Tinder is one of the most famous online dating platforms, with millions of active users worldwide. The best thing about Tinder is that it makes it easy to find potential matches nearby, or you can change your location to find matches across the border.
However, the latter isn’t possible unless you pay for Tinder Plus or Gold subscriptions. In addition, many networks (like schools and workplaces) and countries have blocked the service.
Read on to find out how to change Tinder location, the best VPNs for Tinder location change, and much more.
Change Tinder location with a VPN – Quick steps
Use the following easy steps to temper Tinder location with a VPN quickly:
- Select and subscribe to a trustworthy VPN service provider. Our number one choice is NordVPN, which has multiple servers in countries where Tinder is available.
- Download and install the appropriate software for your device.
- Open the VPN and connect to a server in the location you want to access Tinder from.
- Launch Tinder and start finding your match.
Best VPNs to change Tinder location – Quick list
- NordVPN: A reputable and high-quality VPN service for changing the location of Tinder. The VPN provider offers customizable security and privacy features.
- ExpressVPN: This is a great choice for changing your Tinder location. It uses advanced privacy and security features to protect your connections.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): The extensive server network makes it ideal for changing Tinder locations and maintaining consistent speeds.
Why is a VPN for Tinder necessary today?
The platform tracks your location with GPS and matches you to nearby users. However, it doesn’t have the option to alter the location unless you pay for a subscription. So, this means you will be limited to only the people within your GPS radius.
Also, it is unavailable in some countries, such as Pakistan and China, because of censorship. In addition, it is blocked by network admins in schools and workplaces. As a result, you can’t swipe to get a match.
However, a VPN will enable you to open Tinder in other locations instead of only in your vicinity. Also, it will help you evade censorship in highly censored countries like Myanmar (for example) and access the dating app from anywhere.
Why is Tinder blocked?
Tinder may not be accessible for several reasons, such as:
- Your network blocks it for security reasons.
- The country you’re in censors it.
- Your specific network, like in the workplace or school, blocks it.
- Facebook is blocked in your country, so you cannot use Tinder (if you created your account through Facebook).
The dating app updates your location constantly based on your location data. So, for example, if you live in the US and travel to the UK, you will see users in the UK instead of the US. Hence, you can access users back home, as there isn’t an option to edit your location without a premium subscription.
How does Tinder know where you live?
It relies on your phone’s GPS to track your location and show the potential matches within the radius. The app will request your phone’s GPS coordinates and automatically update when you open it.
So this means that you won’t access other users in your proximity, and they won’t see your profile if you deny the app access to your location. However, you can hide your location by subscribing to a premium package. They allow you to mask your location to prevent others from seeing you around.
Best VPNs to change your Tinder location in 2024
Tinder continually blocks VPNs, so you need a reliable and solid service to help you spoof your location. Although thousands of VPNs exist, only a few can work well with Tinder. Below are our top three recommendations.
1. NordVPN
It is the best Tinder VPN that allows choosing specific servers from the desired location, and even hide VPN traffic via obfuscation. Hence, your Tinder activities will remain under the radar with NordVPN.
Pros
- Changes location on Tinder quickly
- Ensures anonymity with server obfuscation
- Sufficiently secure
Cons
- The desktop apps need refreshing
NordVPN is another excellent option for changing your Tinder location. It operates servers worldwide, offers watertight security, and has an app compatible with almost all operating systems.
The VPN helps you access Tinder users in other locations with its expansive network of over 5,900 servers in 60 countries. Also, it comes in handy if Tinder is censored in your country or blocked by your network in school or the workplace.
NordVPN will keep you safe online with AES 256-bit encryption. It combines this with security features such as perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, double VPN, and split tunneling. Hence, no one can intercept your connection or steal your data.
Regarding privacy, NordVPN does not collect any information that can reveal your identity. Reputable firms like PwC and Cure53 have independently audited the no-logs claims. Also, the parent company is based in Panama, which isn’t part of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
This is one of the most affordable premium VPNs, especially if you opt for long-term plans. Similarly to ExpressVPN, you can test it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. ExpressVPN
With servers in over a hundred locations, thorough anonymity, and privacy, ExpressVPN is the best tool to change your location on Tinder and find the best matches from abroad.
Pros
- Unblocks Tinder
- Super-fast servers
- Solid security and privacy-conscious
Cons
- Slightly expensive
ExpressVPN is our number-one choice for changing locations from anywhere. It has highly intuitive apps. Its servers are pretty fast and can knock down all geo-blocks.
The provider has an extensive infrastructure with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and over 160 locations. It means you can change your IP address and unblock Tinder from any part of the world.
ExpressVPN is packed with helpful security features to keep you safe online. Besides the military-grade AES encryption, it has an automatic kill switch (Network Lock), DNS/IP leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and split tunneling.
The VPN also has TrustedServer technology that ensures the servers cannot save any data, and everything gets deleted when you log out. In addition, it follows a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t collect identifiable information. Thankfully, since it is headquartered in the privacy-friendly region of the British Virgin Islands, it doesn’t have to comply with data retention laws. Thus, it safeguards your privacy and maintains your anonymity online.
On the downside, ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than its competitors on this list. Nonetheless, it is a reliable VPN service that you can test risk-free with the 30-day money guarantee.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Its large network of thousands of servers never fails to spoof your IP address in the most private manner to change user location on Tinder with privacy.
Pros
- Tempers with Tinder location
- Dependable security
- Tons of server options
Cons
- Some servers have slow speed
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN service that allows you to change your location on Tinder. It offers excellent security and privacy features to keep you safe and anonymous online.
Changing your Tinder location with PIA will be bliss. It has the most considerable server infrastructure, with thousands of servers dispersed in over 84 countries.
The company is based in the US and is a founding member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern as it has a strict zero-logs policy and no identifiable information. The claims have been proven in court.
You can create your account with a fake email or pay with cryptocurrency. This means you can subscribe to PIA VPN anonymously.
PIA is highly secure, with state-of-the-art features to safeguard your online activities. It allows you to choose between 128 or 256 AES-bit encryption based on your connection. Both are reliable algorithms, although the former is more lightweight, hence much faster.
How to choose the best VPN for Tinder in 2024
Below are the factors you must consider before selecting any VPN for Tinder:
- Choose a VPN with an extensive server network: This will ensure you can connect to multiple distinct locations, expanding your Tinder search radius. As a result, more server locations imply more possible matches from various regions.
- Get a VPN that functions with GPS spoofing apps: It’s impossible to adjust your Tinder location just with a VPN service because Tinder also uses your phone’s GPS to determine your geographical position. All the VPNs on our list are compatible with well-known GPS spoofing applications.
- Select a fast VPN: All VPNs lower your connection speeds slightly because of the encryption process. Since no one wants slow Tinder connections, we chose VPNs that maintain fast speeds on nearby and faraway servers. This ensures you browse Tinder messages or photo matches lag-free.
- Choose a VPN with robust security tools: Our top VPN list contains industry-standard VPN security tools, such as military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, a strict zero-logs policy, and an effective kill switch that stops your IP address from being leaked to Tinder if your VPN connection drops.
- Check for a VPN service that provides good value for money: Our recommended VPNs offer budget-friendly subscription packages, multiple simultaneous connections, and a money-back guarantee, so you may test their services risk-free.
- Examine if the VPN works in repressive regions: Not all VPNs are ideal for connecting users to a server in another region to access platforms like Tinder. However, we recommend knowing local laws and regulations to validate that using a VPN to access Tinder is not illegal in your country. ExpressVPN is the best service to unblock Tinder in censored regions.
How to download Tinder in restricted countries
The platform is banned in several countries, such as Pakistan, Indonesia, and the UAE. You can use a VPN to bypass these restrictions and access Tinder from anywhere. Follow the steps below to download Tinder with a VPN in restricted countries.
- Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN.
- Download and install the appropriate app.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server where Tinder is not blocked.
- Go to Google Play Store or App Store and download Tinder.
Why is Tinder not working with a VPN?
The dating site is working very hard to defeat GPS spoofing tools. So, there are several possible explanations if you can’t still spoof your Tinder location with a VPN, such as:
- Your device’s cookies reveal your actual location.
- The VPN is leaking your IP address.
- Your device’s GPS location conflicts with your IP address.
- The VPN is unable to evade Tinder’s restrictions.
Use the following tips to solve the above issues:
- Clear your Tinder cache and data.
- Use a different VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Activate the leak protection feature on your VPN.
- Contact the customer support team for assistance.
Can I change my Tinder location with a free VPN?
Free VPNs allow you to use their servers without paying anything. However, we don’t recommend them because they are slow, have poor encryption, install malware, and cannot bypass geo-restrictions. Even worse, most have been caught collecting and selling your data to third parties.
If you are on a budget, the best option is a freemium VPN such as Tunnelbear and ProtonVPN. These are premium VPNs that offer a free plan. Although the number of accessible servers may be limited, you will get better security and privacy than free VPNs.
Changing Tinder location without a VPN
There are other ways to change your Tinder location besides a VPN. So, if you cannot run a VPN, try one of the following four methods instead.
1. Via Tinder passport
Sometimes you can exhaust the potential matches in your locality, or Tinder’s suggestions aren’t your type. However, the dating site allows you to pay a subscription to access additional perks and features like the Tinder passport. It will enable you to explore potential matches in other areas apart from your locality.
The feature lets you select one city at a time but can simulate your location anytime. However, you must pay for the Tinder monthly or yearly subscription.
How to tweak Tinder location with Tinder Plus?
The following steps will help you subscribe to Tinder Plus and change your Tinder location.
- Launch Tinder and open ‘Settings.’
- Select ‘Tinder Plus and make the payment.
- After upgrading successfully, go to your profile and tap on Settings.
- On your device, click ‘Location‘ or ‘Swiping In.’
- Click ‘Add New Location‘ and input the location you want to access Tinder.
- Finally, click ‘Don’t Show my Distance‘ to prevent the app from indicating that you are far away.
2. Faking the GPS
You can change your Tinder location for free if you don’t want to fork any money. While these methods are reliable, Tinder will always try to return you to your original location.
iOS GPS spoofer
Another easy way to change your phone’s location is using a GPS spoofer. An excellent example of an iOS device is MockGo, which is famous for location-based games like Pokemon Go. Thankfully, it doesn’t require you to jailbreak your device.
Use the following steps to configure the MockGo software and change your Tinder location.
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Run the program and connect your phone.
- Click ‘Start‘ to see your current location.
- Activate the ‘Teleport‘ mode to go to a different location.
- Input the address of the place you want to teleport to on the search bar and tap ‘Go.’
- Click ‘Move Here‘ to change your device’s location to your intended coordinates.
Remember that the new coordinates will remain the same after applying the above steps. However, you can use the software to alter your location or restart your device.
Android GPS spoofer
The previous method may not work for you using an Android device. Instead, you must find a GPS spoofer for Android, like ‘Fake GPS location,’ to change your location.
Follow these steps to activate ‘Fake GPS location’ on your device and change your Tinder location.
- Download and install the Fake GPS location app on your device.
- Navigate to ‘Settings.’
- Open ‘Developer Options‘ and activate it by toggling the first option on the screen.
- Turn on ‘Allow Mock Locations‘ if your phone has the option.
- Scroll down and click on the ‘Select mock locations app‘ tab.
- Choose the ‘Fake GPS location‘ app.
- Return to the ‘Settings‘ tab and open the ‘Location‘ tab.
- Set the locating mode to ‘Device only.‘
- Launch Tinder and open ‘Settings.’
- Navigate to ‘Discovery settings.’
- Change the search distance/radius for Tinder to recalibrate your new location.
3. Using the ‘Everywhere for Tinder’ app
Many Android-specific apps, like’ Everywhere for Tinder, can help you change your Tinder location.’ Here is how to use it.
- Download the Everywhere for Tinder app from a responsible third party.
- Open it, and a map will appear on the main screen.
- Select the location you want and click on the green checkmark to confirm the location.
- Launch Tinder and the location will match the one you have chosen on the map.
Open the app and click ‘Stop‘ to revert to your original location. The disadvantage of this method is that Tinder is constantly trying to block it. So, you can use another GPS spoofing technique if this doesn’t work for you.
4. Change Facebook location
You can also change your Tinder location using your account to create Tinder through Facebook. Use the following steps to do it.
- Login into Facebook and open Settings.
- Navigate to ‘Current City‘ and then ‘Add Current City.’
- Type in the location you want and tap on it from the list.
- Click ‘Save‘ to complete the settings.
How to change the Tinder location on your phone
As mentioned earlier, Tinder uses GPS to determine your exact location. However, you can override your GPS location to access users in other countries. Here is how to do it on your Android and iPhone.
- Download a reputable VPN service. Our top choice is ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app and open it.
- Go to Settings > Advanced and enable ‘Override GPS location.’
- Enable ‘Developer Options‘ and enable ‘Mock locations.’
- Navigate to ‘Locations‘ and choose a location.
- Open your Tinder account. It will automatically configure with the new location.
- Swipe to find your potential matches.
Watch out for Tinder Scams
Common Tinder scams
Common strategies con artists use to scam people on Tinder include:
- Traveling upcountry: Swindlers pretend to be servicemen, oil rig workers, or doctors without affiliation to any specific organization.
- Soliciting money: Scammers ask for funds with the excuse that they must buy plane tickets and pay for surgeries, medical expenses, and other bills.
- Fake profiles: Swindlers create fake profiles to hide their identities.
How to avoid Tinder scams?
With the rise in Tinder scams, staying up-to-date with ways to avoid them is essential.
- Avoid giving money to people you don’t know, especially those on Tinder. A Tinder user asking for money is likely to be a con artist.
- Don’t share your private information with unknown persons. Avoid sharing personally identifiable data such as phone numbers, official names, locations, or social security numbers.
- Stick to Tinder messaging instead of switching to other communication platforms such as Whatsapp, Messenger, or email.
What to do if you’ve been scammed on Tinder
If you’ve fallen victim to a Tinder scam, there are several things you can do:
- Terminate communication with the scammer and block them.
- Save a copy of all your exchanges with the person to act as evidence.
- Lodge a complaint report to Tinder. Go to Profile> Scroll down> Report.
- Contact your bank if you’ve lost any funds to the scammer.
- Report the incident to the FTC and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
FAQs
Tinder makes use of location settings to find you a match. The app collects user data using GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
A VPN will help you change your IP address by connecting to a server in whichever location you want. For example, this will enable you to access Tinder users in other places and use Tinder in countries that have blocked it, like Pakistan and UAE.
You could get back on Tinder if you were previously banned with a VPN. First, delete the app, factory reset your phone, and download a VPN. Then, connect to a VPN server in any location, reinstall the Tinder app, and create a new account.
No, you can’t. The entire functionality is based on proximity, which relies on location settings.
It’s not possible to turn off the Tinder location. However, it’s possible to change it.
Changing your location on Tinder makes you available to other users in that location. However, you’ll be invisible to users in your previous location.
Tinder changes location based on GPS. Therefore, whenever the app picks up a new coordinate, it updates to that location. To ensure it’s more accurate, set your location permission to “
.”