TikTok is a short video platform that hosts videos from 3 to 15 seconds. This popular mobile app released in September 2016 and was developed by the Chinese company, ByteDance. While many experts argue it is no less secure than other apps, India banned the app in June of 2020 and the US president threatened to ban the app because of the developers. That said, he stated if it is purchased by Microsoft by September 15th, 2020, there won’t be an issue. However, if it does happen, we will tell you how to access or update the app in the US.
Quickstart Guide for Using a VPN with TikTok
Using TikTok in the US or other countries that ban it, you just need to follow these directions.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money-back guarantee).
- Once you have opened the client, locate a server in a country other than India or the US.
- Open the Apple Store or Google Play on your mobile device, depending on what type it is. Keep in mind you will need to sign with your credentials from the stores, respectively. Additionally, you can to the TikTok website.
- Download or update and enjoy TikTok or other Chinese apps.
Let’s take a look at some of the best VPN options to use.
How to Unblock TikTok with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best choice for unblocking popular streaming services and live sporting events. The ExpressVPN team has combined their VPN service with a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer. The combination will protect your privacy and unblock access to a wide range of content all over the world. You can run the ExpressVPN app on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and router. The MediaStreamer service extends support to streaming media devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Kodi boxes, etc.), Smart TVs, gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox One, Switch), and more.
The team at ExpressVPN is currently offering our visitors a discount on their all-inclusive VPN service. You can enjoy unlimited access to both their VPN network and MediaStreamer service for 49% off with 3 months free. In addition, they are offering a 30-day money-back guarantee to all new members so you won’t feel rushed while testing the service. You’ll have a month to watch live events, unblock streaming services, and fully experience the advantages of ExpressVPN. You can expect to be quite impressed with the service.
How to Unblock TikTok with NordVPN
NordVPN is a good choice for unblocking live sporting events and streaming services. The VPN will help you unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many more channels. You still need a subscription for paid services like CBS All Access but NordVPN will help you unblock the geo-restrictions. They are one of the few VPNs that can still access Netflix US from outside the United States. This makes NordVPN a great choice for those who want to stream content from other regions of the world.
As you can see, the NordVPN app is easy to use. You can select a server location from the map or from a list of countries. Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t let you choose a specific city in locations like the United States. However, it will pick a server based on your current location. We found this to result in slower speeds than ExpressVPN. At times we had to try a few different servers to find one that offered the performance we desired. Otherwise, NordVPN offers everything you need to unblock your favorite websites.
How to Unblock TikTok with PIA VPN
Private Internet Access, often referred to as PIA, is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. They are headquartered in Silicon Valley and have contributed heavily to the privacy community. You have likely seen PIA in the news as they support a wide range of privacy-related campaigns. From full-page ads to promote privacy bills to support of the open-source community, the PIA team is a strong privacy advocate. You will find the VPN service offers everything you need to encrypt your connection and unblock access to many of your favorite web sites.
We have experienced positive results when trying to access Netflix through PIA. You will find that popular streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer are getting good at blocking VPNs. It’s a game of cat and mouse in which the VPNs find ways to stay ahead of the game. In addition to unblocking restrictions, PIA is also very popular in the file-sharing community. Torrent users turn to PIA to secure their privacy with sites like TorrentFreak promoting the service. You will find that PIA has a lot to offer for a very reasonable price.
Of course, using one will help you unblock WeChat and possibly other Tencent apps.
About Geo-blocks
Geo-blocks can often be annoying, especially if you want to access apps like TikTok and other Chinese apps. Because of the government bans, the software will block anyone inside the US or other countries that ban it. By connecting to a VPN, it will think you are located someplace else outside of those areas. Of course, you can do more than unblock TikTok by using one.
Not All VPNs Will Unblock TikTok
Ineffective VPN products litter community. Since one of the big reasons to connect to a VPN is to get around bans or geo-blocks, you will defeat yourself and one of the primary reasons to use one. Some of the more well-known providers do not work well to get you past those types of blocks. There is no point in trying to access the app if it does not work. That is why you should choose one of the options we mentioned above.
Above, you can see some of the great tools that will allow you to unblock TikTok in the US. Though there are others available, we think you’ll be happy with our choices. If you are a fan of the app or want to check it out, you don’t have to miss out on it because of the bans. If your goal is to unblock the Chinese app, TikTok, or others, this post will help you find the best way to enjoy them.
