Best VPN for TikTok: Beat the TikTok Ban From Anywhere in 2025
The best VPN for TikTok can change your IP address to a country where TikTok isn’t banned, so you can keep up with your favorite creators like before. See which VPNs we recommend and which ones you’re better off avoiding.
TikTok has nearly 2 billion users globally, but if you’re unlucky enough to live in a country where the social media video app is banned, then you’ll need a reliable VPN for TikTok to bypass the block.
The most important qualities of the best TikTok VPN are similar to those of the best VPN overall. Look for an affordable service that’s easy to use, works smoothly on popular devices to browse TikTok videos and has fast speeds for a smooth streaming experience.
There’s a lot of chaff to separate from the wheat in the VPN market, but we’ve done the hard work for you. In a pinch, you should give NordVPN a try; you can get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days.
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04/16/2023 Facts checked
On Friday, April 14, 2023, Montana made history by becoming the first U.S. state to enact a TikTok ban with SB 419. The ban will go into effect in January 2024 if Governor Greg Gianforte signs the bill.
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04/20/2023 Facts checked
Rewritten to include two more providers and more recent information on a potential ban of the TikTok platform in the U.S.
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11/02/2023 Facts checked
Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s expansion of server presence from 94 to 105 countries.
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03/18/2024 Facts checked
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to ban TikTok in the United States. The latest changes in the article reflect this new legislation.
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07/15/2024 Facts checked
Updated the article to reflect PrivadoVPN as the best free option.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We revised the provider order based on our comprehensive reevaluation of the VPNs’ capabilities and value.
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01/22/2025 Facts checked
We’ve rewritten this article with up-to-date reports on each VPN and with a new emphasis on the potential TikTok ban in the United States.
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03/17/2025 Facts checked
We updated this article to include more details on NordVPN and additional information on circumventing TikTok bans.
Cloudwards’ Choice: NordVPN
Why Can’t I Log In to TikTok?
If you find you can’t log in to your TikTok account, it’s probably not because of a nationwide ban. It’s nearly impossible to enforce a law on every citizen’s phone, so most bans settle for making it illegal to list TikTok on in-country websites or offer it in app stores. Those who already have TikTok installed can still use it, but they won’t be able to update it.
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Having a working TikTok app but being unable to log in is likely due to faulty login credentials, a poor internet connection or TikTok admins banning your individual account. Make sure you’re using the right username and password, and check your internet connection or data network to be sure it’s not dropping.
When TikTok actively blocks users from a specific country (as opposed to a country blocking TikTok), the platform can detect your location through your device’s SIM card registration data, bypassing your IP address.
This explains why VPNs were largely ineffective during TikTok’s brief U.S. blackout in January — the app could still identify American users regardless of their apparent IP location.
If TikTok has banned your account for violating the terms of service, you’ll get a notification upon trying to log in. This notification is clear and informative enough that you shouldn’t mistake it for any other kind of failed login attempt. You can still use the account to appeal the ban, but you won’t be able to view content, post anything or interact.
Where Is TikTok Banned?
TikTok is already banned outright in several countries, including Afghanistan, India, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Nepal, Senegal, Somalia, Uzbekistan and, ironically, China itself. These governments tend to cite either concerns about Chinese spying or fears of socially disruptive content.
Several countries have instituted and later rescinded bans on TikTok, including Pakistan, which has imposed four separate temporary bans but doesn’t currently have one in effect. Bangladesh banned TikTok in 2021 for moral reasons, but lifted the ban in exchange for promises to moderate content more closely.
Many more jurisdictions have declined to ban TikTok outright but have made it illegal to download the app on government devices. So far, this list includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, the EU, France, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan, the U.K. and the United States.
Is the US Banning TikTok?
In April 2024, the U.S. government passed a law called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACAA). Commonly referred to as the “U.S. TikTok ban,” its goal is to protect U.S. TikTok users and the country’s national security from the Chinese owner, ByteDance, and the Chinese government.
TikTok appealed to the Supreme Court, but the Court upheld the law, which led to the ban going into effect on Jan. 19, 2025.
However, the U.S. bill is not an outright TikTok ban, nor does it impose criminal penalties for Americans who use TikTok. The bill applies only to ByteDance, requiring it to either sell TikTok to an American-approved buyer by early 2025 or face removal from U.S. app stores and web hosting services.
With the ban, you’ll no longer be able to update your TikTok app if your app store knows you’re in the U.S. Over time, the app will stop working. However, recent political developments have created uncertainty around enforcement timelines.
U.S. TikTok Ban in Limbo
In anticipation of the ban, TikTok retaliated by shutting off access to U.S. TikTok accounts. (Note that VPNs do not work to bypass this type of block because TikTok can geolocate by SIM card.) However, U.S. President Trump promised to delay the ban by 75 days, and TikTok lifted its blackout within 24 hours.
Although TikTok is active again in the U.S., it’s still a mixed bag with app updates; the Google Play store and Apple store are still blocking app downloads with the law still in place. It’s not clear if the law can be repealed, so the situation can return within the 75 day extension.
With so much up in the air, it’s best to be prepared with a reliable VPN, which can help you bypass geoblocks, access TikTok and continue to enjoy videos on the app.
The 5 Best VPN for TikTok
If TikTok is banned in your country, you’ll need a reliable VPN to change your IP address to a country where it isn’t yet banned. VPNs also provide extra online security, hide your online activities from your internet service provider (ISP) and help you access your favorite TikTok content.
Some VPNs also offer port forwarding capabilities, which can provide more stable connections when accessing TikTok in countries with sophisticated blocking systems.
Here are our picks for the five best VPNs for TikTok.
1. NordVPN — Best VPN for TikTok

to access TikTok from anywhere.
NordVPN is our pick for the best overall VPN, in recognition of its excellence in several features — most prominently how it maintains over 90% of your download speed even over long distances, and how it makes security features like obfuscated servers easily accessible.
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are designed to bypass deep packet inspection, making it extremely effective against advanced censorship techniques used to block TikTok.
The service has also improved its auto-connect feature to be more reliable when switching between networks. The app now maintains auto-connect settings even when offline and automatically reconnects you as soon as you’re back online, ensuring continuous protection while using TikTok on the go.
iOS users can add a NordVPN widget to their control center for instant VPN connections, making it even faster to secure their connection before launching TikTok with just a swipe and tap.
Android users, on the other hand, will appreciate NordVPN’s revamped split tunneling feature, which is now more intuitive and easier to configure. This allows you to route only your TikTok traffic through the VPN while keeping other apps on your regular connection for optimal performance.
The NordLynx protocol, a more private WireGuard, is the best in the business. However, NordVPN recently introduced NordWhisper, a specialized protocol designed to bypass restrictive networks that block VPN traffic.
Unlike traditional VPN protocols, NordWhisper doesn’t have distinct traffic signatures that reveal it as a VPN connection, making it ideal for accessing TikTok in countries with sophisticated VPN detection systems.
To future-proof your security, NordVPN now offers post-quantum encryption that protects against potential threats from quantum computers. This advanced encryption method ensures your TikTok browsing remains secure even as computing technology evolves, which is particularly important for users in countries where internet surveillance is common.
Additionally, NordVPN features Meshnet, which grants you enormous power to customize your VPN experience. With a highly forgiving learning curve, Meshnet lets you use one of your own devices as a VPN server, so you can use TikTok via that device when you’re in a restricted country. You can also use Meshnet for quick file sharing and remote LAN parties.
NordVPN Hands-On Testing
Almost every aspect of NordVPN feels designed for ease and luxury. There are some hangups — we almost never use the map screen instead of the server list — but connections establish quickly and servers are a cinch to find.
NordVPN is also compatible with every device capable of browsing or posting on TikTok. You can learn all about it in our full NordVPN review.
NordVPN Pricing & Value
NordVPN comes with four different subscription types, each of which is sold for three different durations — one month, 12 months and 24 months. The best NordVPN deal is the 24-month Basic plan, which provides full VPN service at the lowest monthly price. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which NordVPN has always honored in our experience.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — Best TikTok VPN for Multiple Devices

Surfshark is a close runner-up on most of our “best VPN” lists. Its top perks include some of the fastest VPN download and upload speeds, and the ability to use an unlimited number of devices on each account, which stretches its affordable long-term plans even further. Latency can be an issue, though, so NordVPN may be better for live streaming.
You’ll also find a number of unique privacy features, including NoBorders mode, which scans for restrictions on free internet use and automatically picks the best server to get around them.
NoBorders mode is particularly useful for accessing TikTok in heavily restricted environments, in countries with sophisticated censorship systems or on school networks with advanced filtering tools. Users in the U.S., Russia, India and other countries with TikTok bans will find a wide range of servers they can use to get necessary updates.
Surfshark Hands-On Testing
As you can read in our in-depth Surfshark review, it takes only about five minutes from starting the sign-up process to get online with a foreign IP address. That’s just the first time — after that, it’s just a matter of opening the app, clicking a server location and getting back to enjoying TikTok to the fullest.
Surfshark Pricing & Value
Surfshark comes with three subscription types, but the most basic — Surfshark Starter — is all you need for TikTok. The monthly plan is annoyingly expensive, but the 15-month and 27-month options are far more reasonable. There’s a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee on every plan.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Best TikTok VPN for Beginners

In order for VPN traffic to not be immediately discovered, the VPN provider needs to maintain a large fleet of servers and continually update them. ExpressVPN meets that demand handily. It has servers in 105 countries, none of which we’ve ever seen be caught by a streaming service — or get us in trouble with TikTok.
User-friendliness is ExpressVPN’s other top selling point. It’s the least cluttered VPN client on iOS and Android right now, so even total beginners won’t find any obstacles to trip them up. This comes at the cost of ExpressVPN having relatively fewer features than the competition, but there’s still a lot to like.
For example, ExpressVPN’s implementation of the OpenVPN protocol provides excellent security while maintaining the speeds needed for smooth TikTok video streaming. You can learn more about the service in our ExpressVPN review.
ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing
ExpressVPN’s mobile app is operated via an unmissable giant button, which automatically connects you to your chosen server location. Just navigate to the list, tap the name of a country without a TikTok ban and you’re good to go. The preferences menu is sorted into tabs, where every option is controlled by means of a simple checkbox.
ExpressVPN Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN is the most expensive provider on this list. However, if the TikTok ban is here to stay, it’s worth shelling out the cash for ExpressVPN. Your options are a 15-month plan or a 28-month plan; all ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. PrivadoVPN — Best Free VPN for TikTok

We understand if you don’t want to pay a VPN provider to access TikTok, considering it was free to access before the ban was passed. If you feel this way, go with PrivadoVPN, our choice for the best free VPN. Its free plan includes servers in Canada and Mexico that run fast enough to download updates from the U.S.
The bad news about PrivadoVPN’s free plan is that you can use only 10GB per month before it drops your download speeds to 1 Mbps. The good news is that 10GB is more than enough to download regular TikTok updates, which is all you really need to do to beat the ban. Get the whole story in our complete PrivadoVPN review.
PrivadoVPN Hands-On Testing
We’ve used a lot of budget VPNs that sacrifice performance to remain cheap, but PrivadoVPN does it better. Everything in the app is easy to find and works quickly, and the server list and settings menus will get you in and out fast. Connection speeds can be unfortunately slow, though again, it’s not a problem if you just need TikTok updates.
PrivadoVPN Pricing & Value
We’ve already detailed PrivadoVPN’s free plan. If you prefer an unlimited plan, you can pay a little to remove the data caps and get the full server network of 66 locations. There are three subscription terms — one month, 15 months and 28 months — with the latter two plans covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 10GB
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- Unlimited GB
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5. CyberGhost — Best Automated VPN for TikTok

CyberGhost is a great VPN for many purposes. Several of its server locations are built to unblock specific streaming services, while others are optimized for gaming or torrenting. It’s not quite as good as NordVPN’s specialty server menu, since there’s no obfuscation, but it’s still a valuable addition.
However, for TikTok specifically, CyberGhost’s uneven download and upload speeds make it only our fifth-place choice for watching videos. Like PrivadoVPN, it’s best for downloading updates if TikTok is banned from your app store — its tightly controlled NoSpy servers in Romania can make sure you won’t get in trouble for circumventing a ban.
CyberGhost Hands-On Testing
CyberGhost is designed similarly to ExpressVPN, which means it’s very easy to use. All you need to do is choose a server location and tap the large button to connect. CyberGhost’s Android and iOS apps omit some of the more complex features, so essentially all you can do is get online.
CyberGhost Pricing & Value
CyberGhost has a simple pricing structure, and the two CyberGhost plan options are affordable. You can sign up for six months or 26 months, with the latter plan saving the most money over time. The six-month and 26-month plans come with a 45-day refund period.
Can You Use a Free VPN for TikTok?
You can use free VPN services for TikTok, but you should be careful. Free VPNs are a common vector for scams and malware, and those that aren’t actively malicious often fail to do their jobs.
The free VPNs we do trust are the ones that also offer paid plans, since it’s clear where their money comes from. The best free VPNs include PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, TunnelBear, Windscribe and hide.me.
The Best Free VPN for TikTok: PrivadoVPN
Like we described in the main list above, PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for TikTok. The free plan gives users 10GB of unlimited-bandwidth data per month and 13 well-distributed server locations. You can even keep using it for free after using up your 10GB, though it’ll impose severe bandwidth limits after that point.
How to Unblock TikTok With a VPN
Unblocking TikTok with a VPN is a simple process. Remember that even with a ban, you may not need a VPN to access TikTok, but you will need one to update it. We’ll show you how to access TikTok by using NordVPN.
- Download a VPN
Either subscribe to a VPN service, like NordVPN, or choose a reputable free VPN. Create an account with your chosen provider, then download its VPN app onto the device where you use TikTok.
- Connect to a Server Outside the Ban Region
Look for the closest server to you in a country where TikTok isn’t banned. If you’re in the U.S., that’s likely to be Canada or Mexico, though servers in Europe and South America often have good speeds too.
- Update TikTok From the App Store
Go to the Apple app store or Google Play store and check for any updates needed to keep TikTok running smoothly. If you don’t see TikTok, you may need to change your app store location to match the VPN server location.
To do so on iOS, open the app store, tap your profile icon, select your Apple ID, then tap “country/region” to switch to a location where TikTok is available. You’ll need to accept the terms and choose “none” as your payment method, then enter a billing address from that country (address generators can help with this).
Once your store location is changed, you can download TikTok like normal. You should now be able to open your TikTok app and use your account freely.
When using a VPN to access TikTok on Android devices, it’s helpful to clear the Play store’s cached data first. Go to “settings” > “apps” > “Google Play store” > “storage” > “clear data.”
This reset ensures the store doesn’t retain your previous location information, allowing the VPN’s new location to take full effect when downloading or updating TikTok.
If TikTok bans users in your country, like it did briefly for the United States, then a VPN might not work because TikTok can track user locations through SIM cards.
Methodology: How We Chose the Best TikTok VPNs
The most important feature for a good TikTok VPN is the ability to establish leak-proof connections with servers in other countries. We rigorously test each VPN for DNS leaks that could reveal your true location to TikTok despite using a VPN connection.
We also test every VPN in several locations, looking for speed, convenience and user-friendliness. We evaluate each VPN’s server network diversity, prioritizing providers with servers in countries neighboring those with TikTok bans for optimal speed and reliability.
In addition, we test each VPN’s kill switch reliability to ensure your real IP address won’t be exposed to TikTok if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
Several of our recommended VPNs support the Shadowsocks protocol, an open-source encryption method particularly effective at bypassing censorship in regions with heavy TikTok restrictions.
In addition, since TikTok is primarily a mobile app, we prioritize VPNs with mobile-specific features like streamlined interfaces and battery optimization for iOS and Android devices.
We also evaluate each VPN’s ability to bypass network firewalls commonly employed by schools, workplaces and restrictive governments to block TikTok access.
Here’s a little more about our criteria.
- Security: If the VPN leaks your real location, it’ll fail to circumvent the TikTok ban. We put each provider through rigorous DNS leak tests and make sure they can handle IPv6 and WebRTC vulnerabilities.
- Privacy: For this category, we test whether the VPN itself can be trusted not to report or sell user activity. We examine its privacy policy, independent audits and last 10 years of performance.
- Speed: We run automated daily speed tests on every VPN we recommend, generating illustrative averages of its performance on each continent and worldwide.
- Server network: We check where the VPN’s servers are, how many of its locations are virtual vs physical and whether they’re spread evenly across the globe.
- User interface: We perform every task the VPN might be used for and check for intelligent design choices that guide the user through every feature.
Why You Need the Best VPN for TikTok
Several countries around the world won’t let citizens access TikTok, and a VPN can help you connect to a different IP address in a country that allows the app. Though many countries employ sophisticated VPN blocking techniques, premium VPNs continuously update their technology to overcome these restrictions and maintain access to TikTok.
Plus, if the U.S. bans TikTok, the iOS and Android app stores will be legally prevented from listing it. The only way to get the necessary updates for TikTok to function will be to connect to the app store from a foreign IP address. A VPN is the fastest and safest way to do that.
Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark implement automatic IP address rotation, which helps prevent TikTok from detecting and blocking VPN connections over time. Some premium VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses, which can help prevent shadowbanning on TikTok, as these IPs aren’t shared with other users who might engage in suspicious activities.
A ban may also mean that U.S.-based server providers are barred from hosting any TikTok content. That means even an unprotected connection will likely face slowdowns as it connects to foreign TikTok servers. Under these conditions, it’ll be doubly important to use one of the fastest VPNs that won’t drag on your download speeds.
With app-based split tunneling, you can route only your TikTok traffic through the VPN while keeping your regular browsing on your normal connection, optimizing both security and speed.
Final Thoughts
Although more countries are considering banning TikTok, users are still finding ways to access TikTok. However, we can say that a ban will not be the end of the line for TikTok’s fans or content creators. With VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark, you can keep on singing, dancing and interacting all over the world.
Note that although a VPN changes your IP address, be aware that TikTok may use SIM card geolocation data to determine your actual location, which is harder to circumvent than IP-based restrictions.
When using TikTok, especially when accessing it through a VPN, take additional steps to protect your privacy. Set your profile to private to ensure only approved users can view your content and interact with you. Disable mentions and tags to prevent being associated with potentially problematic content, and carefully manage your messaging permissions.
These measures, combined with a reliable VPN, provide comprehensive protection for your TikTok experience.
Have you managed to get around a national TikTok ban using a VPN? Which provider did you choose? Do you agree with our ranking, or did we miss your favorite VPN? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading.
FAQ: TikTok Unblocked
Yes, TikTok works perfectly well through a VPN. However, if TikTok blocks a country’s users, a VPN likely won’t help accessing the app because TikTok tracks users’ locations also through SIM cards.
Some free VPNs work for TikTok, including PrivadoVPN and TunnelBear, but they have limitations compared to a premium VPN. Be very careful when selecting a free VPN that sounds too good to be true.
Yes, a VPN changes your virtual location for TikTok, your ISP and anyone else who may come looking. Be sure you’re using a well-regarded VPN service that won’t leak, versus a proxy that doesn’t have encryption.
A VPN can keep TikTok from learning your location or tracking your real-world movements. However, it won’t stop TikTok from gathering information based on your account credentials, so use a burner email address if you’re concerned about spying.