NordVPN is a great option for console gamers who are looking for a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to install NordVPN on PS4 so you can have a smooth gaming experience without any worries about your online identity being exposed.
That’s because a VPN or Virtual Private Network encrypts your data and protects your online activity from being monitored by your ISP or any other third party.
A VPN also allows you to change your location and IP address so you can appear to be located in another country. This can be useful if you want to access geo-blocked content on your PS4 console.
For example, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server and access Netflix content that is normally not available in your country.
Similarly, you can also use a VPN to play PlayStation games that are only released in Japan or other Asian countries.
However, one thing is to keep in mind that NordVPN does not have a dedicated app for PlayStation consoles.
That means you’ll need to either configure NordVPN on your router, share a virtual hotspot connection, or provide a VPN connection to your PS4 console via an ethernet cable.
Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through all three methods with an additional bonus method, so you can decide which one is best for you. Let’s get started!
Short on time? Here’s a Short Summary of How to Install NordVPN On PS4.
- Sign up for NordVPN.
- Go to Nord Account and sign in with your NordVPN credentials.
- Head to the Services section and click on NordVPN.
- Activate SmartDNS.
- You’ll get two DNS server IP addresses.
- Enter these two DNS server IP addresses as Primary and Seconday DNS in your PS4 console.
Still confused? Check out method 4 (bonus method) in this guide for a brief overview.
For a detailed NordVPN review, visit our guide: How Does NordVPN Work
How to Install NordVPN On PS4?
You can install NordVPN on PS4 in these following ways:
- Install NordVPN directly on your router and connect your PS4 console to it via Wi-Fi.
- Create a virtual router on your Windows PC and connect your PS4 to it via Wi-Fi.
- Create a virtual router on your Windows PC and connect your PS4 console to it via Ethernet.
- Use NordVPN’s SmartDNS feature to bypass geo-restrictions on your PS4 console.
Method # 1: How to Install NordVPN On PS4 Via Router?
The best way to use NordVPN on PS4 is by setting it up on your router. That way, all the devices connected to that router will have their traffic routed through a VPN server.
Unfortunately, NordVPN has limited support on the kinds of routers. But if you have an Asus router, you’re in luck, as Asus routers work best with NordVPN. However, there are other options too if you don’t own an Asus router.
Just check if your router is compatible with a firmware that NordVPN supports (like DD-WRT or Tomato), then you can flash your router with the right firmware version and work it out your way. Here is a list of routers and firmware that NordVPN supports.
But be careful while flashing your router as it is a risky process. Poorly configuring it would result in damage to your router’s normal functionality. So make sure you have a backup for your current firmware settings.
Although if you don’t want to flash your router yourself then you can get a pre-flashed router from an authentic provider like FlashRouters.
So if everything is good, you can set up NordVPN in no time. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to install NordVPN on a router.
Method # 2: How to Install NordVPN On PS4 By Creating A Virtual Router?
Creating a virtual router is the best way to go if you don’t have a compatible router or if you’re not comfortable with flashing your router.
The process of creating a virtual router is simple and straightforward. All you need is two devices: one that can run VPN software (like a Windows PC) and the other that will connect to the VPN (like your PS4).
Once you have both devices ready, follow these steps to create a virtual router:
Step 1: On your Windows computer, go to the Settings and head to Network & Internet.
Step 2: Click on Mobile Hotspot on the left panel and turn on the toggle button on the right panel.
Step 3: Now click on Status on the left panel and then click on Change Adapter Options.
Step 4: Find the connection that says “TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter” and right-click on it. Go to the Properties.
Step 5: Head to the Sharing tab and check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection“.
Step 6: Now click on the drop-down menu under Home networking connection and select the hotspot connection you just created.
Step 7: Turn on your PS4 console, go to the Settings, and head to Network.
Step 8: Press Set up Internet Connection.
Step 9: Select “Use Wi-Fi” and then select “Do not use a proxy server” if prompted.
That’s all. Now you should be able to connect to the internet through your VPN-enabled virtual router.
Method # 3: How to Install NordVPN On PS4 By Sharing A VPN Connection Via Ethernet Cable?
If you have a PC that is connected to the internet, that has an available ethernet port, then you connect it to your PS4 console with an ethernet cable and share a VPN connection.
It requires two devices: a PC that can run VPN software and a PS4 console. The process is easy. All you need to do is connect your PC and PS4 with an ethernet cable and then follow these steps:
Step 1: Get a VPN subscription from NordVPN.
Step 2: On your Windows computer, go to the Settings and head to Network & Internet.
Step 3: Click on Change Adapter Options.
Step 4: Find the connection that says “TAP-NordVPN Windows Adapter” and right-clicks on it. Go to the Properties.
Step 5: Head to the Sharing tab and check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection“.
Step 6: Now click on the drop-down menu under Home networking connection and select your Ethernet connection for PS4.
Step 7: On your PS4, go to Settings and then Network.
Step 8: Press Set up Internet Connection.
Step 9: Select Use a LAN Cable and then select the Easy Connection method. Choose “Do not use a proxy server” if prompted.
That’s it. By following these steps, you will be able to share your VPN connection with your PS4 console via an Ethernet cable.
Bonus Method: How to Install NordVPN On PS4 Using the SmartDNS Feature?
If you want to use NordVPN on PS with the SmartDNS feature, then you need to activate it by going to Nord Account. The steps are easy and straightforward.
Here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Connect your PS4 and the computer you’ll use to activate SmartDNS to the same network.
Step 2: On your computer, go to Nord Account and log in with your NordVPN credentials.
Step 3: Click on the Services section and find NordVPN on the right panel.
Step 4: Click on the Activate button next to NordVPN.
Step 5: You’ll receive an email from the NordVPN team with two DNS server IP addresses. Note them down somewhere, you’ll need those later.
Step 6: On your PS4 console, go to the Settings.
Step 7: Select Network and then select Set up Internet Connection.
Step 8: Select between Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable depending on whether you’re using wired internet or wireless and then choose Custom.
Step 9: For IP address Settings, select Automatic. For DHCP Hostname, select Do not specify.
Step 10: For DNS Settings, select Manual.
Step 11: Choose Primary DNS and enter the first DNS IP address from step 5.
Step 12: Choose Secondary DNS and enter the second DNS IP address from step 5.
Step 13: Press Next.
Step 14: For MTU Settings, select Automatic. For Proxy Server, select Do Not Use.
Step 15: Select Test Internet Connection.
Step 16: Restart your PS4 console.
Now you should be able to use NordVPN on PS4 with the SmartDNS feature. Keep in mind that your computer has to be on for the time you want to use the VPN connection on your gaming console.
Why You Should Use NordVPN On PS4?
If you are a gamer, then you know the importance of having a fast and secure VPN connection. Using a VPN on PS can help you in many ways.
Achieving A Lower Ping.
One of the main reasons why gamers use a VPN is to lower their ping. By connecting to a server that is closer to your location, you can achieve a lower ping.
NordVPN has more than 5000 servers in 60+ countries, so you can connect to a server that is close to your location and achieve a lower ping. This will make sure that you have a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
Preventing DDoS Attacks.
Another reason why gamers use VPNs is to prevent DDoS attacks. A DDoS attack is when someone tries to take your gaming server offline by flooding it with traffic.
NordVPN encrypts your traffic with its 256-bit encryption method and hides your IP address, so it becomes difficult for someone to target you with a DDoS attack.
Access To Geo-Restricted Content.
There are many games that are not available in all countries. Using NordVPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access any game from anywhere in the world.
For example, if you want to play a popular game that is not available in your country, then you can use NordVPN to connect to a server in a country where the game is available and start playing.
NordVPN has over 5000 servers in 60+ countries so you will always find a server that will unlock your favorite games.
Streaming Support.
NordVPN will allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming platforms. This is important for gamers as you can use NordVPN to relax and watch your favorite shows after a long day of gaming.
With NordVPN’s SmartDNS feature, you’ll be able to stream with no buffering screens spoiling your movie time.
You can easily change your Netflix region with NordVPN and have access to 20+ Netflix libraries all over the world.
NordVPN Protects Your Privacy.
When you are gaming online, there is always the risk of someone stealing your personal information such as your credit card details or home address.
NordVPN encrypts your data and protects your privacy by hiding your IP address. This means that even if someone manages to steal your data, they will not be able to do anything with it because they won’t be able to identify you.
Fast And Reliable.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. This is important for gamers because a slow VPN connection can result in lag and make your gaming experience worse. NordVPN speed test results show that it is one of the fastest VPNs out there.
Not only is NordVPN fast, but it is also reliable. This means that you can rely on NordVPN to protect your privacy and give you the best possible gaming experience.
Strict No-Logs Policy.
NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, which means that they do not keep any logs of your data or activity.
This is important for gamers because it means that your data will never be shared with anyone, even if you are using a VPN to access restricted content.
And it has also been proved as NordVPN is audited by a third-party auditing firm called PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).
24/7 Customer Support.
If you ever have any problems with NordVPN, you can contact their customer support team as they’re available 24/7. This is important because it means that you will always be able to get help if you need it.
To contact the customer support, just go to the NordVPN website and find the live chat button.
100% Money-Back Guarantee.
NordVPN offers a 100% money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. You can try NordVPN for 30 days without having to worry about losing your money. And if you think it is not satisfying your VPN needs, you’ll get a refund without any questions asked.
The process of getting a refund is also very easy. All you need to do is contact customer support and they will process your refund within a few days. You can reach customer support by live chat or email.
NordVPN Plans & Pricing
NordVPN has three different plans, which are:
- $11.99 per month
- $60 per year (for the first year only, prices may increase after that)
- $96 for two years (for the first two years only, prices may increase after that)
All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and you’ll have to pay the amount upfront for any of the plans you choose.
The best value plan is the yearly plan, as it gives you a 51% discount. However, if you want to try NordVPN for a shorter period of time, then you can choose the monthly plan.
If you decide that you want to use NordVPN for gaming, then we would recommend getting the two-year plan. This is because it offers the best value for money and you will be able to use NordVPN for gaming for a long time.
You can even get a dedicated IP address for yourself if you throw in $70/year.
The Best NordVPN Features
Some of the best NordVPN features for gamers include:
- Kill Switch: This feature protects you from being exposed if your VPN connection drops.
- Double VPN: This feature encrypts your traffic twice for extra security.
- Onion Over VPN: This feature gives you extra security and privacy by routing your traffic through the Tor network.
- CyberSec: This is a security feature that blocks malware and phishing attempts.
- Split-tunneling: This feature allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN and some through your ISP. This is useful for gamers because it means that you can still use your ISP for gaming while also using NordVPN for privacy.
All of these features are important for gamers as they will help to keep you safe while you are gaming and protect your privacy.
NordVPN Alternatives For Gaming
If you are looking for alternatives to NordVPN for gaming, then we would recommend ExpressVPN or Surfshark. These are both great VPNs that offer fast speeds and good security. However, they are not as cheap as NordVPN.
Both of these VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free.
Here’s some of the basic info on these VPN providers:
ExpressVPN
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And if you want to know more, visit our detailed guide: How Does ExpressVPN Work
Surfshark
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For further information, visit our detailed guide: How Does Surfshark Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN safe for gaming?
How much does NordVPN cost?
Is there a free trial of NordVPN?
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Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped and by now you should know how to install NordVPN on PS4.
NordVPN is a great VPN for gaming. It is fast, reliable, and secure. It also has some great features for gamers, such as a kill switch and double VPN.
However, it cannot be directly installed on your PS4 console. But you can try any four methods above. If you want a permanent solution then installing NordVPN on your router is the best option to go for.
Do you have any questions about using NordVPN for gaming? Let us know in the comments below.
