Updated on: April 23, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Access More PlayStation Content in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a VPN. My favorite choice is ExpressVPN. It has servers in 105 countries and is very secure and fast — plus, it has a router app that’s really easy to install and use.
- Step 2: Set up the VPN on your router. Doing this will allow your PS4 or PS5 to use the VPN connection. Just follow the provider’s setup guides — a router setup doesn’t normally take more than 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Create a new PSN account. You’ll now be able to access and explore the content specific to your selected region.
I love trying out new PlayStation games, but there’s a lot of region-exclusive content. Some places get early access to new titles and even get special offers and extras that are region-specific.
The only way to get access to more content is to change your PSN region. The bad news is you can’t change your region on your existing account — you’ll have to create a brand-new one. The good news is creating a new account is pretty straightforward.
I always like to do that with a VPN. Although you don’t need a VPN to change your PSN region, I feel safer knowing that my traffic is secure and private with one. Plus, you’ll need one to buy region-exclusive titles and protect your gaming sessions from Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks that can force you offline, sometimes for hours on end.
But keep in mind PlayStation consoles don’t support VPN apps — so you can’t just download and install the VPN on your PlayStation like you can on mobile or desktop devices. Instead, you need to manually configure the VPN on your router or share your VPN connection to your PlayStation via ethernet or Wi-Fi.
I’ll show you how to do everything in this guide, including how to change your PSN region and use a VPN with your PlayStation. And, I’ll even quickly cover the best PlayStation VPNs — if you’re in a hurry, I recommend getting ExpressVPN since it comes with a router app that’s easy to install and use, and it also has a large server network, excellent security features, and super fast speeds.
How to Change Your PSN Region (Step-By-Step Guide)
To change your PSN region, you have to create a new user account, which is super easy. Just follow these simple steps on your PS4 or PS5:
- Sign out of your current PSN account.
- On your PlayStation console, go to the Settings menu.
- Scroll down and select Account Management.
- Choose Sign Out to log out of your current PSN account.
- Create a new user profile on your console.
- Return to the main screen and select New User.
- Select Create a User to create a new user profile and click Accept to agree to the User Agreement.
- On the next screen, select Next to create a new PSN account.
- You’ll then see the PSN login page. Select the New to PlayStation Network? Create an Account button at the bottom to proceed.
- Set the region for the new account.
- Click on the drop-down menu under Country or Region and select the location you want to change your PSN account to.
- Select your preferred language and enter your date of birth.
- Verify your age.
- In most places, you should be able to verify your age by simply adding a mobile number to your account.
- Alternatively, you can scan the QR that will show on your screen or have a verification sent to your email. Note that these are third-party methods.
- Enter your home location.
- Enter the name of your city, state/province, and postcode.
- On the next page, enter your email address and create a password.
- Select your Avatar and create your profile: Add your online ID and first and last name.
- Accept PSN’s privacy policy and set your privacy settings.
- That’s it! You now have a new PSN account with a different PSN region.
IMPORTANT: PlayStation Store credit can’t be transferred between accounts. You should also know that PSN rules and regulations can vary between regions so make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of service and any regional restrictions that may apply before changing your PSN account’s region.
Why Change Your PSN Account Region?
- Access to region-specific games and content. Every region’s PSN store offers different games and other apps. By changing your region, you can gain access to all the games that are available to people in that particular region.
- Early access to game releases and updates. Some games and updates are released earlier in specific regions. If you change your PSN account region, you’ll be able to play these games ahead of your original region’s release date.
- Regional pricing and discounts. Certain games or apps might be cheaper in different regions. By switching your PSN region, you may be able to purchase games or apps at a lower cost compared to your original region.
- Multiplayer matchmaking options. When you change your PSN account region, you’ll be able to play games with players in that region. Depending on the region you choose, this might mean a larger player base and more competitive players.
How to Buy Region-Exclusive PlayStation Games When You Change Your PSN Region
Games can only be purchased using the payment method registered to your account’s designated region. Essentially, if you establish an account with the region designated as the US, purchases can only be made using a US PayPal account.
Some people say you can use a fake address, but I don’t recommend that. It goes against most providers’ Terms and Conditions and can get you permanently banned from using their services.
Instead, you can purchase digital gift cards for that specific region and redeem them in the PlayStation Store to buy games.
- Download a VPN and connect to a server. My favorite is ExpressVPN because it has a large server network and is very fast. Then, connect to a server that matches the location of your PSN’s account.
- Purchase region-specific PSN gift cards. Buy a PSN gift card for the region you have changed your PSN account to. You can buy these gift cards from various online retailers or local stores that offer digital codes.
- Redeem the gift card on your PlayStation console. On your PlayStation console, go to the PlayStation Store and select the Redeem Codes option. Enter the code on the gift card and follow the prompts to add the funds to your PSN account.
- Choose a game. You can now buy any game that’s available in the PlayStation Store for that region.
Do You Need a VPN for Your PS4 or PS5?
You can play PS games without a VPN, but you’ll miss out on some great benefits, including:
- Access region-locked content. A VPN allows you to access and buy games in the PlayStation Store that aren’t available in the region. It does that by assigning you a new IP address that matches the location of the server you connect to.
- Anti-DDoS protection. Many online multiplayer games use peer-to-peer matchmaking, which exposes your IP address. Unfortunately, your IP can be used to target you with a DDoS attack (overwhelming your connection to the server with a lot of requests, which typically causes it to crash). VPNs hide your IP address, which makes it very hard for anyone to DDoS you.
- Keep your online activities private. VPNs also encrypt your entire traffic, making it completely unreadable. That prevents anyone, including your ISP from spying on your online activities.
- Prevent bandwidth throttling. Some internet service providers (ISPs) can slow down your connection speed if you use too much data, which typically happens when you play online games or stream. But since a VPN encrypts your traffic, your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing, and it won’t be able to restrict your bandwidth based on that.
Best VPNs for PlayStation in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for PlayStation:
- 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for PlayStation in 2024 (provides access to a native router app).
- 2. 🥈Private Internet Access — Secure VPN for gaming on a PlayStation (also has smooth connection speeds).
- 3. 🥉CyberGhost VPN — Great for gaming on dedicated gaming servers (also provides good security).
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for PlayStation in 2024
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for PlayStation in 2024. It provides access to servers in 105 countries, which gives you access to plenty of region-specific games, offers very fast speed for gaming, and excellent security.
ExpressVPN is one of the only VPNs that have a router app, which is very easy to install and use. This is very convenient because there’s no way to directly install any VPN app on a PlayStation console. ExpressVPN even offers its own router, Aircove, which has a built-in VPN feature. Alternatively, you can install ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps on your Windows or macOS device and share your VPN connection to the PlayStation.
I love that ExpressVPN offers anti-DDoS protection. It also helps that it has full leak protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, which further minimizes the chances of anyone getting to your IP address. I ran 10+ tests with ExpressVPN, and I never saw my real IP address.
ExpressVPN has plans that start at $6.67 / month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with all its plans.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great Security Features for PlayStation
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a very secure option for gaming on your PlayStation — all of its servers across 91 countries come with anti-DDoS protection, so even if someone tries to DDoS, they won’t be able to.
PIA has router support, but it lacks a native router app like ExpressVPN, so you’ll have to manually configure it on your router to make it work (PIA provides helpful guides to complete the process). It also has very intuitive apps for Windows and macOS if you want to turn your PC into a virtual router and connect it to your PlayStation.
Private Internet Access offers affordable prices, starting from only $2.03 / month. And all of its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Dedicated Gaming Servers for Stable Connections
CyberGhost VPN has 70+ gaming servers in 4+ countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and France, that are optimized to provide stable ping and fast connections during your online games, including on your PlayStation. In addition, it also has a large network of servers spread across 100 countries.
It offers router support too, but you’ll have to manually configure the VPN on your router. Luckily, the provider supports multiple router models and has helpful step-by-step tutorials.
The VPN offers anti-DDoS protection on all of its servers. In addition, it has Identity Guard, which alerts you if your login credentials are compromised — you can use this tool to secure your PSN accounts.
CyberGhost VPN is budget-friendly, with plans starting at $2.03 / month. Its long-term plan offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, while the shortest plan offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Changing Your PSN Account Region in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Changing Your PSN Account Region in 2024
- Check for router support. PlayStation consoles don’t support VPN apps. One of the only ways to connect your PlayStation console to a VPN is via your router. All my top picks have router support, but I recommend ExpressVPN since it has a dedicated router app that’s easy to use.
- Find a VPN with user-friendly apps. If your router is not compatible with a VPN, you can configure your desktop device to serve as a virtual router. Every VPN I recommend has user-friendly apps for Windows and macOS.
- Look for a large server network. This will allow you to access region-specific content on the PlayStation Store. All the VPNs on my list have servers in at least 80+ countries.
- Test for fast speeds. It’s very frustrating to have to deal with slow speeds and high ping, especially in games like fast-paced multiplayer games where every second counts. That’s why I only recommend top VPNs that offer fast speeds and minimize latency. ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds in my tests.
- Get a VPN that has great security features. The VPNs on my list offer anti-DDoS protection, DNS leak protection, military-grade AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch to disconnect you from the internet when your connection to the VPN drops.
- Pick a VPN that provides good value. I recommend opting for providers that come with really affordable plans that are also backed by a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your PS4 or PS5
PS4 and PS5 consoles (or any other PS console) don’t natively support VPNs, meaning you can’t install a VPN app directly onto these devices. But, there are other ways to connect your PS console to a VPN.
Setting Up a VPN on Your Router
- Check for VPN compatibility. Most routers can be set up to work with a VPN, but there are some that don’t. To make sure, you can check with your router manufacturer or refer to their website for compatibility information. Also make sure the VPN you want to use supports your router model.
- Set up your VPN account. Subscribe to a VPN service and create an account. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s one of the only VPNs on the market with a router app that’s really easy to install and use.
- Check the provider’s router tutorials. The VPN should have detailed setup guides on its site that show how to set up the VPN on different router models and firmware. Follow your VPN’s providers instructions to download the files you need for the setup.
- Access your router settings. Open a web browser on your computer and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Log in with your router’s admin credentials.
- Configure the VPN on your router. Look for the VPN settings in your router’s admin panel and enter the VPN configuration details provided by your VPN provider.
- Connect your PlayStation console to the VPN-enabled router. You can do that via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable. That’s it! Your PlayStation is now protected by the VPN connection.
Windows — Ethernet Setup
- Get a VPN that has a user-friendly Windows app. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast, secure, and easy to use.
- Connect your PlayStation console to your computer via an Ethernet cable.
- Connect your router to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
- Enable VPN sharing on your computer by following these steps:
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- Access the Control Panel.
- Navigate to Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center.
- Go to Change Adapter Settings.
- Right-click on the VPN adapter and choose Properties.
- Select the Sharing tab.
- Enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
- Choose your PlayStation’s Ethernet connection as the Home Networking Connection.
- Launch the VPN application and connect to a server.
- Configure your PS4/PS5 internet connection settings:
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- On your PlayStation console, go to the Settings menu.
- Navigate to Network and choose Connect to the internet.
- Select Use a LAN cable as the connection type.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. If prompted, select Do not use a proxy server.
- Congratulations! Your PlayStation console is now securely connected to the VPN.
Windows — Wi-Fi Setup
- Get a VPN that has an easy-to-use Windows app. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s got a great Windows app and very fast speeds.
- Connect your PlayStation console to your computer via Wi-Fi.
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- Access the Settings menu on your computer.
- Navigate to Network & Internet and enable Mobile Hotspot.
- Share your hotspot:
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- Select Share my internet connection from as Wi-Fi.
- Create a name and password for the hotspot.
- Enable VPN sharing on your computer by following these steps:
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- Access the Control Panel.
- Navigate to Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Related settings and then Change adapter options.
- Right-click on the VPN adapter and choose Properties.
- Select the Sharing tab.
- Enable Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.
- Choose the active hotspot connection as the Home Networking Connection.
- Connect to a server in the VPN app.
- Configure your PS4/PS5 internet connection settings:
-
- On your PlayStation console, access the Settings menu.
- Navigate to Network and choose Connect to the internet.
- Select Use Wi-Fi as the connection type.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for a simplified setup.
- If prompted, select Do not use a proxy server.
- That’s it! Your PlayStation console is now securely connected to the VPN.
macOS — Ethernet Setup
- Get a VPN that has a great macOS app. ExpressVPN has a really good app for macOS devices and is very fast.
- Connect your Mac and PlayStation console with an Ethernet cable. Enable internet connection sharing on your Mac by following these steps:
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- Access System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Select Sharing. Then, choose Internet Sharing.
- Select your VPN under Share your connection from.
- Choose Ethernet as the connection type under To computers using.
- Connect to a server in the VPN app.
- Configure your PlayStation’s internet connection settings:
-
- On your PlayStation console, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Network and choose Connect to the internet.
- Select Use a LAN cable as the connection type.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for an easy setup.
- If prompted, select Do not use a proxy server.
- Great job! You can now game and stream on your PlayStation with a VPN.
macOS — Wi-Fi Setup
- Get a VPN with a good macOS app. ExpressVPN has excellent speeds for gaming and streaming.
- Connect your Mac and PlayStation via Wi-Fi. Enable internet connection sharing on your Mac by following these steps:
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- Access System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Select Sharing. Then, choose Internet Sharing.
- Under Share your connection from, select your VPN.
- Under To computers using, choose Wi-Fi as the connection type.
- Set up your Wi-Fi network settings. Add a network name and password. If you encounter a pop-up message stating that Wi-Fi needs to be enabled for internet sharing, click Turn WiFi On.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server.
- Configure your PlayStation’s internet connection settings:
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- On your PlayStation console, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select Network and choose Connect to the internet.
- Select the Wi-Fi option and connect to the network you previously set up.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for an easy setup.
- If prompted, select Do not use a proxy server.
- Great job! You’re now ready to stream and game on your PlayStation console.
Setting Up the VPN’s Smart DNS
This method is only good for streaming content on your PlayStation console. I don’t recommend using it for gaming since it won’t secure your traffic or allow you to play games that are blocked in your current region.
- Subscribe to a VPN that has a smart DNS. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has a great smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer that’s simple to set up.
- Start the smart DNS setup process.
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- Register your IP address in your VPN account (usually under DNS Settings or Smart DNS).
- Go to your VPN’s setup page and get your DNS server IP address.
- Configure the smart DNS on your PlayStation console.
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- Turn on your PlayStation console, navigate to Settings > Network > Set up internet connection > Custom.
- Choose your internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) > select Automatic > Do Not Specify > Manual > enter your assigned DNS address.
- Restart your PlayStation. You’re all set! You can now stream on your PlayStation Console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a free VPN with PlayStation?
Maybe, but it’s highly unlikely. Very few free VPNs offer router support and even if you set a virtual router on your PC, most free VPNs are very slow and limit your bandwidth. Some even lack basic security features.
Instead, I recommend investing in a reputable paid VPN service like ExpressVPN, which offers super-fast speeds that are ideal for gaming, a wide selection of server locations, and a dedicated router app.
Will I lose my games if I change my PSN region?
No, you‘ll still be able to access all of your games and also your in-app purchases and your full friends list even after you change your PSN region. All you’ll have to do is simply switch to your previous PSN account. But you won’t be able to cross-purchase DLC for games — you’ll only be able to buy and download DLC in the same region.
How do I check my PSN region?
To check your PSN region, follow these simple steps:
- Access the PlayStation Store. Open the PlayStation Store on your console or visit the PlayStation website.
- Log into your PSN account. Sign in to your PSN account using your credentials.
- Go to Account Settings. You should be able to find your current PSN region there.
Can you change the region of an existing PSN account?
No, you can’t change the region of an existing PSN account. The only way to change your PSN region is to create a new PSN account and set it to your preferred region.
Also, to purchase games locked to a specific region, you’ll need a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has a dedicated router app (so you won’t have to manually configure it to your router) and very fast speeds that are excellent for gaming on PlayStation.
