upfront: this method is not perfect. It frankly won’t provide as good of a connection as an ethernet cable to your router would — but you can actually use software to turn a PC into a router. Then, you can either use a Wi-Fi-capable PC as a hotspot, or plug your console into your PC’s spare Ethernet port, if it has one.

The best app for this is called Connectify Hotspot. The free Lite version only allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, but the Pro version allows you to share your internet connection over Ethernet as well.

Here’s how that works:

1. Download the CyberGhost VPN app for Windows and install it on your PC. Connect now if you want.
2. Download and install Connectify Hotspot.
3. Create a hotspot like so:

4. If it all works as intended, your hotspot should show up in the list of locally available Wi-Fi connections. Just connect your PS4 or PS5 to the hotspot and go.
5. So long as your VPN app is up and running, any device that connects to your hotspot should be protected as well.

How to Set Up a VPN for PS4 or PS5 with Your Mac

This one is tricky. There’s an internet sharing function built right into all modern Macs, but it works best if the Mac itself is connected to your router via a cable. To share a wireless connection, you’ll need a separate physical network interface, such as a USB Wi-Fi dongle, or USB Ethernet adapter.

Assuming you have your Mac set up one way or the other, here are the basic instructions:

1. Download and install the CyberGhost VPN app for macOS. Connect now if you want.
2. From the Apple menu, select System Settings, and then General in the sidebar.
3. Scroll down as needed, and click Sharing on the right.
4. Select Internet Sharing and click Turn On to get it going.
5. There is an ‘Info’ button (that little I with a circle) next to Internet Sharing. Click it.
6. Click on the pop-up menu for Share your connection from and select the connection that actually has access to the internet (e.g. Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.).
7. Below To devices using, select the connection you want to share with other devices.
8. If you’re setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot, be sure to click on Wi-Fi Options and select a network name, password, etc.
9. Connect your console to the new hot spot.
10. As long as the CyberGhost app is running on your Mac, your console will be protected by the VPN.

Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for PlayStation

CyberGhost makes a great gaming VPN because it’s not just “a VPN.” It supports every platform you want to game on, including PC, Mac, consoles, and smartphones as well. With a vast network of servers all over the world, you can always find a VPN server that’s close to the game data centers on which you want to play.

You can also use our Smart DNS service to bypass the need for a VPN entirely, if you only want to game in the US or the UK.

On top of all that, we offer military-grade encryption, DDoS attack mitigation, potentially lower ping, no data caps, and a Customer Support team that has been trained to help you get set up on consoles, and you have a great Playstation VPN. Oh, and don’t forget our 45-day money-back guarantee, which lets you try it all out risk-free.

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Crushing Your Foes Beneath Your K/D Goes Hand in Hand with a VPN 

… and you shouldn’t leave all the fun to the PC players, especially with more and more games integrating cross play — and even cross save — on all major platforms. It’s easier than ever to get the benefits of a VPN on a PlayStation, and certainly pretty affordable.

With the potentially lower ping, an extra layer of internet security, and smoother connections to friends halfway around the world, what’s not to love? And if a VPN can help you get access to a game or DLC a day early, who are we to argue with that? We… uhhh… we’re never going to argue with that.

Give CyberGhost VPN a try and reap all the benefits. Happy gaming, and may you reign triumphant over the trolls.

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