Tinder is one of the top dating apps (probably the best) with millions of active users and matches made. Whether you’re looking for love, a casual chat, or just swiping out of boredom, Tinder has become the go-to app for connecting with people worldwide.
However, Tinder has some limitations. For example, you cannot change your location (easily) or search beyond a 100-mile radius unless you subscribe to the premium plans. It is also blocked in some countries and networks, like workplaces and schools.
That’s where a VPN for Tinder comes in. A reliable VPN not only helps you unblock Tinder anywhere, including in countries where it’s restricted (it gives you a new IP address and appears as though you’re in a different part of the world), but also keeps your personal data and conversations secure from prying eyes.
After testing rigorously and conducting immense research, we have compiled a list of the top VPN services to use with Tinder. We will also let you know how to change your location with a VPN and stay safe while using this darting app.
Best VPN for Tinder – Quick list
- NordVPN: It safely change your Tinder location with fast, secure, and widely available servers.
- Surfshark: A budget-friendly VPN that offers GPS spoofing features to unlock Tinder anywhere.
- ExpressVPN: Another top-tier service with super-fast speeds and servers worldwide for smooth Tinder location changes.
- Proton VPN: It is a privacy-first option to keep your Tinder swipes secure and anonymous.
- Total VPN: A simple VPN that hides your IP to access Tinder safely and protects you from possible online threats.
Why do you need a VPN to use Tinder?
Tinder uses GPS to track your location and match you with other nearby users. Without a paid plan, you’re limited to users in your current GPS area and can’t change your location manually. For instance, if you live in the US but travel to France for a holiday, Tinder will only show you matches in France.
Plus, Tinder is currently inaccessible in countries like Cuba, Pakistan, and China. The platform also shut down its service in Russia and Belarus. Governments and authorities impose these restrictions due to cultural or religious norms, censorship, political purposes, or data privacy concerns.
That’s not all; the app is blocked on multiple networks. For instance, you can’t access Tinder in many schools and workplaces.
What’s the solution, we hear you ask. A VPN can help you evade the Tinder restrictions. It enables you to change your IP address and swipe freely from any location you want.
Besides bypassing your location, a VPN also helps you stay safe and anonymous by hiding your internet traffic and keeping you out of prying eyes.
Top-notch Tinder VPN services today- Detailed list
Here are the top five VPNs for Tinder. All of them have reliable security features and abide by strict no-logs policies.
1. NordVPN
One of the most secure and advanced VPN services with premium security and privacy features and unlimited data bandwidth.
8,000+ secure-VPN servers present in 120+ countries
Boasts P2P optimized servers
Double encryption mode
Allows connections to 10 devices simultaneously
30 days of pay-back guarantee
Super-strong protection for web leaks
Has double VPN feature
Comes with customizable kill switch
SmartPlay feature
Has Tor compatibility
Pros
- Bypass Tinder’s location easily
- Commendable seurity features
- An extensive number of server list
Cons
- The desktop app feels outdated
NordVPN is a top choice VPN service for changing your Tinder location. It even works in countries with restrictive laws.
With over 8,000 servers in 126 countries, you will access Tinder from almost anywhere in the world. We tried various locations during our testing, and it consistently unblocked the platform seamlessly.
The VPN delivers high-speed connections so you can use Tinder swipe without hassle. This makes swiping, matching, and chatting seamless.
NordVPN has user-friendly mobile apps that you can easily download from the App Store or Google Play. It also offers apps for desktop, routers, Linux, and smart TVs.
2. Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN service that provides unlimited simultaneous connections and doesn’t compromise on your speed as well as your digital privacy.
More than 3,200 servers scattered in 100 countries
Robust AES 256-bit encryption
MultiHop mode
No limit for simultaneous connections
Refund your money within 30 days
Boasts CleanWeb feature
Has effective Camouflage mode
Pros
- Unblocks Tinder in many locations
- User-friendly and simple interface
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Some servers are unresponsive
Surfshark is another dependable VPN for Tinder. It has quickly gained popularity because of its great privacy and security.
During our tests, Surfshark successfully unblocked Tinder in several locations. Also, you’ll get matches when traveling or in regions where Tinder is restricted.
Surfshark stands out from competitors by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can connect as many devices as you want on a single account. What’s more, it will protect your data with AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. Plus, the VPN also includes a kill switch that prevents your IP from being leaked even if your internet connection drops.
3. ExpressVPN
One of the fastest and most reputable VPN service providers with dependable servers for seamless Tinder access.
More than 3,000 speedy-VPN servers in 100+ countries
Supports P2P connections
Has effective split tunneling
AES 256-bit solid encryption
Allows up to eight connections at once
TrustedServer technology
No leaks
30 days refund policy
Pros
- Advanced security and privacy features
- Blazing-fast servers
- Dependable customer support
Cons
- Slightly expensive plans
ExpressVPN is a convenient VPN to change your Tinder location because of its simplicity and performance. It leverages its proprietary Lightway protocol to deliver stable connections regardless of the server location.
The VPN has apps for almost every device, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. This means you can unblock Tinder, no matter what device you’re using.
ExpressVPN strictly adheres to its no-logs policy. Unlike most competitors, it has completed 23 independent audits since 2018. Moreover, it offers strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption, Network lock (kill switch), DNS leak protection, and TrustedServer technology.
The VPN has a massive network of more than 3,000 fast servers in 120 countries. This will help you swipe and match even in regions where Tinder is blocked or restricted.
4. Proton VPN
The top freemium VPN service that provides an extensive server network and super-fast speeds.
More than 12,000 VPN servers spread in 120+ countries
Solid encryption of AES 256 bits
Connections for 10 devices at once
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Has a strict no-logs policy
Boasts a NetShield feature
Pros
- Reliable free version
- Fast-speed servers
- Open-source applications
Cons
- Higher ping on some servers
Proton VPN is undoubtedly the best free VPN for Tinder. Although the free version has limited features, it’s a better option than completely free VPNs.
Another notable feature is the extensive network of 12,000+ servers in 112 countries, allowing you to access Tinder in your country (if it’s blocked), school, or workplace.
You don’t have to worry about your security and privacy when using Tinder, as Proton VPN implements dependable features like AES 256-bit encryption, Secure Core, no-logs policy, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, kill switch, and NetShield.
The best part is that you’ll be able to access other Proton services, including Proton Mail and Proton Drive, when you subscribe to the Proton VPN service.
5. Total VPN
A decent VPN service that offers a smooth streaming and gaming experience, and seamless access to Tinder where it is geoblocked.
Around 100 VPN servers present in 30 countries
AES 256-bit robust encryption
Premium plan allows 5 simultaneous connections
Refund policy of 30 days
No-logs policy
Offers unlimited bandwidth
Pros
- Reasonably priced plans
- Responsive customer support
- User-friendly applications
Cons
- Limited features
Total VPN is a unique VPN to unblock Tinder from anywhere. It features the OpenVPN protocol, which is standard in the industry. The VPN also supports WireGuard, a modern protocol known for speed and efficiency.
Total VPN uses strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also includes malware and ad-blocker, so you’ll remain safe and private when swiping and finding matches on Tinder.
Best VPN providers for using Tinder: Comparison table
Here is a comprehensive comparison of the top five Tinder VPNs:
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | Total VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server network | Over 8,000 servers, 120+ countries | 3,200+ servers, 100 countries | 3,000+ servers, 105 countries | 12,000+ servers, 112+ countries | Few servers, very limited |
| Supported devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android (inconsistent) |
| VPN protocols | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN (outdated) |
| Security features | AES-256, Kill switch, Double VPN, Threat Protection | AES-256, Kill switch, CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker) | AES-256, Kill switch, TrustedServer tech, Split tunneling | AES-256, Kill switch, Secure Core servers, open-source apps | Weak encryption, logging concerns |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 7 days (when active) |
| Headquarters | Panama | Netherlands | British Virgin Islands | Switzerland | UK (brand resold) |
| Devices per account | 10 | Unlimited | 8 | 10 (free plan: 1) | 5 |
Methodology for choosing the best VPN for Tinder
According to a survey, Tinder is the most popular dating app with over 400 million downloads. These are some of the factors we considered when picking these Tinder VPNs, helping you download the app smoothly from any location.
- Server network: A VPN for Tinder must have an expansive server network beyond Tinder’s 100-mile radius limit to enable you to switch to as many virtual locations as possible.
- Speed: A fast-speed VPN will prevent lag when swiping through the profiles and chatting in the messages.
- Unblocking capability: Choose a VPN that masks your location and hides your Tinder activity, so you don’t get stuck with extra verification puzzles.
- Security: An effective Tinder VPN must use AES 256-bit encryption to secure your traffic and block anyone trying to intercept it.
- Pricing: A good Tinder VPN should be affordable with incentives like a money-back guarantee and multiple simultaneous connections on a single subscription (like Surfshark VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections).
- Reliability: Some VPNs don’t work on some networks and countries where Tinder isn’t available. So, choose a VPN that has an obfuscation feature to enable you to access Tinder in restrictive networks and countries.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Tinder?
Yes, using a Tinder VPN is legal in most countries. However, some countries like China and the UAE either restrict or ban VPN usage. So, using a Tinder VPN in these countries could put you at risk of penalties under local laws.
While using VPN for Tinder may be legal, Tinder’s terms of service may prohibit it. The app doesn’t allow users to misrepresent their location, and it may flag, limit, suspend, or permanently suspend your account.
Can a free VPN unblock Tinder?
You’ve probably come across a free VPN, which seems appealing since it doesn’t ask for a credit card or other payment details.
However, you should avoid free VPNs because of the various reasons. First, free VPNs have fewer server locations, reducing your options for changing your actual location. Second, most free VPNs use poor encryption standards, with some even harvesting and selling your data to third parties.
Moreover, free VPNs enforce monthly or daily bandwidth caps, restricting your Tinder access if you surpass the limit.
On the other hand, the premium VPNs on this list give you attractive discounts along with money-back guarantees. For example, NordVPN gives you 77% off plus three free months on the two-year plan.
How to change your Tinder location
A VPN is the easiest way to change your location on Tinder if it’s blocked in your country. Here is how to do it.
- Choose a reliable VPN. Our top recommendation is NordVPN, due to its reliability and extensive server network.
- Download and install the VPN application on your device.
- Connect to a server location where Tinder is available. For instance, the app is accessible in over 190 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and more.
- Open the Tinder app and get swiping.
Other methods to change your Tinder location
Apart from changing your Tinder location using a VPN’s GPS spoofing, here are other ways you can see users beyond Tinder’s 100-mile restriction.
- Get a Tinder passport: Upgrading to Tinder’s premium plans allows you to unlock the passport feature, where you can change your location to any city you want.
- Tweak your device location: Tinder detects your GPS location based on what your device broadcasts. So, change your device’s GPS location and reload Tinder. Unfortunately, other apps and services that rely on your actual location will have to reset.
Why is Tinder blocked in some countries?
Tinder is blocked in some countries because of government policies on internet use, dating, and sexual content. The reasons vary depending on the country:
- Religious and cultural restrictions: Some countries, like Iran, Pakistan Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, ban Tinder because casual dating and sexual relationships outside marriage conflict with local laws or religious rules.
- Censorship of adult content: Some governments classify Tinder as a platform that promotes adult or explicit material, so they block it to control access.
- Social interactions control: Authorities in countries with strict internet regulation limit apps that encourage meeting strangers, fearing they may undermine traditional values.
How to download Tinder in a restricted country
Some countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and the UAE restrict access to Tinder. Thankfully, you can use a VPN to evade these restrictions. Use these steps to download Tinder in a country where it’s restricted using a VPN.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN because of its massive server coverage and strong security features.
- Download and install the mobile app for your preferred VPN.
- Connect to a server in a non-restricted location (the United States) by clicking ‘Selected Location’.
- Go to the Google Play Store and App Store to download Tinder.
- Create an account and start swiping.
Tinder scams
Tinder scams are one of the most common online scams today. For example, in 2023, the FTC received over 41,000 reports of romance scams from dating sites such as Tinder. In fact, dating scams are rising each year, with losses now twice as high as five years ago.
Usually, scammers create fake profiles, build emotional connections, and request money for emergencies, trips, or investments.
How to avoid Tinder scams
Although dating comes with challenges, you can avoid some scams:
- Never send money to people on Tinder, especially if you haven’t met them in person. It’s probably a scam, and you won’t recover your money.
- Don’t share personal information such as your full name, phone number, or address, as scammers can use it to commit identity theft.
- Keep your conversations on Tinder instead of switching to email or messaging apps.
FAQs
The easiest way to change your Tinder location is with a VPN. You’ll only need to connect to a VPN server in any location you want, and it will assign you a different IP address. NordVPN is our top recommendation because of its massive server network and strong security features.
Tinder blocks some people using VPNs, but that usually happens with low-quality services that are easily detectable. That’s why we recommend high-quality VPNs like NordVPN. It implements advanced features such as obfuscated servers to make you completely anonymous online.
No, Tinder location doesn’t change automatically in real time. If you travel but don’t launch the app, Tinder will still show your last active location. So, to change your location without actually traveling, you can use Tinder’s Passport feature or a VPN.
While Tinder may block some VPNs, using one to change your location is still legal. Unfortunately, Tinder could limit or suspend your account if it detects VPN use.
Yes, some free VPNs can help you alter your Tinder location. However, we don’t recommend them because they often have significant limitations, like fewer servers and data caps, which can compromise your Tinder experience.
