VPN for TikTok: which VPN works with TikTok best?
With extensive analysis and hands-on VPN testing, our cybersecurity experts collaborated with the research team to craft 750+ articles over the years.
Using first-hand expertise, our main goal is to help our readers make the most informed purchasing decisions.
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Recommended VPNs for TikTok
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View dealThe best VPN for TikTok in 2025 – NordVPNExpert review -
View dealBudget-friendly TikTok VPN with unlimited connections – SurfsharkExpert review
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View dealSecurity-first VPN to safely scroll and access TikTok – Proton VPNExpert review
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Learn moreVersatile VPN for unblocking TikTok from anywhere – IPVanish
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Learn morePrivate and speedy VPN to watch TikTok – ExpressVPN
TikTok has become one of the most popular content platforms in the world, and the US in particular. So much so that when it was temporarily unavailable in January, users jumped to the Chinese equivalent, RedNote. Others used the main method for unblocking geo-restricted platforms – a VPN. Now, everyone can access TikTok freely in the US, but attempts at restrictions are far from over.
President Donald Trump did not fully remove the ban; he simply delayed it by 75 days, enforcing an April 5 deadline. If TikTok is not sold by then, it could be permanently banned in the US on that day. So, if you’re a TikTok content creator or even a casual scroller, you may lose access in less than 2 months.
How to use TikTok with a VPN
As the US markets don’t have TikTok available, you’ll need to use a VPN with the TikTok app. Here’s how you do it:
- Download and set up a VPN. I recommend NordPVN, as it has a wide server network, including countries where TikTok is available. It also has robust security features, lightning-fast speeds, and simple-to-use apps.
- Connect to a VPN server. For faster speeds, pick a server closer to your location like Canada since it has excellent internet infrastructure. Alternatively, you can select any server within a country where TikTok is accessible.
- Log in or register for a TikTok account. You can now scroll through TikTok videos freely.
What VPNs work with TikTok
While NordVPN is my top TikTok VPN choice, other excellent options include Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. These VPNs not only bypass censorship in the US but also protect your privacy and security. We selected these VPNs based on our in-house testing of their speed, usability, features, and reliability for unblocking restricted content. If you're looking for the TikTok VPN, these five providers stand out with their exceptional performance and feature sets.
1. NordVPN - Best VPN for TikTok overall
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Speed and latency
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Server network
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Security features & privacy
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Compatibility
NordVPN is perfect for accessing TikTok in another location due to its great speeds, servers in 118 countries, including those that permit TikTok, and strong security and privacy guarantees. Additional features, such as obfuscated servers, dedicated IP, and the new NordWhisper protocol, contribute to VPN compatibility with the content platform.
Read more in our NordVPN review.
Who is NordVPN best for?
I found NordVPN to be best for both those who simply love scrolling through TikToks as a pastime and those who rely on it for income. With over 300 servers in Canada, I was able to easily connect to TikTok and keep on watching content that was not too dissimilar to what I might watch in the US. Dedicated IP is a great option for content creators, as it permits stable connectivity. However, upon initial use, the app lagged a little, but the more I used it, the smoother the connectivity became.
Is NordVPN good at unblocking TikTok and other platforms?
Given that internet use is becoming more restrictive globally, NordVPN recently introduced NordWhisper. This protocol was made specifically to tackle various restrictions, especially the ones that usually pick up on VPN use. NordWhisper is different from the usual VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, so most blockers can’t pick up on it based on a familiar pattern. It also mimics regular web traffic, making it even harder to recognize than a normal VPN.
Speed and server network
NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol provides faster download speeds than IPVanish and Proton VPN. Together with the research team, I tested the provider’s speed in Canada, as that’s where most US TikTok users went, and the results were second-best out of all tested, falling behind ExpressVPN. NordVPN had an average download speed of 417Mbps and an upload speed of 102Mbps (compared to 500Mbps baseline). Upon first TikTok access, the connection was slightly patchy, but it soon got significantly better, and there were no more issues since.
Pricing
NordVPN prices start at $3.39/month. Moreover, you can test this VPN risk-free with a 7-day free trial on Android mobile devices or use a 30-day money-back guarantee if the ban gets lifted again. Due to this special trial, this is an excellent Android VPN for TikTok. Here’s a quick summary of NordVPN’s plans and prices.
| NordVPN plan duration | Basic plan | Plus plan | Complete plan | Prime plan |
| 1 month | $12.99/month | $13.99/month | $14.99/month | $17.99/month |
| 1 year | $4.99/month | $5.99/month | $6.99/month | $8.99/month |
| 2 years | $3.39/month | $4.39/month | $5.39/month | $7.39/month |
2. Surfshark - affordable VPN choice for TikTok
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Speed and latency
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Server network
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Security features & privacy
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Compatibility
Surfshark is an affordable VPN for TikTok. Its fast speeds, servers in Canada, Mexico, and 100 other countries, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections, make it an appealing choice for casual scrollers and content creators alike.
Read our Surfshark VPN review.
Who is Surfshark best for?
I recommend Surfshark for people who are on a tight budget but still want to access TikTok. Unlimited device support makes it ideal for account sharing. While not as server-rich as NordVPN or Proton VPN, nor as fast as ExpressVPN, it has its appeal for effectively accessing TikTok. Thanks to its simplistic app, Surfshark is also a great iPhone VPN for TikTok live.
Unblocking TikTok and other platforms
When TikTok was banned in the US, I tested Surfshark and found it effortlessly bypassed these restrictions, letting me use the platform without issues. With 3200+ servers, it’s also great for unblocking social media, gaming sites, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. I particularly liked its Camouflage Mode, which masks VPN traffic and helps navigate tough firewalls seamlessly – perfect for accessing TikTok or other restricted services from anywhere.
Speed and server network
Surfshark uses the quick WireGuard protocol, compared to NordVPN, which uses its own version called NordLynx. With WireGuard, the provider had 407Mbps download and 181Mbps upload speed compared to the original 500Mbps upload and download speed. Speed is crucial for apps like TikTok, and Surfshark, which performed well during my tests, even with live video streaming, showed no buffering issues. Overall, there were no lags, slowdowns, or delays.
Pricing
Surfshark’s subscriptions start as low as $1.99/month. There’s also a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who change their mind. Here’s a full breakdown of Surfshark’s plans and prices.
| Surfshark plans | Surfshark Starter | Surfshark One | Surfshark One+ |
| 1 month | $15.45/month | $17.95/month | $20.65/month |
| 1 year | $3.19/month | $3.39/month | $6.09/month |
| 2 years | $1.99/month | $2.49/month | $3.99/month |
3. Proton VPN - TikTok VPN with free version
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Speed and latency
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Server network
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Security features & privacy
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Compatibility
Proton VPN is a great option for accessing TikTok when it’s not available in your location. With multiple privacy and security features, even in its free version, it’s a great way to access or upload content in spite of restrictions.
More on the provider – in the Proton VPN review.
Who is Proton VPN best for?
Proton VPN is great for privacy-oriented people. I found that even with TikTok being fully accessible, it’s a great addition to make the service a bit more private and secure. The free version is quite limited, and I struggled to access TikTok in other locations, but I have no complaints about any of the paid plans.
Unblocking TikTok and other platforms
With Proton VPN on, I noticed no lags, slowdowns, or delays when browsing through TikTok content in various different locations. Overall, Proton VPN is quite good for accessing geo-restricted content, such as streaming service libraries. It worked for me when accessing Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Even the free version was occasionally able to access Netflix, though it was more laggy.
Speed and server network
Proton VPN has the largest server network of our tested VPNs – over 12600. However, in terms of speed, it had the lowest speed retention of the top TikTok VPNs. Its download speed was 380Mbps, and its upload speed was just 49Mbps. Compared to such fast services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, it falls behind. However, when using it with TikTok, I personally did not notice the speed difference.
Pricing
Proton VPN is available for free. But if you want it to work well with TikTok or to access servers in Canada, you’ll need to get a premium version, which costs from $2.99/month. Paid Proton VPN subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s a breakdown of all plans and prices.
| Proton VPN plan duration | Price |
| 1 month | $9.99/month |
| 1 year | $4.99/month |
| 2 years | $2.99/month |
| Get Proton VPN |
4. IPVanish - VPN with proxy5 servers inregrated
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Speed and latency
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Server network
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Security features & privacy
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Compatibility
IPVanish has 2400+ servers in 109 countries. One of its best features is great speeds, which make streaming and TikTok uploads a breeze. But best of all, IPVanish is one of the most privacy-friendly VPNs, with a Threat Protection feature similar to NordVPN’s.
Who is IPVanish best for?
IPVanish is best for those who value privacy and security. It’s also relatively fast, being the third fastest VPN on this list. I found it very easy to use and its Threat Protection, which blocks malware and ads, is just as good as NordVPN’s. However, its greatest flaw is that it’s just not the best in any category. It’s not the cheapest, fastest, or most secure. But it is reliable and provides excellent performance in all categories.
Unblocking TikTok and other platforms
During my tests, IPVanish worked reliably for unblocking TikTok in the US, where the app has faced restrictions. It also performed well for accessing other social media platforms. However, I did notice occasional connection drops during peak hours, which could disrupt the experience briefly. Also, it did have slight buffering.
Speed and server network
IPVanish can provide excellent download speeds thanks to the implementation of the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol. However, that did not prevent buffering and lag. During testing, IPVanish maintained an average download speed of 412Mbps and an upload speed of 171Mbps.
Pricing
IPVanish is an affordable VPN option. The subscription price starts at $2.19/month and covers unlimited simultaneous connections. More so, you can test this provider out with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s a full list of IPVanish plans and prices.
| IPVanish plan duration | IPVanish Essential | IPVanish Advanced |
| 1 month | $12.99/month | $14.99/month |
| 1 year | $3.33/month | $4.49/month |
| 2 years | $2.19/month | $3.29/month |
5. ExpressVPN - expensive, but popular VPN choice
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Speed and latency
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Server network
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Security features & privacy
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Compatibility
ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN for TikTok. This provider has servers in 105 countries, but its best feature is excellent speed retention, which will make streaming and uploading a breeze.
Who is ExpressVPN best for?
ExpressVPN is great for those who value speed and stability – mainly those who upload content regularly. I found ExpressVPN to be reliable, though I’m not sure I would personally pay as much for its subscription, given that Surfshark and IPVanish are cheaper options. Nevertheless, it absolutely earned its place on the list of best TikTok VPNs.
Unblocking TikTok and other platforms
ExpressVPN has servers spanning 105 countries, ensuring plenty of options in TikTok-friendly countries, so you'll always find a reliable server no matter where you are. ExpressVPN not only unlocks TikTok but also other social media like Snapchat, Spotify, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, and Pandora. It's also great for streaming, letting you access popular sites like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and others.
Speed and server network
ExpressVPN's Lightway and OpenVPN protocols perform well, with only minor speed drops in nearby countries like the US or UK. The latest speed tests for in-house ExpressVPN showed 428Mbps download speed and 169Mbps upload speed compared to the 500Mbps baseline. Although it is the fastest VPN on the list, I noticed some initial speed drops before it performed well again.
Pricing
ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest VPN provider. It costs $4.99/month and covers 8 devices with one subscription. In addition, you can test this VPN with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Here’s a full list of ExpressVPN prices.
| ExpressVPN plan duration | Price |
| 1 month | $12.95/month |
| 1 year | $6.67/month |
| 2 years | $4.99/month |
Comparing these VPNs
Check out the comparison table below to see the key features of the top 5 TikTok VPNs. Explore their benefits and differences to help you make the right choice when picking a VPN service.
| NordVPN | Surfshark VPN | Proton VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | |||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #41 | #2 out of #41 | #7 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 7,600 + servers in 118 countries | 3,200 + servers in 100 countries | 12,600 + servers in 117 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $3.39/month | From $1.99/month | From $2.99/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 76% OFF | Surfshark coupon 87% OFF | Proton VPN coupon 70% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | Guides, FAQs, support tickets, subreddit |
Overall, any listed service is a suitable VPN for TikTok live. If NordVPN didn’t catch your eye, Surfshark is a great affordable option. IPVanish, too, is a good VPN for TikTok in the US, as it is based there. ExpressVPN, meanwhile, is very fast. So, whichever is your top choice, you can’t lose.
How we tested and ranked TikTok VPNs
Not all VPNs work with TikTok equally well. That’s why I had to do some research, together with the Cybernews research team, testing each VPN’s capability to unblock TikTok. We applied our trusted methodology to narrow down the options. So, here’s how I reviewed and compiled the list of the best VPNs for TikTok:
- Privacy (25%). I checked each VPN for IP and DNS leaks on ipleak.net so that your real location wouldn’t be exposed. TikTok is unavailable in other countries besides the US, such as India, Pakistan, and China, because ISPs are blocking access to it. The app will instantly stop working if ISPs detect you coming from a banned country. That’s why I tried switching through servers with VPN features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection on and off, to check for any leaks and to pick reliable VPNs for TikTok.
- Security (25%). I carefully tested all VPN security features to put it on our list. I checked for strong encryption like AES-256 and reviewed privacy policies to ensure no activity logs are kept. I also looked for VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries for added security, especially for bypassing geo-restrictions. Additionally, I tested extra features like NordVPN's Threat Protection and Surfshark's CleanWeb to see if they're truly effective and add value for users.
- Server availability (20%). I reviewed providers' server locations to ensure that they have a wide selection of countries so that you could choose the one that meets your needs, whether you want videos from a specific country or a viewership from a particular location. The more server locations there are, the more different content you can access.
- Speed (15%). I conducted in-house VPN speed tests using various tunneling protocols to see which ones work best. Additionally, I tested each VPN with the TikTok app to ensure videos play smoothly without glitches or buffering.
- VPN features (15%). Recognizing discussions about potential VPN bans in the US, I focused on providers offering obfuscation features like stealth modes or obfuscated servers. These tools help make VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular traffic, ensuring continued access even under stricter regulations.
I compiled the results by thoroughly testing each VPN's performance, security features, and speed. Based on these assessments, I compared the VPNs accordingly to provide you with the most reliable and effective options.
Using VPN on different devices
Here I will break down best practices on using VPN with TikTok on different devices. I recommend following these guidelines to make sure TikTok doesn't detect your real location or if you face issues of your location not changing.
TikTok's Location Detection Methods
TikTok uses different methods to determine your location. They depend on the country you live in and its laws. This is what TikTok might use to determine your location:
- IP Address Tracking: Your IP address reveals your approximate geographic location.
- GPS Data: The app can request access to your device's GPS.
- SIM Card Information: On mobile devices, TikTok can detect your carrier's country.
- Network Information: WiFi networks can provide location hints.
- Device Time Zone: Your device settings can indicate your region.
- App Store Account: The country associated with your App Store or Google Play account.
What does VPN do?
A properly configured VPN addresses these tracking methods by:
- Masking your IP address by routing traffic through servers in permitted countries.
- Encrypting your data traffic to prevent deep packet inspection.
- Creating an encrypted tunnel that hides your actual connection details.
- Bypassing ISP-level blocks implemented under government restrictions.
- Enhanced Security VPNs encrypt your data, protecting your online activity from prying eyes, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
Tips for using VPN for TikTok
- Clear TikTok's cache before each VPN session to remove stored location data: On Android: Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > Clear Cache. On iOS: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > TikTok > Offload App (then reinstall).
- Turn off device location services: On Android: Settings > Location > Turn off toggle at the top On iOS: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Turn off toggle
- Choose servers in nearby countries where TikTok is available (e.g., Canada or Mexico for users in the United States) for better speeds. In your VPN app, simply browse the server list and select a location in a neighboring country.
- Look for servers with low user loads (usually indicated by a percentage) for smoother streaming. In most VPN apps, server load is shown as a percentage or bar next to each server in the selection list.
- Manual time zone matching: On Android: Settings > System > Date & time > Turn off "Automatic time zone" > Select time zone On iOS: Settings > General > Date & Time > Turn off "Set Automatically" > Select time zone.
- Use WiFi instead of mobile data TikTok can detect your location through your cellular network. Simply turn on WiFi in your device settings and connect to a network before launching TikTok.
- Remove your SIM card if TikTok keeps detecting your actual location despite using a VPN. Power off your device, use the SIM ejection tool to remove your SIM, then restart and connect to WiFi.
Accessing region-specific TikTok content
TikTok content changes depending on the region you connect to. It’s because TikTok doesn’t just recommend content based on what you like but also based on what’s popular in your area. I was able to access TikTok content in other countries with a VPN without an issue. In each region, the suggestions I got differed.
Here’s an example of content in the US:
And here’s the suggested content in South Korea:
TikTok terms of service regarding the use of VPN
Technically, it is possible to get banned for using a VPN with TikTok. While TikTok does not explicitly mention the use of VPN as a violation of its Terms of Service, it does state that bypassing measures TikTok uses to restrict access is against the rules.
Precisely, customers will be penalized for interfering with or attempting to interfere with the proper working of the Services, disrupting the website or any networks connected to the Services, or bypassing any measures TikTok may use to prevent or restrict access to the Services.
So, while VPNs are not explicitly mentioned in this case, the definition alone implies that changing your location will be a breach of the Terms of Service. Of course, you may not get banned. In most cases, TikTok can simply block you from accessing content until you switch off a VPN. That’s because TikTok tracks your real location using your mobile phone’s SIM card.
If you encounter issues, Surfshark suggests accessing TikTok through your computer rather than a mobile app. This way, TikTok won’t be able to monitor your location, and your use of a VPN is less likely to get detected.
Is a free VPN for TikTok a good option?
If you’re looking to use TikTok with a free VPN, there are some reliable options available that can provide basic online security. While free VPNs come with certain limitations, they can still be suitable for occasional users who prioritize saving money over speed and additional features. Here are two free VPNs to consider:
- ProtonVPN. ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused service that offers a free version with strong security features. The free version provides access to servers in three countries (the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan) and uses strong encryption with a no-logs policy to ensure your privacy. It also has the advantage of unlimited data usage, which is rare for free VPNs. However, users may experience slower speeds compared to the premium version, and the limited server selection may impact the overall performance, especially when using apps like TikTok. Additionally, the free version only supports one device connection.
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN that’s simple to set up and offers good security with 256-bit AES encryption. Its free version allows access to servers in over 20 countries, providing decent global coverage. The service is particularly easy to use, making it ideal for beginners. However, the free version comes with a data limit of just 500MB per month, which can be restrictive for frequent TikTok use. Moreover, it lacks some of the advanced features available in the premium version, such as more server locations and enhanced security settings.
- Hotspot Shield. This VPN has some of the best security and privacy features a free service can offer. Additionally, it showed consistently great speeds – perfect for loading one video after another. While the free version only has 8 global server locations and a 500MB/day data cap, it’s still great for casual TikTok use. Hotspot Shield is compatible with all operating systems.
How to choose a VPN for TikTok
Choosing the best TikTok VPN involves considering different factors like speed and server locations. When choosing a VPN for TikTok it's very important to follow these best practices as your online privacy
- Check if the VPN has servers in countries where TikTok is available. You can easily find this information on the official websites of providers.
- Ensure the VPN supports your devices to access TikTok, whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Usually, this information is found in the additional information section of the App Store or Google Play Store (or the official provider website).
- When choosing a VPN, make sure it has strong security features. Look for AES-256 encryption or other modern encryption methods. Also, check for features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, as they add an extra layer of advanced security.
- Check the VPN country of jurisdiction, as some of them can belong to the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances, which are not so privacy-friendly, as they have mandatory data retention laws.
Conclusion
With a permanent TikTok ban still being a very real possibility, it’s important to know how to keep watching and uploading content. A VPN would be a good choice, but it can be detected, as TikTok tracks your location through your SIM card. However, quality VPNs also have enough features to not get detected by TikTok.
Here’s a quick summary of the main points discussed in this article:
- NordVPN is the best VPN for TikTok. Its privacy and security guarantees, vast global server network, and features like obfuscation make it an ideal choice for accessing TikTok content undetected.
- The TikTok ban has not been removed; it has just been postponed by 75 days, with the new deadline being April 5, 2025.
- Best VPNs for TikTok should have servers in countries where TikTok is available, like Canada, have strong security features, support most devices, and not be in privacy-unfriendly jurisdictions.
- Free VPNs are an option, but many have very few servers or implement data limits. They are also more likely to get detected by TikTok.
- Other VPNs that were able to access TikTok without an issue are Surfshark, Proton VPN, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN.
While it’s possible that TikTok might restrict your access to the platform when using a VPN, there are ways around it, especially if you choose a VPN with strong privacy and security features.
FAQ
Can a VPN bypass the TikTok ban?
Yes, a VPN can bypass a TikTok ban by masking your IP address and connecting you to a server in a country where TikTok is not blocked. By doing so, you can access TikTok as if you were located in a different region, effectively bypassing the ban.
What's the best VPN for TikTok?
The best VPN for TikTok is NordVPN. It not only unblocks the application, but it also offers lots of other features that will keep you safe and anonymous. For example, it has obfuscated servers that hide the VPN traffic. NordVPN also lets you use the same IP address every time you connect to it.
Which VPN country is best for TikTok?
For US citizens, the best countries for TikTok are Canada and Mexico. These countries are the closest to the US, ensuring optimal VPN performance. And as some Canadian provinces are English-speaking, there won’t be a huge difference in available content.
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