PlayStation offers a vast selection of games to players worldwide. However, game content can differ across PSN regions due to factors like currency, user base, and cultural differences. To explore new content, you can change your region on PS5 or PS4.
In the following section, we’ll guide you through changing the region or country of your PSN account, giving you access to a whole new game library.
Things to Know Before Changing Region on PlayStation
An important thing to know is that you can’t change the region of a registered PlayStation account. If you still want a different region account, all you can do is create one. All your prior games, trophies, and achievements on the old PSN account will not be transferred to the new one.
Additionally, if you are not physically in the desired region, you might need to use a VPN to connect to the responsive virtual server.
After you switch the region, you need to buy games with a credit card or Alipay from that country. But don’t worry, there’s another method for buying games without these tools, that is, the gift card.
How to Change Region on PS5/PS4
Here are two major steps for changing the region on your PS console. The first is using a VPN to connect to your desired server. The second is to create a new PSN account under the VPN connection. If you are physically in another region, ignore step 1 and move on to step 2.
Step 1. Enable the VPN Connection on PS5/PS4
There are many VPNs to choose from online. We recommend a reliable VPN that has robust unblocking ability (e.g., LightningX VPN). Here’s how to use a VPN on your PS5 or PS4.
- Choose a reliable VPN and install it on your PC. For example, go to LightningX VPN.com to download the install package, open it, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the VPN.
- Open the VPN and select the desired server.
- Press Win + S and search for “Mobile Hotspot”.
- Enable “Share my Internet connection with other devices”.
- Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
- Turn on and off the hotspot to find the name of your hotspot network adapter.
- Locate your VPN network adapter, right-click it, and select “Properties”.
- Under the “Sharing” tab, enable “Allow other network users to connect”.
- Select your hotspot’s network adapter and click “OK”.
- Connect the PS5 or PS4 to the hotspot. This is critical for the next step so don’t turn off the VPN on your computer.
Tip: You can also set up a VPN on your router and connect your PS console to Wi-Fi. However, not all routers support VPNs, so you may need to purchase a dedicated VPN router, which can be costly.
Step 2. Create a New PSN Account
After changing the region on the PS5 or PS4, you can now create a PSN account associated with the new country.
- Turn on the PS console and select “New User”. You can also go to the official PSN website to create a new account.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select “New to PlayStation Network? Create an Account”.
- Select the region which is the same as the connected VPN server.
- Follow the instructions on the page to enter details for creating the account.
- Type an exact location in the chosen region. You can search for a place in this region, such as a coffee shop, hotel, or restaurant on Google Maps.
- Use an email address to sign up for a PSN account. The email address should be different than the old one for the prior PSN account.
- Complete other details on this account.
- Done. Now a new PS5 or PS4 account is created and related to another region.
How to Check Region of the PSN Account
After completing the major steps, you can check whether the region has been successfully changed. Here’s how to check the region setting of the PSN account.
- Go to the “Account Management” page of PlayStation and sign in to your newly created PSN account.
- On the account management page, go to Your Information.
- Click the Edit button next to Residential Address.
- Check the country of the newly created PSN account. If it is not changed, move on to the “What If You Can’t Change Region on PS5 or PS4?” section.
How to Buy Games on Another Region’s PS Store
Now that you know buying games on another region’s PS store requires a credit card or Alipay, you still can use the gift card to purchase games without these payment methods. Here are the steps.
- Stay connected to the same VPN server with the above steps.
- Go to Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy from that country and search for “PSN gift card [Digital Code]”.
- Select one and buy it with any payment method.
- Write down the code from the gift card.
- Add the desired games to your cart on the PS5 or PS4.
- Choose “Gift Card” at checkout.
- Fill in the code you got from the gift card. Now the games are exchanged. You can download them on your PS console.
Tip: There are also many other websites for gift cards, such as Eneba, CD Keys, and G2A.
Why Is LightningX VPN Applicable?
LightningX VPN is one of the best VPNs for PS5 and PS4. It has excellent performance, robust security, and compatibility with all devices. Here are its key features and prices.
- LightningX VPN’s connection doesn’t limit the traffic speed and usage.
- It has 2,000+ servers in 50+ countries including Japan, China HK, Brazil, Turkey, Mexico, and the US.
- It can be set up on a PC, Mac-based device, Android phone, iPhone, PlayStation console, Switch, Xbox console, and smart TV.
- It protects your data and privacy with top-tier security.
- It supports 3 simultaneous devices and a customizable service.
Price and plan:
- 1 day: $0.99
- 1 month: $5.99
- 3 months + 1 month free: $15.99
- 1 year + 1 year free: $59.99
What If You Can’t Change Region on PS4 or PS5?
Use a robust VPN: To change the region on the PS5 or PS4 successfully, you may need a VPN that has a strong unblocking ability.
Stay on the same server: If you switch the VPN server while changing your PSN account region, the system may detect the VPN and block you from continuing.
Clear the browser cache: When signing up for a new PSN account in a browser, the PSN system may detect your original IP address stored in the browser cache.
Influences of Changing Region on PS5 or PS4
Game Price Differences: PS5 and PS4 game prices vary across regions. Switching regions may allow you to find games at lower or higher prices.
Game Content Changes: Game titles can vary between regions. After switching regions, you may gain access to more advanced or region-specific game content.
Different Language Preferences: On your PS console, the language will be set to the one used in the region you switched to.
Matchmaking Changes: Creating a PSN account in a different region will result in matchmaking with players from that region.
In the End
To change the region on your PS5 or PS4, you’ll need to create a new PSN account since the region of an existing account cannot be changed.
If you’re physically in the desired country, simply sign up for a new account using your local connection.
If you’re not in that country, set up a VPN on your PC or Mac and share the connection with your PS console via a hotspot. Then, create a new PSN account while connected to the VPN, selecting the desired region during the setup process.
When it comes to purchasing games, you can either use a credit card or Alipay account from that region or buy regional gift cards to redeem games.
