Struggling to figure out how to get Surfshark VPN on your PS5? The truth is, you can’t install a VPN app directly onto your PlayStation 5, or even a PS4 for that matter, because Sony’s consoles don’t have native VPN support. But don’t worry! This doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are some clever workarounds that let you enjoy all the benefits of Surfshark on your PS5, mainly by setting it up on your Wi-Fi router or sharing the VPN connection from your computer. I’ll walk you through everything, so you can game with better privacy, potentially smoother connections, and access to content from all over the world.

Table of Contents

Why Even Bother with a VPN on Your PS5?

You might be thinking, “Why do I need a VPN for my PlayStation?” And that’s a fair question! Most people think of VPNs for laptops or phones, but using a service like Surfshark with your PS5 can totally change your gaming experience in a few awesome ways. It’s not just about hiding your IP address, though that’s a big part of it.

First off, let’s talk about DDoS protection. If you’ve ever played competitive online games, you might have run into someone trying to mess with your connection, often by launching a Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attack. It’s super frustrating. What happens is, they try to flood your network with traffic to knock you offline. When you’re using Surfshark, your actual IP address is hidden behind the VPN server’s IP. So, if a sore loser tries to DDoS you, they’ll just hit Surfshark’s servers, which are built to handle that kind of abuse, leaving your game session safe and sound.

Then there’s the whole world of geo-restricted games and early releases. It’s a bummer when a game drops in another region before yours, or when certain content or game servers are only available in specific countries. With Surfshark’s massive network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, you can connect to a server in a different location and make your PS5 appear as if it’s there. This means you could potentially play new games earlier, access regional events, or even snag better deals on games that are priced differently in other markets. Just be mindful of platform terms of service regarding region changes for purchases.

And let’s not forget about ISP throttling. Have you ever noticed your internet slowing down during peak gaming hours or when you’re downloading a huge game update? Your Internet Service Provider ISP might be intentionally slowing down throttling your connection, especially for data-heavy activities like gaming, to manage network traffic. When you use a VPN, your online activity is encrypted, meaning your ISP can’t see what you’re doing. If they can’t tell you’re gaming or downloading, they can’t throttle your connection based on that activity. This can lead to more stable speeds and, in some cases, even lower ping.

Finally, for the privacy-conscious, a VPN offers enhanced privacy and security. It encrypts your data, protecting your online activities from prying eyes, whether it’s your ISP, advertisers, or potential cyber threats. This is especially handy if you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks though less common for a PS5 or just want to keep your gaming habits private.

Setting Up Surfshark on Your PS5: The Nitty-Gritty

Since you can’t just download a Surfshark app on your PS5, you’ll need to get a bit creative. The most common and effective ways involve sharing the VPN connection from another device. We’ll cover two main methods here: setting up Surfshark on your router, and sharing the VPN connection from a Windows PC or Mac. There’s also Smart DNS, but it comes with some serious limitations for gaming and security, which I’ll explain.

Method 1: Router Setup The Best Way to Cover Everything

This is hands-down the most robust way to use Surfshark with your PS5. Why? Because when you set up the VPN on your router, every device connected to that router’s Wi-Fi network is automatically protected by the VPN. That means your PS5, your phone, your laptop, even other smart home gadgets – all secured with one setup. No need to configure each device individually.

What you’ll need:

A Surfshark subscription.
A VPN-compatible router. Many modern routers, especially those from brands like ASUS, Netgear, Linksys, or GL.iNet, support VPN client functionality. If yours doesn’t, you might need to install custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT, which can be a bit more technical.

Step-by-step guide:

Check Router Compatibility: First things first, see if your router can even handle a VPN. The easiest way is to check your router’s model online or look through its settings for a “VPN” section. If you don’t see anything, it might not be compatible without custom firmware.
Log into Your Router: Open a web browser on your computer and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. This is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Your router’s username and password might be on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If you’ve never changed it, try the default often “admin” for both.
Get Surfshark Configuration Files: Once you’re in your router’s admin panel, you’ll need specific configuration files from Surfshark.
- Go to the Surfshark website and log into your account.
- Look for a “Manual Setup” or “Router” section in your dashboard.
- You’ll likely find options for different VPN protocols. For router setup, OpenVPN files usually .ovpn files are commonly used.
- Select the server location you want your PS5 to connect to e.g., a server in the Netherlands for lower ping if you’re in Europe, or a US server for specific content and download the corresponding .ovpn file. You’ll also need your Surfshark service credentials username and password.
Configure VPN on Your Router:
- In your router’s settings, find the “VPN” or “VPN Client” section.
- Look for an option to “Add Profile” or “Upload VPN Configuration.”
- Upload the .ovpn file you downloaded from Surfshark.
- Enter your Surfshark service username and password when prompted.
- Save the settings and activate the VPN connection on your router.
- Some routers might ask you to specify the VPN protocol choose OpenVPN or other settings. If you’re unsure, Surfshark’s support pages usually have detailed guides for specific router models.
Connect Your PS5: Once the VPN is active on your router, your PS5 simply needs to connect to your regular Wi-Fi network.
- On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose Wi-Fi and select your home network.
- Set the connection method to Easy.
- If it asks about a proxy server, select Do Not Use.
- Your PS5 should now connect, and all its internet traffic will be routed through Surfshark VPN! You can then play games, stream content, or browse, knowing you’re protected.

Method 2: Sharing VPN from Your Windows PC or Mac Great for Flexibility

This method is super useful if you don’t have a VPN-compatible router or just want more control over when your PS5 uses the VPN. You essentially turn your computer into a virtual router, sharing its VPN-protected internet connection with your PS5 via an Ethernet cable.

A Windows PC or Mac with the Surfshark app installed.
An Ethernet cable.

For Windows PC Users:

Install Surfshark on your PC: Download and install the Surfshark VPN app from their official website. 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 Internet Sharing on PC:
- 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 might be named something like “Surfshark Tap Adapter” or “Ethernet “.
- Right-click on the Surfshark 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 drop-down menu, choose the Ethernet connection that goes to your PS5 it might be named “Ethernet” followed by a number, or something similar to what you identified earlier. Click OK to save.
Connect to a Surfshark Server: Open the Surfshark app on your PC and connect to your desired VPN server location. Important: Some sources suggest sharing works best with the OpenVPN protocol, so you might want to switch to that in Surfshark’s settings before connecting.
Configure PS5:
- Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose Use a LAN Cable and select Easy setup.
- If prompted, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
- Your PS5 will now complete the setup and be connected to the internet through your PC’s VPN connection.

For Mac Users:

Install Surfshark on your Mac: Download and install the Surfshark VPN app from their official website. Log in.
Connect PS5 to Mac: Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your PS5 and the other end into your Mac you might need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
Configure Internet Sharing on Mac:
- On your Mac, go to System Settings or System Preferences on older macOS versions.
- Select General and then Sharing.
- Choose Internet Sharing.
- In the “Share your connection from” menu, select 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. If prompted for permissions, enter your admin username and password.
Connect to a Surfshark Server: Open the Surfshark app on your Mac and connect to your desired VPN server location.
- Your PS5 should now connect using the VPN connection shared from your Mac.

Method 3: Smart DNS Good for Streaming, but NOT for Gaming or Security

Surfshark offers a Smart DNS service, which can be tempting because it’s easier to set up directly on your PS5. It lets you change your virtual location to access geo-restricted content, especially for streaming services. However, it’s super important to understand its limitations:

No Encryption: Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your internet traffic. This means your online activity isn’t hidden from your ISP, and it doesn’t protect you from hackers or DDoS attacks.
No IP Masking: It doesn’t hide your actual IP address.
Not for Gaming: While it might help with streaming, it generally doesn’t offer the gaming benefits of a full VPN, like DDoS protection or preventing ISP throttling.

So, if your main goal is security, preventing DDoS, or improving gaming performance, Smart DNS is not the right solution. Only use this if you solely want to access geo-restricted streaming content on your PS5 and understand the lack of security.

Quick setup for Smart DNS use with caution:

Get Smart DNS addresses: Log into your Surfshark account on their website. You’ll find your Smart DNS addresses in your account dashboard, usually under a “Smart DNS” section.
Configure PS5 DNS settings:
- Choose your current internet connection Wi-Fi or LAN.
- 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 and Secondary DNS addresses provided by Surfshark.
- For MTU Settings, choose Automatic.
- For Proxy Server, select Do Not Use.
- Test your internet connection.

Surfshark Features That Boost Your PS5 Experience

Now that we know how to connect your PS5 to Surfshark, let’s talk about why Surfshark is a solid choice for gamers. It’s packed with features that can genuinely make a difference.

Blazing Fast Speeds: When you’re gaming, speed is everything. Surfshark has built a reputation for its impressive speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Many of their 3,200+ servers in 100 countries are equipped with 10Gbps ports, meaning you’re less likely to experience slowdowns from server congestion. In some tests, Surfshark even registered download speeds of 460Mbps with OpenVPN, significantly faster than some competitors, and consistently delivers strong performance with WireGuard. This translates to a smoother, more responsive gaming experience with minimal lag.
Massive Server Network: Having servers in 100 countries is a huge advantage. The closer a VPN server is to you and to the game server, the less impact it generally has on your connection speed and ping. This wide selection means you’re more likely to find a low-ping server for your specific game, enabling worldwide matchmaking and access to different regional content.
Robust Security and Privacy: Beyond gaming, Surfshark takes your privacy seriously. It uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to scramble your data, keeping it safe from prying eyes. They also have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store your online activity. Plus, features like DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection ensure your real IP address never accidentally slips out. This layered security protects you from DDoS attacks and ensures your data remains confidential.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a big one, especially if you have a busy household. A single Surfshark subscription lets you protect an unlimited number of devices. So, you can secure your PS5 via router or PC, your phone, tablet, laptop, and even your friend’s console without needing multiple accounts. That’s fantastic value!
CleanWeb Ad Blocker: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is a powerful ad, tracker, and malware blocker. While you might not notice it as much on your PS5’s gaming interface, it can definitely improve your browsing experience if you use the console’s web browser or streaming apps, making things load faster and feel less cluttered.
Bypasser Split Tunneling: This feature, also known as split tunneling, is super handy. It lets you choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which bypass it. For example, you could route your PS5’s game traffic through the VPN for geo-unblocking, but let a streaming app use your regular internet connection if it performs better without the VPN. It gives you a lot of flexibility.

Is Surfshark Reliable for Gaming? Performance and What to Expect

When it comes to gaming, reliability and performance are key. No one wants lag or dropped connections in the middle of a crucial match. Based on what I’ve seen and tested, Surfshark is generally a very reliable VPN for gaming.

Ping and Latency: All VPNs will add a tiny bit of latency because your data has an extra stop to make at the VPN server. However, Surfshark minimizes this impact with its extensive network and high-speed WireGuard protocol. Many users report stable, consistent ping rates, and in some cases, Surfshark can even help reduce ping if your ISP’s default routing to game servers is inefficient or overcrowded. It’s all about finding the closest, least congested server.
Preventing Throttling: As mentioned, Surfshark’s encryption helps you bypass ISP throttling, which can be a must for consistent performance during peak times.
DDoS Protection: For competitive gamers, the built-in DDoS protection is a huge peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the game without worrying about malicious attacks.
Gaming-Specific Use Cases: People successfully use Surfshark for accessing games early, finding easier lobbies in certain titles, and connecting with friends on servers in other regions. It’s even cited as a good VPN for Steam, protecting you while gaming online though be aware of Steam’s terms for store region changes.

While no VPN can magically give you a fiber-optic connection, Surfshark comes pretty close to being a “no lag VPN” thanks to its network and protocols. I’ve found it to be a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their PS5 gaming experience.

Troubleshooting Common Surfshark & PS5 Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. If you run into issues getting Surfshark to work with your PS5, here are a few things to check:

Double-Check Your Setup Steps: Seriously, go back through the router or PC sharing steps carefully. A tiny missed checkbox or an incorrect IP address can throw everything off.
Try Different Servers: Sometimes a specific VPN server might be overloaded or experiencing temporary issues. In the Surfshark app, try connecting to a different server, especially one nearby your physical location, or even a different server in your desired country.
Change VPN Protocols: If you’re having connection or speed issues, try switching the VPN protocol in your Surfshark app on your PC/Mac or router settings, depending on your setup. WireGuard is generally the fastest, but OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2 can sometimes be more stable or perform better in certain network conditions.
Check Your Router Firmware for router setup: Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware can sometimes cause compatibility issues with VPNs.
Verify Internet Sharing Settings for PC/Mac sharing: For Windows, confirm that you’ve selected the correct Ethernet connection in the “Home networking connection” dropdown on the Sharing tab. For Mac, ensure Internet Sharing is correctly configured to share from Wi-Fi to Ethernet.
Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily: Your computer’s firewall or antivirus software might be interfering with the VPN connection sharing. Try temporarily disabling them to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you’ll need to configure an exception for Surfshark in your security software.
Contact Surfshark Support: If you’re really stuck, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support. Their team can provide specific guidance for your setup and troubleshoot any account or service-related issues. They’re usually pretty quick to help out!

Remember, patience is key. Setting up a VPN on a console isn’t as straightforward as installing an app, but once it’s done, the benefits for your gaming and online privacy are definitely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Surfshark VPN directly on my PS5?

No, you cannot install Surfshark VPN directly on your PS5. PlayStation consoles, including the PS5, don’t have native support for VPN applications. To use Surfshark with your PS5, you’ll need to set it up on your Wi-Fi router or share the VPN connection from a Windows PC or Mac.

Is Surfshark VPN good for gaming on PS5?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally considered good for gaming on PS5. It offers fast speeds especially with WireGuard, a large network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and features like DDoS protection. It can help reduce lag in certain situations by bypassing ISP throttling and providing better routing to game servers, and it allows you to access geo-restricted content and early game releases.

Will Surfshark VPN slow down my internet on PS5?

All VPNs introduce a slight increase in latency because your internet traffic has an extra stop to make at the VPN server. However, Surfshark minimizes this with its high-speed servers and optimized protocols like WireGuard. In many cases, if your ISP is throttling your connection or has poor routing, Surfshark can actually stabilize or even improve your effective gaming speeds and ping by providing a more direct route to game servers and preventing bandwidth slowdowns.

What is the best way to set up Surfshark on a PlayStation?

The most recommended method is to set up Surfshark VPN directly on your Wi-Fi router. This way, every device connected to your home network, including your PS5, is automatically protected by the VPN without needing individual configuration. If your router isn’t VPN-compatible, sharing the VPN connection from a Windows PC or Mac via an Ethernet cable is another effective method. Download the installation script (replace URL with the latest from Surfshark’s site)

Can I use Surfshark’s Smart DNS for gaming on my PS5?

While Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature can help you access geo-restricted content for streaming services on your PS5, it is not recommended for gaming or security. Smart DNS does not encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address, meaning it won’t protect you from DDoS attacks, prevent ISP throttling, or enhance your online privacy in the same way a full VPN connection would.

Does Surfshark work on PS4 as well?

Yes, Surfshark VPN works on PS4 using the same methods as for PS5. Since neither console supports native VPN apps, you would set up Surfshark on your Wi-Fi router or share the VPN connection from a Windows PC or Mac to your PS4. This allows PS4 users to enjoy the same benefits of improved privacy, geo-unblocking, and DDoS protection.

Is Surfshark a reliable VPN service overall?

Many reviews and tests indicate that Surfshark is a reliable VPN service. It offers strong AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a large global server network, fast speeds especially with WireGuard, and additional features like CleanWeb and unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s often praised for its value for money and performance across various activities, including streaming, torrenting, and general browsing.

How to Get Surfshark VPN on Your Router: A Complete Guide to Network-Wide Protection

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Level Up Your PS5: A Gamer’s Guide to Surfshark VPN