Tinder was launched in 2012 and by the end of 2014, it had already confirmed its status as a global phenomenon, with an estimated of 50 million users and around one billion swipes per day. In the world of online dating, the popularity of Tinder is still on fire thanks to its simplicity and innovative swiping features. It was one of the first apps to use this functionality to allow users to choose a potential date. Tinder is very easy to use and it works with Android and iOS.
The app relies on GPS to find your location, then uses your Facebook information to set up a profile, but there are no references to Tinder posted on Facebook. You can choose photos from Facebook and information like your first name and age, will be included in your profile. To make your profile stand out, you can introduce yourself with a witty bio. Tinder then looks for people near your location and you can narrow down the search by age and distance.
If someone likes you, they will swipe right to save you as a potential date. If they are not into you, they will simply swipe left. You will only get notified when someone you liked, also swiped right when they saw you. This will create a match and you can start a conversation. Tinder is incredibly addictive and it is now part of popular culture. Every day, millions of people download the app out of curiosity or with the firm intention of finding a partner.
Why do you need a VPN for Tinder?
Tinder’ distinctive interface attracts users from around the world and it is estimated that over 9 billion matches have been made to date. However, there are some cases in which you won’t be able to access this popular app. Tinder is blocked in schools and office networks, where restrictions are usually placed on apps and websites that could distract students and employees from their tasks. Additionally, some ISPs and mobile carriers have implemented filters that prevent users from accessing Tinder. That is the case of Three, a provider that operates in Ireland and the UK. While they don’t seem to officially block the app, the filters (which are meant to target adult content and are enabled by default) seem to have affected many Tinder users. In order to get access to the app, Three customers would need to contact the company by phone, which can be very inconvenient.
The good news is that you can bypass these blocks with the help of a VPN and enjoy freedom to swipe right or left on your favorite dating app. A VPN allows you to defeat filters and firewalls that stop you from using the app and it also encrypts your traffic, keeping your privacy protected. When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address is disguised, which enhances your privacy online. Furthermore, if you are travelling abroad and want to start meeting people in your destination even before you get there, a VPN is a practical solution because you can connect to a server in that country.
Up until recently, Tinder users who wanted to check potential matches in another country were using GPS spoofing apps, to change their location. However, the latest update in Tinder requires that the location you are connecting from and your GPS location are the same. Let’s say that you are going to New York for holidays and want to check possible matches and maybe meet someone who can show you around the city. You don’t need to wait til you get there or pay for Tinder’s premium features. Simply connect to a VPN server in New York so that your IP address shows as if you are already there and then, change your GPS location using the GPS spoofing app. Just make sure that your fake GPS location is set in the same city of the VPN server you are connecting to.
You can spoof your GPS with the help of Fake GPS Location Spoofer by IncorporateApps o Lexa’s Fake GPS Location, both are free solutions for Android users. It is also advisable to install a module called “Mock Mock Locations” as it prevents Tinder or any other app from finding out that “Allow mock locations” is enabled on your device. If you have an iPhone, you will need to jailbreak it first to access Cydia and get “Location Spoofer” or “Protect MY Privacy”, which will give you the possibility of changing your location.
Best VPNs for Tinder
A VPN is a practical solution for users of Tinder or one of its alternatives fans that want to defeat blocks imposed by their network, or find potential matches when they travel abroad. Here are the best VPN services for Tinder.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has ultra fast servers in 87 countries and its service is known for its high quality and excellent speeds. They also provide a high level of encryption to protect your online traffic from hackers, online surveillance and other threats. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep logs of your activities and it helps you to bypass restrictions effectively. It is a simple and reliable solution to access Tinder and start swiping, anywhere you are.
NordVPN
One of the main goals of anyone who uses a VPN is to get protection for their internet traffic. The high encryption used by NordVPN will keep your information private, including your Tinder history. You can enjoy this popular dating app, without putting your privacy at risk and if Tinder is blocked in your location, NordVPN’s servers will help you to bypass this. Just connect to one of the more than 5000 servers that NordVPN has and soon you will be enjoying the high security and the unblocking capacity that this provider offers. NordVPN is a zero logs provider and it supports advanced features like Tor over VPN.
Surfshark
Surfshark has achieved popularity through a combination of high security, convenient features and high speed. You can connect to hundreds of servers in more than 50 countries, which allows you to access international content and bypass restrictions. Surfshark is fast and it will let you access Tinder from any location thanks to its powerful unblocking technology. Surfshark has been audited by an independent team of experts and its security has been confirmed. Surfshark lets you enjoy an uncluttered browsing experience, thanks to its CleanWeb feature that prevents ads and trackers.
Private Internet Access
Compared to other providers, PIA offers a limited global coverage since it has servers in just 24 countries. However, it offers over 3000 servers distributed strategically to ensure that every user enjoys optimal speed and performance. PIA offers low prices and it is a great solution for users who want to bypass restrictions imposed in their network. They secure your traffic with strong encryption and don’t keep logs of your traffic.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is the VPN solution created by Golden Frog, a well established Internet company. The fact that they run their own infrastructure allows them to offer a fast, stable and highly reliable service. Thanks to their unique “Chameleon” technology, you will be able to bypass firewalls and Deep Packet Inspection. Although they keep some connection logs, your online activities are not monitored and they have fast servers in over 50 countries.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost became very popular thanks to its free service and while this option is no longer available, the prices of the paid plans are very convenient. It is possible to connect to over 3000 servers in over 50 countries. CyberGhost prides itself of offering fast speeds, effective unblocking technology and more. CyberGhost doesn’t keep logs of your activities and it is a reliable solution with a good track record protecting the privacy of its customers. As such, it is another VPN service that we recommend to Tinder users who want to boost the security of their connection.