For all their feats and achievements, next-gen gaming consoles are not immune to online privacy attacks nor data breaches. In fact, since the introduction of multiplayer gaming in general, hacking events have been far more common than most gamers would like to admit. Sure, most gaming hacks involve creating a gameplay advantage, but that’s not to say a hack of the same magnitude can and has been aimed towards other users. Because of this, you need to consider getting 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 console, and the PS5 has led the charge for next-gen. Protecting your PS5 with a VPN is completely doable, but you can’t just install the Virtual Private Network directly to your console, there’s a process. There’s actually two ways you can use a VPN for your PS5, and here at What’s the Best, we can tell you exactly how.
Both methods follow the same preliminary 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 PS5 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 solid PS5 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 PS5 to a VPN is a fair bit quicker but you don’t get the extra advantages of router protection.
Sign up or log into your VPN on a desktop device like a computer or a laptop. With your VPN active, connect your PS5 to your desktop through an ethernet cable, or wirelessly if your device supports wireless hotspot features.
Obviously with this method you have to fire up your desktop every single time you use your PS5, if this’ll be a hassle then perhaps the router connection is more up your street.
You might also find your connection to be slightly less stable this way, if you demand seamless multiplayer connectivity then a router connection will likely deliver you better results.
A benefit of using this VPN set up is that you will have easier control over your VPN settings. Considering your desktop will be open while you game on your PS5, you can seamlessly 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.