How to Change PSN Region on Your PS4 or PS5 in 2025

It's frustrating that PlayStation locks your region when you create your account. So you need to make another to access geo-restricted games and streaming apps. Luckily, there's an easy way to change your virtual location.

A VPN is a simple app that makes it seem like you’re accessing PS content from another region. It lets you play region-exclusive games like Yakuza Ishin. It also protects you from hackers and DDoS attacks while gaming. Plus, top VPNs enable secure access to Netflix, Max, and Hulu on a PlayStation from anywhere.

Editor’s Note. The listed VPNs have no-logs policies and encryption that hide your online activities. Using a VPN with PlayStation is not illegal. However, using it to access privileges reserved for a different region violates PlayStation's Terms of Service. Such actions can lead to various consequences, including account restrictions, permanent bans, or even complete blocklisting. Here at vpnMentor we do not condone breaking any rules, like violating copyright laws.

Why You Need a VPN to Change Your PSN Region

When signing up, your PlayStation assigns a permanent region, limiting your access to different games and streaming platforms. You can create a new user account on your console to change your PSN region. After that, you can use a VPN to buy games on your new international PSN account.

Games can often have an earlier release somewhere else or be region-locked entirely. So, to access them, you need to change your virtual location by masking your IP.

A VPN hides your real IP address and gives you one in your chosen location. You only need to connect to a server in your preferred country to buy the PlayStation games you want.

VPNs also let you play with friends from other countries by connecting to that country's game server. Choose a server closer to you and the game's server for the fastest speed and lowest ping.

How to Change Your PSN Region on PS4 and PS5

Your PlayStation locks your region once it is set up and doesn’t let you change it. The only way to change your PSN region is to create a new user account on your console. Remember to connect your PlayStation console to the internet before starting this process.

This method gives you full access to the PlayStation Store in whichever country you select during the signup process — letting you download its games and apps. Make sure you have your PlayStation console connected to the internet before starting this process.

1. Turn on your PlayStation and select New User. Then click Create a User.
2. Accept the License Agreement. You will be prompted to sign in to PSN — just scroll down past this message.
3. Select Create an Account. Enter your date of birth when prompted.
4. Choose your preferred PSN region. Make sure to choose the region that relates to the version of the PlayStation Store that you want to access, such as Japan or the US. Use Google Translate to navigate pages in a foreign language.
5. Enter your email ID and create a password. You’ll need to use a new email that hasn’t been used on PSN before.
6. Enter your location details. PSN will ask you to fill in the city, province, and postcode of your newly-chosen region. After that, click Next.
7. Create your profile. Select an avatar, create an ID, and choose your privacy and communication settings.
8. Click Accept on the Terms of Service and User Agreement page.
9. Verify your email address. You’ll have to verify your email address by accessing your inbox, opening the PlayStation email (look for it in the Spam folder if it’s not there), and clicking on the Verify Now button.
10. Open the PlayStation Store. You’re ready to use your new account.

Warning. Remember that you cannot transfer PS store credit from one user to the other. If you wish to download DLC for any game, you need to get it from the region you originally purchased that game from. Note that PSN rules and regulations vary within each region. 

How to Buy Games With Your International PSN Account

To buy PlayStation games, you need to use a payment method from the same country as your new PSN account. For example, if your region is set to the US, you’ll need a US payment method. You can also purchase digital gift cards from that region’s Amazon store and redeem them on the PlayStation Store.

Note that I do not recommend creating a PayPal or Amazon account with a fake address from that country. It violates their respective T&Cs and can lead to a permanent PayPal/Amazon account ban. It can also complicate purchases with sales tax.

Follow this guide to start buying games online:

1. Download a VPN. 
2. Connect to a server. Make sure it’s in the region where your PSN account is set up. So, choose a US server if it’s a US account, or Japan for a Japanese one.
3. Buy a PSN gift card. Visit the PlayStation gift cards website > Click Buy Now under the gift card you want to purchase > Choose Amazon.

   You can browse gift card retailers from any region you choose using a VPN

4. Click Add to Cart and then Proceed to Checkout. You will need to sign in to an Amazon account for this.
5. Enter your payment details. Complete the purchase by paying with any suitable method.
6. Log in to your PlayStation. Use the PSN account you just created and open the PlayStation Store app.
7. Select Redeem Code. Enter the 12-digit code from the gift card > Select Continue.

   Once you select "Continue", you'll be able to browse the store and buy the games and apps you want

8. You can now purchase games and apps from the deposited funds.

How to Set up a VPN on Your PlayStation Console (PS4 or PS5)

Smart DNS Method

1. Sign up for a VPN.
2. Register your IP address. Log in to your VPN service on a browser. Open DNS Settings or Smart DNS. Your IP address should be registered automatically.
3. Note the given DNS address. After activating your IP address, you’ll be given a DNS code to enter into your PlayStation’s network settings.
4. Turn on your PlayStation. Go to Settings > Network > Set up your internet connection > Custom.
5. Configure your settings. Choose either WiFi or LAN depending on the kind of connection > choose Automatic > Do Not Specify > Manual > Enter the DNS address from step 3 > Do Not Use.
6. Restart your console. After that, you can start using your PS4/PS5 console to stream your favorite content.

Windows 10 — Ethernet/WiFi

1. Download a VPN.
2. Connect your PlayStation to your desktop via ethernet or WiFi.
   1. For ethernet — Use an ethernet cable to connect your router to your PC, and another cable to connect the PlayStation to the PC.
   2. For WiFi — Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot and toggle mobile hotspot on. Set Share my internet connection from to WiFi. Click Edit and choose a name and password for your hotspot.
3. Share your VPN connection. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center on your PC.
   1. For ethernet — Click on Change Adapter Settings > Right-click your VPN’s adapter > select Properties > Sharing > Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection > Select Home Networking Connection > select your PlayStation’s ethernet connection.
   2. For WiFI — Click on Related settings > Change adapter options. Right-click on your VPN’s adapter > select Properties > Sharing > Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection > Under Home Networking Connection > Select the active hotspot connection.
4. Connect your VPN. Open your VPN app and select a server.
5. Set up your PS4/PS5 internet connection. On your PlayStation console, go to Settings > Network > Connect to the internet > Use WiFi / Use a LAN cable > Easy. If prompted, select Do not use a proxy server.
6. Start gaming or streaming. Your PlayStation is now connected to a VPN.

Mac — Ethernet/WiFi

1. Download a VPN.
2. Connect your Mac to your PlayStation. Do so through an ethernet cable or via WiFi. Note that the cable will offer maximum speeds and minimal latency.
3. Share your connection. Go to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing > Under Share your connection from, select your VPN. Under To computers using, select WiFi or ethernet.
4. Set up a WiFi name and password. Click WiFi options to set up a name and password for your network. If you see the pop-up: To share your Internet connection, you must turn on WiFi, click Turn WiFi On. Skip this step if you’re using an ethernet connection.
5. Turn on Internet Sharing. If you see the pop-up: Are you sure you want to turn on Internet sharing?, click Start.
6. Connect to your VPN. Launch the app and choose a server.
7. Set up your PlayStation’s internet connection. Go to Settings > Network > Connect to the internet.
   1. For WiFi — Select WiFi and choose the network you set up.
   2. For ethernet — Select Use a LAN cable > Easy > Choose Do not use a proxy server if prompted.
8. Start streaming and gaming.

Router

One major advantage of setting up a VPN on your router is that it protects every device linked to that router, PlayStation included. Yet, it's crucial to highlight that not every router can accommodate a VPN.

For those aiming to link their PS4 or PS5 to their router, the most advisable approach is to locate the guidelines tailored to your precise model on your VPN provider's official site. Alternatively, you have the option to acquire a VPN router that comes pre-configured, allowing you to bypass these setup steps if desired.

FAQs on Changing Your PSN Region

Are there any issues that can come up by changing my PSN region?

Yes, but they are easily fixed. Note that you cannot transfer PSN store credits and friends’ lists from one account to the other. You can still change your PSN ID, which is free the first time, but this can cause issues on older games, especially on a PS3. Other issues you may encounter include:

• Compatibility. Ensure games and DLC are compatible with the new region before changing. Check official sources for region-specific information and compatibility details.
• Language and localization. Switching PSN regions may introduce language barriers. Change console language settings and search for language packs or patches for specific games to switch to your preferred language.

Can I buy games from other countries on my PlayStation?

You can’t buy games from other countries other than your already assigned PSN region because you need a country-specific payment method. For example, a PayPal or credit card registered in the same country where you want to buy the item from.

If you want to buy games internationally, you’ll need to create a new PSN account in your desired country. After that, purchase and use PlayStation gift cards from the same region.

Will I lose access to my PlayStation games if I change my region?

No, you will not lose access to your PlayStation games if you change your region. You can still play them on your old PSN account where you originally purchased them. Just switch users and sign in to the old account.

Additionally, in-game purchases, trophies, DLCs, friends’ lists, and store credit are locked to your old account and cannot be transferred if you change your PSN region.

Is it possible to get games earlier in different regions on PlayStation?

Yes. You can create an account in the region with the earliest release date for your favorite games to get the fastest access. New games usually come out in the Asia-Pacific region first. But to buy these games, you need a local payment method from that region. To do that, you can set up a VPN on your PlayStation and buy PSN gift cards.

How do I check my PSN region?

There are 3 ways to check your PSN region.

1. Go to PSNprofiles.com and enter your PSN ID to check your region. There’s no login required, and you can do this on any device.
2. On a desktop, you can also log into the PlayStation website > Click on your Avatar on the top-right > Select Account Settings > Click Edit next to the Residential Address and view the country.
3. On your PS4/PS5, open the PlayStation Store > Click on the Menu button (3 dots) > Choose Storefront Country, and you can view your account’s location.

Can I use a free VPN with my PlayStation?

Not really. Free VPNs often fall short regarding compatibility, speed, unblocking content, data limits, and privacy. To ensure an enjoyable gaming experience on your PlayStation, a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a more reliable option.

Free VPNs can rarely be installed on PS or routers, leading to long or impossible setup. Their slower speeds can result in lag during gaming and streaming. Plus, free VPNs struggle to securely access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms, impose strict data limits, and may interrupt gaming and other online activities with ads while potentially misusing or selling user data.

Can I change the Blu-Ray or DVD region on my PlayStation?

Yes, you can change the Blu-Ray and DVD region on your PlayStation, typically around 4-5 times, depending on your PS4 or PS5 model.

1. Remember to connect to your preferred VPN server.
2. Once ready, insert the incompatible DVD or Blu-Ray (from another region), triggering an error code.
3. Select Next and follow the prompts to change the region code to match the physical disc.

Alternatively, you can watch content on your console by downloading streaming apps. To access apps unavailable in your region, you can use a VPN on your PlayStation to bypass restrictions and access the desired content.

If I change my email on PS4 will I lose everything?

No, changing your email on PS4 will not cause you to lose everything. Your game progress, purchased content, trophies, and other account information are tied to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account, not your email address. By changing your email, you are simply updating the contact information associated with your account.

Access More Content on Your PlayStation in Minutes

The streaming apps and games on your PlayStation are geo-restricted to certain countries. You need a VPN to buy international games. Plus, it’ll help smoothen your online multiplayer gaming and protect you from hackers. A premium VPN can also access international streaming platforms from anywhere and stream movies in HD.