Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) serve multiple valuable purposes, but setting one up on your PS5 isn’t necessarily that obvious. Read on to find out how to install a VPN on your Sony console.
The benefits of a PS5 VPN
- You have increased privacy, which can be downright vital (you’ve all heard of swatting).
- VPNs can be a safety measure as they’ll stop any DDoS attacks.
- They can also help you get around geo-restrictions by tricking places into thinking you’re in another country, which means you can access content you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to.
In short, VPNs can be pretty good if you’re able to put in the work to get one up and running.
Thankfully, we’re here to provide you with all the required steps.
How to install a VPN on PS5
This is a little complicated, in that you cannot set up a VPN via the PS itself as the geo-restrictions would open up a whole host of legal issues for Sony if they were to make it easy. I mean, who doesn’t like a challenge, though?
The three routes you’ll be going down are either: via your router, via your computer or via your phone. I probably should have just said via the internet.
1. Set up your PS5 VPN via your router
This is the best route, as the whole house will be protected. Unfortunately, it does mean that each VPN provider will have their own set of instructions.
ExpressVPN (because I just wanted to watch a 10-minute video on gaming), has pretty clear instructions, but it’ll depend on the type of router you have. They also offer their router with a VPN built in if you want to skip the hassle in favour of parting with some hard-earned cash.
Still, even to someone who just wants to sigh loudly and hit the on button on the remote like I’m in a ’90s sitcom, none of these options were difficult.
2. Install via your PC
Anyway, the next option is just as simple; you’ll just be a bit more tethered. By installing a VPN on your computer, and then running an ethernet cable from your PS5 to the computer, you can then allow other people to connect to the internet via the ethernet on the PC. You then change the settings on your PS5 to specify that connection.
3. Use your phone and hotspot
When it comes to your mobile phone, you effectively download the VPN to your phone and then set up a hotspot and connect to it via your PS5. It’s simple, but then you would be chancing running your gaming on a phone hotspot. That said, in my past journalistic lives I’ve been dependent on them and they’ve never let me down, albeit in far less intensive situations.
Which is the best option to install a VPN on your PS5?
For my money, you’re worth putting in time and effort into connecting via a router. It’ll be less time to set up on a day-to-day basis and if you’re already in the market for a VPN then I doubt you’d want to have any potential connection without it.
In one swoop, you get the whole house covered. You don’t have to worry about setting up the hotspot or ethernet connection every time; just sit down, game and chill out.
Shop around, find a good deal and a company that grabs your trust and enjoy yourself.
