The Pirate Bay is a notable torrent site. Having served the needs of millions of people worldwide for over two decades, it has etched its name on the list of the top torrent sites. However, it has faced several lawsuits, and law enforcement agencies in different countries have restricted its services within their boundaries. This is because they air some of the content on their site illegally. Fortunately, you can still access The Pirate Bay even though your country has banned it.
After extensive research on unblocking and anti-censorship, we’ve outlined four straightforward ways to unblock The Pirate Bay. We’ve also outlined some of the countries that have blocked The Pirate Bay. Continue reading this guide to find out how you can access The Pirate Bay from anywhere worldwide to download torrents.
How to unblock The Pirate Bay – Easy ways
Many countries have banned The Pirate Bay within their territories, restricting the website’s operations. However, there are ways to access the website despite the restrictions. Some of them include the following.
- Unblock The Pirate Bay with a VPN.
- Connect to a proxy server to unblock The Pirate Bay.
- Access The Pirate Bay with the Tor browser.
- Use a proxy or mirror to unblock The Pirate Bay.
Out of all the methods outlined above, the best is unblocking The Pirate Bay with a VPN—especially if you’re using a top and reliable VPN with servers worldwide. These servers allow you to connect to different IP addresses to unblock The Pirate Bay.
Top VPNs also provide encryption and security from third-party surveillance, enhancing faster connection speeds for downloads and torrents. You can choose any VPN from the best VPNs list here for advanced security features, blazing-fast internet speed, and amazing unblocking services.
Why is The Pirate Bay blocked?
While torrenting is not illegal, many countries have enacted laws against downloading copyright-protected content on torrent websites like The Pirate Bay. Some countries have implemented technologies to make access to The Pirate Bay stricter to reduce copyright infringement cases and prevent innocent internet users from breaking copyright laws. In contrast, others have blocked users’ access entirely.
Whatever the case is, limiting or complete ban, you can easily access torrent sites like The Pirate Bay when you connect to a VPN. The technology ensures that you safely unblock torrent sites without hassle.
Best VPNs to access The Pirate Bay – Quick list
As mentioned above, you can use different methods to access The Pirate Bay even if your country has blocked it — one is using a VPN.
However, it’s important to choose a top and reliable VPN, as several VPN service providers are in the market today. Only top VPNs have advanced features and protocols to unblock The Pirate Bay hassle-free. They also guarantee fast connection speed and military-grade encryption services.
Here’s a quick list of the best VPNs to unblock The Pirate Bay:
- ExpressVPN: With a global network of servers dispersed across about 90 countries, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs to unblock The Pirate Bay. Its advanced features guarantee effective unblocking, unrestricted internet access, optimum privacy and encryption, and a blazing-fast internet connection.
- NordVPN: The VPN can unblock any website, utilizing over 5,700 servers dispersed across 60 countries worldwide. Its distinguishing factor is the highly user-friendly app that ensures smooth and easy navigation to unblock The Pirate Bay.
- ExtremeVPN: It is rather new to the VPN industry than other VPNs. Its advanced privacy tools, high-speed servers, quality encryption and unblocking services, and quality networks have earned it a spot as a reliable VPN for unblocking The Pirate Bay.
Why you should use a VPN to unblock The Pirate Bay
Having mentioned that using a VPN is the best method for unblocking The Pirate Bay, you must be wondering why it’s better to use a VPN rather than its alternatives. You may have even seen a warning on the home pages of many P2P sites advising you to use a VPN. Here’s why VPN is vital and the best method for unblocking The Pirate Bay:
- Encryption and anonymity: Typically, when you connect to a VPN, it reroutes your data traffic through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your IP address, location, and activities online from third parties. Hence, you can unblock The Pirate Bay, and your ISPs or government authorities will not be able to track you.
- Optimum protection: Although downloading torrents is not illegal generally, it may be illegal if the content is copyrighted. And you wouldn’t research whether the content is copyrighted. However, connecting to a VPN can protect you from the legal implications of illegal torrenting.
- Accessibility: Governments in many countries have mandated Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to enforce a ban on torrenting websites, restricting your activities online. However, connecting to a VPN gives you the freedom to explore various content online. For example, if you want to torrent in Germany, you must connect to a reliable VPN with servers in a permitted country to access websites like The Pirate Bay.
- Online privacy: Typically, when you connect to a P2P website, other users can access your location and online activity, especially if you’re not connected to a VPN. Your ISP and any unauthorized third parties can easily view your personal information, increasing your susceptibility to threats like DDoS attacks and malware. However, connecting to a VPN shields your online connection, location, and IP address and reduces the risks of cyber attacks.
- Connection speed: Connecting to a VPN reduces the chances of internet throttling and ensures a blazing-fast connection throughout your torrenting. Internet throttling occurs when your ISP can monitor your online activities and places a restriction when you surpass a bandwidth threshold.
Four methods to unblock The Pirate Bay
This article explains four ways to unblock The Pirate Bay. You must understand that when a website is unavailable or displays “blocked” when you load it, IP addresses from your location or country have been restricted from accessing it.
The methods described here will grant you access to any blocked site, like The Pirate Bay, by changing your IP address or using alternatives to The Pirate Bay website.
1. Unblock The Pirate Bay with a VPN
The major reason why a website is unavailable or inaccessible is because IP addresses from your region or country have been restricted from accessing that website.
However, with a top Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can bypass any geographical restriction and unblock and access any content or website online. This is because top VPNs have servers dispersed worldwide. Hence, you can connect to one in a country with access to the blocked website or content.
Connecting to a VPN comes with numerous benefits. For example, a VPN assures encryption, steady connection speed, and optimum protection. Unlike other methods, especially proxy servers, a VPN ensures smooth and seamless torrenting. You don’t have to worry about bandwidth throttling or exceeding your data cap.
A VPN also encrypts your data traffic, shielding your online session from your ISP and other third parties. Nobody can track your IP address or trace your online activities back to you, not even the VPN.
How to unblock The Pirate Bay with a VPN
Examine a step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to unblock The Pirate Bay below.
- Select a reliable VPN service provider. You can select from our best VPN list if you want quality unblocking services, great torrenting speeds, and premium encryption.
- Download the VPN app on your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country that has access to The Pirate Bay. Selecting a server close to your home country is advisable for faster connection speed.
- Minimize the app and visit thepiratebay.org.
Later in this article, you’ll find a list of countries that have banned The Pirate Bay within their territories. You can connect to any country that’s not on the list.
2. Connect to a proxy server to unblock The Pirate Bay
Like a VPN, once you connect to a proxy server, it hides your IP address from any website you visit. Acting as a middleman, it first receives your data traffic on its server before sending it to the destination, giving the impression that the data came directly from the proxy server. Hence, websites see the proxy server’s IP address instead of your IP address.
The fact that a proxy server hides your IP address gives you a form of anonymity from third-party tracking or surveillance. It offers this in addition to unblocking services. Once you can connect to a proxy server in a country with access, you can unblock The Pirate Bay and other blocked content online.
However, even though proxy servers are a sure way to unblock, some drawbacks come with connecting to a proxy server. They include:
- Zero encryption: Unlike VPNs, proxy servers do not offer encryption services, making your data and connection vulnerable to theft and attacks.
- High chances of malware infection: Most proxy servers managed by unknown parties lack advanced security protocols to guarantee safety.
- Unstable and unreliable connection speeds: Your torrenting may take longer than expected due to slow speeds.
Yet, you can follow the guide below if you still want to opt for a proxy server.
How to unblock The Pirate Bay with a proxy server on your Windows device
Here’s how to unblock The Pirate Bay on your Windows system using a proxy:
- Select a proxy server in a country with access to The Pirate Bay.
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard or tap the Windows icon at the corner of your toolbar.
- Type “Change proxy settings” in the search bar and select the first option in the search results.
- Tap “Save.”
How to unblock The Pirate Bay with a proxy server on your Mac
Here’s how to access The Pirate Bay on macOS devices using a proxy:
- Click on the Apple menu button.
- Locate “System Settings“ and tap “Network” in the sidebar.
- Choose a network and tap “Details.”
- Click on “Proxies.”
- Activate a proxy and type the IP address and port number.
- Click on “Proxy server requires password” if the proxy is protected with a password.
- Fill out the username and password.
- Tap “OK” and load The Pirate Bay’s website to begin torrenting.
If you’re using a mobile device, all you need to do is locate Network & Settings in the Settings menu and follow the same process.
3. Unblock The Pirate Bay with the Tor browser
You can bypass geo-blocks and unblock The Pirate Bay using the Tor browser. The browser is notable for accessing the dark web.
Tor browser has numerous servers (nodes) in its network, and each node offers encryption services. When you connect to the browser, it directs your internet traffic to pass at least three different nodes. Hence, it hides your IP address and makes it almost impossible to trace the origin of your internet traffic.
Tor passes your internet traffic through multiple nodes, which gives it the unblocking ability. Just like a VPN and proxy server, the Tor browser hides your IP address from the website you’re visiting.
However, you must note Tor’s drawbacks to unblocking The Pirate Bay. First, Tor doesn’t allow you to select what server to connect to. Instead, it facilitates the connection automatically. This means you might experience several trial and error rounds before accessing The Pirate Bay.
Also, you might experience a sharp decline in your connection speed when you use the Tor browser. This is because Tor redirects your internet traffic through three or more nodes. The implication is a significant drop in connection speed, as your data doesn’t go through the direct or regular route.
Having established this, you must understand that the decline in internet speed may impact your connection speed.
How to unblock The Pirate Bay with the Tor browser
If you still insist on using the Tor browser, here’s how to use it to unblock The Pirate Bay.
- Head to the Tor download page and select the suitable installation file for your device’s operating system.
- Once you complete the download process, launch the app and follow the configuration steps.
- Next, you’ll see a display window requesting you to connect or configure the Tor Network Settings. Select “Connect.“
- However, if you live in a region with strict censorship laws and policies, you can select the “Tor Network Settings.” Then, it’ll configure the browser automatically to bypass censorship.
- Finally, you can visit The Pirate Bay.
4. Use a proxy or mirror to unblock The Pirate Bay
The easiest way to access The Pirate Bay in a country with restricted access is by using a proxy or mirror website. They are easy to navigate and very accessible. However, they may not be the most effective method. They don’t guarantee safety and sustainability, as they can be blocked anytime.
You can type “The Pirate Bay” on your search engine to find these alternative torrent websites online.
How to use Pirate Bay proxy sites
Distinguishing between a Pirate Bay proxy site and the actual Pirate Bay may be difficult. The only difference is that a server hosts the Pirate Bay proxy server in a region where The Pirate Bay is permitted.
While using a Pirate Bay proxy can be an amazing way to unblock The Pirate Bay, it also has its drawbacks. First, it’s unreliable and may not be as effective as expected. Besides, law enforcement agencies can take down the proxies at any point or may not unblock The Pirate Bay. Hence, it’s advisable to opt for the original website.
Here is a list of The Pirate Bay proxies that are still in operation as of 2024. You can tap one of these proxies to access Pirate Bay.
- piratebay.party in the Netherlands
- thepiratebay7.com in the United States
- thehiddenbay.com in the United States
- thepiratebay10.org in the United States
- pirateproxy-bay.com in the United States
- pirateproxy.live in the United States
- thepiratebay0.org in the United States
How to use The Pirate Bay mirror sites
Pirate Bay mirrors operate just like Pirate Bay proxies. They are similar to the original Pirate Bay website and facilitate torrenting. However, the main difference is that, unlike The Pirate Bay website, a mirror website is an entirely new site without an automatic connection to the original website.
Sometimes, the owner of the original websites may copy mirror sites to a new URL and server. At the same time, someone who’s not connected to the original website may also create a mirror website.
However, to create an effective mirror website, the creators must regularly update it to ensure it accurately displays what’s on the original website. You may miss out on recent torrents if you use a mirror website that hasn’t been updated in a while.
The drawback to using a mirror site is that it can also be shut down at any point.
Best VPNs to unblock The Pirate Bay – Detailed list
Below, we review the top three VPNs in the market today that work great to unblock sites like The Pirate Bay.
1. ExpressVPN
A versatile VPN service with a vast server network and exceptional streaming quality. This makes it the most reliable tool for unblocking restricted content from anywhere.
Offers an exceptional server network optimized for streaming and gaming enthusiasts
Utilizes state-of-the-art AES-256-bit encryption
Maintains a strict no-data-logging policy
Has a dedicated split tunneling feature
Employs an automatic kill switch to stop leaks
Offers servers with integrated Tor support for added anonymity
Facilitates P2P file exchange and torrent downloads
Supports simultaneous connections for 5 devices
Offers a 30-day money-back assurance
Pros
- Maintains a steadfast commitment to user privacy
- Supports streaming on most foreign websites
- Has reliable 24/7 customer support
Cons
- No server labeling for streaming services
ExpressVPN provides blazing-fast connection speed for streaming and unblocking content and websites. This is possible because it has over 3,000 servers dispersed across 160 locations in about 94 countries worldwide. Its features allow subscribers to stream blocked content from any part of the world. You don’t need to travel to a country with access to The Pirate Bay to gain access to its content.
It is based in the British Virgin Islands, a region prioritizing subscribers’ data safety and privacy. You don’t need to worry about data privacy because The VPN has a no-log policy and is strongly committed to ensuring subscribers’ freedom, independence, and privacy. ExpressVPN makes users immune to data breaches and privacy threats.
The VPN uses the solid military-grade AES-256 encryption protocol. This advanced security protocol guarantees advanced information protection. Security experts have declared AES-256 to be a standard encryption protocol.
It has three subscription plans that start at $9.99 monthly. You can also test the VPN service risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our unbiased ExpressVPN review
2. NordVPN
A reliable VPN provider that focuses on privacy and anonymity online. It provides high-speed connections for a secure online experience, making it a convenient choice for unblocking The Pirate Bay.
Boasts a top-notch server network for fast streaming
Keeps out ads, malware, and suspicious websites
Deploys AES-256-bit encryption
Incorporates a reliable kill switch to protect data
Enables selective data routing through split tunneling
Offers a Double VPN mode for increased security
Integrates Tor into VPN servers to ensure online privacy
Adheres to a strict no-logs approach
Facilitates connections for 6 devices simultaneously
Promises a 30-day satisfaction or your money back
Pros
- Boasts high-level privacy and security features
- Unlimited bandwidth speeds
- Dedicated customer service
Cons
- Supports torrenting on few servers
NordVPN is a top VPN service boasting a network of 5,500 servers in over 60 countries with top IP detection technology. It has a special feature called the NordLynx protocol, which allows users to experience ultra-fast connection speed. NordVPN’s subscribers can connect to a dedicated IP address, facilitating a hitch-free experience while torrenting on The Pirate Bay.
It utilizes a kill switch that turns off all internet activity during an internet connection interruption. This feature ensures that hackers and other third parties cannot identify your IP address during downtime. NordVPN has other security features like AES 256-bit encryption protocol and split tunneling.
The VPN allows you to safely access torrents, stream, and bypass geo-restrictions. If you need more assurances, NordVPN has a “Double VPN” mode that allows you to get double the protection for one payment.
Read our unbiased NordVPN review
3. ExtremeVPN
A reputable VPN service that combines affordability with robust security features. It stands out by offering powerful encryption and prioritizing user privacy, allowing individuals to unblock restricted websites like TPB.
Offers high-speed 6,500 servers in more than 78 countries
Applies industry-leading AES-256-bit encryption for stealth protection
Endorses P2P file sharing and torrent downloads
Doesn’t retain user data
Has a kill switch feature for added security
Guarantees a dependable split tunneling feature for data routing
Offers Tor functionality into VPN servers to fortify security
Facilitates 10 devices to be connected simultaneously
Prevents the risk of IP/DNS leaks
A proven 30-day hassle-free refund guarantee
Pros
- Broad compatibility and allowance for multiple devices
- Offers numerous features at a cost-effective rate
- Has a responsive customer support
Cons
- Does not offer a Double VPN mode
ExtremeVPN is an affordable VPN service that can bypass geo-blocks anytime and from anywhere worldwide. It provides users with a premium torrenting experience while guaranteeing privacy and security.
The newbie service has a broad option of VPN protocols and features that subscribers can choose from for a smooth experience. Although it adopts an automatic protocol selection system, subscribers can personalize their experience. The protocols in the Preferences page include IKEv2, SSTP, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN.
You can download the ExtremeVPN app on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows devices. Sign up, log in, and connect to a VPN server to enjoy ExtremeVPN’s premium services. The subscription fee is affordable. You can opt for the monthly plan ($10.59 monthly), the six-month plan ($5.15 monthly), or the yearly plan ($3.29 monthly). Any plan you select can cover up to 10 devices.
Read our unbiased ExtremeVPN review
How to choose the best VPN for The Pirate Bay
It’s important to use a reliable VPN to unblock The Pirate Bay. We examined a few criteria during our review for the best VPNs in the market today— you can also pay attention to these factors when selecting a VPN.
No-logs policy
Ensure that any VPN you select to unblock The Pirate Bay or any other blocked website or content has and enforces a no-logs policy. This policy means that the service provider will not save (log) your data or online activity. Consequently, third parties like the government and internet service providers cannot view or access your online activity.
You must also pay attention to the location where the VPN service provider is headquartered. Usually, VPNs based in privacy-friendly regions (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance) strictly adhere to the no-logs policy.
Server network
Pay attention to the VPN’s server network and how evenly they are dispersed worldwide. This is because you need the VPN to have a server in a country with access to The Pirate Bay to unblock it from your home country.
Ensure the VPN also has numerous servers to comfortably cater to millions of subscribers. Insufficient servers can lead to overcrowding, negatively impacting torrent speeds.
Security and encryption
Examine the security features to confirm that the VPN can provide optimum protection from any potential legal implications that may arise from torrenting copyrighted content and safeguard you from data threats and attacks.
Ensure that the VPN has a kill switch and leak protection so your connection becomes unencrypted and visible to third parties when the VPN disconnects. These features automatically disrupt your internet connection and restore it only when the VPN connection is active, protecting your identity and data traffic.
Customer support
Like every other service on the internet, you may have questions or encounter technical challenges when accessing The Pirate Bay or any other blocked website with a VPN. Hence, you need a reliable and responsive customer support team to walk you through the process of resolving or troubleshooting the issue and resume seamless torrenting.
Top VPNs have 24/7 customer service, always ready to provide timely assistance to subscribers. They also have a money-back policy, so you can request a refund if you’re unsatisfied with the service while torrenting on The Pirate Bay.
Connection speed
Only select a VPN with ultra-fast servers and great connection speeds. You can check for reviews from older subscribers to confirm if the servers are as fast as the VPN suggests. You can only enjoy torrenting on The Pirate Bay and other torrent websites when you have impressive connection speeds.
While these criteria are essential when looking for a VPN to unblock The Pirate Bay and torrent seamlessly, other factors must be considered. For example, price and subscription plans. You must avoid unblocking The Pirate Bay with a free VPN by all means!
Is it legal to unblock torrent sites?
Getting around geographical blocks and restrictions is not straightforward with a universal legal provision. Some countries’ governments block certain websites to uphold religious and moral views and other fundamental principles, for example, pornographic websites. This differs from torrenting, except you’re torrenting prohibited or copyrighted content.
However, you must note that there are laws on this subject matter. These laws are directed at the activities of websites and not the users. Hence, internet service providers block these sites to enforce copyright policies and curb their exploitative operations, and not necessarily to punish internet users. In essence, internet users don’t break the law when they bypass these blocks.
Why is The Pirate Bay blocked in some countries?
Like every other torrent website and library, The Pirate Bay contains several copyrighted content. Most of the content on the website infringes on the protected rights of artists and creators one way or the other. Hence, uploading these files without their consent, approval, or license is illegal.
This issue became rampant, and creatives suffered greatly. In response, governments and internet service providers block torrent websites like The Pirate Bay to protect their economic rights. If you try to load the website, you may see a “disabled” notice, or you may not even see the website in your search results. However, you can unblock it in several ways that are mentioned above or use suitable alternatives to The Pirate Bay.
Which countries have blocked The Pirate Bay
Here’s a list of countries that have blocked The Pirate Bay within their territories.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | China, Australia, India, Singapore, Indonesia |
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia, Iran |
| Europe | Portugal, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, France, Spain, Greece, Norway, Germany, Italy, Romania, the Netherlands, Russia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Ireland |
| The Americas | Brazil, Argentina |
These countries ban The Pirate Bay by instructing internet service providers to block the domain within their borders. There are also records of physical raids on the locations of the website’s servers, all to put an end to the operations.
The Pirate Bay is originally a Swedish website—hence, the raids happened in Stockholm. In 2006, when the first raid happened, about 65 police officers seized and confiscated the website’s servers. This caused the website to go offline for about three days. Then, the next raid happened in 2014.
The raid that happened in 2014 brought a lot of attention to The Pirate Bay and its operations. Many countries began to take steps to ban the torrent website. However, only a few saw the process through. The Paris High Court and the Argentine National Communications Commission instructed national ISPs to block The Pirate Bay’s domains and servers within their territories.
The Pirate Bay came under a lot of heat this year. Other countries that considered blocking the website include Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, and Portugal.
Conclusion
Having established that it’s possible to access The Pirate Bay even though your country has blocked it, we must reiterate that accessing it can come with malware threats and potential legal implications. Hence, it’s important to remain anonymous and stay safe while torrenting.
Only a VPN can guarantee protection and great connection speed. You can use one of the VPNs in the best VPN list for premium protection, encryption, and anonymity.
FAQs
If you are unable to access The Pirate Bay, it might be because it is blocked in your country. To unblock it, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in a country with access to The Pirate Bay. This makes it seem like you’re accessing the website from a different country. You can also access The Pirate Bay using the Tor browser, proxy servers, and mirror sites.
If you cannot access The Pirate Bay, try other torrent websites like YTS, EZTV, Solidtorrents, RARBG, Torrents, iDope, 1337x, and Demonoid. Another notable alternative is Usenet, especially if you want to download thousands of files.
A VPN is the best tool to access The Pirate Bay, especially if it’s blocked in your country. With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can bypass geographical blocks and access blocked content anonymously and securely.
The government in most countries instructs Internet Service Providers to block The Pirate Bay because most content on the torrent website violates their copyright laws and policies. Blocking them is a way to protect the rights of creatives and prevent internet users from downloading illegal files.
