How to Get Unbanned From Grindr in 2024: A Simple Guide

In its Terms of Service, Grindr states that it reserves the right to ban your account without explanation. So your account can be blocked, and you may not even know why, which is frustrating. Grindr usually bans your IP address entirely, making it almost impossible to use the app on your network at all. Even if you create a brand new account, it will detect your IP and block you.

Not all hope is lost, though — it’s possible for a VPN to circumvent Grindr’s IP blocks. This handy app hides your real IP and replaces it with one from a network of global servers. That way, you can get back to making those connections. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid getting banned is by familiarizing yourself with Grindr’s Terms of Service and using the app responsibly.

After testing 50+ VPNs, my top recommendation for Grindr is ExpressVPN. It has robust security and privacy features and excellent speeds for a smooth chatting experience. Plus, it comes with a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN without any risks. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Use Grindr With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Get Unbanned From Grindr in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How to Get Unbanned From Grindr — The Ultimate Guide

Here are some options for overcoming Grindr bans. The most convenient way is usually to use a VPN because it can solve the issue almost immediately. However, this will only work to bypass an IP ban, not a full-on account ban. I've listed all the possibilities for getting back on Grindr below:

1. Use a VPN — Best for a Temporary Ban

Temporary bans might last from a few days to several months. If the ban is just for a few days, waiting it out is often the easiest solution.

For longer temporary bans, using a VPN can be effective. A VPN not only hides your real IP and gives you a new one but also enables you to use Grindr on networks that block it, such as those at workplaces or libraries.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN since it can easily get past Grindr and network blocks. It provides you with a new IP while obfuscation disguises your internet traffic to dodge VPN blocks on shared or public networks. These robust security features also keep you safe from snoops, hackers, and other cyber threats that target Grindr users.

Simply download the VPN app, connect to a server, and open Grindr. The server you use needs to be in a location where Grindr is available. This will allow you to get around the IP block, the most common method Grindr uses to prevent banned users from accessing the platform.

The Smart Location feature will automatically connect you to the fastest server

Open Grindr from your app or browser (depending on which device you used to connect the VPN to), log in, and pick up where you left off.

2. Open a New Account — Best for a Permanent Ban

For permanent bans, Grindr can use a combination of methods to block users. This includes banning your IP address, phone number, email address, or device ID. In some cases, all of these will be banned. If you absolutely cannot get past the ban, then try this:

1. Connect to your VPN. It will allow you to get around the IP block — the most common method Grindr uses to prevent banned users from accessing the platform.

2. Get a new phone number. Grindr typically blocks the phone number associated with banned accounts. If you don’t have an alternate number, I recommend using one from a trusted friend. They can send you the verification code for your new Grindr account. You won’t need the phone number again. If you’re able to do this, proceed to step 4.

3. Get a new SIM card. You can do this for free with most providers (you may need to show a passport or driver’s license). This is an alternative if you can’t borrow a trusted friend’s phone number.

4. Get a new email address. If Grindr blocks your phone number, it will likely do the same to your email. You can set up a new email address for free with Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or AOL. Luckily, a new email account is easy to set up.
If privacy is a concern, I recommend using the encrypted Proton Mail to sign up

5. Reset your device ID. Reset the device you use for Grindr to get new device IDs. Always do a full backup before restoring any device to factory settings.

• Android. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset > Erase All Data.
  You can backup your device before doing this
• iOS. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset (or Erase All Content and Settings, which is more thorough and might not be ideal for everyone).
  The "Erase All Content and Settings" option removes everything, including your photos and videos

3. Appeal the Ban — For Temporary or Permanent Bans

If you believe your ban is unjust, submit an appeal. Contact Grindr’s support with a concise explanation of why the ban should be reconsidered. Include any evidence that could demonstrate your compliance with their rules or any misunderstanding that may have occurred.

The success of the appeal will depend on your ability to prove it wasn't deserved

Grindr automates most of its bans, so accidental bans can include wrongly flagging an innocent photo as containing nudity or mistaking a harmless comment for abuse or bullying.

Best VPNs to Unblock and Safely Use Grindr From Anywhere

The best VPNs can unban you from Grindr while protecting your data from hackers and snoops. My top picks come with robust security and privacy features, great speeds, a reliable worldwide server network, and multi-device support.

1. ExpressVPN — Obfuscation to Easily Access Grindr on Restrictive WiFi Networks

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN offers automatic obfuscation on its entire network, so you can easily use Grindr without issues from anywhere. It disguises your VPN traffic by scrambling your metadata, which helps it get through network firewalls that block VPNs and dating apps. I tested 7 servers (in the US, the UK, and Australia) on my Android, and Grindr worked on all of them.

It’s also fast, thanks to its Lightway protocol, which is designed to be lightweight without compromising security. Our speed tester used servers nearby and far away (from London), and ExpressVPN’s always proved consistently fast — the speeds never dropped more than 12% from the baseline.

With its large global server network, you have thousands of options to select a new IP address and avoid a temporary Grindr ban. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at $4.99/month and each comes with 8 simultaneous device connections, too.

2. CyberGhost — An Easy-to-Use, Budget-Friendly VPN That’s Ideal For Grindr

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s simple, beginner-friendly app is an easy VPN solution for getting unbanned from Grindr and keeping your data private. It took me less than 5 minutes to set it up and connect to a server in London. If you don’t have a preferred server, click the Best Location feature, and it will connect you to the fastest available server.

Its nearby servers are fast, but unlike ExpressVPN, our tester’s average speed dropped significantly on servers far away. Still, they only lost 11% of their base speeds when testing a local server. Long-term plans cost only $2.19/month and have an extended money-back guarantee of 45 days. You also get 7 simultaneous device connections.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Network of Servers for Smooth Grindr Connections

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA has one of the largest server networks around, with 29,650 servers across 91 countries. This not only makes it easy to find an IP in your desired location, but it reduces the likelihood of server crowding, so your Grindr activity won’t be slowed down. I always had a stable connection while testing its servers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Another nice perk is that you can use PIA on any number of devices, allowing you to secure your entire household and any Grindr gadget you use. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, with plans starting at just $2.19/month, which are backed by a trusty 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Methodology For Testing VPNs for Grindr

Picking the best VPNs to unblock Grindr involves covering several crucial aspects. We start by making sure the VPNs work with Grindr and are compatible with the most popular devices used for the platform. We also ensure that the VPNs offer excellent speeds so you're not left staring at a loading spinner due to delays.

A VPN should also keep your data secure on Grindr. They should have military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and adhere to a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Plus, we ensure that VPNs offer trustworthy money-back guarantees so you can get your money back if it isn’t for you.

Why Did Grindr Ban Me?

Grindr enforces bans to ensure user safety and adherence to its community guidelines. The most common reasons for a Grindr ban are:

• Unsolicited explicit content. Grindr bans accounts for sending explicit photos or messages without the recipient's consent. This policy helps maintain a respectful and safe environment for all users.
• Harassment or hate speech. Engaging in any form of harassment or using language that discriminates or incites hate against any group or individual leads to immediate bans. Grindr is committed to promoting a friendly and inclusive community.
• Spamming. If you repeatedly send the same message to multiple users, it can result in a ban. This practice is often disruptive and diminishes the user experience.
• Underage profiles. Grindr strictly prohibits accounts for individuals under the age of 18 as it aims to protect minors from potentially harmful content and interactions. Creating or maintaining an account while underage is a serious violation that leads to an immediate and permanent ban.
• Pornographic content. Sharing or distributing pornographic material is against Grindr’s guidelines. This includes explicit images or videos that are not suitable for the platform, as Grindr seeks to foster a respectful and safe environment for all users.
• Security threats. Activities that compromise the security of the platform, such as spreading malware or attempting unauthorized access to user data, will result in a ban. Grindr prioritizes the security and privacy of its users' data.
• Terms of Service violation. Any other actions that violate Grindr’s Terms of Service can also lead to account suspension or permanent bans. It's important to read and understand these terms to avoid any inadvertent violations.

Different Types of Bans on Grindr

Grindr implements several types of bans to maintain a safe and respectful environment for its community. Here are the types of bans you need to understand:

• Temporary bans/account suspension. These are typically issued for less severe violations of the community guidelines. The length can vary from a few hours to several days or more, based on the severity of the offense.
• Permanent bans. These are issued for more severe or repeated violations. Once a permanent ban is in place, you won’t be able to regain access to your account through regular means. For permanent bans, Grindr may block specific devices or IP addresses to prevent banned users from returning by creating new accounts​.

Where Is Grindr Blocked?

Grindr faces restrictions in some countries, like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, and Lebanon. If you’re visiting one of these locations, here are tips that can help you use your favorite dating app safely.

While theoretically, the VPN can help you use Grindr in a banned country, you should exercise caution based on local laws. Your safety is important, and we don't recommend using a VPN to access locally banned sites or services.

How to Stay Secure on Grindr in Restrictive Countries

Using Grindr in countries with LGBTQIA restrictions requires a VPN with robust security and privacy features to keep your activity safe from snoops and hackers. However, carefully review the local regulations on using a VPN and Grindr beforehand to avoid accidentally breaking any rules. We encourage always abiding by the law.

Confidentiality worries still make VPNs popular even in countries without any Grindr restrictions. For instance, in Japan, where privacy is much appreciated, especially among the LGBTQ+ community.

VPNs can also help avoid data collection and malicious trackers. In many countries, including the US, ISPs can sell your browsing info, risking your personal details getting leaked. By encrypting your data, a VPN secures your personal information from prying eyes.

FAQs on Unblocking Grindr With a VPN

Grindr account suspended vs banned, what’s the difference?

A suspension is temporary, while a ban is usually permanent. Suspensions serve as warnings for minor issues, lasting a few days or weeks. Knowing why you were suspended or banned is key to fixing the problem. Suspended accounts can be restored after the suspension period ends or by reaching out to support.

Bans, which typically result from serious violations, mean the account is permanently deactivated. To use Grindr after an account has been permanently banned requires jumping through a lot more hoops. The only way to regain access to the original banned account is to appeal the ban.

How do I avoid getting banned on Grindr?

To prevent being banned from Grindr, follow its community rules closely. Respect others' boundaries, don't send explicit images without permission, and avoid hate speech or harassment. Keep an eye on its Terms of Service, as they may get updated. Following these guidelines reduces the chance of your account being suspended or banned.

What are some Grindr alternatives?

Some of the best Grindr alternatives include Scruff, Hornet, and Jack'd. They offer similar features for meeting and connecting with others in the LGBTQ+ community. It may be easier to switch to an alternative if your Grindr account has been permanently banned.

Each platform has its unique focus and community standards, so exploring multiple apps might help you find the one that best meets your social or dating preferences. Remember, each app's culture can differ, so understanding their guidelines will enhance your experience.

Can I appeal a Grindr ban?

Yes, but the success of your appeal might vary depending on the reason for the ban. Most Grindr bans are automated and can be accidental. While Grindr usually doesn't lift bans for breaking community rules, there's a simple way to appeal if you think your ban was an error.

Can't I just open another Grindr account if I’ve been banned?

It depends, but if you’ve been permanently banned, just making a new account won't work. It takes a combination of steps for this to work, like using a VPN and obtaining a new phone number and email address. That’s because Grindr can identify and stop users trying to get around bans using methods, like device IDs, IP addresses, and location data.

Obtaining a new phone number and email can be tricky, though. Many people in forums recommend buying a fake number online or using a calling app (like MagicJack) to obtain a new phone number, but even this isn’t guaranteed to work. Another option is to try appealing the ban to ensure respect for the app's community guidelines and preserve the integrity of your digital identity.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to unblock Grindr from anywhere...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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