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Although designed primarily for use in and around the home, the PlayStation Portal can also play games remotely. To do so, users will need to connect the console to a WiFi network, which, unfortunately, can sometimes be easier said than done. This is because certain networks - like the ones found in many hotels and coffee shops - require users to log in via a web browser before they can connect to the internet. As the PlayStation Portal doesn't have an internet browser, players may sometimes need to get creative in order to get their on-the-go gaming fix.

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For those with unlimited mobile data, using a phone to create a mobile hotspot can provide an excellent solution to this problem, but this won't appeal to everybody. Thankfully, with the help of MAC address spoofing, there are several ways to connect a PlayStation Portal to hotel WiFi despite the console not having a web browser. Granted, these methods can require a bit of research (and in some cases some additional investment), but they should still prove to be useful to those without unlimited mobile data.

Readers are encouraged to do additional research before committing to any of the methods discussed in this guide. Although the chances of damaging one's hardware are fairly minimal, Game ZXC takes no responsibility for any technical issues that may arise.

What is MAC Address Spoofing?

PlayStation's Remote Play Handheld Finally Has Release Date Thumb

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique 12-digit hexadecimal number that's used to identify network-connected devices. Every phone, computer network adaptor, and internet-enabled video game console has one, including the PlayStation Portal. MAC address spoofing allows users to change the MAC address of a device using software, which, among other things, can help them to get around certain network restrictions.

There are various uses for MAC address spoofing, including data protection. A great example of this is Apple's Private Wi-Fi Address function, which allows iPhone users to send out a random MAC address when connected over WiFi, thus making it much more difficult for companies to track the device over different networks. MAC address spoofing can also be used to connect devices to networks that require users to log in via a web browser even if the device in question doesn't have a web browser of its own, as is the case with the PlayStation Portal.

This generally works by changing the MAC address of a device that does have a web browser to the MAC address of the device that doesn't and then connecting to the network in the usual way. Upon signing in via the captive portal, the MAC address of the PlayStation Portal (or other browserless device) will be registered as having logged in, effectively tricking the network into thinking that the login took place on the PlayStation Portal rather than on the other device. There are several methods for achieving this, some of which can be found below.

Depending on the method they choose to follow, those hoping to connect their PlayStation Portal to a WiFi network that requires a web browser login may need to find their device's MAC address. They can do so by navigating to the "Settings" menu on the PlayStation Portal and then selecting "Network" followed by "Setup Internet Connection". From here, they can press the Square button to see the device's MAC address. It's a good idea to take a picture of it or write it down somewhere for use later on.

Method #1: Using a Travel Router

playstation-portal-travel-router

Pros

  • Relatively easy to setup
  • Can support multiple devices
  • Factory default MAC address saved automatically
  • Designed with this kind of use case in mind

Cons

  • Can be expensive
  • Adds additional latency to the connection

Travel routers like the ones made by GL.iNet are becoming increasingly popular these days. They effectively serve as network repeaters, allowing users to create their own personal WiFi hotspots by connecting through other networks like the ones found in hotels and coffee shops. Users can connect to a WiFi network using their phone or laptop and then change the MAC address of their travel router to the MAC address of the now-whitelisted device. They'll then be free to connect other devices like the PlayStation Portal to the router without needing to log in with a web browser.

Usually, the extra latency introduced by adding an additional device to a network chain wouldn't be all that noticeable. However, as the PlayStation Portal will be connecting to the user's PS5 remotely, even a few extra milliseconds of delay could end up having a noticeable impact on the user's gameplay experience. As such, this method may not be ideal for playing certain types of games.

How to Connect the PlayStation Portal to a Public Network Using a Travel Router (Step-by-Step)

  1. Connect to the public WiFi network using a phone or laptop and log in using the web browser as usual.
  2. Disconnect from the WiFi network.
  3. Open the travel router app on the device that just connected and navigate to the DHCP submenu.
  4. Press the "Clone MAC" button.
  5. Connect the travel router to the WiFi network.
  6. Connect the PlayStation Portal to the travel router.

The exact process for cloning a phone or laptop's MAC address may vary from router to router, so users should refer to the documentation for their chosen device if they're having trouble.

Method #2: Using a Laptop

playstation-portal-laptop

Pros

  • Most people already have a laptop with them while traveling
  • No additional latency added to the connection

Cons

  • Requires a bit of tech know-how
  • Not the most portable solution

Alternatively, users could cut out the middle device by using a laptop to spoof the MAC address of the PlayStation Portal to complete the captive portal login process. If users do decide to go down this route, it's very important that they make a note of the default MAC address of their laptop​​​​​​, as failure to do so could potentially cause issues further down the line. It's also important to disconnect the laptop from the network before connecting the PlayStation Portal so that there aren't two devices with the same MAC address connected to the same network.

How to Connect the PlayStation Portal to a Public Network Using a Laptop (Step-by-Step)

  1. Make a note of the laptop's default MAC address and store it somewhere safe. On Windows, users can find their device's MAC address by using the command prompt. On MacBooks, they'll need to use the terminal.
  2. Change the MAC address of the laptop to match the MAC address of the PlayStation Portal. The process for doing this varies from operating system to operating system, so users will need to research this step on their own. Game ZXC is not responsible for any issues that may arise through changing a laptop's MAC address.
  3. Connect the laptop to the network and complete the login process as usual.
  4. Disconnect the laptop from the network.
  5. Change the MAC address of the laptop back to its original MAC address.
  6. Connect the PlayStation Portal to the WiFi network.

Method #3: Using an Old Phone or Tablet

playstation-portal-phone

Pros

  • No additional latency added to the connection
  • More portable than a laptop or travel router
  • Most people already have an old phone or tablet lying around
  • Can potentially provide a more permanent solution

Cons

  • Requires a fair amount of tech know-how
  • Requires users to carry around an additional device

There are certain situations where carrying a laptop around just isn't practical. Even if that weren't the case, not everybody owns a laptop. Thankfully, there are other ways to connect a PlayStation Portal to a public WiFi network that requires a web browser login, one of which involves using an old phone or tablet. Granted, this does mean carrying an extra device around, but this is arguably no less inconvenient than packing a laptop or travel router. Plus, in theory, users could have a designated phone or tablet just for connecting their PlayStation Portal to the internet, thus speeding up the process after the initial setup.

This method will require users to root their Android device, which will allow them to sideload custom apps. They'll then be able to use BusyBox and the Change My Mac app found in the Google Play store to change the MAC address of their Android device so that it matches the one on their PlayStation Portal. In theory, if their device is Jailbroken, iPhone users could achieve the same results with the MacSpoof Tweak, although Game ZXC does not recommend Jailbreaking Apple devices and is in no way responsible for any issues that may arise through doing so.

How to Connect the PlayStation Portal to a Public Network Using an Old Phone or Tablet (Step-by-Step)

  1. Make a note of the device's default MAC address and keep it somewhere safe. iOS users can find their MAC address listed as the "Wi-Fi Address" in the "About" menu of "Settings". For Android users, it's listed as "Wi-Fi MAC address" in the "Status" submenu of "About (device)".
  2. Use Change My Mac (Android) or MacSpoof (iOS) to change the MAC address of the device to the MAC address of the PlayStation Portal.
  3. Connect the device to the WiFi network and complete the login process as usual.
  4. Disconnect the device from the network.
  5. Change the MAC address of the device back to its original MAC address with Change my Mac or MacSpoof (optional).
  6. Connect the PlayStation Portal to the WiFi network.

Which Method is Best?

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The best method for connecting a PlayStation Portal to a public WiFi network will likely vary from person to person. Those who travel a lot for business may see value in splashing out on a travel router, and the ease with which this solution can be implemented makes it a great option for the less tech-savvy people out there. The additional latency could cause issues for those playing competitive online multiplayer games, though given that the PlayStation Portal utilizes remote play, this will always be an issue to a certain degree regardless of the connection method players choose.

In terms of portability, connecting the PlayStation Portal to public WiFi using a smartphone or tablet is undoubtedly the best method. It doesn't require a power outlet or battery bank as would be the case with a travel router and makes use of a much smaller form factor than a laptop. Being able to leave the MAC address of the device set to the MAC address of the PlayStation Portal has the potential to save a lot of time too, which will likely appeal to those who do a lot of gaming on the go. This method does require a little bit of know-how, but there are plenty of guides on how to root an Android device available online.

playstation-portal
PlayStation Portal

Brand
PlayStation
Display
8-inch LCD
Output resolution
1080p
Release Date
November 15, 2023