How to Connect a VPN to PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 is one of the most popular video game consoles ever made, and with good reason. Not only is it ridiculously easy to use, but it also has a large online community that is constantly expanding. If you’re looking for a way to utilize the services of the PlayStation Network without having to worry about security breaches or getting banned for cheating, then it’s time to consider connecting your PlayStation 4 to a VPN.

What is a VPN, and why do I need one?

A VPN or virtual private network is a subscription-based service that allows you to connect to anonymous servers across the world, effectively re-routing all of your internet traffic and allowing you to access content that you might not normally be able to. It also provides you with advanced privacy and security features that you won’t find on most other platforms. While there are free VPNs out there, you’re usually better off paying for their services since they tend to be more reliable and offer more features.

The simplest and most common way to connect a VPN to the PS4 is with a VPN app. There are many free and paid-for apps that you can use, including the one from Netflix that we’ll be discussing.

The Many Benefits of a VPN

There are so many benefits to connecting your PlayStation 4 to a VPN, and it’s probably what makes it so popular among gamers. Here’s a short list:

Anonymity

The first and perhaps most important benefit of a VPN is anonymity. Because your VPN connection is encrypted, your identity remains hidden even when you’re connecting from a public place like an internet café or library. When you use a VPN, you’re creating a new IP address every time you connect, which makes it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location. This could be very useful for those who want to remain incognito while on the internet or avoid being tracked online.

Enhanced Privacy

Another major benefit of a VPN is enhanced privacy. Most VPNs offer advanced security and privacy features that allow you to stay anonymous and protect your personal information better than most other internet-connected devices. There’s also the option to use a virtual private network server, which is a dedicated VPN server located in a data center that acts as your personal hotspot. This option is faster than using your phone’s data plan, and it also provides you with encrypted communication should you choose to use it.

Freedom of Speech

Another notable benefit of a VPN is freedom of speech. Censorship is a widespread problem worldwide, especially in places like China and North Korea, where social media platforms are heavily controlled and monitored. You might want to consider connecting your gaming device to a VPN if you live in a place where video games are heavily controlled by the government or if you’re worried about your online comments being read by the wrong person. By using a VPN service, you ensure that your personal information is safe and that you can express yourself freely without fear of repercussion.

Security

One of the major concerns when using public Wi-Fi is security. Hackers and cyber attackers are constantly looking for ways to gain access to your personal information, especially if you’re using an unsecured network like Wi-Fi. They might monitor your internet activity or try to sneak in administrative passwords to take control of your device. To keep your information secure and private when using public Wi-Fi, you should consider using a VPN.

The convenience of connecting to a VPN when using the PS4 outweighs the security risks. It’s always good to be mindful of your security when online, but sometimes being mindful can lead you to missing out on essential convenience. If you’re a gamer who often connects to public Wi-Fi to play, it might be worth the risk.

Freedom of Access to Content

One of the major draws of the PS4 is its ability to access the content that you want when you want it. Thanks to its strong community and ever-growing library of games, you’ll never be short of something to do. If you have an Amazon Prime account and you download the Twitch app, you can even find broadcasters who are willing to live-stream games for you to enjoy.

The convenience of having all of this content at your fingertips when you want it outweighs the need to watch out for copyright infringements. You can use a VPN to access content that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Some of the most popular games on the PS4 don’t require you to be connected to the internet to play, so it’s convenient to use your VPN to download these games to your console. They won’t work if your connection is censored or if the publisher decides to block certain VPN servers, but at least you’ll be able to play.

Protection Against Censorship

One of the problems that frequently arises in countries with a lot of political and social instability is censorship. Since everyone’s personal information is publicly available online, anyone can take their pick from all the comments and opinions that you’ve expressed over the years to identify you and restrict your access to certain websites or social media platforms. If your internet service provider (ISP) is closely tied to a country’s government, they may decide to cut off service for users who are perceived to be influencing public opinion against the government. Your personal VPN connection will protect you from being identified by your ISP or anyone else should they choose to look for you online.

Whether you’re a journalist, blogger, or just someone who thinks their views reflect that of many other people, being heavily involved in social media can make you a target of political or social activists. If you live in a country where the government is controlling the media and threatening journalists who are at risk of upsetting the status quo, you might want to think about connecting your devices to a VPN to keep your personal information safe.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons why you might want to connect your PlayStation 4 to a VPN, but please be mindful of the risk before you do. Make sure that you trust the VPN you choose to connect to and ensure that you’re aware of what information they collect and how they protect your data. You can also consult the VPN’s terms of use to familiarize yourself with the risks that come along with using their services.