Have you ever tried to change your PSN region on PS4? Well then I’m sure you know that the only way to do that is by creating a new account. Most PS4 or PS3 users change regions in order to access apps and services that aren’t available in their local PSN store. And many of them go for the US PSN version because it offers apps like Hulu and HBO Go that are unavailable anywhere else. Little do they know that access to these apps will remain blocked.
How to Change PSN Region on PlayStation
Streaming apps can still detect your location using your IP address, so you need a tool to hide it. In this article, we’ll show you how a VPN can help you spoof your location and unblock PS4 or PS3 apps.
How to Change PSN Region
You can’t change your PSN region on an existing account. The only way to switch regions is by creating a new account. Luckily, you can do that in just a few minutes. Simply:
- Visit the Sony PlayStation website.
- Use an email address that isn’t associated with another account.
- Choose the US as your country.
- Fill in the rest of the information.
- Click submit and verify your email.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email from PlayStation concerning your new account.
- You can’t change your region once you submit your new account.
You’ll notice that some new apps like Amazon Prime Video and HBO Go are now available on your console thanks to your US PSN account. But that doesn’t mean they are unblocked.
How to Access Geo-blocked Apps with VPN
Your US PSN account allows you to install American channels, but you won’t be able to watch them because your IP address gives way your location. That is why you need a tool that can spoof your location like a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN uses a software to redirect your internet connection to a different server of your choice. It hides your actual IP address and replaces it with another one from the selected region, making it look like you actually live there. So if you connect to a server from the USA, channels like Hulu will think you’re an American resident, and will therefore give you access to their content. It’s actually the best solution for unblocking any restricted online material.
And getting a VPN is quite simple, you only need to:
- Sign up with a VPN provider. Check below for recommendations.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Sign in
- Connect to a server from the US or any other region, depending on which channels you want to unblock.
- Double check your new IP address on WhatIsMyIP.network.
- Geo-blocked channels are now at your fingertips.
Best VPNs to Unblock Streaming Services
Well, you have a wealth of choices to choose from, but the crème de la crème has to be ExpressVPN. I personally used this VPN provider after switching to an American PSN store, and now I get to enjoy channels like US Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Twitch and much more.
The reason that makes ExpressVPN so popular is that it has over a 1,000 servers across 160 locations around the world, so you could connect to any server you’d like. Also, it is compatible with any Netflix library, including the US version.
As for security and privacy, ExpressVPN uses a military-grade AES 256-bit encryption protocol that guarantees no one will be able to monitor your online activity, not even your ISP. Moreover, the company does not log your traffic or data, so nothing can be traced back to you.
If you’d like to know more about ExpressVPN, check out the full ExpressVPN Review 2019.
There are of course other VPN companies that provide a top level of efficiency and professionalism to unblock channels on your PS4 console. Check out the list below for alternatives:
Visit ExpressVPN
Use Smart DNS Proxies to Access Blocked Channels
Smart DNS proxies could also come in handy if you want to bypass restricted channels. Just like VPNs, these tools reroute the URLs that expose your location.
See the steps below to get a Smart DNS Proxy:
- Choose a Smart DNS service like Unlocator and sign up.
- Install Smart DNS on your device.
- You could also set up Smart DNS on your router, gaming consoles, or Smart TVs.
- Access restricted channels.
However, you should note that Smart DNS proxies are not as proficient as a VPN. They don’t hide your IP address, which means that they aren’t always successful in unblocking online content. They also don’t encrypt your data, so your ISP can still monitor your traffic.
Best Apps on PS4
PS4s aren’t just gaming consoles. You could also use them to watch your favorite shows on popular streaming channels. Here are the best applications on PS4:
- Netflix
- Twitch
- Spotify
- Plex
- PlayStation Vue
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Vevo
- HBO Go
- YouTube
- Crunchyroll
- WWE Network
- VRV
- CBS
How to Change PSN Region on PlayStation with VPN
How to Change PSN Region on PlayStation – Final Words
Changing your PSN region on your PS3 or PS4 is actually quite worth it. New apps, services, and games instantly become available, which makes your PlayStation console even more interesting. However, you’ll still need a VPN to unblock new apps like Hulu, HBO Go, or other streaming services. So don’t dwell too much on it. Get a VPN and take full advantage of your PlayStation gaming console.
