Not even next-gen gaming consoles are immune to online privacy attacks or data breaches. So it goes without saying that older generation consoles need protection. Since the introduction of multiplayer gaming in general, hacking events have been far more common than most gamers would like to admit. Granted, most gaming hacks involve creating a gameplay advantage, but that’s not to say a hack of the same magnitude could be aimed gamers with the intent of nabbing personal information. Because of this, you have to consider securing one of the best VPNs. More importantly, you need to know how to use a VPN on your console.
The PlayStation is Sony’s flagship gaming console, and despite the PS5 being the most recent rendition, there are still plenty of gamers running the trusty PS4. Protecting your PS4 with a VPN is completely possible, but you can’t just install the Virtual Private Network directly to your Playstation, there’s a process. There’s actually two ways you can use a VPN on your PS4, and here at What’s the Best, we can walk you through them both.
Both methods follow the same initial process, you need to choose a VPN and sign up/log in on a desktop like a computer or laptop.
Router connection
The first method to protect your PS4 with a VPN is through a router connection. You’ll need to install the VPN to your router, and then connect your console to the router either wirelessly or through an ethernet connection. An added benefit of this method is that every other device on the network will be protected as well.
How to install a VPN to router
• Check your route is VPN compatible and subscribe to a great PlayStation VPN
• Gather your VPN information e.g. VPN server addresses, protocol, username, password
• Open a web browser on a device connected to the router network
• Enter router’s IP address into the browser bar (often found on the back of the router or in its handbook)
• Enter the router’s username and password
• Locate the VPN settings, look out for terms like VPN, or VPN client
• Configure settings
• Test the connection
Local connection
The second way to connect your PS4 to a VPN is less time consuming but you miss out on the extra benefits of router protection.
Sign up or log into your VPN on a desktop device like a computer or a laptop. With your VPN online and ready, connect your PS4 to your desktop through an ethernet cable, or wirelessly if your device supports wireless hotspot features.
Of course, with this method you have to fire up your desktop every single time you use your PS4, if this’ll be an inconvenience then maybe the router connection is a better shout for you.
You might also find your connection to be somewhat less stable this way, if you're lightning quick multiplayer connectivity then a router connection will likely give you a better outcome.
A benefit of using this VPN set up is that you will have more control over your VPN settings. Since your desktop will be open while you game on your PS4, you can effortlessly switch servers or adjust protocol settings, and so forth.
Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.