Virtual private networks (VPNs) are an increasingly popular way to assert a bit more control over your online activity, protecting your data from the prying eyes of nefarious hackers and greedy telecommunication monopolies alike. You can even set up VPNs for gaming consoles like the Xbox One, and in this guide, we’ll show you how.
Difficulty
What You Need
VPN provider
Why use a VPN for your gaming console? The same reasons that you would use one in general: To protect your identity and activity from those who want to track you, including corporations, hackers, and the government; and — particularly key for gaming — preventing your internet service provider from throttling your bandwidth.
There are two methods for setting up a VPN on Xbox One — through your router or through your PC or Mac. We recommend setting it up through your router, as the alternative method requires you to keep your Xbox connected to your computer via Ethernet cable.
Connecting to a VPN through your router
This method only works with routers that support VPN client accounts. Check the router’s documentation for more information.
Step 1:Log in to your router’s control panel and enter the details provided by your VPN.
Generally, this entails entering your router’s IP address into a web browser connected to your local network, but refer to your router’s operating instructions for the particulars.
Step 2:Find the tab for controlling your router’s connection to the outside network. The name varies, but it’s generally called something like “Basic,” “Network,” or “WAN Setup.”
Step 3:Enter the details provided to you when you signed up for your VPN (IP, Subnet Mask, username and password, etc.). Again, the particulars will vary: When in doubt, follow the instructions provided by your VPN for getting your router hooked up.
Step 4:Connect your Xbox One to the router. Press theXboxbutton to bring up the Guide.
Step 5:Go all the way to the right intoSettings, then go toNetwork.
Step 6:HighlightNetworksettings and pressA.
Step 7:SelectSet Up Wireless Networkand configure your Xbox to use the router we connected to your VPN in Step 1.
Step 8:If your layout allows, you can opt to connect your Xbox to the router directly via Ethernet, which we recommend for the most stable connection if online gaming is important to you.
That’s all you need to do! You’re now ready to browse, stream, and game in anonymous safety.
Connecting to a VPN through your computer
Note that running your Xbox One through yourWindows 11VPN connection requires that your PC have two network adapters — one for the internet and a second for the console. Laptops typically have both a wireless and a wired adapter, but desktops vary more, especiallyhome built PCs.
If you don’t have two network adapters ready when you begin the process, some of the relevant configuration options will not even appear. Between that and the fact that hooking up your system this way requires you to keep your PC on whenever you use your Xbox One online, we generally recommend the previous method as it is simpler in the long term.
Step 1:Connect your computer to your VPN service. The particulars will vary depending on what VPN you use, but generally this will require you to download and run a software client that lets you easily manage which server you are connecting to.
Step 2:Connect your Xbox directly to your computer’s network adapter via Ethernet cable.
For Windows: Enable Internet Connection Sharing
verify you are logged in as a user with administrator-level privileges. Press the Windows key plus “X” to open the Power User menu.
Step 1:SelectNetwork Connections.
Step 2:SelectChange Adapteroptions from the menu.
Step 3:Right-click on your VPN connection and selectProperties.
Step 4:Open theSharingtab.
Step 5:Check the box to “allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.”
Step 6:From the dropdown menu that appears, selectEthernetorLocal Area Network.
Step 7:PressOKand your Xbox should now be able to get online through your computer’s VPN connection.
If your Xbox One is not recognizing the network, go to Network Settings and make sure it is set to connect through a wired network.
For Mac: Enable Internet Connection Sharing
Similar steps can be performed onMacOSto use your Mac’s VPN connection with your Xbox One.
Choose the apple symbol (located in the upper-left corner of the screen).
Step 1:SelectSystem Preferences.
Step 2:ClickSharing.
Step 3:PickInternet Sharingfrom the list on the left-hand side. A drop-down menu will appear beneath “Share Your Connection From”— pick your VPN’s network from this area.
Step 4:Another drop-down menu will appear under “To Computers Using” — select the “Ethernet” option here.
Step 5:After you do this, you need to check the box besideInternet Sharing.
Step 6:Once you’ve completed this step, a green circle will pop up. This signals that you’ve successfully set up internet-sharing capability, and it’s officially up and running.
If you run into issues along the way, double check to make sure you’ve finished all the steps correctly. A helpful tip is to open your Network Settings and see if it supports your specific network, as some may not be compatible.
It’s worth mentioning thatVPNs can slow down your internet connection. Connection speed often depends on where your server is located. If it’s in a bad service area, you will experience slower connection and extended loading times. Although this is highly inconvenient, it’s worth the frustration to know your data is secure.
