You can use NordVPN on PS5 using SmartDNS, a VPN router, or connecting through an encrypted hotspot on a PC.
This article will show you detailed step-by-step guides for all setup methods, NordVPN’s ability to deal with threats like DDoS attacks, and how to stream restricted content on PS5.
There will also be a troubleshooting guide to help with connection and speed issues.
How to Set Up NordVPN for PS5?
You can set up NordVPN for PS5 via SmartDNS, VPN Router, and PC hotspot.
Here’s a quick table showing the difficulty of each method:
SmartDNS | VPN Router | Connect via PC | |
---|---|---|---|
Set-Up Difficulty | Medium | Hard | Medium |
Works With Netflix? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Encrypts Data? | No | Yes | Yes |
Location Spoofing? | Yes (US only) | Yes | Yes |
Hides Your IP? | No | Yes | Yes |
Connection Speeds | Fastest | Fast | Fast |
How to Use NordVPN on PS5 via SmartDNS?
SmartDNS offers the fastest speeds among the three options.
This is important for lag-free gaming and buffer-free streaming on the PS5 since there’s no encryption. Here’s how you can set it up on your PS5.
- Subscribe to NordVPN using our discount deals.
- Open NordVPN on your browser and sign in.
- Click the NordVPN tab on the left panel. This will show you the SmartDNS box. Tap the “Enable” option. If the NordVPN app is already running, disconnect it.

- A new pop-up will appear on your screen, showing your real IP address. Tap on the “Activate SmartDNS” option.

- Another pop-up window will show up, informing you that further instructions are being sent by email. Confirm and close.

- Returning to the SmartDNS tab, it should change to “Pending.”

- After about 10 minutes, refresh your browser. SmartDNS should be enabled with Primary DNS and Secondary DNS addresses displayed.

- Take note of the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS addresses for a later step.
- Power up your PS5 and go to “Settings” by clicking the little gear icon near the top right corner.

- Select “Network.”

- Go to “Settings.”

- Click “Set up Internet Connection” and choose “Set Up Wired LAN.”

- This will bring up a new window with two options. Select “Advanced Settings.”

- Go to “DNS Settings.” It’s always on Automatic by default.

- In the new pop-up window, select “Manual,” then enter the respective primary and secondary DNS addresses.

That’s it! However, NordVPN’s SmartDNS only offers US DNS addresses, so you can only unblock US content. For example, you can access US-only gaming resources like US game lobbies in Call of Duty.
For streaming, you can access:
- ABC Go (US region)
- Amazon Prime (US region)
- Disney Plus (US region)
- Fox Now / Sports Go / News / Showtime (US region)
- HBO Now (US region)
- Netflix US
- Paramount+
- Peacock TV
How to Use NordVPN on PS5 via a VPN Router?
Some routers allow the direct installation of VPNs for PS5 compatibility.
Some come pre-installed, while others require manual installation.
Examples of top-performing NordVPN routers for PS5 include:
- Asus: RT-AX86U, RT-AX88U (AC3100), RT-AC5300 D-Link: DIR-885L, DIR-895L
- Linksys: EA8500, WRT1900ACS, WRT3200ACM
- Netgear: R7500, R7800, R8500, R9000
Here’s a detailed breakdown of setting up NordVPN on multiple router types.
Once the VPN router is running, just power your PS5 and connect it to the new encrypted WiFi or use an ethernet cable for faster speeds.
How to Use NordVPN on PS5 via PC?
You can create an encrypted WiFi hotspot from your PC and share that connection with your PS5.
- First, subscribe to NordVPN.

- Download and install NordVPN on your PC.

- Launch the VPN and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a server of your choice by choosing it from the left panel. In my case, I went with a South African server, the closest I could find.

- Turn to your PC and open “Settings.”
- Tap on the “Network and Internet” option, then select “Mobile Hotspot.”

- Scroll down and select “More network adapter options.” This will redirect you to the Control Panel.

- Scroll further down to locate anything related to NordVPN. This may vary. In my case, there was a NordLynx connection. Right-click and select “Properties.”

- A new window will pop up. Select the “Sharing” tab, then check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”

- Then, tap on the “Home networking connection.” This will open a drop-down list of connections. Choose your mobile hotspot connection when you see it, then click “OK.”

- Now, switch to your PS5 and go to Settings.

- Tap on “Network.”

- Then tap on “Settings” and “Set Up Internet Connection.”

- From the WiFi hotspots that appear, select the one you just created, enter the password, and connect. Your PS5 is now using an encrypted hotspot.
It’s a manual setup, and you can follow this detailed guide.
How to Use NordVPN for PS5 Streaming?
You can use NordVPN for PS5 streaming using SmartDNS, a virtual router, or a VPN-compatible router.
However, SmartDNS limits you to US-only content like ABC Go, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus. The biggest advantage is faster streaming speeds.
Still, a virtual router is the best for PS5 streaming because you’ll have access to all 5,800+ NordVPN servers.
I used this method to stream all eight seasons of Gintama, which are only available on the Japanese Netflix library. NordVPN’s Tokyo server worked wonders.

Will NordVPN Get Me Cheaper Games on PS5?
NordVPN can get cheaper games on PS5 if you create a new account in a region with lower prices. You can also use NordVPN to get cheaper PS Plus cards.
However, you must use a valid payment method in your registered region or a third-party site that sells voucher cards for that region.
Furthermore, if you have an existing subscription, you’ll lose access to any games on that account. You also can’t switch regions.
But you can create two PSN accounts with different regions on the same PS5.
This allows you to access cheaper games and cards. However, you’ll need valid PS Plus subscriptions for both accounts to play online.
Still Experiencing Slow Speeds Using NordVPN on PS5? Troubleshooting Tips
You may experience slow speeds when using NordVPN on your PlayStation 5, especially with the hotspot method. If you’re in this tight spot, try these tips:
- Switch to the NordLynx protocol: This is the fastest NordVPN protocol, and it may get you the speeds you need for lag-free gaming or buffer-free streaming.
- Switch to the nearest server: The closer the server is to your physical location, the faster the connection speeds are. Consider using speed-optimized servers like P2P to get that extra boost.
- Use an Ethernet cable: Ethernet connections are faster than WiFi. If you’re using the hotspot or router methods, ensure you have an ethernet cable connected to the PC or the PS5.
- Use split-tunneling: NordVPN offers split tunneling and you can use it to reduce the encryption burden on the hotspot by limiting the number of apps passing through the encrypted tunnel. This can increase speeds.
FAQ
Will NordVPN Stop DDoS Attacks on PS5?
NordVPN will stop DDoS attacks on PS5 by hiding your IP address when using the VPN router or virtual router setups. The NordVPN kill switch also boosts DDoS protection by disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection drops, stopping your IP address from leaking to the angry CoD players who want to avenge their negative K/D.
Unlock Your PS5 With NordVPN
Getting a VPN-compatible router is the most reliable method of setting up and using NordVPN on your PS5. But if that is out of your budget, using your PC or NordVPN’s SmartDNS feature will also work.
Remember to get your NordVPN subscription using these amazing discounts to have extra money for PS5 games!