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One of the first things you need to know before you buy a game is if it is region locked. Region locking is a process that means that a game will only work on a console from the same region.
PlayStation 4 consoles, games, game discs, and digital titles are not region locked. However, to ensure you don’t experience any hiccups, you have to use it the right way. You want to use the right PlayStation store ID for the right Region.
In this brief guide below, you will learn everything there is to know about PS4 regions. After going through the guide, you will be able to set up your game console for a better gaming experience.
The guide below answers questions such as whether or not your PS4 is region-locked. How to make the most of the console? How to use the PS4 console without any restrictions?
Table of Contents
Is PS4 Region Locked?
Generally, your PS4 gaming console is not region-locked. In addition to the console, PS4 game discs and digital content are not regions locked, either. However, Sony recommends that you get discs and consoles from the same region.
This helps to ensure the best performance. After all, you can only access downloadable digital content and services regionally tied to your original PS Online ID. This is because, when you create a PSN online/store ID, it remains tied to the region of your PlayStation 4 console.
For example, if you have a game made for different regions than the PS4 console or PSN Online ID, it may not work fine. This also means that the downloaded content will only work on game discs from that particular region and not elsewhere.
To enjoy downloadable content, you have to make sure it is from the region where your PlayStation Store ID originates. Nonetheless, it is important to know that PS4 regions vary.
Thus, whilst your PS may not be region-locked, each region has several features. Yet, even though your PS4 isn’t region-locked, you will still experience some drawbacks.
A good example of this situation is when you want to play games from different regions. You may actually run into issues if you want to play games from a different region than the one you are currently in.
Nevertheless, the bottom line is PS4 is not region-locked. But, DLC (downloadable content for a game) is not region-free. DLC represents the extra contents of a full game. So, you want to access content that is within your region.
PSN Online IDs and DLC functionality are significantly affected by the region. So, a disc from one region will not play in a PS4 from another region.
After all, whilst PS4 games aren’t region-locked, DLC is limited to the regional store. If you are in a different region, you won’t be able to log into your PSN account from your home region.
Can You Change PSN Region?
PS4 is not region-locked. However, you can also change your PSN region. To easily change your PSN region, you will have to set up a new account. During set up, you can change choose the region (country) you want, even if you are not physically there.
Yet, if you want the PS4 console to believe that you are in a certain physical location, you will have to use a VPN. A VPN will help you get the IP address of the particular location you want. Being able to choose certain locations comes with the benefits of more content availability too.
For example, US residents (or those who pick the US region) will have access to more content compared to other regions. On the other hand, other regions offer much lower rates compared to the higher US dollar rate in the US region.
Furthermore, changing your PS4 region also comes with its limitation. For example, not all game discs are region-locked. If you have a US-based PSN account, you may not be able to play all EU-based games.
Yet, since the PS4 itself isn’t region-locked, you can still load some discs from other regions. You simply have to make sure your account supports them. If you choose to use other regions than the one you are physically in, this comes with a limitation too.
For a US-based account, for example, you will need to purchase any online content using US funds. In this case, you will need an American debit/credit card. Alternatively, you can go opt for a PayPal account that matches the address on your PSN or PSN gift cards.
Additionally, if you use your PS4 for streaming services, you may experience restrictions when using a VPN. For example, streaming platforms such as Netflix have strict location detection measures. With a VPN, it is impossible to stream Netflix content.
How Do You Get Past Region Lock On PS4?
As mentioned above, the easiest way to get past region lock on PS4 is by switching the region on your PSN account.
However, this process doesn’t take a few minutes because you have to open up a new account. So, for example, if you are based in the EU and want some US content, you have to open a US-based PSN account.
But, you have to remember that you will not at any point enjoy content from two different regions. This means that, in theory, you cannot enjoy EU-based content with a US-based PSN account.
Yet, in practice, US-based accounts enjoy more games and content compared to EU-based accounts.
How Do You Change Your Region On PS4?
To change the region of PS4, you want to set up a new SN account so you can choose the region you want. When you set up the new account, you are not limited to picking the region you are in. You can, in fact, pick any region in the world you want.
However, for the PS to pick up the right IP address of the country you choose, you must use a VPN. Alternatively, you can use a gaming VPN to access features that a certain region offers.
To change your PSN region, follow the steps below;
- Head over to the Sony entertainment site and click the Start Button to create your account (if you have an existing PSN account, don’t use the same email address associated with it)
- Add your personal email address and choose a password. Then, you will be redirected to the rest of the setup process.
- During the setup process, you will be prompted to add information such as country/region, date of birth, and other settings configurations. In the region/country area, you will add the region you want.
- After setting up your account, login in so you can configure it, and choose your online ID
Alternatively, you can use a VPN to change your geo-location to access the PS store from another region. You can opt to download a free VPN or pay for a premium one. Yet, this method comes with one key limitation.
You have to be extra careful as using a VPN may violate the PSN terms of service.
To set up the VPN on your wireless router, follow the steps below;
- Download, set up, and turn on your VPN
- Login to the router’s main page
- Head to the settings area and follow your provider’s instruction on what information to add
- Switch your VPN on and go to the settings area to state that you want to use your WiFi connection
- Turn on the Router and connect to your WiFi network
Conclusion
With your PS4, you don’t have to worry about region locking. After all, even if you want to enjoy features from other regions, you can do so. When it comes to gaming-related features, PS4 does an excellent job with zero restrictions.
Yet, as you change your region to where you are not geographically located, you may encounter hurdles. These include streaming services with strict location detection such as Netflix. Yet, with the minimal limitations on regional locking, you will experience a pleasant gaming experience!
