Updated on: September 6, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Unblock & Access Grindr From Anywhere in 2024:
- Download and install a VPN that works with Grindr. My top pick is ExpressVPN, as it consistently works with Grindr, offers top-notch security features, and has a wide network of servers and blazing-fast speeds.
- Connect to a VPN server. Open your VPN app and pick a server location where Grindr isn’t blocked.
- Log into your Grindr account. You can now start chatting with new people.
Not everyone around the world can freely access Grindr. Certain countries, often those that don’t recognize LGBTQIA+ rights such as Russia, Iran, or Turkey, block access to these types of sites. You might also find your access blocked while traveling, at your place of work, or on a public network that restricts certain types of content.
Luckily, a VPN can help you get around these restrictions. A VPN works by masking your original IP address and assigning you a new one from a server based in a different location. This way, sites will believe you’re actually in that country, and you’ll be able to access your Grindr account from anywhere. A VPN also encrypts your data and hides your activity from prying eyes.
However, not all VPNs work with Grindr, which blocks VPN traffic. Additionally, some may have buggy apps, won’t support the mobile platforms that Grindr operates on, or lack essential security and privacy features.
I’ve handpicked a list of the best VPNs to access Grindr from anywhere. ExpressVPN is my favorite — it works with Grindr 100% of the time, is incredibly easy to use, and has robust security and privacy features to keep your personal information safe.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Unblock & Access Grindr on Any Device
1. Pick a VPN that works well with Grindr.
I recommend ExpressVPN since it comes with high-end security and privacy features, it has servers in 105 countries, and it’s very easy to use.
2. Download and install the VPN.
You’ll need to download the VPN app from the provider’s site or your device’s app store. Then, just install the app (this should only take 2 minutes).
3. Open the VPN app.
Now, connect to your desired VPN server location. And that’s it — you can now start securely using Grindr from anywhere.
Best VPNs for Unblocking & Accessing Grindr in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for accessing Grindr in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for unblocking Grindr (has the fastest speeds out there).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for blocking ads on Grindr + good privacy tools.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Secure and privacy-focused VPN for safe access to Grindr.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Accessing Grindr in 2024
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for accessing Grindr. It uses obfuscation technology on all of its servers, which means that it hides your VPN traffic and reliably unblocks Grindr, even in countries with strict censorship. Additionally, it has servers in 105 countries, blazing-fast speeds, intuitive apps, and top-notch security features.
ExpressVPN supports obfuscation on all its servers, so you can reliably access Grindr from anywhere. Obfuscation makes your VPN traffic appear like regular web traffic, so you can bypass firewalls and restrictions in countries where internet access is censored or restricted — ExpressVPN’s live chat reps confirmed that the VPN works with Grindr in countries where it’s banned.
I also like ExpressVPN’s extra features — its split-tunneling feature allowed me to route the Grindr app through the VPN while using my regular internet connection for all of my other online activities, and Threat Manager blocked ad trackers from monitoring my online traffic and prevented me from accessing shady phishing sites (such as a malicious link someone may send you on Grindr). It also has a password manager (ExpressVPN Keys), which helped me create an ultra-secure password for my Grindr account and stores all of my logins in a secure password vault.
ExpressVPN’s plans start at $4.99 / month. Although it may not be the cheapest option on the market, I think it offers great value considering its wide range of features and superfast connection speeds. In any case, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always try the service risk-free before deciding if it’s right for you.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great Ad Blocker for Grindr
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a privacy-friendly VPN with a really good ad blocker. I tried its MACE ad blocker with the free version of Grindr and was happy to see it could block all of the annoying in-app ads — it’s actually the best VPN ad blocker in 2024. It also blocks trackers that can collect data from your Grindr account and prevents you from accessing shady sites.
I like that PIA has an obfuscation tool that helps unblock Grindr in restrictive countries. It uses Shadowsocks (an open-source proxy), but it’s only available for certain server locations (ExpressVPN offers obfuscation on all of its 105 server locations).
PIA has a more advanced split-tunneling service than most competitors — many only let you split-tunnel apps, but PIA lets you split-tunnel both apps and websites, so I could use it with Grindr’s web version, too.
Private Internet Access offers premium plans that start as low as $2.03 / month. All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Strong Privacy for Safe Access to Grindr
CyberGhost VPN is very secure, making it a safe and reliable choice for Grindr users. It has an independently audited no-logs policy, protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and offers RAM-only servers. It also provides data breach monitoring with its Identity Guard feature, which lets you know if your email address or Grindr logins have been leaked on the dark web.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost does not provide obfuscation. This means that in countries with strict internet regulations and VPN blocks, using Grindr with CyberGhost might not be possible. If you want to use Grindr in a restrictive country, ExpressVPN would be a more reliable choice.
CyberGhost has a few helpful extra features, too. Although it was unsuccessful at blocking ads on Grindr during my tests, the Content Blocker feature is good at blocking malicious sites. It also has a useful Exceptions feature, which allows you to choose which websites don’t go through the VPN tunnel. If you use an Android device, you can also split-tunnel your Grindr app using the App Split Tunnel feature (unfortunately, it’s not available for iOS).
CyberGhost VPN offers affordable plans starting at $2.03 / month. It provides a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans, while the short-term plan is backed with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Unblocking & Accessing Grindr in 2024
- Sign up for a VPN with global server coverage. All the VPNs on my list offer servers in at least 80 countries around the world. This makes it easier to find a VPN server close to your real location, minimizes server overcrowding, and offers faster connection speeds for browsing, chatting, and video calling on Grindr.
- Make sure the VPN works with Grindr. If it doesn’t, you might face slow speeds, connectivity problems, or even get blocked by the app. That’s why all the providers I picked consistently work with Grindr.
- Look for VPNs with fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your connection a little due to the encryption process. But if you want to chat, send audio and video messages, and make video calls on Grindr, having a fast and reliable VPN is essential. All the VPNs on my list are speedy, but ExpressVPN proved to be the fastest one out there.
- Pick a VPN with top-notch privacy and security features. All VPNs I recommend have industry-standard features such as a no-logs policy, military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch that cuts off your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your online activity is never exposed.
- Choose an easy-to-use VPN. The VPN should be quick to set up and easy to navigate. All the VPNs on my list have intuitive interfaces and easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems.
- Look for good value for money. In addition to the basics, a good VPN should offer a range of additional features (such as split-tunneling and ad blockers), affordable pricing plans, and a generous money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Grindr in blocked countries?
A common way people get around such restrictions is by using a VPN. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Choose a reliable VPN service: I recommend ExpressVPN, as it provides top-notch security features, never compromises on users’ privacy, has blazing-fast speeds, and offers a range of servers worldwide.
- Install the VPN on your device: You can download the VPN app from its official website or your device’s app store. Follow the installation wizard, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
- Choose a server location where Grindr is not blocked: With the VPN open, you should be able to see a list of available server locations. Choose a country where Grindr is allowed.
- Connect to the VPN and log into your Grindr account: Now, you’re ready to start exploring the profiles of people near you.
Can I use a free VPN with Grindr?
Yes, you can technically use a free VPN with Grindr, but it’s not the best idea. Even though there are some reliable free VPN providers, most free VPNs often have fewer servers, which can lead to server overcrowding and slow connections. Additionally, they may have data limits and weak security features, which might not keep your information private.
Also, many free VPNs aren’t successful in bypassing blocks or restrictions, so you may still not be able to access Grindr in areas where it’s blocked. Lastly, some free VPNs make money by selling your data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy. It’s usually safer and more reliable to go with a paid VPN service.
A couple of premium providers consistently work with Grindr. ExpressVPN offers blazing-fast speeds, robust security features, and an extensive server network. It provides reliable access to Grindr and other dating apps and social media platforms.
What is the best VPN for unblocking Grindr?
My top pick for unblocking Grindr is ExpressVPN. It has an extensive network of servers worldwide, provides top-notch security and privacy features, and offers fast and reliable connections. It also supports obfuscation on all its servers, which is especially useful in countries with strict online censorship. This way, you’ll be able to use services like Grindr undetected.
Will I be safe using a VPN to unblock Grindr?
Using a reliable VPN can significantly enhance your online privacy and security. All the VPNs on my list help mask your IP address and encrypt your data, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activities. As VPNs hide your real location, your Grindr contacts won’t be able to see where you’re located (which can add a layer of protection from online stalkers, if that’s a concern for you).
