How to Unblock Grindr From Anywhere in 2024
Reading time: 18 min
Updated on June 07, 2024
Grindr is the go-to dating app for gay men in 2024 — but if you travel to a country that does not recognize gay rights like South Korea or Russia, you could get into big trouble for using Grindr. Since I’ll be traveling for work to South Korea, I’ll be blocked from my account even though I’m a paying customer. This puts my safety at risk just for trying to meet up with fellow LGBT+ folks in an unfamiliar country. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The good news is, you can use a VPN to unblock and access Grindr even in countries that don’t recognize basic rights for LGBT+ folks. I analyzed 20+ providers, but most couldn’t unblock Grindr at all. Others didn’t have strong enough security to keep my matches and chat logs private.
During my tests, ExpressVPN was the most secure VPN to unblock Grindr. Features like TrustedServer technology ensure that the local government or internet provider will have any idea you’re meeting up with local dates and allies. You can even try ExpressVPN to use Grindr risk-free since it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s no commitment — if you decide ExpressVPN and Grindr aren’t a good match, it’s easy to get your money back.
Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Unblock Grindr From Anywhere
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its powerful security, bypassing geoblocks anonymously with military-grade encryption. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server in the US. This masks your real location with a US-based IP address, allowing you to access your account instantly.
- Start using Grindr. Once you log in, access Grindr and start meeting new friends.
Unblock Grindr with ExpressVPN
How a VPN Can Help You Unblock Grindr
Homophobic governments work with internet service providers (ISPs) to criminalize LGBT+ websites and apps like Grindr. Using a VPN sends your data through a secure tunnel, hiding it with military-grade encryption while using Grindr. You’ll be able to log into your paid account and swipe even in an anti-LGBT+ country where Grindr is censored.
Although a VPN helps the most by masking your real location, an added bonus of encryption is it helps prevent hackers from accessing your credit card numbers and passwords. It also stops Grindr from being able to collect as much data about you. That’s why you should still use a VPN even if you live in a country where Grindr is allowed. There have been data leaks on Grindr users, and a single incident could cause millions in the LGBT+ community to be outed. I like having peace of mind that I stay anonymous on Grindr with my VPN.
Overall, a VPN will keep you safe and secure while you continue to access Grindr.
The Best VPNs to Unblock Grindr in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — TrustedServer Technology Gives You the Ultimate in Privacy for Swiping on Grindr
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries, with thousands that unblock Grindr anywhere
- Swipe privately with TrustedServer technology, zero-knowledge DNS, a no-logs policy, and military-grade encryption
- Connect 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 support for help right away
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN had the most advanced security of any provider I tested, unblocking Grindr reliably and letting me swipe and match in total privacy. In addition to 256-bit encryption (the same level used by US intelligence agencies), ExpressVPN hid my Grindr activities with TrustedServer technology. These servers run on RAM which means they never write data to a hard drive. They are also wiped and reinstalled on every reboot, so even in a server breach, no third parties would find your Grindr data.
Most VPNs have a zero-logs policy claiming that none of your data is recorded, but few have actually backed it up. While several VPNs have been caught secretly keeping logs on users, ExpressVPN underwent a third-party security audit that confirmed it never records your data. Not even ExpressVPN can see what you do on its network — your government could seize ExpressVPN’s servers, and they still wouldn’t know that you were on Grindr.
Just to make 100% sure none of my data was leaking that could have revealed my identity to third parties, I ran a DNS test on the same phone I use Grindr on. This would find web leaks that can sneak past VPN encryption. After connecting to a Grindr-friendly server in the US, the test found no leaks. That means not even the local internet provider knew I was logging into my paid Grindr account and meeting up with matches.
ExpressVPN comes at a higher premium price than its competitors on the list, which was the only con to getting the VPN. Although it’s only a slightly higher price, I found you can save 82 on ExpressVPN’s subscription.
If you want to browse Grindr with complete anonymity, you can unblock Grindr with ExpressVPN risk-free. Its 30-day money-back guarantee means you can buy and get a refund if you aren’t completely satisfied with its service. I tested using Grindr while using ExpressVPN’s services for 3 weeks, then asked for a refund over live chat. The agent accepted my request with no questions asked, and I had my money in just 2 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN also unblocks: Hornet, Scruff, Jack’d, Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Meetup, Facebook, Meetup, Instagram, TikTok, Tumblr, and more.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $ 4.99 per month + get extra 6 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Browse Grindr Safely With Advanced Ad-Blocking Software
Key Features:
- Enjoy 11,670+ servers and 100+ countries to unblock banned Grindr
- Fast speed to load profiles and communicate easily
- Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously
- Enjoy 24/7 reliable customer support over chat and email
- Get 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost is perfect for blocking malicious ad types while browsing Grindr. Grindr is known for having a lot of ads pop up as you’re trying to use the app and many of them contain suspicious links or malicious downloads if you click on them. Although CyberGhost won’t block every ad that pops up, it will block malware-related ads and trackers so you can browse safely.
When I tested CyberGhost, each server I tried had a fast and stable connection. Even when connected to farther away servers, I still had a speed of 45Mbps+ on all my servers. With this type of connection, I was able to browse Grindr seamlessly and could even unblock my paid subscriptions on streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and ITV.
Besides the extensive server network, CyberGhost has a long list of optimized servers that are perfect for streaming and browsing. Although ExpressVPN beats CyberGhost in servers in 94 countries, CyberGhost still has more overall. More servers mean that there will be less overcrowding and speeds will remain high while connected to CyberGhost.
One of the downsides to using CyberGhost is that it does not work in China. While this was being tested, the app wouldn’t even launch and made it impossible to even log in to the VPN. A customer support representative confirmed that CyberGhost wouldn’t work well in countries with internet restriction laws. This also included countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
You can unblock Grindr on with CyberGhost risk-free due to its 45-day money-back guarantee. I read this risk-free policy myself and tested it thoroughly when I created my account. CyberGhost offers a live chat that made it really easy to request a refund when I was finished testing. I received my refund within 2 days back into my bank account.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost also unblocks: Hornet, Scruff, Jack’d, Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Meetup, Facebook, Meetup, Instagram, Tumblr, and more.
CyberGhost works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire Stick and Smart TVs.
Get Black Friday Deal and Cyber Monday Deal from CyberGhost! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Unblock Grindr From Anywhere With More Servers Than Any Vpn Can Offer
Key Features:
- Unblock Grindr with over 35,000+ servers in over 91+ countries
- Fast speeds that allow loading profiles and chatting easily
- Connect over unlimited devices simultaneously
- Enjoy 24/7 customer support through email and live chat
- Get 30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers the most servers across the world, meaning you’ll always be able to unblock and use Grindr with a fast connection to servers nearby. PIA connects you to the best server automatically based on your current location. Plus with so many servers, you’ll never have to worry about being booted or slow speeds due to overcrowding.
When I tested PIA, each server offered a fast and reliable connection with speeds of 30Mbps or higher. This provided a seamless and lagless browsing experience while I used Grindr. On top of this, I was able to do other things like listening to music or stream in the background while browsing Grindr. PIA unblocked streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazing Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
To guarantee data security, PIA uses an integrated firewall with advanced filtering capabilities of the Netfilter Project. This means that PIA prevents unwanted connections to your mobile app apart from those you have initiated. This feature is very crucial for people using Grindr because it guarantees optimal data security and privacy.
Try PIA risk-free for yourself, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this myself and only recommend using it if you’re not 100% satisfied with PIA’s service. I had to submit a ticket and wait on a response, instead of being able to use a live chat feature like ExpressVPN offers. Although this method is more inconvenient, I received a reply within minutes. My refund had been processed, and the money was in my bank account a few days later.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA also unblocks: Hornet, Scruff, Jack’d, Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Meetup, Facebook, Meetup, Instagram, and more.
PIA works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.
Get PIA's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as 2.03$ per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
How to Access Grindr on Android and iOS Devices
There are a couple of ways to access your Grindr account depending on what devices you use. It has apps for Android and iOS, but you can also get mobile emulators that let you install Grindr and swipe on desktops (PC and Mac). Here’s how:
Android
- Download an Android VPN. I recommend you try ExpressVPN’s Android app, as it instantly unblocks Grindr with industry-leading privacy features and is really easy to set up.
- Launch your VPN and connect to a server in the US. Choose a city near where you want to meet your matches so that you can set up dates for when you get home.
- Start swiping on Grindr. Just open the Grindr app and find your fling.
iOS
- Get an iOS VPN. ExpressVPN has an intuitive iOS app that unblocks Grindr and keeps your matches anonymous. You can even try ExpressVPN for Grindr with no risk since it has a 30-day guarantee with all plans.
- Open the VPN and find a server in the US that’s near the city where you want to see matches. Now you’ll see other people in that geographic area appear in your cards.
- Find your matches by opening Grindr and swiping on local singles.
Android Emulators for PC
- Download an Android emulator for Windows after logging into a top VPN and connecting to a server in the US. BlueStacks is an emulator that works perfectly with Grindr, letting me scroll through my matches’ pictures on my nice big PC monitor.
- Open the emulator and Log into your Google account when prompted, then use the search bar to find and install the Grindr app.
- Open Grindr and start swiping on your PC.
iOS Emulators for Mac
- Connect to a VPN server in the US and download an iOS emulator for Mac. I like Corellium, but all the decent emulators cost money. If you have macOS Big Sur 11 or later, you can also open the Apple App Store and download Grindr directly to your Mac.
- Get Grindr by typing it into the search bar in the Apple App Store.
- Swipe away on matches in your home city.
How to Sign up With Grindr
You can sign up for Grindr for free by downloading the app and creating an account with your phone number, email address, Facebook login, or your Google or Apple accounts. To get premium, you’ll need to subscribe using a credit card or gift card, or a payment method connected to your app store account.
You also have the option to utilize Google Play credits or PayPal in certain regions. Regardless of the method chosen, keep in mind that you need to set up your Grindr account before your travels commence. Creating a Grindr account through a VPN might potentially violate Grindr’s terms of service.
Gift Card Method
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for Grindr — its fully-audited no-logs policy keeps your swiping data private by never recording it at all. Connect to an ExpressVPN server in the US, where Grindr isn’t restricted.
- Purchase a prepaid cash gift card online. Redeem it so that it’s ready to be used, usually by entering a redemption code in the email you entered when you bought the card.
- Sign up for Grindr. After downloading Grindr and following prompts to create a free account, tap the Xtra icon to sign up for Grindr premium.
- Pay with the gift card you purchased by tapping the “Manual purchase” option. Then enter the gift card details when prompted. You can also add the gift card as a payment method in your app store’s settings menu.
- Swipe on Grindr and meet up with the match of your dreams.
Credit Card Method
- Download a VPN. I use ExpressVPN for Grindr because its servers have the strongest security and the fastest speeds. Then connect to a server in the US, since these servers can access Grindr.
- Get Grindr and open the app. Select the option to create a free account, and follow the prompts to register.
- Log in and tap the Xtra icon to upgrade. Then go to “Manual purchase” to enter your billing information. You can also go to the options menu in Google Play or the Apple App stores and enter the credit card as a new payment method.
- Enjoy swiping on Grindr and meet your next date.
Swipe on Grindr with ExpressVPN
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
FAQs on Unblocking Grindr With a VPN
Will I be safe using a VPN to unblock Grindr?
Yes, as long as you’re using a top-rated VPN. When you use a premium VPN, it encrypts your internet traffic making it impossible for your ISP, hackers, or the government to intercept the traffic and see that you are using Grindr. Apart from securing your data, a VPN also hides your real location making it impossible for your friends on Grindr to see your real location. Hiding your real location keeps you safe from stalkers and other people who might harass you.
However, to keep yourself safe, you also need to take some personal steps. First, ensure that you don’t use real names when registering on Grindr. Secondly, do not provide personal information that might help people identify you. This will ultimately help your personal information stay safe when interacting with others on the app, while your data will be secured thanks to the VPN.
Free VPNs are available that can unblock Grindr, but they usually collect your information to make up for the free price. Make sure to download a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to get the best security on the market and a full list of features.
Can I use my VPN for things other than unblocking Grindr?
Besides unblocking, a VPN will keep you safe while you use the app. That’s why you need a VPN while using Grindr, since you won’t have to worry about personal data leaking. Most top VPNs offer 256-bit encryption, meaning it will encrypt internet traffic making it impossible for the government, hackers, or ISPs to track or intercept your communication. Another great security feature is an automatic kill switch so if your connection to the VPN is lost, the internet will be cut so no personal data is leaked.
A VPN can help you bypass these geoblocks and enjoy your favourite TV shows from any place in the world. Streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and many more are restricted within certain countries and regions due to licensing agreements. Although you will need a higher-rated VPN to unblock global Netflix libraries, so make sure to get one that can before you buy it. Therefore, if you travel outside these areas for work, it will be difficult for you to keep up with movies or TV shows without a VPN.
If you want to secure your data, ExpressVPN is the best tool to have on your devices. It unlocks Grindr (and a lot of other geo-blocked websites) wherever in the world you might be. Try ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out for yourself completely risk-free.
Is it legal to use a VPN to unblock Grindr?
Check out Grindr with ExpressVPN
Start Unblocking Grindr From Anywhere Today!
There might be other ways to get around restrictions on using Grindr in some countries, but my research showed that only a top-rated VPN can absolutely unblock Grindr and keep your data safe at the same time. Its amazing security features include 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch.
Out of the dozen of VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN had the fastest speeds and most secure service for unblocking Grindr from anywhere. Every server I used was easy to connect to and unblocked Grindr each time. You also can try out ExpressVPN risk-free, because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t completely satisfied, you can get a refund back through it.
Unblock Grindr with ExpressVPN today
Summary — These Are the Best VPNs to Watch in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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