Want to find the best way to unblock Grindr and join the LGBTQ+ dating scene? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Grindr has gone from a very niche smartphone app to a global phenomenon with over 4 million daily active users. It liberated members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet like-minded people and made their private lives more prosperous and exciting than ever.
But it’s also controversial in many countries, with Turkey, Indonesia, and other governments around the world blocking their citizens from using it. But luckily, there’s a way to get around such restrictions.
You can unblock Grindr by using a VPN (or Virtual Private Network). We highly recommend NordVPN as the best choice for protecting your identity.
Today, we’ll show you precisely what steps you need to take to use a VPN and unblock Grindr so you can get back to your love life in no time.
How to unblock Grindr with a VPN
Can’t download the Grindr app in your area? Here’s a quick guide on how to get around those geographical restrictions with a VPN:
- Download the VPN app for your device. We suggest NordVPN, currently 68% OFF!
- Connect to a country that doesn’t block Grindr, for example, the USA
- Download Grindr on your device
- Reconnect to a server in your country to see local profiles
- Start using Grindr securely and privately
Use Grindr securely
Why you should use a VPN with Grindr
There are a few key reasons why you should use a VPN with Grindr:
- Securing your online data from your ISP, government, and hackers
- Getting around geographical restrictions
- Hiding your identity online
A VPN ensures that your online activities remain private and away from the gaze of Big Brother. It encrypts all of your data, making it unreadable to anyone trying to monitor your browsing habits. They will only see that you’re using a VPN, but the best VPN providers will never log your data or betray you to any third party.
Besides that, VPNs have other uses as well. By changing your location with a VPN, you can gain access to foreign content that is normally restricted in your country. This applies to mobile apps like Grindr and streaming content on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and more.
Additionally, you can also get around price discrimination with a VPN. Many online stores adjust their prices based on your location. That means that you could connect to a country with lower prices and get a great bargain that’s usually not available to you.
Of course, all of that becomes irrelevant if you don’t pick a worthwhile service provider, which is why we’ve selected the Top 3 VPN providers that can reliably unblock Grindr and do many other useful things.
3 Best VPNs for unblocking Grindr: overview
NordVPN – best VPN to access/use Grindr in 2022
Rated: 9.6/10⭐
NordVPN is our go-to choice when it comes to using Grindr. It’s based in Panama and has an audited no-logs policy, ensuring privacy from anyone that could potentially discriminate against you.
Furthermore, it has over 5500 servers in 59 countries, making it usable worldwide. Plus, the fast NordLynx tunneling protocol lets you connect and use Grindr without any delays.
NordVPN is also packed with a wide range of security features for users in the most restrictive countries. For example, Onion over VPN combines the privacy of the Tor Network with the security of a VPN. Additionally, Obfuscated Servers will hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN. And with Double VPN, you can use Grindr with an added layer of security by routing your traffic through two servers.
If you’d like to try out the best Grindr VPN, NordVPN has a 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store. Once claimed, you can try out the VPN on other devices as well. After that, subscriptions start at $2.99/month, but you can get a better deal by using a NordVPN coupon. Finally, you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To find out more about NordVPN, read our full NordVPN review.
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SurfShark – Grindr VPN with no device limit
Rated: 9.4/10⭐
Another great VPN for Grindr is Surfshark. With 3200 servers in 100 countries, you’ll have no trouble using Grindr anywhere around the world. Furthermore, a single subscription allows you to have unlimited simultaneous connections. Plus, the secure and fast WireGuard tunneling protocol will guarantee top-notch performance.
Surfshark also has a trunk full of excellent security tools. For starters, it has CleanWeb, a feature that blocks all ads, online trackers, and even malware.
In addition, MultiHop allows you to have different entry and exit server locations, granting extra security. Furthermore, mobile users should be incredibly excited about GPS Spoofing, which matches your device’s GPS location to your VPN location.
Before committing to this VPN, it’s possible to get a 7-day free trial on mobile devices. After that, subscription plans start at $2.05/monthbut Surfshark coupon codes could get you an even better bargain. Lastly, all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To find more information about this provider, read our full Surfshark review.
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PrivateVPN – cheapest VPN for Grindr
Rated: 9.3/10⭐
If your budget is tight, PrivateVPN is the perfect choice for you. Starting at $2.00/month, this Sweden-based VPN focuses on keeping users safe from any online censorship. With over 200 servers scattered across 63 countries, this provider works reliably against any authoritarian government.
PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature is explicitly built to get around online censorship. That’s why you’ll be able to avoid the Great Firewall of China and other DPI measures.
This VPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy. Furthermore, a single subscription allows you to connect ten devices simultaneously, which is great, especially at such a price range. Additionally, you can improve the price even further by using PrivateVPN coupons. Finally, it comes with a 7-day free trial and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
To get the full details about PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
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How to unblock Grindr with a VPN on your device
Not every VPN is well-equipped to unblock Grindr. One of the main reasons is a lack of technical features, such as a kill switch or AES-256 encryption. Moreover, some VPNs have unreliable privacy policies and might not grant you complete confidentiality.
For example, NordVPN is based in Panama and has an audited no-logs policy. This makes it an excellent choice in terms of privacy. Meanwhile, other providers might log your traffic while registered in a Five Eyes alliance country, potentially sharing your personal and browsing data for “national security reasons.”
Additionally, by changing your location with a VPN, you can reach Grindr profiles in other regions and countries, allowing you to get matched with more people on the app.
Furthermore, the Grindr app is available on both Android and iOS smartphones. Even though some VPNs implement fewer features on the latter platform, you should still be able to protect yourself no matter which device you own.
If Grindr is restricted in your country, you will have difficulties downloading the app since most app stores will block it. You might think that a VPN would solve this problem, but that’s not always the case. The reason is that most VPNs don’t spoof your GPS location.
That’s why we recommend using Surfshark VPN on Android or iOS. Not only can you get a free trial of Surfshark on these platforms, but it can also effectively override your GPS location.
How to use VPN for Grindr on Android
Here’s what you need to do to use Grindr on your Android mobile device:
- Download a VPN that can spoof your GPS location. We recommend Surfshark, currently 84% OFF!
- Connect to a country that doesn’t restrict Grindr, such as the United States.
- On the Google Play Store, create a new account and choose the USA as your country.
- Download the Grindr app.
- Switch the VPN server back to your actual location to see local profiles.
- Log in to Grindr and have fun!
How to use VPN for Grindr on iOS
The details are a bit more complicated for iOS users. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here’s how to unblock Grindr on your iOS mobile device:
- Install a VPN that can override your GPS location. We suggest Surfshark, available for 84% OFF!
- Connect to a country that has Grindr available, for example, the United States.
- Create a new Apple ID and choose the US as your region.
- Log out of your old Apple ID and connect with your new one.
- Search for the Grindr app on the App Store.
- Choose “Review”, agree to the terms and conditions, and sign in with your new Apple ID.
- Pick “None” as your payment option. This is part of the signup process and no money will be withdrawn from your account.
- Enter an address in the US.
- Start using Grindr securely!
How to use Grind on desktop devices (Windows & Mac)
Grindr Web is currently down for maintenance and unavailable for desktop users. The method described below doesn’t work for now.
Since November 2019, Grindr is available on desktop devices as a free web application called Grindr Web. It has a sneaky appearance and looks more like a standard email service than a dating app.
However, keep in mind that you can’t create an account on Grindr Web. You still need to get one on the mobile version. After that, you can scan a QR code on the web version with your app to log in on any Windows or Mac computer with a web browser. Naturally, your chats are synchronized across all platforms.
Remember, even though Grindr Web looks entirely innocent on the surface, your government or the ISP will know that you’re using Grindr. Luckily, you can remedy this by installing a VPN on your computer. Here’s the process that worked before Grindr Web went into maintenance:
- Choose a secure VPN. We recommend NordVPN, our top-rated provider.
- Download the VPN on your computer and connect to a country that doesn’t block Grindr, for example, the United States.
- Open Grindr Web
- Connect to a VPN on your smartphone for added security
- Open Grindr on your smartphone and scan the QR code on your computer
- Chat away discreetly and securely on your computer!
How to change your location on Grindr
Once you’ve utilized a VPN to get Grindr operational, you can take further steps to reach profiles that aren’t in your current location. You can do this simply by changing your location on your VPN. Here’s how to change your location on Grindr on any device:
- Open your VPN app. We recommend NordVPN, the #1 VPN service
- Connect to a country where you’d like to match with other Grindr users
- Launch Grindr and chat away with people worldwide
Countries where Grindr is blocked
Here’s a shortlist of some of the countries that restrict access to Grindr:
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- Iran
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Indonesia
- UAE
- Egypt
- Pakistan
- China
- Lebanon
Don’t let authoritarian regimes tell you how to live
Use a secure and trustworthy VPN to fight for your rights and to avoid online surveillance.
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A history of shocking data breaches
Unfortunately, government surveillance and censorship isn’t the only issue confronting Grindr users. All across the world, users have to contend with the threat posed by hackers. Personal information on dating sites is always a lucrative resource for targeted phishers and outright blackmailers (as Ashley Madison showed). And savvy hackers have long had Grindr in their crosshairs.
Security flaws within the app itself haven’t helped this either. For instance, in 2018, cybersecurity experts showed how the app leaked location data and messages sent by users, even if they had opted out of location services.
In another 2018 expose, Buzzfeed reported that the dating app shared information about users’ HIV status with third parties.
Then there’s the tangled issue of who controls Grindr. A Chinese company has owned the app since 2016, but that changed in 2020, and Grindr is now in the hands of San Vicente Acquisition Partners.
Reputable VPNs can supply protection from data leaks and breaches. They can limit the amount of location data the dating platform holds about users, restricting identifiable information to whatever they feel necessary to supply. That should make it much harder to build profiles of users for blackmail and phishing while limiting the risks of surveillance.
Play safe – use Grindr with a VPN
If you intend to broaden your romantic horizons via a smartphone dating app, nothing should get in your way. Unfortunately, many people worldwide still have to deal with authoritarian governments that don’t support different lifestyles.
Thankfully, secure VPNs – like NordVPN, exist that enable us to improve our online security and privacy. These VPN services allow users in countries like Saudi Arabia or Russia to access Grindr, or any other app used for streaming, gaming, or crypto trading, regardless of geographical restrictions. And they help limit the risk posed by data breaches, potentially avoiding embarrassment or blackmail.
You may also like to read:
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FAQ
How do I get unbanned from Grindr?
You can get unbanned from Grindr by sending a ban appeal form to the moderators. They will review it and consider unbanning you.
Does Grindr block IP?
Yes, Grindr may block your IP address. Therefore, you can use a VPN to get around an IP block.
Is using a VPN on Grindr legal?
Yes, using a VPN to get around geographical restrictions is legal. However, many authoritarian and homophobic countries consider Grindr illegal. Therefore, if you’re using Grindr in such a country, you may be prosecuted. That’s why it’s paramount that you use a secure and private VPN.
Is Grindr safe to use?
Like any other dating app, Grindr may be used by stalkers, predators, and other dangerous individuals. Additionally, homosexuality is illegal in some countries, so it’s best not to share too much personal information on the app.
FAQs
How do you use fake GPS on Grindr 2022? ›
Note that if you fail to change your Grindr location, you can go to the Settings app, go to Developer Options, and then tap the Select mock location app option to choose the Fake GPS location app.
How do I trick my location on Grindr? ›To enable a mock location on your device: Go to the Settings > Tap "Developer Options" > Tap "Select mock location app" > Tap the location spoofer you downloaded from the Google Play store. Step 4. Fake your Android location with the app you downloaded.
Can you manually set location on Grindr? ›Download the Grindr app and open it. 3. Choose the location feature from the sidebar and turn on the "Mock Location" function. Now drop the pin to the place you want to be in or search it manually to spoof Grindr location.
Why won t fake GPS work on Grindr? ›Another reason can be the increasing security and privacy of the Grindr app sometimes if it can detect «enabling mock location apps» on Android. So if these apps are turned on and are used to mask or spoof your location, Grindr won't allow it.
How do you fake your location on Grindr iPhone? ›- Step 1: Install and Run iMyFone AnyTo to the PC/Mac.
- Step 2: Connect iPhone to the PC/Mac.
- Step 3: Select Teleport Mode and Choose A Location.
- Step 1: Search Fake GPS GO Location Spoofer on Google Play Store and download the app.
- Go to your “Settings”, “Systems”, “About Device” and tap multiple times on “Build number” and activate the Developer Mode. ...
- In the “Developer Options” menu, scroll down to “Debugging” and activate the “Allow mock locations”.
Go to developer options on your Android device and tap on 'select mock location app. ' The next step is to choose Fake GPS Location from the displayed option. Step 3: To spoof your location, launch the app and search for the location you would like.
Can fake GPS be detected? ›The govt. has advanced tracking system. So, even if you are using a fake gps they can easily trace your real location without asking to turn off fake gps. Also apps like food delivery and money transfer have good tracking systems so they can easily detect that you are using a fake gps.
How does Grindr detect fake location? ›The latest update of Grindr blocks the Fake GPS from changing the location. It detects mock locations from the developer settings, and if that's turned on and an app is spoofing your location, it won't work with Grindr.
Can you change your location on Grindr extra? ›Go to the site and click on the virtual location tool. Now click on the download button. Once the installation complete, you need to connect your phone with your system to use a fake location on the phone. Now, after this, you will see a map where you can set your desired location to spoof location on Grindr Xtra.
How do I set my location somewhere else? ›
On your Android phone or tablet, touch and hold the Google app icon . Location. Choose a location access option.
How do you manipulate GPS location? ›- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Touch and hold Location . If you don't find Location : Tap Edit or Settings . Drag Location into your Quick Settings.
- Tap Location Services. Google Location Accuracy.
- Turn Improve Location Accuracy on or off.
- Select your Profile icon.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and select 'Show Me'.
- Tap on the toggle for 'Show My Distance'.
For instance, you can simply disable the Distance feature in the app so that no one would know your exact location. To do that, you can just launch Grindr and go to its Settings. From here, you can disable the “Show Distance” feature that would hide your distance from any other user.
How do I use my fake GPS? ›- On Android, go to Settings (cog icon)
- Scroll down to About phone.
- Scroll down to the bottom and tap Build number seven times.
- Go back to Settings and then to System > Advanced > Developer options.
- Click Select mock location app and set it to the GPS spoofing app you chose.
Don't worry, since Grindr locates you through GPS, you'll still be able to connect with people locally while connected to the VPN. VPNs also encrypt your data, so prying eyes (even your ISP) can't track your Grindr activities.
Can you be tracked on Grindr? ›Am I being tracked via Grindr? Yes, of course, you are. That's the same with all the dating apps, and similar ones. Each app tracks each of its members.
What happens if you turn off location on Grindr? ›Grindr will not work with location turned off; the whole concept of Grindr is that it's a location-based social media app. You can, however, block your neighbor's profile until you feel more comfortable. On a positive note, now you know that there is at least one person within a stone's throw who is also into men.
How do I change my location? ›- On your Android device, open the Settings app .
- Tap Location. App permission.
- Tap the app you use to search, like the Google app or Google Maps .
- Choose location access for this app: Allow or Deny.