Danica Djokic
Updated on: December 26, 2023
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Unblock & Access Grindr From Anywhere in 2024:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: Connect to a VPN server. Open your VPN app and pick a server location where Grindr isn’t blocked.
- Step 3: 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.
Best VPNs for Unblocking & Accessing Grindr in 2024
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for unblocking and accessing Grindr.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Excellent for blocking ads on Grindr.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Privacy-friendly VPN for safe access to Grindr.
- Comparison of the Best VPNs For Unblocking & Accessing Grindr in 2024.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Accessing Grindr in 2024
Approved by our experts
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.
In my tests, ExpressVPN was the fastest VPN on the market. When I connected to a server in the US, I could scroll through Grindr smoothly. In my tests, I was also able to watch videos on YouTube without any delays and make VoIP calls to my friends without any lags or delays — this proves Grindr users will have no issues streaming video or chatting with other users.
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’m really happy with ExpressVPN’s privacy measures. In addition to having a verified no-logs policy (which states that your data is never stored by the VPN provider), its TrustedServer technology ensures that all of your session data is wiped every time its servers are rebooted. This added layer of protection means that even if there was a data breach (or if authorities seized the servers), there would be no trace of your activity on Grindr.
ExpressVPN also has airtight security features to protect your personal data and IP address. As well as using military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, it uses perfect forward secrecy which changes your encryption key every session. It also has full leak protection to prevent DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks — I ran multiple leak tests on servers in 10+ countries, and my IP address never leaked.
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 is very user-friendly, too. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-use apps, it’s suitable even if you’re not tech-savvy. The Shortcuts feature allows you to create quick access links to your most-used services — you can even set it so that Grindr will open right after you connect to your preferred VPN server.
ExpressVPN’s plans start at $6.67 / 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.
PIA offers excellent privacy and security for Grindr users. It has an independently audited and confirmed no-logs policy, plus the company publishes regular transparency reports that publicly detail any requests for user data it receives and how it didn’t have any data to share. Additionally, all of its apps are open-source, so anyone can view its code and check for vulnerabilities. The provider also offers RAM-only servers, full leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy.
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).
I was impressed with PIA’s connection speeds. In my tests, I managed to scroll through the Grindr app without experiencing any lags. Plus, its speeds were fast enough for sending and receiving video messages, making video calls, and uploading photos to my social media accounts — so you should have no issues while using it for Grindr’s in-app calls.
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.
I also like how user-friendly PIA is. Its Quick Connect tool lets you find the fastest server while the Favorites feature allows you to save your most frequently used servers for easy access. Furthermore, PIA offers unlimited connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you want at the same time.
Private Internet Access offers premium plans that start as low as $2.11 / 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.
I really like CyberGhost’s Smart Rules, which let you automate certain processes. For example, you can set it to launch Grindr as soon as you connect to the VPN. I like to enable the Wi-Fi protection feature, which automatically connects me to my chosen VPN server when it detects a new network — using this will ensure that your Grindr activity is encrypted, even if you unwittingly connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
I was happy with CyberGhost’s reliable connections and speeds during testing. While it might not be as speedy as ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access, I could still browse websites and apps like Grindr, video-call my family, and send and receive video messages on multiple social media platforms without any noticeable lags.
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.
However, CyberGhost has taken some advanced privacy measures with its special set of NoSpy servers. These servers are located in its HQ in Romania (a privacy-friendly jurisdiction), they wipe your data after every session, and they’re only accessible by a few select CyberGhost employees.
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
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Unblocking & Accessing Grindr in 2024
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 265-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.
How to Unblock & Access Grindr on Any Device
How to Unblock & Access Grindr on Your Windows PC/Mac
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock Grindr. You can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN, as it has a large network of servers, lightning-fast speeds, and robust security features.
- Download and set up the VPN on your Windows or Mac. Follow the installation wizard’s instructions, and you’ll be up and running in a couple of minutes.
- Connect to a VPN server location where Grindr is available. Open your browser, go to Grindr’s website, log in, and start exploring.
How to Unblock & Access Grindr on Your iPhone or iPad
- Get a VPN that offers apps for iOS devices. ExpressVPN has an excellent iOS app and consistently works with Grindr.
- Download the VPN from the App Store. Then, follow the installation instructions — it shouldn’t take more than 2 minutes.
- Start the VPN app and connect to a server. Go to your Grindr app, log into your account, and enjoy swiping.
How to Unblock & Access Grindr on Your Android Smartphone or Tablet
- Pick a VPN that has user-friendly mobile apps. I recommend ExpressVPN, as its Android app is easy to use and feature-rich, and lets you unblock Grindr 100% of the time.
- Download and install the VPN app. You’ll find it in your Google Play Store. Next, follow the on-screen instructions and you’ll get the VPN app in less than 2 minutes.
- Connect to a server where Grindr isn’t blocked. Then, launch the Grindr app and find your matches.
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).
