Unlock Your PS5’s Full Potential: A Gamer’s Guide to Surfshark VPN

If you’re looking to get Surfshark VPN running on your PS5, you might already know that you can’t just download an app directly onto the console. It’s a bit different from setting up a VPN on your phone or computer. Instead, you’ll need to use some clever workarounds: either set it up through your Wi-Fi router, share a VPN connection from your Windows PC or Mac, or use Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature. This guide is all about showing you how to tackle each of these methods, so you can pick the one that best fits your gaming setup and start enjoying all the benefits. We’ll cover everything from why you’d even want a VPN on your PlayStation 5 to step-by-step instructions for getting Surfshark up and running, ensuring you get the most out of your console without sounding like a tech manual.

Why You’d Even Want a VPN on Your PS5

You probably think of your PS5 mostly for gaming, right? But it’s also a powerful entertainment hub for streaming movies, listening to podcast, and browsing the web. Just like any device connected to the internet, there are some pretty solid reasons to consider using a VPN like Surfshark with it:

• Access Geo-Restricted Games & Content: Ever been hyped for a new game or a DLC, only to find it’s not available in your region, or it launches later where you are? Or maybe you’re trying to watch a show on Netflix that’s only available in another country? A VPN can make your PS5 appear to be in a different location, letting you unlock those region-locked titles, early releases, and expand your streaming library to include things from the US, UK, or Japan. It’s like having a universal pass to the internet.
• Potentially Reduce Lag and Improve Connection Stability: Sometimes, your internet service provider ISP might not be giving you the best route to a game server. Or, let’s be real, they might even slow down your speeds during peak gaming hours if they see you hogging bandwidth. A VPN can sometimes give your data a more direct, optimized path to the game servers, which might help reduce ping and latency, making your gameplay feel smoother. It’s not a magic bullet, but it can definitely help if your ISP’s routing isn’t great.
• Protection Against DDoS Attacks: If you’re into competitive online gaming, you know how frustrating and disruptive a Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attack can be. These attacks aim to flood your network and kick you offline. A VPN hides your actual IP address, making it much harder for attackers to pinpoint and target you. Think of it as putting a shield around your connection.
• Enhanced Privacy and Security: Every time your PS5 connects online, your IP address and other bits of your online activity can be visible to your ISP and potentially other third parties. A VPN encrypts your entire internet connection, wrapping your data in a secure tunnel. This keeps your online activities private and your personal data more secure from prying eyes.
• Bypass ISP Throttling: Some ISPs might slow down your internet speed based on what you’re doing online, especially if you’re downloading huge game updates, streaming in 4K, or spending hours in online multiplayer. This is called bandwidth throttling. Since a VPN encrypts your traffic, your ISP can’t see the content of what you’re doing, making it harder for them to selectively slow down your connection.

Why Surfshark is a Great Fit for Your PS5

Out of all the VPNs out there, Surfshark really stands out as a solid choice for PlayStation gamers. Here’s why I think it’s worth considering:

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• Affordable with Premium Features: Surfshark is pretty well-known for being budget-friendly, which is awesome, but it doesn’t skimp on powerful features. You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a huge perk! With just one Surfshark subscription, you can connect an unlimited number of devices. That means your PS5, your PC, your phone, your tablet, your smart TV – everything in your house can be protected at the same time. No need to juggle which devices get VPN coverage.
• Fast Speeds for Gaming: Speed is non-negotiable for gaming. Surfshark consistently delivers fast connection speeds, which is vital for minimizing lag and ensuring your gameplay is smooth. Many of their servers use 10Gbps ports, helping keep things zippy. In some tests, Surfshark has even shown average download speeds around 191.04 Mbps.
• Extensive Server Network: Having a wide choice of servers is key. Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This vast network means you have plenty of options to find a server close to your game’s server for the best performance, or to pick a specific country to access region-locked content.
• Smart DNS Feature: If dealing with router settings sounds like a headache, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS service. It’s super easy to set up on your PS5 specifically for streaming geo-restricted content. Just a heads-up: Smart DNS is great for unblocking content, but it doesn’t encrypt your connection like a full VPN, so it won’t offer the same security benefits.
• Strong Security Features: Beyond just masking your IP, Surfshark comes packed with features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers, making your online experience cleaner. Plus, they have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect data on what you do online, keeping your activities private.
• 24/7 Live Chat Support: If you ever hit a snag and let’s be honest, tech can be tricky sometimes, Surfshark’s customer support is available around the clock via live chat to help you sort things out.

Method 1: Setting Up Surfshark on Your Wi-Fi Router Recommended for Full Coverage

This is hands down the best way to get VPN protection for your PS5 and every other device in your home. Once it’s set up on your router, everything connected to that Wi-Fi network automatically uses the VPN. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of solution.

What You’ll Need:

• A Surfshark subscription. Obvious, but worth stating!
• A VPN-compatible router. Not all routers support VPNs right out of the box. Brands like ASUS, Netgear certain models, Linksys, or GL.iNet often have models that work well. If you’re unsure, check your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Step-by-Step General Guide, as Router Interfaces Vary:

1. Access Your Router’s Admin Panel:
   • Open a web browser on your computer.
   • Type your router’s IP address into the address bar and hit Enter. This address is commonly 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1. If none of those work, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. it often lists the IP address and login credentials.
   • Log in using your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, they might be “admin/admin” or similar default combinations.
2. Download VPN Configuration Files and Get Credentials:
   • Head over to the Surfshark website and log into your account dashboard.
   • Look for a section called “Manual Setup” or “Router”.
   • From there, you’ll need to download the OpenVPN configuration files these are usually .ovpn files for the server location you want. For gaming, I usually pick a server that’s geographically close to the game server.
   • While you’re there, make sure to grab your unique Surfshark service credentials your username and password from the “Credentials” tab in the manual setup section. You’ll need these later.
3. Configure Your Router:
   • In your router’s admin panel, navigate to the “VPN” or “VPN Client” section. The exact wording can differ a lot.
   • Look for an option to “Add Profile” or “Add VPN connection.”
   • When prompted, choose OpenVPN as the protocol.
4. Upload the Configuration File and Enter Credentials:
   • Upload the .ovpn file you downloaded earlier.
   • Enter your Surfshark username and password into the respective fields.
   • Once everything is entered, you’ll usually find an “Activate” or “Connect” button. Click it to get the VPN running on your router.
5. Connect Your PS5 to the VPN-Enabled Router:
   • Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
   • Choose whether you’re connecting your PS5 via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet Cable to the router. A wired connection is always better for gaming if possible!
   • Select the connection method as Easy.
   • When your PS5 asks about a proxy server, make sure to select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
   • Your PS5 should now connect to your home Wi-Fi or wired network, and all its internet traffic will be routed through the Surfshark VPN.

Downsides to Router Setup:

While it’s the best for coverage, setting up a VPN on a router can be a bit technical, and not all routers are compatible without some advanced firmware flashing. Also, the performance can sometimes depend on how powerful your router’s processor is.

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Method 2: Sharing a VPN Connection from Your PC/Mac Flexible but Device-Dependent

If you’re not keen on fiddling with router settings or your router isn’t VPN-compatible, sharing a connection from your Windows PC or Mac is a fantastic alternative. Your computer basically becomes a “virtual router,” broadcasting the VPN connection to your PS5.

On Windows PC Using an Ethernet Cable

This is a pretty common and reliable way to get your PS5 connected to Surfshark via your Windows computer.

1. Install Surfshark on Your PC: First things first, download and install the Surfshark app on your Windows computer. Log in to your account.
2. Connect to a Surfshark Server: Open the Surfshark app and connect to your desired VPN server. Crucially, go into Surfshark’s settings and ensure the VPN protocol is set to OpenVPN UDP. This protocol is often necessary for connection sharing to work smoothly.
3. Connect PS5 to PC: Grab an Ethernet cable. Plug one end into your PC’s Ethernet port and the other end directly into your PS5’s LAN port.
4. Configure Internet Sharing on Your PC:
   • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. A quick shortcut: press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.
   • You’ll see a list of network connections. Look for the one created by Surfshark it’s often named something like “Surfshark Tap adapter” or similar.
   • Right-click on this Surfshark network connection and select Properties.
   • In the Properties window, click on 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 just below that, under “Home networking connection,” choose the Ethernet connection that’s linked to your PS5. This tells your PC to share the VPN connection specifically over that cable.
   • Click OK to save your changes.
5. Configure Your PS5:
   • On your PS5, navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
   • Choose Use a LAN Cable.
   • Select Easy setup.
   • When asked about a proxy server, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
   • Your PS5 will now be using the internet connection that’s being shared from your PC, which means it’s protected by Surfshark VPN.

On Mac Using an Ethernet Cable

If you’re a Mac user, the process is quite similar, turning your Apple computer into a VPN gateway for your PS5.

1. Install Surfshark on Your Mac: Download and install the Surfshark app on your Mac. Connect to a server within the app.
2. Connect PS5 to Mac: Use an Ethernet cable to link your Mac’s Ethernet port to your PS5’s LAN port.
3. Configure Internet Sharing on Your Mac:
   • Go to System Settings > General > Sharing.
   • Find and select Internet Sharing.
   • In the “Share your connection from” menu, choose Wi-Fi this means your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection is the source of the internet.
   • In the “To devices using” menu, select Ethernet adapter this is where the shared connection will go.
   • Make sure the switch for Internet Sharing is On.
4. Configure Your PS5:
   • On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
   • When prompted about a proxy server, select Do Not Use a Proxy Server.

Downsides to PC/Mac Sharing:

The biggest drawback here is that your PC or Mac needs to be turned on and actively connected to the VPN whenever you want your PS5 to use the VPN. It’s also a bit more hands-on with network settings compared to a router setup. PIA vs Surfshark VPN: Which One is Your Best Bet for Online Privacy in 2025?

Method 3: Using Surfshark’s Smart DNS Feature For Streaming, Not Full VPN Protection

If your primary goal is simply to unlock geo-restricted streaming content on your PS5 like accessing a different Netflix library or a streaming service not available in your country, and you’re not too concerned about full VPN encryption, Surfshark’s Smart DNS is a super straightforward option.

Important to Know:

Smart DNS does not encrypt your internet traffic or hide your IP address. It only reroutes your DNS requests to bypass geo-blocks. This means it won’t offer the same level of privacy or security benefits as a full VPN connection would. It’s essentially a location spoofing tool for media.

Step-by-Step:

1. Activate Smart DNS on Your Surfshark Account:
   • Log into your Surfshark account on their official website from any browser.
   • Look for the “Smart DNS” section in your account dashboard and activate it. Once activated, Surfshark will provide you with specific Primary DNS and Secondary DNS server addresses. Write these down!
2. Configure Your PS5:
   • Select your current internet connection whether it’s Wi-Fi or a LAN cable.
   • Choose the Custom Setup option.
   • For IP Address Settings, select Automatic.
   • For DHCP Host Name, select Do Not Specify.
   • This is the important part: For DNS Settings, select Manual.
   • Now, enter the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS addresses that Surfshark provided you.
   • For MTU Settings, select Automatic.
   • For Proxy Server, select Do Not Use.
   • Complete the setup and test your internet connection. Your PS5 should now be using Smart DNS to access geo-restricted streaming content.

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Optimizing Surfshark for Gaming on PS5

Once you’ve got Surfshark running with your PS5, here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the best possible gaming experience:

• Smart Server Selection: For the best performance, always try to pick a Surfshark server that’s geographically close to the game server you’re playing on. If you’re trying to unlock content from a specific region, then, of course, choose a server in that country.
• VPN Protocol Matters: If you’re sharing the connection from a PC or Mac, you usually have control over the VPN protocol. For pure gaming, WireGuard is often your best bet. It’s known for being incredibly fast while still offering strong security. If WireGuard isn’t an option or you run into issues, OpenVPN UDP is usually the next best choice for speed. OpenVPN TCP can be more stable if you’re experiencing connection drops but might be a bit slower.
• Go Wired: I can’t stress this enough for gaming: whenever humanly possible, connect your PS5 to your router or your PC if you’re sharing the VPN using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection is almost always more stable and generally faster, which is absolutely critical for competitive online gaming.
• Leverage CleanWeb: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is designed to block ads and trackers. While it won’t directly make your game run faster, it can make your overall browsing and media streaming experience on your PS5 smoother by reducing background data processing and potentially saving a tiny bit of bandwidth.

A Quick Word on Free VPNs for PS5

You might see ads for “free VPNs for PS5” and think, “Great, free stuff!” But honestly, I’d strongly recommend staying away from them. Free VPNs almost always come with major limitations that really impact your gaming, like painfully slow speeds, annoying data caps, very few server locations, and, most importantly, potential privacy risks.

Many free VPN services simply don’t support router setup or offer a Smart DNS feature, which are the main methods you’d use to get a VPN onto a PS5. For a genuinely reliable, secure, and fast gaming experience, investing in a reputable paid service like Surfshark is definitely the smarter move. It’s worth the peace of mind and the better performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Surfshark directly on my PS5?

No, you can’t. PlayStation consoles, including both the PS5 and PS4, unfortunately, don’t support native VPN applications. This means you won’t find a Surfshark app in the PlayStation Store to download directly. Instead, you need to use alternative methods like setting up the VPN on your router, sharing a connection from a computer, or using Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature.

Is using a VPN on my PS5 legal?

Generally speaking, using a VPN for your PS5 is perfectly legal. VPNs are legitimate tools designed for privacy and security. However, it’s crucial to remember that if you engage in any illegal activities online while using a VPN, those activities remain illegal. Also, be mindful of the terms of service for any specific games or streaming platforms. some might have rules against VPN use, but this typically results in account action rather than legal trouble. Level Up Your Online Privacy: How to Install and Use Surfshark VPN on Your PC

Will a VPN slow down my internet speed on PS5?

Any VPN will add a slight overhead to your internet connection because it encrypts your data and routes it through an additional server, which can lead to a minor speed reduction. That said, quality VPNs like Surfshark use highly optimized servers and fast protocols like WireGuard to keep this impact as minimal as possible. In some specific scenarios, a VPN might actually improve your speeds by bypassing intentional slowdowns from your internet provider ISP throttling or finding a more efficient data path to game servers.

What is Smart DNS and how does it work with Surfshark on PS5?

Smart DNS is a feature that Surfshark offers, primarily designed to help you get around geo-restrictions, especially for streaming services. It works by rerouting only your DNS requests through a server in a different country, making it seem like you’re accessing content from that region. It tends to be faster than a full VPN because it doesn’t encrypt your entire connection, but this also means it doesn’t provide the same level of privacy or security benefits.

Can using Surfshark on my PS5 help with “bot lobbies” in games like Warzone?

Some gamers try to use VPNs to connect to servers in different geographical regions, hoping to find “easier” or “bot lobbies” in games like Call of Duty: Warzone, where the average player skill might be lower. While a VPN like Surfshark can indeed change your virtual location, there’s no definite guarantee that it will consistently get you into these types of lobbies, as game matchmaking systems are complex and constantly updated. However, changing your server region can sometimes put you into different player pools.

What kind of router do I need to use Surfshark on my PS5?

To set up Surfshark on your router for your PS5, you’ll need a “VPN-compatible router.” This means your router must allow you to install VPN client software or upload VPN configuration files like OpenVPN files. Many routers from brands like ASUS, specific Netgear models, Linksys, and GL.iNet are known for offering this capability. If your current router doesn’t support VPNs, your options are either to “flash” it with custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT, which can be technical, or purchase a new router that’s designed to support VPN clients.

Why can’t I just use my phone’s VPN hotspot to connect my PS5?

While the idea of using your phone’s VPN connection and then sharing it via a mobile hotspot to your PS5 sounds convenient, it often doesn’t work reliably, especially with Android devices. Android, for example, doesn’t natively support this type of VPN sharing directly from the phone’s VPN app to other devices. For a consistent and reliable shared VPN connection to your PS5, using a dedicated Windows PC or Mac is generally the recommended and more effective method. Surfshark VPN’s Parent Company: Everything You Need to Know