Updated on: November 28, 2023
Short on time? Here’s how to access Grindr in Turkey in 2023:
- 1. Install a reliable VPN — I’d choose ExpressVPN. It has strong privacy and security features, blazing-fast speeds, and a user-friendly interface.
- 2. Connect to a server — Choose one in a nearby country like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, or Romania for the best possible speeds.
- 3. Log into your Grindr account — You can now access Grindr.
Grindr is one of the many websites banned in Turkey, so if you’re a Turkish resident or are traveling to Turkey, you won’t be able to network with the local LGBTQ+ community or keep in touch with your friends on the app — unless you use a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN will help you get around this restriction by changing your IP address from a Turkish one (which will be blocked) to an IP address from a country that allows access to Grindr. Not every VPN on the market is great at bypassing government censorship. But through extensive research and testing, I’ve identified 3 of the best VPNs to use with Grindr in Turkey.
For me, the best VPN for accessing Grindr in Turkey is ExpressVPN. It’s very good at getting around government restrictions, has excellent security and privacy features, and offers super-fast speeds.
Access Grindr with ExpressVPN Now
Why You Need a VPN to Access Grindr in Turkey
People in Turkey aren’t able to use Grindr because the Turkish government has blocked the app. The block works by preventing users with Turkish IP addresses from accessing the app. Fortunately, you can simply use a VPN to get an IP address from a country that allows you to access Grindr.
A VPN sends your internet traffic through a virtual server before it goes to its final destination. When you connect to a VPN server, you’re assigned an IP address that belongs to the country where the server is located — and the VPN hides your real IP address.
This way, websites will only see your VPN IP address and believe you’re actually in that country. For example, if you’re in Turkey but connect to a server in Cyprus, it will appear as if you’re in Cyprus and bypass Turkey’s Grindr ban.
Another good reason to use a VPN with Grindr in Turkey is that it encrypts your traffic. This means that no one, including the government, can see the websites that you visit.
Best VPNs for Accessing Grindr in Turkey in 2023
Quick summary of the best VPNs for accessing Grindr in 2023:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for bypassing Turkey’s Grindr ban.
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Secure & customizable VPN for accessing Grindr in Turkey.
- 🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Good Grindr VPN that’s great for beginners.
- Comparison Table of the Best VPNs for Grindr.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Accessing Grindr in Turkey in 2023
ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for accessing Grindr in Turkey due to its massive server network, best-in-class security features, and blazing-fast speeds. It has servers located in 105 countries, including in countries near Turkey that don’t block Grindr, like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and Romania. While you can connect to a server in any non-restrictive country, I recommend connecting to a country that is closest to you to get the fastest speeds.
In addition, ExpressVPN also supports obfuscation across all of its protocols and servers. Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic to evade government VPN detection.
ExpressVPN also offers advanced security and privacy features like:
- An audited no-logs policy — ExpressVPN doesn’t log your online activities and IP address. The VPN has confirmed that through multiple independent audits.
- Perfect forward secrecy — Changes your encryption key with every new session, so even if a hacker obtains one key, they can’t gain access to any past or future keys.
- TrustedServer technology — ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM memory, which means your data is never written to a hard drive and is wiped with every reboot.
- IP leak protection — ExpressVPN protects you against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, which prevents your IP address from leaking through the VPN. I tested servers in multiple countries for leaks, and I never saw my real IP address.
- Threat Manager — This feature blocks trackers (which are common on sites like Grindr) and stops you from visiting malicious websites (handy if you accidentally click on a suspicious link sent by a chat partner).
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol maintains the fastest speeds out there, allowing you to text and make calls on Grindr completely free of lag. I never experienced any slowdowns, buffering, or lag when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers.
ExpressVPN also comes with some useful extra features like split-tunneling, which lets you specify which apps you want to send through your VPN and which ones you want to send through your local network. This means you can route just Grindr through your VPN and avoid slowing down your other internet traffic.
Note that ExpressVPN’s website may be blocked in Turkey. So if you’re visiting the country, I strongly suggest that you download and install ExpressVPN on your device before you arrive. If you’re already in Turkey, ExpressVPN support recommends that you use this mirror link to access its website (if the main one doesn’t work): www.get-express-vpn.com.
ExpressVPN has both monthly and yearly plans with prices as low as $6.67 / month. While it costs slightly more than other VPNs, ExpressVPN is easily the best VPN provider on the market. Plus, all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without any risk.
Read the full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Secure & Extremely Versatile
Private Internet Access (PIA) has strong security and plenty of servers in countries near Turkey. It also offers obfuscation through its Shadowsocks protocol, which allows you to choose from 5+ different countries to route your traffic (including nearby Israel, Switzerland, and the Netherlands). While Shadowsocks is a great choice for bypassing Turkey’s firewall, I prefer ExpressVPN’s obfuscation method because it works in all 91 countries and provides faster speeds.
It’s really cool how customizable PIA’s apps are compared to most VPNs. For example, it lets you choose between 128-bit AES and 256-bit AES encryption (the former will get you slightly better speeds due to less encryption, but it’s still very secure). You can configure your kill switch to prevent internet access if you’re not connected to a VPN — so you don’t accidentally go on Grindr unprotected. Its advanced split-tunneling also lets you exclude IP addresses, which can be useful for desktop users who access Grindr through their browser.
All of PIA’s apps are open source, which means anyone can look at its code for cracks in security. Additionally, PIA uses perfect forward secrecy and RAM-only servers, but it’s a little inconvenient that you have to install a separate browser extension to prevent WebRTC leaks. PIA’s no-logs policy has been audited, and it’s been verified in multiple court documents.
PIA is slightly slower than ExpressVPN, but the differences didn’t really affect my online experience — even on distant servers. During my speed tests, videos and web pages loaded quickly, and text messages were sent with no delay.
The best part about PIA is that it comes with an excellent ad blocker that easily stops all the aggressive ads on Grindr from loading. In my tests, it successfully eliminated practically every ad on the app.
Private Internet Access offers very budget-friendly plans that start at just $2.11 / month. All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Easy-to-Use VPN for Grindr
CyberGhost VPN is a great VPN for Grindr users who are new to VPNs. Its apps are user-friendly and make it very easy to find any feature that CyberGhost offers. Plus, connecting to a server takes only a couple of taps.
The provider has servers in 100 countries, which is great — its large server network means you can easily find a nearby server and get the fastest possible speeds. I checked its coverage near Turkey and can confirm that it has servers in countries that surround it.
CyberGhost performed really well in my speed tests — chat messages were sent instantly, and I didn’t have to wait more than 1 second for video messages to load. That said, it’s a bit slower than ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
And it’s very secure. It uses RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy, comes with IP leak protection, and has an audited no-logs policy. And I think it’s great that it offers split-tunneling, though it’s not as advanced as Private Internet Access — you can only split-tunnel apps.
CyberGhost VPN is one of the cheapest VPNs out there, with plans starting at $2.03 / month. It backs its long-term plans with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, while its shortest plan offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Accessing Grindr in Turkey in 2023
How to Choose the Best VPN for Accessing Grindr in Turkey
- Look for a VPN that’s compatible with Grindr. The VPNs that I suggest all work with Grindr. They can consistently overcome the governmental restrictions of Turkey, they incorporate obfuscation tools, and they allow Grindr usage.
- Check for nearby servers. For smooth chatting, video messaging, and video calls on Grindr, I only recommend VPNs with very fast servers in nearby countries like Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Romania, etc. In my tests, ExpressVPN always had the fastest speeds.
- Choose a VPN with high security and privacy. All of the VPNs I recommend come with industry-standard VPN security features like 256-bit AES encryption (scrambles your data), a kill switch (disconnects your internet if your VPN connection drops), IP leak protection (prevents your IP address from leaking through your VPN), and a strict no-logs policy (to prevent the VPN from storing your data).
- Buy a VPN that offers great mobile apps. Most Grindr users access the app and site on their phone. That’s why I think it’s important to find a VPN that has user-friendly apps for both Android and iOS devices.
- Select a VPN that delivers excellent value. Every VPN mentioned here comes with competitively priced subscription plans. These plans not only offer good value but also support at least 7 device connections. Furthermore, each VPN has a money-back guarantee, letting you test its service without any financial risk.
How to Access Grindr on Any Device
How to Access Grindr on Your Windows PC or Mac Computer
- Choose an effective Grindr VPN. Opt for a VPN that reliably allows access to Grindr. I suggest ExpressVPN — it offers excellent speeds and a user-friendly app for both Windows and macOS systems.
- Download and install the VPN’s desktop app. Follow the simple on-screen instructions, and you’ll have ExpressVPN set up in moments.
- Launch the app, select a server in a nearby country that allows Grindr, and sign into your account. You are now ready to access Grindr.
How to Access Grindr on Your iPhone or iPad
- Select a VPN that pairs well with Grindr. ExpressVPN is an excellent option for Grindr on iOS, providing robust security and quick connection speeds.
- Download and install the VPN’s mobile app. It’ll take less than 2 minutes for the app to install.
- Open the VPN, pick a server in a neighboring country that doesn’t restrict the site, and launch the Grindr app. Enjoy anonymous Grindr browsing.
How to Access Grindr on Your Android Smartphone or Tablet
- Pick a VPN that pairs well with Grindr. I recommend ExpressVPN for its fast performance and advanced security on Android devices.
- Download and install the VPN app. Follow the installation guide once the download completes.
- Start the VPN, choose a server in a nearby country like Cyprus or Greece, and open the Grindr app. Log in to your account to begin connecting and interacting on the platform!
How to Sign Up for a Grindr Account in Turkey Using a VPN
- Choose a good VPN that can access Grindr. A VPN will not only allow you to access Grindr, but it’ll also keep everything you do on the app anonymous by encrypting your traffic. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has excellent server coverage around Turkey, is super fast, and has high-level privacy and security features. It also has user-friendly apps for all major OS, including Android and iOS.
- Download and install the VPN. If possible, it’s best to do this before you arrive in Turkey, as many VPN websites are blocked within the country. If you’re already there, you can use ExpressVPN’s mirror link.
- Connect to a server. Find the server list in your VPN app and pick a server to connect to. The server should be in any country where Grindr is available. I recommend connecting to a server in a country that neighbors Turkey, like Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, so you can get the best possible speeds.
- Download Grindr. Now that your VPN is set up and connected, you can download the Grindr app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Please note that if your Google Play Store location is set to Turkey, you’ll probably have to change it to be able to see the Grindr app in your Google Play Store. You can get more specific instructions on how to change your Play Store location here.
- Create a Grindr account. Open the Grindr app and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account. You’ll need to provide a valid email address and create a password.
- Start using Grindr. You can now use Grindr in Turkey. Remember to keep your VPN connected while using the app to ensure your connection is secure and private.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grindr work in Turkey?
No, since the government in Turkey has blocked access to Grindr. So, people with Turkish IP addresses won’t be able to get on the app or website. But a VPN can help you bypass this restriction by routing your traffic through a private server in another country that doesn’t block Grindr. When you connect to a VPN server, you get an IP address from that country, making it appear as if you’re accessing Grindr from outside of Turkey.
Are VPNs legal in Turkey?
Yes, it’s technically legal to use a VPN in Turkey. However, the Turkish government attempts to restrict VPN usage by blocking access to VPN websites and all of your VPN traffic. This means you need a VPN that is able to evade detection, like the ones on my list.
Also note that while using a VPN is legal, using one to access a banned website could get you in trouble. I recommend familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations beforehand.
Can a VPN bypass the Grindr ban in Turkey?
Yes, it can. VPNs hide your IP address, which reveals your general location, and assign you a new one that matches the location of the server you connect to. This essentially means that if you connect to a server in Greece, it’ll appear as if you’re accessing Grindr from Greece, which will allow you to bypass the ban in Turkey.
Can I use a free VPN to access Grindr in Turkey?
Maybe, but either way, I generally don’t recommend using free VPNs. This is especially true in restrictive countries like Turkey, which practice internet surveillance and block VPN traffic. Free VPNs seldom have great privacy or security features to protect you from prying eyes and often won’t work at all in the face of VPN blocks. What’s more, free VPNs frequently limit user speeds and data usage.
Using an affordable, paid VPN instead will save you a lot of time and headache. My favorite is ExpressVPN as it can consistently access Grindr, is very secure and easy to use, and has really fast speeds.
What is the best VPN to use in Turkey to access Grindr?
ExpressVPN is my top pick because it’s super fast and has servers in many nearby non-restrictive countries, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, and Romania. It also has great mobile apps and comes with top-notch privacy and security features like IP leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
How to access Grindr in Turkey?
The easiest way is by using a VPN. Turkey bans users from visiting Grindr’s app and website, but you can bypass these restrictions by connecting to a VPN server in a country that doesn’t censor the internet. To access Grindr in Turkey, just follow these 3 easy steps.
Where is Grindr banned and why?
Grindr is banned in several countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iran, and Turkey. The bans are primarily due to local laws and cultural attitudes towards LGBTQ+ communities. These countries often have stringent regulations against same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ rights, leading to the restriction of Grindr.
If you’re located in one of these countries but want to use Grindr, you could theoretically use a premium VPN (like ExpressVPN) to change your IP address so you can use the app. Just keep in mind this may violate the Terms of Use of Grindr.
