How to Use Grindr in Dubai and UAE — Easily Unblock in 2023

Because of its restrictive internet policies, you can’t access Grindr while visiting the UAE. Plus, the country’s unfriendly LGBTQ laws add even more risk when you try to use the app.

A VPN lets you safely unblock Grindr in the UAE and Dubai. It replaces your actual IP address and encrypts your connection, so no one can tell that you’re using Grindr. Privacy protection is vital when using an online dating app, and a VPN provides this at the highest level.

After testing 30+ VPNs, the one I recommend for Grindr in the UAE is ExpressVPN. Its robust security features, strict no-logs policy, and large server network provide everything you need for a safe and enjoyable Grindr experience. Plus, its 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test all of ExpressVPN’s features in Dubai risk-free. This means you can ask for a refund if it’s not for you.

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Important. Grindr is one of several apps that are blocked in the UAE. Due to the legal risks involved, we strongly recommend you check the UAE’s rules and regulations before using Grindr, which change frequently. My team and I don’t condone any illegal behavior. 

Why You Need a VPN to Safely Use Grindr in The UAE?

The UAE is one of several countries that ban Grindr because of unjust laws against the LBGTQ+ community and unfree internet. Not only does this prevent you from using Grindr, but it also makes it risky to try and unblock the app.

A VPN safely unblocks Grindr in the UAE by encrypting your internet traffic and redirecting it through a private server. It replaces your IP address with a different one, concealing your real identity and location. Additionally, the increased encryption prevents malicious parties from seeing your Grindr activity or getting hold of sensitive information.

Dating apps like Grindr are often targeted by hackers, who use them to identify and track victims before threatening them with blackmail and other crimes — even in countries where it’s not banned. Therefore, you should always use a VPN for dating apps, regardless of location.

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The Best VPNs to Access Grindr From Dubai and the UAE in January 2023

Every VPN on this list is capable of accessing Grindr in the UAE. What makes them ideal are robust security features like a kill switch and strict no-logs policies, which provide online security and privacy. These VPNs are also easy to download and use on your mobile, meaning you can swipe safely on the go.

And thanks to their money-back guarantees, you can test all their features risk-free.

1.ExpressVPN — No-Logs Policy and Military-Grade Encryption Keep You Safe on Grindr

ExpressVPN’s robust security features provide safe access to Grindr in the UAE. Its AES-256 bit encryption is used by leading security agencies to protect sensitive data and is impossible to penetrate. Also, its DNS/IP leak protection and kill switch stop your data from leaking and keep your connection secure at all times. When I tested its kill switch, I couldn’t access the internet while switching servers. Therefore, your connection will be secure at all times.

Your data will never be exposed in the UAE, thanks to ExpressVPN’s kill switch

Keep in mind that it automatically chooses the protocol you're using based on your location. Since the UAE closely monitors and blocks VPNs, you’ll be using obfuscated traffic to mask your VPN connection and bypass VPN blocks.

For privacy, ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers. The no-logs policy has been independently audited and confirms Express won't record your online activity. Additionally, the RAM-only servers wipe all server data after every reboot, meaning nothing gets stored. Therefore, you can use Grindr in the UAE without anyone monitoring your Grindr activity.

Speed is another area where ExpressVPN excels at. When I tested 4 ExpressVPN servers in the US I recorded a maximum download speed of 88.54 Mbps while using Grindr. Even though it was around a 10% drop compared to my non-VPN speeds, I could use Grindr without any interruptions. Added to this is ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, which is designed to provide fast speeds without compromising security.

A minor inconvenience of ExpressVPN is that it doesn’t accept payments through Amazon Pay and Google Pay. However, you can pay by credit card, PayPal, WebMoney, and even cryptocurrencies, giving you plenty of options. Its long-term plan is the cheapest, starting at $6.67/month.

If you’re undecided, then you can test all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. I asked a 24/7 live chat representative to cancel my subscription. She agreed with my request after I provided my cancelation reason. I received a full refund in my bank account after 3 business days.

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2. CyberGhost — Enable WiFi Protection to Keep Your Grindr Connection Secure on Public Networks

CyberGhost’s WiFi protection features keep you safe on public WiFi networks in the UAE. Whenever I tested this feature on a public WiFi network, I automatically connected to a nearby CyberGhost server upon using the network, meaning I wasn’t unprotected for even a second. As soon as I activated the setting under the WiFi setting tab, CyberGhost immediately connected my device to a short-distance server when I tried using a public WiFi network.

CyberGhost automatically protects your data on public WiFi networks

The security features on its iOS and Android app are world-class, giving you further protection when using Grindr in the UAE. Not only will the AES-256 bit encryption protect sensitive information, but its kill switch will disconnect you from the internet if your VPN connection stops working. And with its selection of advanced protocols, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, you can increase security without compromising speed.

Thanks to its server network of 9,758+ servers in 91+ countries, you’ll have plenty of options to unblock Grindr with ease. Additionally, its servers are all RAM-based, meaning they get wiped clean after every reboot. This lets you use Grindr without surveillance risks. During my tests, I could swipe profiles on Grindr without any issues on its US and UK servers.

A downside of CyberGhost is its expensive monthly plans, which also have a shortened money-back guarantee. But a long-term plan costs only $2.19/month, which is cheaper and comes with an extended money-back guarantee of 45 days. Plus, it's no different feature-wise.

The 45-day money-back guarantee lets you try CyberGhost with Grindr completely free. When I finished testing all its features, I asked for a refund through 24/7 live chat. After answering a simple question about my user experience, the agent refunded my money to my credit card, which I received after 3 business days.

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3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Server Network That Unblocks Grindr in the UAE

With over 29,650 servers in 84 countries, Private Internet Access (PIA) secures your connection to Grindr. As soon as I tested PIA servers in Australia and the UK, I could use Grindr like I usually would. You can also unblock other apps and websites besides Grindr, which provides a free internet experience in the UAE.

Its security features are customizable so that you can optimize your connection for speed and security. For example, PIA lets you choose from several protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN and different encryption levels like AES-128 or 256-bit encryption. There are also other security features like a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection, which provide a more robust connection.

You can optimize Private Internet Access for Grindr and other activities

PIA’s speeds are impressive and make for a lag-free experience on Grindr. While they’re not as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, I still managed to record an average download speed of 43.5 on its US servers. I was satisfied because I’m more than 10,000 kilometers away from the country.

One concern with PIA is its US home base, making it part of the 5 Eyes Alliance. This is a network that openly collects and shares the data of its citizens. Luckily, PIA adheres to a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited, meaning it won’t record user logs.

You can get a long-term PIA plan for $2.19/month. Short-term plans are available but cost more without additional features, so I recommend the 2-year subscription.

It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test PIA with Grindr for free. To test its legitimacy, I asked for a full refund on day 28. After telling the 24/7 live chat consultant that it wasn’t for me, the agent canceled my subscription and fully refunded my credit card by the end of the week.

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4. IPVanish — Use Grindr on Any Number of Devices in the UAE and Dubai

Thanks to IPVanish’s 2,000 device connections, you can connect and protect as many devices as you want while using Grindr. To test this, I simultaneously connected 12 devices on my IPVanish subscription, including my MacBook Pro, Android phone, tablet, and Windows laptop. It felt no different from having 1 device connected the entire time, as I could swipe on profiles without interruptions.

You can also conceal your Grindr activity from unwanted parties, as IPVanish adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has DNS/IP leak protection. The no-logs policy stops your online behavior from being recorded, while the DNS/IP leak protection ensures your connection won’t leak sensitive data. When I tested its US servers on ipleak.net, it didn’t detect any IP or DNS leaks, meaning IPVanish would never expose my actual IP address.

IPVanish provides protection against DNS and IP leaks when using Grindr

I was slightly disappointed to discover that IPVanish doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments. However, it’s possible to pay by credit card, PayPal, or online gift card instead, which is convenient. You can also get a long-term plan that starts at $3.99/month and choose to add cloud storage as an extra. Apart from the price, it’s no different from a short-term plan

Additionally, you can try all of IPVanish’s features for free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. It was easy to get a refund. All I had to do was log into my dashboard and submit a refund request, meaning I received all my money on my credit card after 2 clicks and 4 business days.

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5. PrivateVPN — StealthVPN Bypasses Grindr Restrictions in the UAE and Dubai

PrivateVPN uses its StealthVPN feature to scramble your VPN traffic, which masks your VPN use and makes your connection look ordinary. By doing this, it makes it harder for third parties to detect your VPN use, meaning you can easily bypass geoblocks and firewalls. And since it conceals your identity, your privacy will be protected, too.

PrivateVPN can easily bypass geo-restrictions and firewalls to access Grindr

Its privacy and security features make it a safe choice when using Grindr in Dubai. Thanks to its kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection, your personal data won’t be exposed accidentally. Also, its no-logs policy means no one can uncover your Grindr activity. No IP or DNS leaks were uncovered when I tested its US and UK servers on ipleak.net.

A minor con of PrivateVPN is its server network, which is significantly smaller than the likes of ExpressVPN and PIA. However, the US servers I tested reliably accessed Grindr, so it’s not an issue.

Price-wise, the long-term plan is the most affordable at $2/month. Not only is it cheaper over the long run, but it has the exact same features as the short-term options.

You can even try all of PrivateVPN’s features with confidence, as every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I asked a customer service agent for a full refund to see if it was the real deal. After answering a couple of questions on my user experience, he issued me the full refund, which arrived in my bank account after 4 business days.

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Quick Comparison Table: The Best VPNs for the UAE

The following table shows the main features of the top Grindr VPNs for the UAE. If the encryption level is either 128 or 256-bit, then it’s secure enough to protect you from malicious attacks. Meanwhile, the kill switch never leaves your internet unprotected, while the no-logs policy stops your online activity from being recorded.

Ultimate Guide: How to Install the Grindr App from Anywhere

Since Grindr is banned in the UAE, you’ll need to download the iOS or Android app before arriving in the country. I also recommend you install a VPN in your home country as well. The methods below outline how you can create a new App Store or Google Play account, so you can install Grindr from anywhere.

App Store (iOS)

1. Download a VPN. I recommend a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN, which has thousands of global servers. Once you download the app, find and connect to a server of your choice.
2. Install Grindr. Go to the App Store, search for “Grindr”, and download the app. Then, open the app on your device.
3. Create an Apple ID. Go to the Apple ID website and click “Create Your Apple ID”. You’ll need to confirm your mobile number during the signup process, so make sure you have it handy. It doesn’t have to be a number from your home country. If you already have a Grindr account, you can simply log in with your existing details.
4. Install Grindr on your mobile. Sign in to your Apple ID with your new account. When you’re asked to enter an address and review your payment, select “none” because Grindr is free.

Google Play Store (Android)

1. Get a VPN. Make sure you download a VPN with robust security features, such as ExpressVPN. Then, connect to a server in your home country.
2. Create a Play Store account. Click on your Google username in the top right corner and choose “Add another account”. Then, follow the instructions to create a new account and have your phone number ready for verification. You might need to use a number from your home country, so have that prepared.
3. Download the Grindr app. Sign in to your new Google Play account, install the Grindr app and start connecting with other users.

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPNs for Grindr

Using Grindr in the UAE isn’t without its risks, so it’s essential to pay attention to security and privacy features when choosing a VPN. Other features like server network and speeds are handy, too. Feel free to use the points below as a checklist when choosing a Grindr VPN.

• Robust security features — Choose a VPN that has military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and advanced protocols as a bare minimum. This prevents malicious parties from obtaining your data as your VPN connection is always secure.
• Reliable privacy features — Make sure your VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy. This prevents your personal information being recorded, meaning third parties can’t track your activity.
• Extensive server network — You need a VPN with servers in your home country, so you can continue to access local Grindr profiles in the UAE. The more servers the better, as you’ll have more options to unblock Grindr while traveling.
• Mobile compatibility — Grindr is predominantly used as a mobile app, so you’ll want to use a VPN that has native apps for both iOS and Android. I tested the mobile apps myself to make sure they’re easy to install and use.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Sometimes, a VPN might fall below your expectations, so it’s always wise to have a backup. The money-back guarantee on my VPNs let you claim a refund within a certain time frame.
• Fast speeds — Since VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, they tend to slow your speeds. Therefore, I only choose VPNs that provide a smooth and steady experience on Grindr, which makes the drop barely noticeable.
• Customer service — If something goes wrong or you have a question, then you want help to be readily available. Every VPN I tested has several support channels available, including live chat, email support, and a comprehensive FAQ section.

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FAQs on Using Grindr in Dubai and the UAE

Is it safe to unblock Grindr in the UAE?

You should be extra cautious when using Grindr in the UAE because of its strict internet laws and prejudice towards the LGBTQ+ community. You can do this by accessing Grindr with a world-class VPN that comes with military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy. This protects you from snoops and hackerss, two of the biggest threats when using Grindr in the UAE.

It’s also wise to use a different email address when creating a Grindr account and to not share too much personal information. This is because Grindr may collect logging data, such as messages, email addresses, and photos.

Can I access Grindr without the app on my laptop?

Yes, it’s possible to use Grindr on your laptop instead of your mobile phone. The desktop version is called Grindr Web, which has a similar interface to an email service like Gmail. It is designed to keep your business private and can even blur profile pictures through its office mode. But even with this added privacy, it’s much safer to use a top-notch VPN like ExpressVPN with Grindr, as it encrypts your connection.

You can also sync Grindr Web with the mobile app (and connect your VPN to both devices), which lets you stay up to date with all the action.

What should I do if Grindr doesn’t work in the UAE?

If Grindr isn't working in the UAE, it’s best to apply changes to your VPN connection. This is because a VPN is the safest way to access Grindr in the country since it’s banned there. The use of VPNs is restricted in Dubai, so you should always download a VPN before visiting the UAE and make sure your software is up to date.

But if Grindr still isn't working after connecting to a VPN, then here are some other steps you can take:

• Try a different server in your home country.
• Use a different tunneling protocol.
• Contact customer support through email, as live chat will probably be blocked.
• Turn on the obfuscation setting or use an obfuscated server (depending on the VPN).

Can I use a free VPN for Grindr in the UAE?

Even though it’s possible, I’d strongly advise against using a free VPN for Grindr in the UAE. If you’re concerned about money, then it’s better to use a top-tier VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee, which lets you use it for free. While some free VPNs have adequate security features, some other factors make a free VPN unsuitable.

For starters, many free VPNs only have a few servers, which reduces your chances of connecting to other Grindr users in your home country. This also results in slower speeds and fewer chances to bypass online restrictions in the UAE. Additionally, plenty of free VPNs collect user data and sell it to advertisers, which is how they make money. This is especially dangerous in a place like Dubai, as your Grindr activity could be exposed without you knowing.

Is using a VPN illegal in the UAE and Dubai?

It isn’t illegal to use and install a trustworthy VPN in the UAE, but it is to access banned sites and services. These include messaging apps like WhatsApp and Skype, gambling sites, and dating apps like Grindr. The consequences for getting caught are quite severe, as you can be subjected to a fine of up to $500,000 or face imprisonment.

Since we disapprove of illegal activity, we strongly recommend you familiarize yourself with the laws in the UAE and Dubai if you plan to use these sites and services. They change quite frequently, so it's always best to stay up to date.

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Unblock Grindr With a VPN Now

If you’re visiting the UAE, you should be able to access Grindr and view profiles from your home country, as you would back home. By using a high-quality VPN with state-of-the-art security features and a no-logs policy, it’s possible to safely use Grindr in the UAE. You can use on to connect to a server in your home country and start swiping on local profiles.

Out of the many VPNs I tested, my favorite one to use with Grindr is ExpressVPN. Thanks to its military-grade encryption and fast speeds, you can safely use Grindr without any interruptions. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you test ExpressVPN risk-free with Grindr. You can ask for a refund if it’s not for you.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Grindr are…