How to Set Up & Use a VPN on Your Xbox (2024)

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A VPN (virtual private network) is one of the best ways to gain control over your online privacy and autonomy. But without native support in the system settings, how do you set up a VPN for your Xbox? While Microsoft isn’t about to let you install a VPN directly on your favorite gaming console, we’ve scrounged together a few workarounds so that you can get your gaming on while enjoying all the security and privacy benefits of a VPN.

Why do I need a VPN for my Xbox?

Before we get to the how, let’s cover the why. Why bother gaming through a VPN connection? The answer is twofold: greater access to the games and content you want, and more privacy over your data and identity.

A VPN lets you access more content

Blocked from playing the games you want? Can’t play on the game servers of your choice? Lots of games are either region-restricted by server, or blocked outright in certain countries or regions. A VPN service lets you easily leapfrog over geo-blocking restrictions like those.

How? Because when you connect to a VPN server in a different country, you’ll get an IP address based in that country. That, in turn, fools game servers into thinking that you’re actually there, instead of trapped in your lonely and content-starved place of residence. If all your friends are on a server in Country A, and you’re on vacation all the way across the world in Country B, you can use a VPN to join in the fun, just as you would back home. The same goes for connecting to a game that’s blocked in your region. Just let your VPN transport you to a country in which the game is allowed, and you’re all set.

Lots of folks use their gaming consoles as full-fledged entertainment stations, and a VPN will help you out here as well. Due to the licensing agreements between content creators and content providers (like streaming platforms), some shows and movies may be available to subscribers based only in certain regions of the world. You can unblock websites and get around some of those content restrictions by connecting to a VPN server in a country where your desired content is available. It’s a great way to keep up with your favorite shows from home while you’re on vacation, though some content providers have grown wise to this trick and can block known VPN IP addresses.

Use a VPN while gaming to give yourself an IP address in the country of your choice, and you’ll be able to game or stream content as though you were actually there.

A VPN enhances your privacy

Anyone who knows anything about digital privacy these days has long since started insulating their traffic with a VPN. That’s because of how VPNs work: A virtual private network encrypts all the internet traffic coming to and from your device. You connect over an encrypted network to a VPN server, and from there your traffic heads wherever it’s meant to go — a website, or in this case, a gaming server.

The result is that no one can see what you’re doing over the encrypted connection. While your internet service provider (ISP) can still determine the type, timing, and amount of traffic you’re sending and receiving, they won’t know the specifics.

A VPN also hides your IP address by replacing it with one from the VPN server. Your VPN provider will know your real IP address, but any websites or services you’re using will see only the IP address provided to you by your VPN. Your VPN provider needs to know your IP address to handle your traffic properly, so be sure to choose one that you can trust not to keep logs on your behavior — like HMA VPN.

Hiding your IP address also helps to protect you against the dreaded DDOS attack. Next time you’re headshotting chumps in your favorite online first-person shooter, don’t worry about incurring the wrath of any bitter trolls out there. With a VPN hiding your IP address, they’ll have a much harder time targeting you with DDOS revenge attacks.

Encrypted traffic and a hidden IP address are the two primary privacy benefits you get with a VPN.

Alright, how do I set up a VPN on my Xbox?

Convinced that a VPN is the right way to go? Good! When it comes to setting up a VPN for your Xbox One or Xbox 360, you’ve got a choice to make:

Do you want a VPN covering all the devices on your network? Or would you prefer to cover only your computer and your Xbox?

If you prefer the first option, you’ll want to set a VPN up on your router.

If not, you can connect your Xbox to your computer, and go through your computer’s VPN. Whichever option you choose, here’s how to get set up:

Using a VPN on your Xbox via your router

Stick a VPN in your router for a one-stop encryption solution for all your devices — your computer, your mobile phone, your Xbox, even your smart fridge. Since all the devices in your home connect to the internet through your router, a VPN in your router will cover your entire Wi-Fi network like a blanket. Set up a VPN on your router with the following steps:

1. Log into your router. Enter the router’s IP address into the search bar of your browser, then type in your user credentials. If you haven’t yet changed these from the defaults, now would be a good time!
2. Ensure your router is VPN-capable. This process can vary widely depending on the type of router you have. Asus routers, for example, are able to accept VPNs by default. Other routers will need new firmware via a process called “flashing.” Your user manual may contain flashing instructions, or you may need to do some research online.
3. Configure your router to use your VPN. Again, depending on your router’s manufacturer and firmware, these steps will vary. For specific tips, we’ve got a handy list of guides to installing a VPN on your router.
4. Test your VPN connection. Once the VPN is installed and activated, make sure it works! If it does, connect your Xbox to your router to determine that everything’s working as it should on Xbox Live.

If you have a spare router (or want to buy one), you can set up a dual-router network instead. Put the VPN in one, and leave the other without a VPN. That way, when you don’t want to use the VPN, you can connect to your VPN-less router, while reserving the VPN-enabled router for when you need it.

Using a VPN on your Xbox via your computer

If you don’t want to funnel your entire wireless network through a VPN, you can use your computer’s VPN instead. You’ll do this by connecting your Xbox to your computer with an Ethernet cable. When your Xbox connects to the internet, it’ll do so via your computer — and through the VPN.

You can do this with both Windows and macOS, but either way, you’ll need to turn on your computer and activate your VPN in order for your Xbox to access it. See specific instructions depending on your setup:

• How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Ethernet from your Windows PC
• How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Wi-Fi from your Windows PC
• How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Ethernet from your Mac
• How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Wi-Fi from your Mac

How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Ethernet from your Windows PC

1. Set up and activate your VPN on your computer.
2. Connect your Xbox to your computer with an Ethernet cable.
3. On your computer, open the Windows menu in the lower-left corner of your desktop and click the Settings cog to open your Settings.
   
4. In the Windows Settings, click Network & Internet.
   
5. Choose Change adapter options.
   
6. Right-click on your VPN and select Properties.
   
7. Open the Sharing tab and check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.” Select your Ethernet or LAN connection from the drop-down menu that appears.
   
8. Test your internet connection on your Xbox.

How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Wi-Fi from your Windows PC

1. Set up and activate your VPN on your computer.
2. Open your Settings by clicking the Settings cog in the Windows menu, or by pressing the Windows + I keys together.
   
3. In the Settings menu, select Network & Internet.
   
4. Next, choose Mobile hotspot.
   
5. Click Edit. In the pop-up window, give your computer’s hotspot a new network name and password, then hit Save.
   
6. Underneath Share my Internet connection with other devices, flip the toggle to On to activate your computer’s new mobile hotpot.
   
7. On your Xbox, connect to your new mobile hotspot, then test your connection to make sure it’s working properly.

How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Ethernet from your Mac

1. Set up and activate your VPN on your Mac.
2. Connect your Xbox to your Mac with an Ethernet cable. On some newer Macs, you’ll need to do this via a USB-C adaptor.
3. On your Mac, open System Preferences and select Sharing.
   
4. Select Internet Sharing from the menu on the left. In the “Share your connection from” drop-down list, select the type of internet connect you use with your Mac.

   Then, choose how you’ll share that connection in the “To computers using” section. Older Macs will accept a direct Ethernet connection, but newer models will only have a USB option.

   Lastly, check the box next to “Internet connection” on the left. Click Start in the pop-up window.
   
5. Confirm that your status says “Internet Sharing: On” and that the status indicator is green.
   
6. Test your internet connection on your Xbox.

How to use a VPN on your Xbox via Wi-Fi from your Mac

1. Set up and activate your VPN on your Mac.
2. Open System Preferences and click Sharing.
   
3. Click Internet Sharing from the list on the left, then select your Mac’s internet connection from the “Share your connection from” drop-down menu. Note that you’ll need to use a wired connection in order to create a Wi-Fi hotspot from your Mac.

   Under “To computers using,” select Wi-Fi.
   

4. Click Wi-Fi Options.... Then, configure the settings for your Mac’s Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep Wi-Fi mooches out by setting a WPA2 password. When you’re done, click OK.
   
5. Click the box next to Internet Sharing on the left, then click Start to activate your Mac’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
   
6. Check that you’ve done things correctly: make sure your status reads “Internet Sharing: On” with a green indicator.
   
7. On your Xbox, connect to your Mac’s Wi-Fi hotspot, then test your internet connection.

What makes a good Xbox VPN?

Considering that you’ll be using your VPN for gaming, you’ll want one that’s both fast and stable. The last thing you need is for your VPN to drop out just as you’re about to chalk up another W.

Any time you add extra steps into your internet connection — such as when you connect to a VPN server — you may encounter both speed and stability issues. Choosing a good VPN is all about mitigating those issues as much as possible.

When evaluating VPN services for gaming, keep these criteria in mind:

• Server quantity: More servers means that a VPN can spread its active users out, so that there will be fewer users at any given time on the same server. This means faster speeds for you.
• International availability: If you plan on using a VPN to access games and servers in other countries, make sure your VPN has servers there. Otherwise, your plan isn’t going to work out.
• Optimized for streaming (or even gaming): Like gaming, streaming TV shows and movies requires high speeds, reliable stability, and lots of bandwidth. Find a VPN that’s built to handle that type of workload.
• No bandwidth caps: As mentioned above, gaming eats up a ton of bandwidth. Don’t bother with a VPN that’s going to limit you in that department.
• OpenVPN support: The OpenVPN protocol is the current standard for both speed and stability on computer VPNs. As an open-source protocol, it’s available for evaluation anytime to ensure that it remains secure.

As always, prioritize security as well. Your personal data is safest in the hands of a VPN provider with a strong track record of user protection. Consider providers with high-end encryption, readily available customer support, and a strict no-logging policy. Many free VPN providers won’t offer you those assurances, and they might even go so far as to sell your data to third parties.

The best VPN is one that gives you security, speed, and stability

While a VPN protects your personal data from anyone on the outside looking in, your VPN provider still needs to see your IP address, because that’s how they know where to send your traffic. So it’s super-important to choose a VPN provider that will never keep track of what you’re doing while you’re connected.

HMA VPN pairs a strict no-logging policy with over 1,000 blazing-fast servers in more than 290 locations around the world. Get the gaming experience you expect, along with military-grade encryption and a suite of security-enhancing features. Stay safe online and get the most out of your gaming sessions with one of the top VPNs available today.