How to Get Unbanned from Grindr & Use It Anywhere in 2023

If you’ve been banned on Grindr, it’s likely an automated decision you can appeal. Grindr usually bans you via your IP address, so you can’t set up a new account and stay in touch with the people you were chatting with without using a different IP address.

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to change your IP with a VPN — A VPN (virtual private network) is a simple app that hides your real IP and replaces it with one from a network of global servers. But you need to choose a VPN that can actually bypass Grindr bans and strict firewalls, because not all of them can.

My team and I tested dozens of VPNs, and we found the best VPN to get unbanned from Grindr is ExpressVPN. With 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you’ll have a host of options for bypassing bans to use Grindr anywhere. You can also try ExpressVPN for Grindr risk-free since it offers a money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t work for you, you’ll have 30 days to get a full refund.

Access Grindr With ExpressVPN >>

Warning: Grindr is restricted or blocked in various countries, including China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Cuba. While we fully support the LGBTQIA+ community, we don’t encourage anyone to break the law and face harsh penalties for accessing banned apps. Before using Grindr (with or without a VPN), please consult the laws in your region.

Why You Need a VPN to Bypass a Grindr Ban and Unblock Grindr

A Grindr ban usually only lasts for 7 days but can sometimes be up to 6 months — or even permanent. These bans are usually enforced with IP blocking tools, preventing you from accessing Grindr on the internet networks you frequently use. The easiest way to bypass these bans is by using an alternative Grindr account from a different IP address.

A VPN masks your IP and connects you with a new one, so it looks like you’re using Grindr from another location. You'll still be able to connect with people locally, so don't worry! Grindr uses your device's GPS signal to locate you, and a VPN won't necessarily mask or block this data.

VPNs also encrypt your data, so ISPs, hackers, and other snoops can’t track your Grindr activities. Even in countries where Grindr is legal, using it can present additional dangers. Hackers often target dating apps to obtain personal info, like your location and identity.

Try ExpressVPN for Grindr >>

How to Get Unbanned from Grindr — The Ultimate Guide

Here are some options for overcoming Grindr bans. The most convenient way is usually to use a VPN because it can solve the issue almost immediately. However, this will only work to bypass an IP ban, not a full-on account ban. I've listed all the possibilities for getting back on Grindr below:

1. Bypass a Temporary Ban

To bypass a Grindr IP ban, you’ll need a VPN. In addition to giving you a new IP address, it’ll also help you to get on Grindr on workplace, college, and public WiFi networks that block the app with just a couple clicks.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest VPN I’ve tested, and it offers robust security features that’ll help keep you safe from snoops, hackers, and other cyber threats that target Grindr users, too. Simply download the VPN app, connect to a server, and open Grindr.

2. Bypass a Permanent Ban

For long-term and permanent bans, Grindr usually blocks users via multiple methods. This includes banning your IP address, phone number, email address, or device ID. In some cases, all of these will be banned. If no other method works to get past the ban, then try this.

1. Connect to your VPN. It will allow you to bypass an IP block, a common method Grindr uses to prevent banned users from accessing the platform.
2. Get a new email address. Grindr typically blocks emails that are associated with banned accounts. You can set up a new email address for free with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or AOL. If privacy is a concern, I recommend Proton Mail.
3. Get a new phone number. If Grindr blocks your email, it will likely do the same to your phone number. If you don’t have an alternate number, I recommend using a trusted friend’s. They can send you the verification code for your new Grindr account. You won’t need the phone number again.
4. Get a new SIM card. You can do this for free with most providers (you may need to show a passport or driver’s license). This is an alternative if you can’t borrow a trusted friend’s phone number.
5. Reset your device ID. You may have to reset all the devices you use for Grindr to get new device IDs.
   Warning: Always do a full backup before restoring any device to factory settings.
   Android: Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Erase All Data.
   iOS: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

After completing the above steps, you should have no problem setting up a new Grindr account.

3. Open a New Account

If Grindr hasn’t put a block on your IP, you can simply open a new account. The advantage is that you’ll be able to get straight back on Grindr. However, you’ll have to set up a new account from scratch, losing all settings and Favorites.

4. Wait for the Ban to Pass

The easiest way to overcome a ban is to simply wait for it to pass. If it’s only a 7-day ban, you’ll be back online before you know it. That said, your Favorites may move on in that time, so you might want a more immediate solution, in which case, one of the above methods might be better.

5. Appeal the Ban

Grindr generally only overturns accidental bans. Grindr automates most of its bans, so accidental bans can include wrongly flagging an innocent photo as containing nudity or mistaking a harmless comment for abuse or bullying.

If you’re confident you haven’t violated any terms, you can easily submit a request via the appeal form on the Grindr website.

It may take a few days for your appeal to be processed, though, which isn’t ideal when you’re still building a relationship with the people you were chatting with.

Access Grindr With ExpressVPN >>

Best VPNs to Bypass a Grindr Ban From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Access Grindr on Restrictive Networks by Disguising Your Connection

ExpressVPN’s entire network offers obfuscation, so you can easily access Grindr. By scrambling your metadata, obfuscation disguises your VPN connection as regular traffic. This allows it to get past tough firewalls that block dating apps, all the while changing your IP. I tested 7 servers (3 in the US, 2 in the UK, and 2 in Australia) on my iOS iPhone, and I could access Grindr with all of them.

Obfuscation only kicks in when needed, so you still get the fastest speeds when you’re not bypassing a firewall

The app is easy to use and looks identical across all major OSs. Whether you use Grindr on Android, iOS, or desktop (or all of the above), you can connect to your VPN and start chatting in just a few clicks. Even if you’ve never used a VPN before, you’ll have no issues using ExpressVPN.

Connections are fast, too. Even servers thousands of miles away connected me in under a second, so you can chat with new people without interruption. Video and photo messages only took a fraction of a second to load on these same servers, too, thanks to ExpressVPN’s speedy Lightway protocol.

It’s not the cheapest option, but you can try ExpressVPN with Grindr risk-free, as every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I put this to the test by using 24/7 live chat to request a refund and got an instant response approving my repayment. My money was back in my account 5 days later.

Useful Features

• IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection. ExpressVPN makes sure your real location never leaks, so you won’t risk being banned again on your new Grindr account. You can also test your IP from within the mobile app to check your real address is safely hidden.
• Network Lock kill switch. If your VPN connection drops, your device will connect to your regular IP, which Grindr will detect and instantly ban your account. Network Lock prevents this by briefly blocking your internet connection until it can safely reconnect you to another VPN server.
• TrustedServer technology. Some VPNs use hard drives capable of storing data, but that’s not possible with ExpressVPN. Its RAM-only servers automatically wipe all user data on reboot, ensuring your Grindr activity remains private.
• Split tunneling. With ExpressVPN, you can route Grindr through your VPN while sending everything else through your regular connection. This’ll help you to avoid CAPTCHA challenges when accessing services like online banking with a VPN. It’s only available on Windows and Android, though.

Access Grindr With ExpressVPN >>

2. CyberGhost — An Easy-to-Use, Budget-Friendly VPN That’s Ideal For Grindr

CyberGhost’s simple, beginner-friendly app is an easy solution for bypassing Grindr bans and keeping your data private. I downloaded it to my iPhone, set it up, and connected to a server in under 5 minutes. The app connects you to the Best Location (fastest available server) by default, so you don’t even have to hunt a server down unless you want to choose an IP in a different region.

You don’t even have to go into Settings to get a new IP address to bypass a Grindr ban

CyberGhost also offers automatic WiFi protection, which is ideal for securing your data on unfamiliar networks. Public WiFi networks are inherently insecure, and you never know if there’s someone on the network trying to snoop on your data. However, this feature makes sure your Grindr sessions (and all your other data) remain secure if you’re on the go.

The VPN also includes a Content Blocking feature designed to thwart harmful advertisements from compromising your device. This feature proves useful as such ads have previously infiltrated Grindr, providing an essential safety buffer. However, it was disappointing to find out that this feature is not available on the iOS application.

Long-term CyberGhost plans come with a generous money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you’ve got a full 45 days to get a refund. I checked this out myself, and it’s just as easy as with ExpressVPN.

Useful Features

• Fast speeds from nearby servers. I only lost 5% from my base speeds when testing a nearby server. Long-distance servers dropped my speeds by around 25%, but this was still fast enough to chat with very minimal delays.
• Connection Checker. If you’re having connectivity issues, this feature will identify and notify you of the area that’s causing trouble (reachability, internet connection, VPN connection, etc.). This was useful on slow public WiFi when I wasn’t even sure if I was connected.
• WiFi Auto-Protect. This ensures that your real IP won’t be exposed (which can lead to an instant Grindr ban) when you connect to a public WiFi network.

Access Grindr With CyberGhost >>

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Block Annoying Ads on Grindr (and Other Sites)

Private Internet Access offers MACE to block ads and malware on the browser version of Grindr. The free version of Grindr is notorious for pop-up ads, but MACE blocks them entirely. It also protects you from ads containing malware or phishing scams. I tested this on my MacBook Pro and didn’t get any annoying ads, even on other apps and browsers.

PIA even has a customizable kill switch. You can configure it to protect you on secure WiFi, open WiFi, and mobile data, or even adjust settings for individual data sources. This will protect you against IP leaks, so you won’t risk your new Grindr account getting banned.

PIA’s highly advanced security features are easy to use, and they enhance your privacy for Grindr

It’s just a shame that MACE doesn’t work with the app version of Grindr. However, I was able to use Grindr ad-free through Safari on my iPhone. It’s not ideal, but it’s still better than facing annoying pop-ups.

You can test Private Internet Access risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally happy with it, it’s no hassle to get a refund.

Useful Features

• Siri Shortcuts. You can record your own Siri shortcuts to connect and disconnect from the VPN discretely. For example, if you’re in a workplace, you could set up “Hey Siri, start timer” to connect, and “Hey Siri, stop timer” to end.
• Locations in every US state. PIA is a good choice for US Grindr users since it has locations in all 50 states, so you’ll always have a nearby server for fast connections.

Access Grindr With PIA >>

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Grindr

I used the following criteria to determine the best VPNs for bypassing a Grindr ban. Feel free to swipe this list when you’re testing Grindr VPNs for yourself:

• An extensive server network. A VPN with a large server network increases your chances of finding a server that works reliably with Grindr. I’ve only included VPNs with plenty of servers and locations, so you’ve got a wide range of temporary IPs to choose from.
• Fast speeds. Fast connection speeds are vital for a smooth Grindr experience, as they allow for quick loading of profiles and messages. All VPNs slow your speeds slightly due to the encryption process, but I tested each VPN using online speed tests to ensure the dropoff was unnoticeable.
• Device compatibility. Every VPN on this list has dedicated apps or setup guides for popular OSs like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Value for money. Considering value for money is important to get the most out of your VPN subscription. I compared the features, pricing plans, and additional benefits offered by different VPN providers to find the ones that offered a good balance of affordability and functionality.
• Excellent customer support. I’ve only recommended VPNs with reliable customer support in case you encounter any issues.
• Offers a reliable money-back guarantee. A VPN that offers a money-back guarantee provides peace of mind, ensuring you can try the service risk-free and get a refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. I’ve only included VPNs that offer a hassle-free refund policy.

Access Grindr With ExpressVPN >>

FAQs on Unblocking Grindr With a VPN

Why does Grindr ban accounts?

Grindr bans accounts that violate their Terms of Service or Community Guidelines. This includes criminal activity such as selling drugs, solicitation, harassment, hate speech, nudity, and so on. These bans are often automated. If your account has been banned unfairly, a VPN can allow you to create a new Grindr account.

However, a VPN won’t help restore a banned account, so you’ll lose your Favorites list and any stored data. In some cases, you can regain access to a blocked Grindr account by sending an appeal.

How long does Grindr ban users for?

Grindr bans users for varying periods based on the severity of the breach. The majority of bans are 7 days, but they last for anything up to 6 months. Beyond that, they tend to be permanent. A VPN is the quickest solution to bypass any ban almost instantly.

Does Grindr encrypt my private messages?

Yes, but it may collect and store messages, audio, and photos. Its privacy policy clearly states this. Using a screen name, a secondary email, and a VPN can help keep you safe while using Grindr. This way, you’re reducing the amount of personal data it has access to.

To be on the safe side, you shouldn’t send anything that you don’t want to be recorded and potentially exposed in the event of a hack.

Can I appeal a Grindr ban?

Yes. Most bans are automated, so they can sometimes be accidental. Grindr generally won’t overturn a ban if you’ve violated Community Guidelines, though, no matter how accidental or unintentional the breach was. If you think you have a case, there is a simple process to appeal a Grindr ban.

Can’t I just open another Grindr account?

Not usually, no. Grindr uses various methods to detect and block users, including device identifiers, IP addresses, and location data. Simply creating a new account won't bypass these restrictions. You need to use a VPN to unblock Grindr effectively. It will change your IP address and hide your location, allowing you to access Grindr again.

What do I do if my VPN isn't working with Grindr?

If your VPN isn’t working with Grindr, try these troubleshooting tips to fix it:

• Change servers. It’s possible that the server you’re connected to is currently blocked. These top VPNs offer large server networks so you’ll have plenty of alternatives that should work instead.
• Use obfuscation. Use a VPN that has advanced security features like obfuscated servers, which make your encrypted internet traffic look like regular traffic. That allows the VPN to bypass college or workplace firewalls that block not only Grindr, but also VPN connections.
• Choose a reliable VPN. Not all VPNs test their servers regularly to ensure they bypass all types of blocks. So if you’ve tried everything and your VPN won’t work with Grindr, you may need to consider trying a more reliable VPN.
• Contact your VPN’s help desk. Customer service may be able to offer a fix or a workaround for your problem.

Is using a VPN to access Grindr illegal?

No, but it’s complicated. While it’s completely legal to use Grindr with a VPN in most countries, it’s against the law in others. Certain governments enforce strict laws against same-sex relationships and as a result, they ban Grindr completely. In most cases, these countries also ban VPNs to prevent people from accessing censored content.

While the team at vpnMentor believes everyone has the right to internet freedom, we don’t want anyone to get in trouble for using a VPN where it could be illegal to do so. So we recommend you read up on local laws to inform yourself.

Can I use a free VPN for Grindr?

Yes, but I don’t recommend using a free VPN for Grindr. While free VPNs may seem appealing, they come with many limitations, such as restrictions on bandwidth and location options, slower speeds, and unreliable connections. I recommend investing in a low-cost premium VPN service instead - you’ll be able to chat without slowdowns or risking your data.

Moreover, a lot of free VPN services have privacy concerns and may log your data and sell it to third parties. With a premium VPN, you can enjoy unrestricted access to Grindr while maintaining your online privacy and security.

Access Grindr in Minutes

A VPN is an essential tool for bypassing a frustrating Grindr ban. But not all VPNs are up to the job. Some limit your speeds to the extent that chatting becomes maddeningly sluggish. Others fail to protect your security, so Grindr immediately bans you again. After months of testing, my team and I found a clear favorite for accessing Grindr.

ExpressVPN is my #1 choice for bypassing Grindr bans. Its speeds mean you hardly notice any dropoff, and automatic obfuscation on all 3,000 servers ensures you can bypass even the toughest firewalls. You can even try ExpressVPN risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to unblock Grindr...