How to Unblock TikTok – Bypass the US Ban with a VPN (2024)

At a Glance

TikTok is in danger of being banned by the U.S. government. While we won’t know for a while if the ban will go ahead against the social video platform, due to the usual legal and governmental delays, it’s looking more and more like the ax is going to fall. TikTok is already banned in several countries: Afghanistan, China (I know, I’ll explain later), India, and Pakistan (on and off since 2020). It is also banned from government devices in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Somalia, and several other countries.

Pixel Privacy has already covered theTikTok security issues and scamsthat exist, as well as how TikTok can be athreat to your privacy. This article will focus on how to still access TikTok when it is blocked in your location, which very soon could include theUnited States. I’ll cover how to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to regain access to TikTok by using its geolocation spoofing abilities. I’ll also clue you into how a VPN can provide protection against online perils, like trackers, hackers, and other TikTok users (oh my!).

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

The top VPNs on this list all offer a fully-featured risk-free trial of 30 days or more. You can use any of the top rated VPNs for TikTok with no restrictions for a full month or longer. There are no hidden terms or “gotchas” – just contact support within 30 days if you decide the VPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund.

Best VPNs for Unblocking TikTok

After testing and ranking several VPN providers, I have compiled a list of the top seven VPNs for unblocking TikTok should the U.S. ban move forward.

In case you’re in a hurry to get back to your favorite TikTok’er, here’s a quick TL;DR list of the top VPNs. For more information about each VPN provider, look for the full reviews a bit later in this article.

The best VPNs for unblocking TikTok:

1. NordVPN: #1 VPN provider for unblocking TikTok.NordVPN’s fast and well-protected connections do an excellent job of unblocking social platforms, like TikTok. The provider offers comprehensive native app support, a large global server network, and complete online security and privacy services. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for unblocking TikTok.Surfshark is my top budget VPN provider, leaving you with plenty of change in your pocket to support your favorite influencer. It offers an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, huge server network, blazingly-fast connections, and comprehensive protection, all for a low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for unblocking TikTok.ExpressVPN, although admittedly the most expensive VPN on this list, provides premium online protection, while reliably unblocking content like that offered by TikTok, thanks to its huge server network.
4. CyberGhost: Good choice for rookie VPN users.CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps – which offer one-click online protection and enhancement – are perfect for users with no experience using a VPN. The provider offers apps for most popular connected devices.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA):Reliable TikTok unblocking.PIA not only unblocks TikTok and other content around the globe, its comprehensive online security and privacy protect you while you’re taking the latest TikTok challenge.
6. PrivateVPN:David among Goliaths VPN.PrivateVPN has the lowest server count of any provider on this list. However, the provider offers comprehensive online security and privacy protection for the top connected device, while providing reliable access to content in the countries it serves.
7. PureVPN:Quality VPN protection.PureVPN’s apps and servers provide both comprehensive online protection and access to blocked content, including TikTok and other social platforms.

When choosing which VPN providers to recommend for unblocking TikTok, I considered the following features:

• Ability to unblock TikTok
• Global server coverage
• Online protection
• Connection speeds
• Customer support
• App support

You can read more about all of the features I considered in the testing methodology section found a bit later in this article.

Here are my top VPN service providers for unblocking TikTok.

1. NordVPN

Jun 2024

NordVPNis my top pick for unblocking TikTok, thanks to its fast connection speeds and excellent global server coverage.

At the time of this writing, the provider has 6,400+ servers stationed in 110+ countries, providing access to content and social platforms in most areas of the globe.

NordVPN uses banking-grade encryption, an automatickill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and malware and ad blocking to keep its customers safe from online monitoring and other dangers.

The provider runs its servers 100% free of user logs, while also accepting Bitcoin payments, keeping both your online activities and your payment information undercover. NordVPN’s owned-and-operated servers mean outside contractors are kept away from your personal data.All NordVPN servers are operated 100% from volatile RAM, writing nothing to a permanent storage device such as a hard drive or SSD. This ensures that all data is automatically wiped whenever a server is rebooted or powered down.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the industry, providing more than enough bandwidth to handle streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities.No data caps or bandwidth throttling to cut you off in mid TikTok binge.

This provider offers native app support for most popular connected devices, including offerings for iOS, Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, ChromeOS, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, and the provider is compatible with select routers.

The provider allows users to simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to its servers.

NordVPN customer support offerings include always available live chat, email, and a searchable support library.

A no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

THE BEST VPN FOR UNBLOCKING TIKTOK:NordVPN providesfast access to TikTok and other geo-controlled content around the globe for most popular devices, while also providing top-notch privacy and security protection. The provider offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read myfull review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Surfsharkcharges a budget-friendly fee for its services, making it an excellent option for internet users on a tight budget.

Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 99+ countries provide reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.

Your online security is protected by Surfshark, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider also offers ad and tracker blocking, along with malware and phishing protection.

Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency in return for its services, and the provider never saves logs of your online activities. All Surfshark servers are run solely from RAM, ensuring all data is totally wiped from the servers whenever they are restarted or powered down.

Surfshark’s super-fast connections provide an enjoyable streaming, gaming, or file sharing experience. The provider’s average download speeds were the fastest by a long way in my most recent connection speed tests. There are never any bandwidth throttling data caps on your VPN usage.

The provider’s app selection includes options for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, Apple TV (running tvOS 17 or later), and Android TV devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider also offers support for several routers.

Subscribers can make unlimited simultaneous connections to the provider’s servers.

The provider offers 24/7 chat, a searchable support library, and a “Contact Us” form.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR TIKTOK:Surfshark providesunlimited, fast, and well-protected connections. The provider’s comprehensive device support, large global server network, and responsive customer support are all available for a budget price. Surfshark’s budget-priced services can be tried for 30 days.

Read myfull review of Surfshark.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPNprovides premium VPN services, albeit at a premium price. That said, the provider offers excellent value for the extra money.

The provider’s huge global server network includes 3,000+ servers in more than 100 countries around the world.The network provides reliable access to TikTok and other geo-controlled content around most of the globe.

ExpressVPN uses banking-grade encryption to keep their users’ online activities hidden, along with IP/DNS leak prevention and a kill switch. You can use Bitcoin to pay for your subscription, protecting your payment privacy and the provider follows a strict no-server-logs policy, protecting your usage privacy.

The provider was ahead of the trend when it came to running all of its server operations from RAM, ExpressVPN servers write no data to a physical storage device, ensuring that all data is securely wiped from the server upon every reboot or shutdown.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds can easily handle streaming video, online games, and sharing of large files. There are no data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about when using this provider.

ExpressVPN’s app support includes native apps for macOS, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Apple TV (iOS 17 or later), Android TV, Amazon Fire, and ChromeOS devices. Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are available, and the provider offers support for several routers, offering customized firmware for some routers.

Users can connect up to eight devices at once to ExpressVPN’s servers.

ExpressVPN’saround-the-clock customer supportincludes 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a support library.

BEST PREMIUM VPN FOR TIKTOK:While ExpressVPN’s servicescome at an admittedly high price, the provider is worth the expense. The provider’s fast connection speeds, ability to reliably access TikTok and geo-fenced content around the world, and support for popular devices all add up to great value. The provider has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read myfull review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost’seasy-to-use VPN service is an excellent VPN option for first-time VPN users.

The provider’s server network is quite large, with11,500+ servers in 99+ countries. Scattered among those servers are streaming-, gaming-, and downloading-optimized servers.

CyberGhost’s connections are protected by military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and ad and malware blocking.

The provider saves no logs connected to your internet antics, and Bitcoin is a subscription payment option, keeping your overall privacy protected.

CyberGhost’s speedy connections can handle every popular online activity. The provider offers streaming-, downloading-, and gaming-optimized servers in several locations around the globe. There are never any data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about.

CyberGhost provides intuitive apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. CyberGhost’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox provide free in-browser VPN protection. Support is also available for select routers.

Customers can simultaneously connect up to seven devices to the provider’s servers on a single account.

This VPN’s customer support department offers 24/7 support chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

CyberGhost’s money-back guarantee period for a one-month subscription is only 14 days, 45 days for one-year and two-year subscriptions.

BEST VPN FOR FIRST-TIMERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-useapps make it an attractive option for rookie VPN users. The provider offers reliable online protection and enhancement for most popular connected devices. Free browser extensions make it easy to hide your browser activity. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee for its extended subscription options.

Read myfull review of CyberGhost.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA)does an excellent job of unblocking blocked content, while providing online protection for most popular connected devices.

The provider has 35,000+ servers located in 90+ countries, providingreliable access to TikTok as well as geo-fenced contentin several countries.

All of PIA’s connections are well-protected as the provider uses banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The VPN can also block ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

The provider’s servers are run completely free of user logs, so there are no records saved of your online activities. A Bitcoin subscription payment option makes sure your payment information stays incognito.

PIA has joined the growing ranks of VPN providers that run their servers 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a permanent storage device. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from a server when it is restarted or powered down.

PIA’s connection speeds are the next to slowest on this list. However, the provider’s connections are certainly fast enough to easily handle most popular online activities (as long as your ISP-provided connection speeds are up to it). PIA never ruins your TikTok binges by imposing data caps or by throttling your bandwidth.

Native app support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with some routers.

PIA allows customers to make an unlimited number of simultaneous connections to its servers and support options include live chat, a trouble ticket tracker, and a support library.

The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

RELIABLE VPN FOR TIKTOK FANS:PIA’s global servernetwork provides reliable access to TikTok and other geo-controlled content around much of the globe. The provider’s comprehensive online security and privacy keeps your activities incognito. The provider offers an unlimited connections allowance. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of Private Internet Access.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN‘slow server count is a drawback, although the provider has done a good job of spreading around the servers they do have.

PrivateVPN has more than 200 servers in 63+ countries, providing reliable access to content in the countries where it has servers.

The provider also scored the worst on this list in the connection speeds department. That said,the provider’s connections are up to handling your favorite online activities(insert usual caveat about your ISP-provided speeds here). PrivateVPN never spoils a good time with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PrivateVPN doesn’t come up short when it comes to protecting its customers’ connections, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption and IP/DNS leak protection.The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps its customers’ VPN usage undercover by making it appear to be normal browser activity.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records being kept of your online travels. A cryptocurrency payment option ensures that your payment information is kept undercover.

PrivateVPN offers somewhat limited native app support. The provider’s app options are limited to Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. While the provider doesn’t offer browser extensions, it can be manually configured to work with select routers.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to the PrivateVPN server network.

PrivateVPN support offers chat, a support request form, and a non-searchable FAQ page.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

“STEALTHY” VPN:While PrivateVPN hasthe lowest number of servers on this list, it spreads them around quite well. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage undercover. Device support could be better, but they do support the top five devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read myfull review of PrivateVPN.

7. PureVPN

PureVPNprovides excellent VPN protection for popular devices, while providing access to TikTok from just about anywhere.

PureVPN’s global server network boasts 6,000+ servers, located in 65+ countries. The provider’s good-sized network provides reliable access to TikTok, as well as just about any other type of geo-controlled content in many areas of the globe.

All of PureVPN’s customers’ connections are kept secure with government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.

The provider follows a strictno-logspolicy, ensuring that no records are ever kept of your online activities. A cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information undercover.

Its connection speeds are impressively fast. PureVPN never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers’ VPN use.

PureVPN offers app support for Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Android, Android TV, Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later), iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Browser extensions for the Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave platforms are also available. Some WiFi routers can be manually configured to work with the provider.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PureVPN’s servers by a single user.

PureVPN’s support department offers chat, email, and a searchable knowledge base.

PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee (and that’s one higher than 30, innit?).

PROTECTS YOUR TIKING AND TOKING:PureVPN providesreliable access to TikTok content, while also offering comprehensive online security and privacy protection. The provider offers native app support for most connected platforms. Comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read myfull review of PureVPN.

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Unblocking TikTok

If the U.S. government goes through with its TikTok ban, a VPN will be a vital tool in your privacy and content access arsenal. You should carefully consider several factors before subscribing to any VPN for this purpose.

These are the features I considered when creating this list of VPNs for unblocking TikTok.

• Connection speeds:Video streamingrequires a fast internet connection even when you’re just looking at TikTok-sized videos. The VPNs on this list providefast connections.
• Server network:A VPN should have servers in as many countries as possible. This allows you better access to geo-controlled content, like TikTok. Bonus points if a provider has multiple servers in each country, as that helps prevent any single server from being overloaded by too many users at once.
• Value:To determine a VPN provider’s true value, compare its asking price to the features it offers. The VPNs on this list all offer an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use:A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for popular connected devices. The VPN services I included on this list offer intuitive apps for many popular devices.
• Security and privacy:Government-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention are what you should expect at a minimum. A strict no-logs policy is also a requirement on the privacy end of things. The VPNs on this list provide excellent security and privacy protection.
• Streaming:Streaming video is a popular online pastime. The VPNs on this list offer reliable access to several streaming services, such asAmazon Prime Video,Hulu,Netflix,BBC iPlayer, andSpotify, as well as social video sites like TikTok.

The list above includes just some of the features I researched as a part of my comprehensiveVPN testing methodology. My data-driven research approach provides a full understanding of each VPN provider and their services. This allows me to only recommend VPNs that are the best fit for my readers’ needs.

How Can I Unblock TikTok With a VPN?

TikTok bans can come in multiple flavors. A country may followChina’slead and force Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to TikTok servers, making the app worthless. Or, the country may do as India did, requiring Google Play and Apple’s App Store to remove TikTok from their stores. This means you’ll need access to another country’s version of the two app stores.

No matter if TikTok is blocked at the server level or the app store level, a VPN can help you regain access to TikTok.

Here’s how to unblock TikTok if your ISP is blocking access:

1. Download and install a TikTok VPN app onto your device. My #1 VPN for unblocking TikTok isNordVPN.
2. Open the VPN app and log in.
3. Select a server located in a country where TikTok is not blocked.
4. Connect to the VPN.
5. Open TikTok and enjoy it as you normally would.

What If TikTok Isn’t Available in My Country’s App Store?

If TikTok is unavailable in your country’s app store, do the following:

Apple App Store

If TikTok is no longer available in the App Store in your country, the easiest way to get it is to create a new Apple ID and select a country where you know it is still available.

Alternatively, can change an existing Apple ID to a country where it is available:

1. On your iPhone, open your VPN app of choice and connect to the country you want to switch your Apple ID to.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap your name, (it’s at the top of the Settings menu).
4. Tap “iTunes & App Store.”
5. Tap your Apple ID, then “View Apple ID.” Sign in if prompted.
6. Select “Country/Region”-> “Change Country or Region.”
7. Tap the country that your VPN is connected to.
8. Agree to the terms and conditions.
9. Select a local payment method. You’ll likely need to purchase a prepaid debit card for that country.

Keep in mind that you might lose your existing App Store credit and purchases when switching countries.

Google Play

If TikTok has been removed from Google Play in your country, here’s how to switch to another country’s version of Google Play:

1. On your Android device, fire up your VPN app of choice and connect to the country you want to switch to.
2. Open the Google Play app.
3. Tap the Hamburger Menu (the three horizontal bars in the top-right corner).
4. Tap “Account.”
5. Under “Country and profiles,” you’ll see the option to Switch to the country you’ve chosen with your VPN.
6. Enter a local form of payment for that country. If you don’t have one, you can buy a prepaid debit card for that country.
7. The Google Play Store will automatically change to the new country sometime in the next 24 hours.

Keep in mind that you are only allowed to change your Google Play country once per year, and you may lose access to your account balance and previous purchases when switching countries.

In Closing

While we don’t know for sure when the United States government’s ban on TikTok will go into effect, or if TikTok parent company ByteDance’s legal challenge will successfully block the ban, it’s good to be ready just in case. As we’ve seen, you have options for easily getting around any TikTok roadblocks that may appear in your way.

TikTok Unblocking VPN FAQs

Is TikTok Safe?

TikTok carries similar privacy and security risks to other major social networks. Most of the issues with TikTok are over the possibility that the Chinese government would have access to all of the personal and financial information the service collects.

Is It Legal to Access TikTok With a VPN in a Country Where It’s Banned?

Usually, bans like the one the U.S. government wants to place on TikTok concerns the app stores that offer the app, not the users themselves. This means that it is probably not illegal to access TikTok in countries where it’s banned. However, no one here at Pixel Privacy is a lawyer (we haven’t even played one on TV), so do not consider any of the information in this article as legal advice. Always check the local laws before using TikTok in countries where it is banned.

Is TikTok Banned in India?

Yes, TikTok is just one of hundreds of popular apps that are banned in India because of their affiliation with China. Other well-known apps that are banned include WeChat, Weibo, Clash of Kings, and several others. However, using a VPN should help tobypass the Indian roadblocks.