- Step-by-Step: How to Unblock TikTok With a VPN
- Why Do I Need a VPN for TikTok?
- What Features Does a TikTok VPN Need?
- The 3 Best VPNs for TikTok
- 1. ExpressVPN -- The best VPN for TikTok, with strong security and a large server network
- 2. CyberGhost -- Excellent security, huge server count and inexpensive
- 3. NordVPN -- Top-notch security and inexpensive long-term plans
Best VPN for TikTok in 2020: Unblock the App & Secure Your Privacy
If you’re one of the millions of TikTok users expressing your, erm, talent or brutally pranking your bestie like some evil genius, you’re likely to be blocked from TikTok at some point. A few governments around the world have been slapping TikTok with the censorship stick, which means you’ll need to use one of our best VPN for TikTok picks to use it.
We’ll talk about why some authorities are against the Chinese app later, and we’ll also point you to three VPN services that can bypass any of the restrictions. If you just want to get back to creating uninterrupted lip-syncing videos or following your favorite TikTokers, though, we recommend you install ExpressVPN.
Step-by-Step: How to Unblock TikTok With a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN, like ExpressVPN, and install the app on your device
- Launch the app, enter your activation code and sign in
- Search for a server in a country where TikTok is still available
- Connect to the server and access TikTok
Why Do I Need a VPN for TikTok?
TikTok is facing bans in several countries. Within the past couple of years, for example, both the Indonesian and Bangladeshi government banned the app due to “inappropriate content,” but there are more serious allegations leveled at the app in other places.
The Indian government banned TikTok in 2020, along with almost 60 other Chinese apps, stating that the company is stealing and transmitting user data to servers outside of India.
Such security concerns involving TikTok are echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in August 2020 to ban TikTok unless the company is sold off to an American stakeholder (it’s a bit more complicated than that, but it’s the gist of it).
TikTok says its mission is to “capture and present the world’s creativity, knowledge, and precious life moments,” but the worry is that this is not all the app captures. It has long been suspected that China uses apps and services to spy on users around the globe. Governments ban TikTok in the hope to prevent such apps from accessing sensitive information.
By using a VPN for TikTok, you’ll not only be able to access the app if it is blocked, but you’ll also be protected from surveillance and other online dangers.
What Features Does a TikTok VPN Need?
To make sure you pick the best TikTok VPN, there are a few criteria you should consider.
- Security — Strong encryption will ensure you are protected from any monitoring, but it’s also essential if you’re in a country with strict censorship. If you are, make sure it includes a kill switch, too.
- Good server network — A decent server spread will ensure you can access TikTok.
- Ease of use — You not only want a VPN that’s easy to use, but it needs to be mobile-friendly, too.
- Fast speeds — Good speeds mean less time waiting for a video to load or for yours to upload.
The 3 Best VPNs for TikTok
1. ExpressVPN — The best VPN for TikTok, with strong security and a large server network
Pros:
- Servers in 94 countries
- Fast speeds
- Easy-to-use mobile app
Cons:
- Pricey
ExpressVPN is a favorite here at CommQueR.com, and not without good reason. Its feature set as a whole will suit pretty much any situation or reason for using a VPN. You’re protected by strong security that includes a kill switch, and it doesn’t keep a log of your activities. It’s even our top VPN for China, so you know you’re in good hands for TikTok.
It has a large network of servers that cover 94 countries, so you’re bound to find a suitable server quickly. The mobile apps are very easy to use, even for beginners, and you don’t need to worry about speed because it’s the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Read our ExpressVPN review for more or sign up for a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. CyberGhost — Excellent security, huge server count and inexpensive
Pros:
- Over 6,000 servers
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use mobile app
Cons:
- Inconsistent speeds
CyberGhost is another VPN service you can use to unblock TikTok. It has great security and comes with a kill switch. It also has a no-logs policy. There are more than 6,000 servers dotted around the world, giving you plenty to choose from. A downside to CyberGhost is that it can be slow, but a quick switch to a different server often solves the issue.
Its mobile apps are easy to use and bring the whole feature set to your mobile, too. Choosing and connecting to a server is simple. Plus, CyberGhost has dedicated server lists for activities, such as streaming, or you can choose its NoSpy servers for that extra bit of privacy. You can read our CyberGhost review for more detailed information.
There’s a money-back guarantee, which is 14 days for the monthly plan and 45 days for longer ones. There’s also a free seven-day trial available for mobile (24 hours for desktop).
3. NordVPN — Top-notch security and inexpensive long-term plans
Pros:
- Highly secure
- Large server network
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can be slow
NordVPN will unblock TikTok easily, and you’ll be covered by top-notch security and a kill switch in the process. It also includes a solid no-logging policy. There are more than 5,000 servers across the globe, which gives you plenty of choice for getting past the TikTok ban. Like CyberGhost, though, some of NordVPN’s servers are slow.
The mobile apps are easy to use, but this VPN comes last because its apps don’t have the same number of features as the desktop version. You can toggle all of the necessary settings, but you can’t dig any deeper. Read more in our full NordVPN review or sign up for a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I Get a Free VPN for TikTok?
A quick search in your app store will return a multitude of free VPNs, and we understand that they are tempting. Before you dive straight in and install one, though, you should know that they’re not always what they claim to be. Those VPN services may not charge you a cent, but they’re out to earn money somehow.
You can read all of the horror stories in our worst free VPN providers guide, but we’ll give you a snippet now so you hopefully steer well clear. Such apps can hound you with ads, infect your device or even steal your data, in which case they’re no better than TikTok. If your wallet is spitting dust, then you should check out our best free VPN services roundup.
Can I Change My Location on TikTok?
TikTok is a form of social media, and like many other services, it works via an algorithm. That means it limits what you see and only shows you what’s relevant to your region. There are a few ways to get around that, though.
Firstly, you can change your language setting in the app, and you can also select multiple languages, meaning you’ll see a lot more content. TikTok also recommends content based on who you’re following. If you start following or interacting with videos from other regions, you’re likely to be shown other related content.
Alternatively, you can change your location with the VPN. You just need to connect to another country’s VPN server and fool TikTok into thinking you’re there.
Is It Safe to Unblock TikTok With a VPN?
Unblocking TikTok with a virtual private network is safe so long as you choose a reputable service. By doing that, you’ll ensure that you’re protected by top security and privacy, which will keep you hidden from snoopers.
Final Thoughts
TikTok is one of the most popular social media services for sharing short videos. However, with the fact that the app is Chinese and the Chinese government is known for spying through its apps, it’s not hard to see why the app is the victim of so many bans.
That said, if your love for TikTok cannot be suppressed, then your best bet is to sign up for ExpressVPN and enjoy uninterrupted TikTokin’ with the knowledge that you’re covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Have you used a VPN for TikTok? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. As always, thanks for reading.