Best VPN for Grindr in 2024
Grindr is one of the most popular dating apps catered to the LGBTIQ+ community. With 4 million daily active users, it’s certainly achieving its mission to connect queer people around the world. Unfortunately, not every person can use the platform freely. And it’s even dangerous for those living in countries where being other than straight is considered shameful or even a crime.
The app itself takes the safety of the LGBTIQ+ crowd seriously and has even published guidelines on how to use Grindr without jeopardizing yourself. Minimizing your digital footprint is critical – never reveal your face or any personal info, don’t send photos taken in identifiable places and always clear their metadata. Another key point is disguising your IP address, which can be achieved with a reliable VPN service like NordVPN.
Trustworthy VPNs for Grindr also encrypt all internet traffic, keeping your data hidden from prying eyes. Furthermore, they help queer folk get access to this dating app in regions where it’s restricted, like Turkey and Indonesia. Read on to find out how this technology works, how to use it, and which providers are best suited for the task.
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How to use a VPN with Grindr
- Subscribe to a reputable Grindr VPN. We suggest NordVPN, currently 74% off
- Download and install the VPN client on your mobile device
- Connect to any country that doesn’t block Grindr
- Download Grindr on your device
- Reconnect to a server in your country to see local profiles
- Start using Grindr securely and privately
Why should I use a VPN with Grindr
There are a few key reasons why I recommend using a trustworthy VPN with Grindr:
- Securing your online data from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and government
- Getting around geographical restrictions
- Hiding your identity online
Revealing your true identity online is risky, even more so for the LGBTIQ+ community. Anyone can be tracking your actions on the web, and these could be used to pin you down eventually. VPNs prevent this from happening by encrypting your internet traffic with an unbreakable cipher, making you virtually invisible.
Furthermore, it will be harder for legal entities to entrap you. This aspect is convenient not only in countries like Egypt, where authorities use Grindr to catch and arrest queer citizens, but in LGBTIQ+-friendly places like N. America. Yes, the police in Florida have used the app to sus out drug dealers and prosecute them later on.
Another online safety aspect even Grindr emphasizes utilizing a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi. Very unsafe, these are playgrounds for cybercriminals to do what they want. Which is most likely stealing your data or infecting your devices with malware. Yet, these malicious people can’t really target what they don’t even see.
Finally, this technology is the quickest and easiest way to bypass geo-blocks and unblock Grindr. Unsurprisingly, you can’t download the app in regions where being queer is punishable by law, like Syria, Pakistan, and Iran. You can get it by changing your IP address to that of another location where Grindr is available. And VPNs help users do just that.
3 Best VPNs for Grindr
Keep in mind that not every service can ensure full data protection, and leaks may still happen. Thus, my top recommendations include some of the most secure VPNs on the market. These ensure utter confidentiality and protect your identity with robust toolkits.
I also didn’t overlook broad server networks, geo-block circumvention capabilities, and performance. Lastly, the providers offer streamlined, user-friendly applications for Android and iOS.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for Grindr
118
7000
24/7, email
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Obfuscated servers against censorship
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Anonymous payment options
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Independently-audited and secure
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Only 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is my go-to choice when it comes to using Grindr. It’s based in Panama and has an independently-audited no-logs policy, ensuring privacy from anyone who could potentially discriminate against you. Furthermore, the service utilizes RAM-only hardware, meaning no data can be stored long-term.
The provider includes over 7000 servers in 118+ countries, making it usable worldwide and safe to use Grindr. Plus, the fast NordLynx tunneling protocol let me connect and use the app 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 Tor Network's privacy with a VPN's security. Obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN. And with Double VPN, you can use Grindr with an added layer of protection 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.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. SurfShark – secure Grindr VPN with no device limit
100
3200
24/7, FAQ
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Infinite connections
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Largest country coverage
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Plenty of additional security features
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Unaudited no-logs policy
Another great VPN for Grindr is Surfshark. It comes with all the protection essentials, additional perks for extra privacy, and a strict no-logs policy, boosted by all servers being RAM-only. The cherry on top is that a single subscription allows you to have Unlimited simultaneous connections.
With 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, you’ll have no trouble using Grindr anywhere around the world. The secure and fast WireGuard tunneling protocol also guarantees top-notch performance, no matter what time of day it is. And if you pick OpenVPN instead, your VPN traffic is automatically masked as regular traffic by obfuscation.
Surfshark also has a trunk full of excellent security tools. For starters, it has CleanWeb, which blocks all ads, online trackers, and even malware. In addition, MultiHop allows you to have different entry and exit server locations, granting extra security. And if you need an antivirus, a private browser, and a data breach monitor, you can pay extra for Surfshark One.
Before committing to this VPN for Grindr, I recommend getting a 7-day free trial on mobile devices. After that, subscription plans start at $2.19/month, but Surfshark coupon codes could get you an even better bargain. Lastly, all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN – cheapest VPN for Grindr
63
200
24/7
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7-day free trial
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Versatile feature set
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Owns all hardware
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Lacks WireGuard
If your budget is tight, PrivateVPN is the perfect Grindr VPN for you. This Swedish-based service doesn’t monitor its users and gives them the necessary tools to combat surveillance. Plus, every subscription comes with 10 simultaneous connections, more than enough to secure your most important devices.
With over 200 servers scattered across 63+ countries, this provider works reliably against any authoritarian government. And PrivateVPN owns and operates all hardware, meaning no unauthorized parties can tamper with the data centers. As for speeds, the reliable OpenVPN tunneling protocol ensures optimal performance.
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. And if you want to keep your VPN purchase untraceable back to you, there’s an option to pay with Bitcoin.
Starting at $2.00/month, this VPN for Grindr is perfect for those wanting to shield themselves from prying eyes. Additionally, I suggest improving 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.
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
Since 2018, VPNpro has delivered unbiased, expert-backed insights through in-house research and thorough VPN testing. Our team ensures every review is fact-checked and reliable. Learn how we maintain these high standards in our testing methods.
How to unblock Grindr with a VPN on my 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. Thus, my advise is to disable GPS tracking on your phone.
How to use VPN for Grindr on Android
Here’s what you need to do to use Grindr on your Android mobile device:
- Download an Android-compatible VPN. I recommend NordVPN, currently 74% 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 pick the same 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, I'm here to help. Here’s how to unblock Grindr on your iOS mobile device:
- Install a VPN suited for iPhones. I suggest NordVPN, available for 74% OFF!
- Connect to a country that has Grindr available, for example, the United States
- Create a new Apple ID and choose the same country 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 appropriate address
- Start using Grindr securely!
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. My recommendation is 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
Government restricted | Sanctioned | Delisted from the app store | |
Grindr censored countries & regions | China, Indonesia, Turkey, Lebanon, Qatar, United Arab Emirates | Iran, Crimea, Syria, North Korea, Pakistan, Cuba, Sudan | Saudi Arabia |
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
Nothing should get in your way if you intend to broaden your romantic horizons via a smartphone dating app. 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.
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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.
Can I make a new Grindr account if I get banned?
Yes, it's possible to create a new Grindr account. However, you may need to sign up with a different email address or phone number. it's also advisable to create an account on a different device than the one where you received the ban. You can also use a VPN when creating a new account.
What to do if Grindr banned me?
There are a few things to do if you get banned on Grindr. First you should appeal the ban with Grindr itself. The team will thoroughly investigate your appeal and then decide whether or not you can regain access to your account. Otherwise, you can create a new account & use a VPN for an extra measure.
Can I fake my location on Grindr iPhone?
Yes, you can fake your location on Grindr using your iPhone. A VPN app can help you with your Grindr GPS spoof process by masking your original IP address. It safeguards from any prying eyes of third parties. The best iOS VPN is NordVPN, which offers a streamlined mobile app and high-end security.