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IPVanish for PS4 needs a workaround, since PlayStation consoles cannot install VPN apps. IPVanish offers no Smart DNS service, TheBestVPN noted in August 2026. That leaves a router running IPVanish or a connection shared from a Windows or Mac computer. Both routes fully encrypt the console’s traffic. Expect a small ping cost, and possible changes to the PS4’s NAT type, which affects online play.
This guide covers the router route, PC and Mac sharing, the PS4’s network settings, gaming trade-offs and how to check it works.
Why the PS4 Needs a Workaround
The PS4, like the PS5, has no VPN client and no app store entry for one. Every route sends the console’s traffic through another device running IPVanish, and IPVanish’s unlimited device policy means that device costs nothing extra. Smart DNS, the shortcut other providers offer for consoles, is not available. Our guide to IPVanish on PS5 covers router or shared connection, with GL.iNet the easiest.
Our PlayStation VPN guide compares how other providers handle consoles, including those with Smart DNS.
IPVanish for PS4 via a Router
A router running IPVanish covers the PS4 and every other device on the network. IPVanish publishes guides for DD-WRT, Asus and Tomato routers using its OpenVPN files. GL.iNet’s router firmware has a built-in WireGuard client for several providers: you enter your credentials and it creates the server configurations itself, its documentation shows.
Connect the PS4 to the router by cable for the steadiest connection, since its Wi-Fi is slower than the wired port. Our IPVanish router guide walks through each firmware.
Sharing From Windows
Connect IPVanish on a Windows PC, then turn on Mobile hotspot under Settings, Network and Internet, or share over Ethernet through the VPN connection’s Sharing tab. On the PS4, open Settings, Network, Set Up Internet Connection and join the shared network, choosing Wi-Fi or LAN cable to match.
The PC or laptop must stay on while you play. A cable gives lower and steadier latency than Wi-Fi, and Windows’ sleep settings should not cut the shared connection mid-game.
Sharing From a Mac
On a Mac, connect IPVanish, then use Internet Sharing in System Settings to share over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. macOS can share over Wi-Fi only when the Mac itself reaches the internet another way, such as by cable.
Many Macs need a USB or Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter to share over a cable. As with Windows, the Mac must stay awake and connected while you play.
Gaming Trade-Offs
A VPN adds a hop, so ping usually rises, our gaming VPN guide explains. The PS4’s Test Internet Connection screen shows the NAT type, which a VPN can change and which affects party chat and matchmaking.
Use a nearby IPVanish location, and switch the console back to your normal network for competitive play if latency matters more. A router with device routing can keep the PS4 direct while other devices use the VPN.
Streaming, and PS4 or PS5
Streaming apps on the PS4, such as Netflix and YouTube, use the console’s connection, so a router or shared PC changes the region they see. VPNOverview reached major streaming services with IPVanish in 2026, while VPNpro found its streaming inconsistent.
Test your apps within IPVanish’s 30-day refund window on yearly plans bought on its website; monthly plans carry no refund.
The PS5 has the same limits and the same routes: no VPN app, so a router or a shared computer. Our ExpressVPN PS5 guide shows how another provider handles it, including a smart DNS option IPVanish lacks.
A router set up once covers both consoles and any other devices in the house, with no per-device setup on each console.
Price and Privacy
IPVanish costs $57.22 for the first 24 months and renews at $89.99 a year, VPNOverview lists, with no device limit. It has two audits in our table, by Leviathan and Schellman, and owns its servers.
Ziff Davis owns IPVanish, along with StrongVPN, and IPVanish is based in the US. Our IPVanish price guide compares the plans.
Fixing Common Problems
When the PS4 cannot join a hotspot, restart the hotspot and set up the connection again from the PS4’s network settings. Streaming apps showing a region error need closing fully, a new IPVanish location and a fresh start.
If online play suffers, test without the VPN to compare. Our IPVanish troubleshooting guide covers connection failures on the computer or router side.
Checking It Works
Run Test Internet Connection on the PS4 after joining the protected network. Then check from a phone or laptop on the same router or hotspot that the address shows IPVanish’s location.
If party chat or matchmaking fails, switch back to your normal network to confirm the VPN is the cause, then decide which matters more. Our IPVanish Xbox guide covers the same routes for Microsoft’s console.
How We Research
This page draws on TheBestVPN’s smart TV guide, Comparitech on IPVanish’s router guides, GL.iNet’s WireGuard client documentation, VPNOverview’s and VPNpro’s IPVanish reviews and our IPVanish tables. We cross-checked these sources against each other, and where they conflict or something can’t be verified, we say so in the text rather than guessing. We checked time-sensitive figures, including prices in US dollars, on 8 October 2026. The main source we relied on is GL.iNet’s WireGuard client guide. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
IPVanish for PS4 FAQ
No; PlayStation consoles cannot install VPN apps.
Through a router running IPVanish or a shared Windows or Mac connection.
No; it offers none.
It can; check in Test Internet Connection.
IPVanish sets no device limit.
The Verdict
IPVanish for PS4 works through a router or a shared computer. Use it for privacy and streaming, and expect a ping trade-off in games.