How to Use Grindr in Turkey in February 2023 (Safe + Easy!)

Grindr is blocked in Turkey, so it’s impossible to use the app with a Turkish IP address. However, a VPN can assign you a new IP address from abroad, so you can keep in touch with the LGBTQ+ community on Grindr. This is especially useful if you’re traveling to Turkey, but you still want to check your messages or find new matches in your home country.

I tested 30+ VPNs to find the best for both Grindr and Turkey. ExpressVPN emerged as the winner with blazing-fast speeds, high-level security and privacy features, and easy-to-use mobile apps for Android and iOS.

You can try ExpressVPN with Grindr in Turkey for yourself to see just how well it works. There’s no risk to your money if you’re not satisfied — ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so getting a full refund is hassle-free.

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 Quick Guide: How to Use Grindr in Turkey in 2023

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 The Best VPNs to Access Grindr in Turkey (Updated February 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Grindr in Turkey With Fast Speeds and Proven No-Logs Policy

Outstanding!

• Speed
  10/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  10/10
• Support
  10/10
• Pricing
  9.0/10

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the top choice for using Grindr in Turkey due to its high-level privacy and security features. Every ExpressVPN app has built-in leak protection and military-grade encryption — the same kind used by government agencies and financial institutions. This ensures Grindr matches and private messages are hidden and secure.

All servers operate on RAM, which wipes all data with every scheduled reboot. The no-logs policy has also been independently audited, proving no user data is ever stored, shared, or tracked. In 2017, ExpressVPN’s privacy policy was put to the test when officials seized a server in Turkey as part of an investigation — and no identifying data was recovered from the server.

Better still, ExpressVPN has blazing-fast speeds on its global servers. This is due in part to its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed to provide top security and mitigate speed loss. My speed only dropped by 18% on average, which is barely noticeable, even when I connected to servers thousands of kilometers away.

Considering Turkey’s slow average internet speed, ExpressVPN ensures you can use Grindr without experiencing any interruptions. This means you won’t fall behind on instant messages or miss new matches. You can even stream in UHD on Netflix or download large files without lag.

Unfortunately, the only downside is that ExpressVPN doesn’t have a kill switch on the iOS app. A kill switch cuts access to the internet if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted. If you have a steady internet connection, you might not even need a kill switch — but if you do want this extra layer of protection, CyberGhost has a kill switch on all its desktop and smartphone apps (including iOS).

You’ll need to download ExpressVPN before entering Turkey as the website is blocked inside the country. If you’re in any way unsatisfied, you’re protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Just send the customer support team an email at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com. When I tested the refund policy myself, it was surprisingly hassle-free. No questions were asked and I had my money back in less than 5 days.

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

2. CyberGhost — Strong Privacy Features With Automatic Kill Switch on Mobile Apps

Outstanding!

• Speed
  9.0/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  9.0/10
• Support
  10/10
• Pricing
  10/10

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost has highly-secure apps for Android and iOS, ensuring all your activity while using Grindr is secure and private.You’re protected by AES-256-bit encryption and leak protection, and all servers are RAM-based and can’t physically store data.

CyberGhost even offers a kill switch on both Android and iOS apps. Many VPNs don’t bother with kill switch implementation on iOS, so this puts CyberGhost at an advantage when it comes to mobile security. The kill switch is automatically enabled every time you use the app, so you can rest assured your Grindr activity won’t be exposed even if your internet connection drops out.

Another top-grade feature is automatic WiFi protection. It’s especially useful if you’re regularly connecting to public WiFi hotspots. You can choose whether you want CyberGhost to ask before connecting, automatically connect, disconnect, or do nothing whenever it detects a WiFi network.

Given Turkey’s slow internet speeds, I like that CyberGhost automatically chooses the WireGuard protocol on both Android and iOS apps. WireGuard boosts speed while keeping security strong — during tests, I found WireGuard provided speeds up to 30% faster than the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. I could easily connect to Grindr, check matches, and respond to instant messages without interruption.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost hasn’t yet undergone an independent audit of its privacy policy like ExpressVPN. I’d like to see CyberGhost voluntarily undertake a third-party audit to verify its zero-logging claims.

The best way to see if the service is right for you is to try CyberGhost with Grindr for yourself. There’s a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which you can use as a free trial (ideal if you’re only in Turkey for a short time). Getting a full refund is easy — I tested this myself and I had my money back in my account in less than a week.

Access Grindr with CyberGhost

3. Private Internet Access — Best Budget VPN for Grindr in Turkey

Outstanding!

• Speed
  8.0/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  9.0/10
• Support
  10/10
• Pricing
  10/10

See Deals

Key Features:

Private Internet Access (PIA) is great value for money with an enormous network of over 35000 servers in 84+ countries. This guarantees you’ll always have a server connection in the country of your choice — all for as little as $2.19 with its 2-year + 2 months-year plan.

PIA uses military-grade encryption and leak protection, with an automatic kill switch on all apps to protect your data when using Grindr. I ran several leak tests and PIA kept my data secure. The company has even undergone an independent audit of its privacy policy so you can rest assured it won’t log any information. There are also several anonymous ways to pay, including gift cards and cryptocurrency.

However, my speeds with PIA were slower than both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Unfortunately, Turkey’s slow internet infrastructure means your speeds might slow down even more once connected to PIA. To get the best speeds, I recommend using PIA’s WireGuard protocol over OpenVPN or IKEv2. This boosted my speeds by around 10Mbps.

If you’d like to try PIA with Grindr in Turkey for yourself, you can do so risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Just make sure that you download PIA before you arrive in Turkey as the website is blocked inside the country. If you don’t have it before you arrive, you won’t be able to download the app.

Access Grindr with PIA

4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans

Outstanding!

• Speed
  10/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  9.0/10
• Support
  10/10
• Pricing
  8.0/10

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.

I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to unblock local sites — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, I easily unblocked Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max on multiple servers in the US and UK.

I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it worked and unblocked some streaming services, it sometimes had issues unblocking Netflix US and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption
• A kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
• Built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
• Fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN

In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.

With plans that cost as little as $3.49 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.

Get NordVPN today

5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds

Outstanding!

• Speed
  9.0/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  8.0/10
• Support
  10/10
• Pricing
  10/10

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.

I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.

When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
• Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
• Diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
• Kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
• IP and DNS leak protection

Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.

While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming Netflix in UHD, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.

You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.49. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).

Get Surfshark today

6. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections Ideal for Protecting Every Device When Using Grindr

Excellent!

• Speed
  10/10
• Servers
  10/10
• User Experience
  8.0/10
• Support
  7.5/10
• Pricing
  8.0/10

See Deals

Key Features:

IPVanish allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at once, making it ideal if you own multiple smartphones, tablets, and laptops. You can use Grindr on your phone or tablet, while still connected to the VPN on your laptop or other device — you don’t have to choose which device you want to protect with the VPN.

In tests, I was impressed by the fast download speeds on servers around the world. Even when I connected 6 devices at the same time, I didn’t experience any significant slowdown.

To protect your data and online privacy, IPVanish uses military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Unfortunately, the kill switch is only available on Android (not iPhone or iPad).

In addition, IPVanish has yet to undergo an independent audit to verify its zero-logs policy. A third-party audit is important, especially in a country like Turkey where you don’t want your personal information to become public knowledge

You can try IPVanish with Grindr risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s easy to cancel as you just have to click the “Cancel Now” button in “Subscriptions” in your account. Your service is automatically canceled and your money returned within an hour.

Access Grindr with IPVanish

 Easy Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for Grindr in Turkey

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 How I Ranked the Best VPNs for Grindr and Turkey

I tested and ranked more than 30 services to find the most secure and reliable VPNs in 2023 for Grindr. Each VPN test was based on the following criteria:

• Works in Turkey — All of the above VPNs have apps that operate without issue in Turkey, so you can easily connect to a server to access Grindr.
• Wide server network — I checked each VPN has servers globally and in nearby countries to Turkey, like Greece and Bulgaria.
• No-logs policy — This ensures your Grindr activities are never tracked, collected, shared, or sold to third parties. Even better, the VPN’s privacy policy should have successfully undergone an independent audit.
• Fast speeds — Turkey’s internet speeds are slow and only average around 25Mbps. A good VPN must be able to mitigate speed loss to keep your global server connection as fast as possible.
• Mobile app — It’s easiest to use Grindr on your smartphone or tablet, so it’s essential the VPN has a dedicated app for Android, iOS, and Blackberry. The best VPNs also have user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and Linux.

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 New to Grindr? Here’s How to Sign Up for a Grindr Account

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 FAQs: VPNs and Grindr in Turkey

How does a VPN work with Grindr in Turkey?

A VPN reroutes your internet traffic through its global server network, allowing you to access your local Grindr account while traveling in Turkey. This lets you connect with the LGBTQ+ community when in Turkey so you don’t miss any matches or private messages from users at home.

A VPN also helps protect your online activities as it encrypts your internet traffic. This ensures third-party snoopers can’t see that you’re using Grindr or hack your information. All they can see is that your connection is encrypted — not your matches, messages, or any other data.

It’s important to remember that Grindr is banned in Turkey, so there is the possibility of repercussions if you’re caught using the app. My team and I don’t condone participating in any illegal activities but to date, there have been no public cases of foreigners being penalized by the Turkish government for using a VPN with Grindr.

Does Grindr work in Turkey?

Grindr has been blocked in Turkey since 2013. The government cites the block as a “protection measure” for the general public. If you’re visiting Turkey as a foreigner, you can only access Grindr in Turkey by using a VPN. Many VPN websites are also restricted inside the country, so you should download a reliable VPN before entering Turkey.

Keep in mind that while LGBTQ+ relationships aren’t illegal in Turkey, LGBTQ+ individuals have fewer legal rights than heterosexual citizens and visitors. They face discrimination and have few protections, with homosexuality and non-heterosexual relationships being largely taboo in Turkish society.

While you should exercise caution if you decide to use a VPN with Grindr inside Turkey’s borders, you likely won’t be prosecuted for doing so. The common practice is that Turkey fights VPNs and Grindr by technologically blocking these services — not by chasing after foreigners who use them.

Can I use a free VPN to access Grindr in Turkey?

Technically, yes. However, even the best free VPNs in 2023 have limitations. You’ll only have access to secure servers in a select few locations. This severely limits your choices, especially when you want to keep up with matches in your home country. Unfortunately, free VPNs also have strict data limits, meaning you’ll only get a few swipes and private messages before you hit the cap.

If you’ve found a free VPN with no limitations, then I caution you to avoid them. These VPNs still have to make money and often do so by secretly harvesting your data and selling it to the highest bidder. This information can include your name, location, downloads, and online activity. This defeats the purpose of a VPN altogether — and Turkey isn’t somewhere you want to risk exposing your private life and relationships.

Fortunately, premium VPNs like CyberGhost have a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This is perfect if you’re traveling to Turkey for a short time and don’t need a VPN after your trip. You can use CyberGhost with Grindr in Turkey for free and once you’re home, contact customer support over 24/7 live chat to arrange a refund.

Can someone track you on Grindr?

A VPN is the safest way to use Grindr in Turkey as it encrypts your connection and ensures no one can snoop on your swiping preferences or private chats.

Another safety precaution is to create a Grindr profile with a throwaway email address. While the company claims it encrypts messages, Grindr’s privacy policy states that full messages, including pictures and audio, may be logged by the service. As such, it’s wise to not send any messages, images, or audio that you don’t want to be logged or potentially exposed. There is always a chance that Grindr may experience a data leak.

Access Grindr with ExpressVPN

 Secure Your Data on Grindr in Turkey

The only way to get reliable and secure access to Grindr is with a premium VPN. After extensive testing, ExpressVPN is the best choice for Grindr and Turkey. The audited and proven no-logs policy means you can safely use Grindr knowing your dating life remains private. The blazing-fast server network allows you to send messages and swipe on new matches without lag or interruption.

You can even try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free to make sure it’s right for you. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to get a full refund. I tested this myself and the process was easy. A representative approved my refund in minutes and I had my money back in less than 5 days.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Grindr in Turkey in 2023

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Choice

1.

9.8

 
 
 
 
 

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$6.67 / month
Save 49%

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2.

9.6

 
 
 
 
 

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$2.19 / month
Save 83%

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3.

9.4

 
 
 
 
 

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$2.19 / month
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4.

9.4

 
 
 
 
 

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$3.49 / month
Save 71%

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5.

9.4

 
 
 
 
 

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$2.30 / month
Save 82%

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6.

8.7

 
 
 
 
 

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$3.33 / month
Save 72%

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