Setting up Surfshark VPN on your PS5 might seem tricky at first because, let’s be real, PlayStation consoles don’t have a built-in VPN app. But don’t you worry! It’s totally doable, and the benefits for your gaming and streaming experience are absolutely worth it. This guide will walk you through everything, from why you’d even want a VPN on your PS5 to the detailed steps for getting Surfshark up and running, so you can enjoy a smoother, more secure, and region-free experience.

To add Surfshark VPN to your PS5, you’ll generally need to use one of two main workarounds: either setting it up on your Wi-Fi router so every device connected gets VPN protection, or sharing the VPN connection from a Windows PC or Mac directly to your console via an Ethernet cable. A third option, less secure but useful for streaming, is Smart DNS. No matter which method you choose, the goal is to get your PS5 connected to the internet through Surfshark, unlocking region-locked content, protecting your privacy, and potentially even improving your game connection. We’ll break down each of these methods step-by-step so you can pick the one that fits your setup best and get gaming with Surfshark in no time.

Table of Contents

Why Even Bother with a VPN on Your PS5?

You might be thinking, “Do I really need a VPN for my PlayStation 5?” Well, once you see what a VPN like Surfshark can do, you’ll probably agree it’s a must. Here are some of the biggest reasons why people, including myself, find a VPN on their PS5 invaluable:

Unlock Geo-Restricted Games and Content

This is probably one of the most exciting reasons for many gamers. Imagine a game or DLC is available earlier in another region, or maybe there’s a specific game server or a deal that’s only live in a certain country. A VPN can virtually change your location, making it appear as if you’re browsing or playing from somewhere else entirely. This means you could access those early releases, regional game lobbies, or even grab some better deals on digital storefronts. It’s like having a universal key to all the online content.

Enhance Your Privacy and Security

online world, privacy is a big deal, even on your gaming console. A VPN encrypts your data, basically scrambling it so that no one, not even your internet service provider ISP, can see what you’re doing online. This is super important when you’re entering payment details for new games or just want to keep your online activities private from snoopers and third-party trackers. Surfshark, for example, helps keep your IP address hidden, adding a crucial layer of security to your PS5 console.

Protection Against DDoS Attacks

If you’re into competitive online gaming, you might have heard of or even experienced a Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attack. These nasty attacks can knock you offline, ruining your game. When you use a VPN, your actual IP address is masked, meaning attackers can’t target your home network directly. Instead, they’d be hitting the VPN server, which is usually robust enough to shrug off such attacks. It’s like having a shield for your online presence, especially handy if you’re a streamer or a competitive player. How to Supercharge Your PS5 Gaming with Surfshark VPN

Avoid ISP Throttling

Ever notice your internet speed dips during peak gaming hours or when you’re streaming in 4K? That might be your ISP throttling your bandwidth. Some ISPs can intentionally slow down your connection if they detect you’re using a lot of data for things like gaming or streaming. Since a VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your online activities, your ISP won’t know what you’re doing, making it much harder for them to throttle your connection. This means more stable speeds and less frustrating lag during those intense gaming sessions.

Potentially Improve Ping and Reduce Lag

While a VPN routes your traffic through an additional server, which can sometimes increase ping, in certain situations, it can actually help. If your ISP is routing your connection inefficiently or you’re connecting to a game server that’s far away, a VPN might offer a more direct route, potentially lowering your ping and giving you a smoother online experience. Surfshark’s network of over 3,200 servers globally, many with 10 Gbit/s ports, aims to keep speeds fast and minimize server congestion, which is a big plus for gamers.

How to Add Surfshark VPN to PS5: Step-by-Step Methods

Alright, now that you’re probably convinced a VPN is a good idea for your PS5, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to set it up. Remember, the PS5 itself doesn’t support direct VPN apps, so we’ll be using some clever workarounds.

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Method 1: Router Setup Recommended for Full Home Protection

This is often the best way to get Surfshark VPN on your PS5 because it protects every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network automatically. Once your router is configured with Surfshark, your PS5 and your smart TV, phone, tablet, etc. will all be routed through the VPN without needing individual setup.

What you’ll need:

A Surfshark subscription.
A compatible Wi-Fi router that supports VPN client functionality e.g., OpenVPN or WireGuard. Many Asus, Linksys with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato, GL.iNet, or Keenetic routers work well.
A computer PC or Mac to access your router’s administration panel.
An Ethernet cable optional, but a wired connection to the router can be more stable.

Steps to configure your router with Surfshark:

Check Router Compatibility: First things first, you need to make sure your router can handle a VPN. Many modern routers support OpenVPN or WireGuard client setups. If you’re unsure, a quick search for your router model + “VPN client” should give you the answer. Surfshark also has a helpful support page that lists compatible routers and specific setup guides.
Access Your Router’s Admin Panel:
- Open a web browser on your computer.
- Type your router’s IP address into the address bar. This is often something like 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, 192.168.100.1, or 10.0.0.1. If those don’t work, you can usually find it by:
  - Windows: Open Command Prompt search for cmd, type ipconfig and hit Enter. Look for “Default Gateway” under your active network connection.
  - macOS: Go to System Settings > Network, select your active connection, click “Advanced,” then “TCP/IP.” Your router’s IP will be listed as “Router”.
- Enter your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed it, these are often admin/admin or found on a sticker on the back of your router.
Download Surfshark VPN Configuration Files and Credentials:
- Log into your Surfshark account on their website.
- Go to the Manual Setup section, then select Router.
- You’ll need your service credentials username and password for manual VPN connection, which are different from your Surfshark account login details. Copy these down.
- Download the OpenVPN configuration files .ovpn or WireGuard files for the server location you want to use. Pick a server that’s geographically close to the game server you want to play on for better speeds, or one in a specific country to access geo-restricted content.
Configure the VPN Client on Your Router:
- Within your router’s admin panel, look for a section related to VPN, VPN Client, or OpenVPN. The exact location varies by router brand and firmware.
- You’ll typically find an option to “Add Profile” or “Import” a configuration file.
- Upload the .ovpn file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Enter the Surfshark VPN service username and password you noted earlier.
- Save and activate the VPN connection. Your router might restart.
Connect Your PS5 to the VPN-Enabled Network:
- Once your router shows the VPN is active, turn on your PS5.
- Go to Settings the gear icon > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose Wi-Fi if connecting wirelessly or Use a LAN Cable if wired.
- Select your home Wi-Fi network which is now protected by Surfshark VPN or simply connect if using a LAN cable.
- When prompted for a proxy server, select Do Not Use.
- Your PS5 should now connect to the internet through the VPN-enabled router. You can test the connection to confirm.

And just like that, your PS5 is hooked up to Surfshark VPN!

Method 2: PC/Mac Connection Sharing for Specific Devices

If your router doesn’t support VPNs, or you only want your PS5 and not your whole network to use the VPN, you can share a Surfshark VPN connection from your computer. This works for both Windows and Mac users. What Does a “No-Logs” VPN Policy Really Mean?

Option A: Sharing from a Windows PC

A Windows PC Windows 7 or newer, ideally Windows 10/11 with the Surfshark VPN app installed.
An Ethernet cable to connect your PC to your PS5.
Your PC needs to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or another Ethernet connection.

Steps for Windows PC connection sharing:

Install Surfshark on your PC: Download and install the Surfshark app from their official website on your Windows computer. Log in to your account.
Connect PS5 to PC: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your PS5 and the other end into your PC’s Ethernet port.
Configure PC Network Settings:
- On your PC, open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings on the left side.
- Find the network connection created by Surfshark it often says something like “Surfshark Tap Adapter” or “TAP-Windows Adapter V9”.
- Right-click on this adapter and select Properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection”.
- From the “Home networking connection” dropdown menu, choose the Ethernet connection that goes to your PS5. It might be named “Ethernet” followed by a number.
- Click OK to save the settings.
Connect to a Surfshark Server on PC: Open the Surfshark app on your PC and connect to your desired VPN server location. Make sure you’re using the OpenVPN UDP or TCP protocol for this method, as some other protocols might not share correctly.
Configure PS5 Network Settings:
- Now, head over to your PS5.
- Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use a LAN Cable, then choose Easy Setup.
- If prompted about a proxy server, select Do Not Use.
- Your PS5 should now connect to the internet using the shared VPN connection from your computer.

Option B: Sharing from a Mac

Sharing a VPN from a Mac is also possible with Surfshark, though some sources indicate Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that can effectively do this on macOS.

A Mac with the Surfshark VPN app installed.
An Ethernet cable to connect your Mac to your PS5 you might need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter if your Mac doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet port.
Your Mac needs to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.

Steps for Mac connection sharing:

Install Surfshark on your Mac: Download and install the Surfshark app for Mac. Connect to your preferred VPN server.
Connect PS5 to Mac: Link your Mac and PS5 using an Ethernet cable.
Configure Mac Internet Sharing:
- On your Mac, go to System Settings or System Preferences for older macOS versions > General > Sharing.
- Find and select Internet Sharing.
- In the “Share your connection from” menu, choose Wi-Fi assuming your Mac is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.
- In the “To devices using” menu, select Ethernet Adapter.
- Make sure Internet Sharing is toggled On. You might need to confirm with your admin password.
Configure PS5 Network Settings:
- On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- If asked about a proxy server, select Do Not Use.
- Your PS5 should now be connected to the internet via the VPN connection shared from your Mac.

Method 3: Smart DNS for Streaming Geo-Blocked Content

This method is simpler to set up than the others, but it’s important to understand its limitations. Smart DNS helps you bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services, but it doesn’t encrypt your connection or hide your IP address. This means it won’t offer the same privacy and security benefits as a full VPN.

A Surfshark subscription Smart DNS is usually included.
Your PS5.
A computer or mobile device to access your Surfshark account.

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Activate Smart DNS on Your Surfshark Account:
- Navigate to the Smart DNS section.
- Click the “Activate Smart DNS” button. Your actual IP address will be detected, and the Smart DNS will be activated for that specific IP.
- Important: Make sure you are disconnected from the VPN when activating Smart DNS, as it needs to be tied to your real IP address. If your IP address changes e.g., if your router restarts or your ISP assigns a new one, you might need to reactivate it.
- Once activated, Surfshark will provide you with primary and secondary DNS addresses. Write these down.
Configure PS5 Network Settings:
- Choose your current connection method Wi-Fi or LAN Cable.
- Select Custom Setup.
- For IP Address Settings, choose Automatic.
- For DHCP Host Name, select Do Not Specify.
- For DNS Settings, choose Manual.
- Enter the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS addresses that Surfshark provided you.
- For MTU Settings, choose Automatic.
- For Proxy Server, select Do Not Use.
- Complete the setup and test your internet connection.

Now your PS5 will use Surfshark’s Smart DNS to access geo-restricted streaming content. Just remember, your connection isn’t encrypted, so it’s best used specifically for content unblocking rather than full privacy.

Important Considerations and Tips for PS5 VPN Use

Using a VPN with your PS5 is awesome, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the best experience:

Speed and Performance

VPNs, by their nature, add an extra step to your internet connection, which can sometimes introduce a slight delay or speed reduction. For gaming, low ping and high speed are crucial.

Server Location: Always try to connect to a VPN server that is geographically close to the game server you’re trying to access. If you’re playing on European servers, pick a Surfshark server in Europe. If you’re trying to unlock content from the US, pick a US server.
Wired Connection: If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect your PS5 to your router or PC. Wired connections are generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, which can help offset any potential VPN overhead.
Router Power: If you’re using the router method, a more powerful router CPU can handle VPN encryption and decryption more efficiently, leading to better speeds.
ISP Speed: Ensure your base internet speed is robust. A strong internet connection is key for a good VPN experience.

PSN Account Region Limitations

It’s important to understand that while a VPN can change your virtual location and allow you to access geo-restricted games or content, it won’t change your PlayStation Network PSN account region. Your PSN account region is set when you create the account and typically cannot be changed. This means:

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You can’t use a VPN to buy games from a different region’s PlayStation Store if your account isn’t registered there.
Any funds or subscriptions tied to your original PSN region will remain there.
To access another region’s PS Store, you would need to create a new PSN account specifically for that region, which often requires a local address.

However, once you have games or access to content, the VPN allows your PS5 to connect to those services from a different location, regardless of your PSN account’s home region.

Server Selection and Ping

Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, offering plenty of choices. For gaming, try experimenting with different servers. Sometimes a server that’s slightly further away but less congested might give you better ping than a closer, overloaded one. Always run a speed test after connecting to a VPN to gauge its impact.

Troubleshooting Common Surfshark VPN Issues on PS5

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly right away. If you’re having trouble getting Surfshark to work with your PS5, don’t worry, here are some common issues and what you can do:

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“VPN Not Connecting” or “PS5 Can’t Connect to PSN”

This is a frequent complaint you might even see on forums like Reddit.

Check Your Internet Connection: First, make sure your regular internet connection is stable and working without the VPN. Try loading a webpage on your computer or phone.
Restart Everything: A classic IT fix, but often effective. Restart your router, your PC if using connection sharing, and your PS5.
Try Different VPN Servers: Sometimes, a specific VPN server might be temporarily down or overloaded. Switch to a different server location within the Surfshark app or on your router.
Change VPN Protocols: If you’re using the PC sharing method or configuring your router, try switching the VPN protocol. OpenVPN UDP vs. TCP or WireGuard are common choices. Some protocols might work better with certain network setups.
Check Firewall/Antivirus PC Sharing: If you’re sharing from a PC, your computer’s firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the VPN connection. Temporarily disable them with caution! to see if that’s the issue, and if so, add exceptions for Surfshark.
Router Firmware Update: For router setups, ensure your router’s firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility problems.
Surfshark App Update: Make sure your Surfshark app on your PC or Mac is the latest version. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

Slow Speeds or High Ping

If your VPN is connecting but your gaming experience is suffering:

Test Different Servers: As mentioned, trying various server locations can make a big difference. Focus on servers geographically closer to your actual location or the game server.
Check Original Speed: Run a speed test without the VPN to get a baseline. Then run one with the VPN. A significant drop might indicate an issue.
Wired Connection: Again, prioritize using an Ethernet cable for your PS5 and even for your PC connection to the router if possible.
Split Tunneling if available on router: Some advanced router VPN setups allow split tunneling, where you can choose which devices or apps use the VPN and which don’t. You could configure it so only gaming traffic goes through the VPN, or vice-versa, to optimize for specific needs.

Smart DNS Not Working for Streaming

Reactivate Smart DNS: If your public IP address changes, you need to reactivate Smart DNS on your Surfshark account page. This is a common reason for it to stop working.
Clear PS5 Cache/Restart: Sometimes a simple restart of the PS5 can help clear any cached DNS settings.
Double-Check DNS Entries: Make sure you’ve correctly entered the primary and secondary DNS addresses provided by Surfshark into your PS5’s network settings. Even a small typo can break it.

If you’re still stuck, remember that Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support via live chat. They can often provide tailored assistance for your specific setup.

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Why Surfshark for Your PS5?

Out of all the VPNs out there, why would you choose Surfshark for your PS5? There are a few compelling reasons that make it a great fit for gamers and streamers:

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This means one subscription can protect your PS5, PC, Mac, phone, tablet, and any other device in your household without having to worry about hitting a device limit. This is particularly handy if you’re setting it up on a router, as all devices on your network will be covered.
Fast Speeds: Surfshark is known for its fast server speeds, which is absolutely critical for online gaming and smooth 4K streaming. Their network includes 10 Gbit/s ports across thousands of servers, aiming to reduce latency and prevent congestion.
Robust Security Features: Beyond just unblocking content, Surfshark provides strong AES-256-GCM encryption, a no-logs policy, and features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. While CleanWeb is more noticeable when browsing on a computer, it still adds a layer of protection to your overall network when connected via a router.
Smart DNS Included: For those primary streaming needs where encryption isn’t the top priority, Surfshark includes its Smart DNS service, making it super easy to set up on devices like the PS5 for geo-restricted content.
Affordable Pricing with Money-Back Guarantee: Surfshark is often praised for offering excellent value, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on features or performance. Plus, they typically offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out with your PS5 risk-free to see if it meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Surfshark VPN app directly on my PS5?

No, unfortunately, you can’t install a Surfshark VPN app or any VPN app directly on your PS5 console. PlayStation consoles don’t have native support for VPN applications. However, as we’ve discussed, there are effective workarounds like setting up the VPN on your router or sharing the connection from your PC or Mac.

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Will a VPN on my PS5 change my PSN account region?

No, using a VPN on your PS5 will not change the region of your existing PlayStation Network PSN account. Your PSN account region is tied to the country you selected when you first created the account and generally cannot be modified. What a VPN does allow you to do is access geo-restricted games, game lobbies, or streaming content that might be available in other regions, regardless of your PSN account’s original region. To access a different region’s store, you’d typically need to create a new PSN account for that specific region.

Can a VPN reduce lag on my PS5?

A VPN can sometimes help reduce lag on your PS5, especially if your internet service provider ISP is throttling your connection or routing your traffic inefficiently. By encrypting your data and rerouting it through a different server, a VPN can bypass ISP throttling and potentially find a more optimized path to game servers. However, a VPN also adds an extra step to your connection, so it’s not a guaranteed lag reducer for everyone. It really depends on your specific internet setup and the game server’s location.

Is it legal to use a VPN with my PS5?

Yes, using a VPN with your PS5 is generally legal in most countries. VPNs are a legitimate tool for online privacy and security. However, it’s crucial to use them responsibly and avoid any illegal online activities. Always abide by the terms of service of any games or platforms you use, as some might have rules against using VPNs to gain an unfair advantage or access content deceptively.

Which Surfshark VPN protocol should I use for PS5 gaming?

When setting up Surfshark on your router or sharing from a PC, you’ll typically be using either OpenVPN UDP or TCP or WireGuard. For gaming, WireGuard is often recommended for its balance of speed and security, offering excellent performance. If WireGuard isn’t an option or you encounter issues, OpenVPN UDP is usually the next best choice, as it’s generally faster than OpenVPN TCP due to its connection method. OpenVPN TCP can be more stable but might introduce more latency. Experiment to see which works best with your network.

Will using Surfshark VPN on my router protect all devices connected to it?

Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of setting up Surfshark VPN directly on your compatible Wi-Fi router is that it creates a VPN-protected network for your entire home. Any device that connects to that router’s Wi-Fi network – including your PS5, smart TV, smartphones, tablets, and even smart home gadgets – will automatically have its internet traffic routed through the VPN tunnel. This means all your devices benefit from Surfshark’s privacy, security, and geo-unblocking capabilities without needing individual VPN installations. Is Surfshark VPN Owned by China? No, Surfshark VPN is not owned by China or any Chinese entity. This is a common question, and it’s super important to know who’s behind your VPN service, especially with so much concern around data privacy these days. Let me tell you, Surfshark is actually a European company, and its operations are far from China’s control.

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How to Add Surfshark VPN to PS5: Your Ultimate Gaming & Streaming Guide