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How to use TikTok with a VPN

Get a VPN

1. Get a VPN

First, you need to get a reliable VPN that offers servers worldwide, just like Surfshark.

Connect to a VPN

2. Connect to a VPN

Download the Surfshark app, log in, and connect to the VPN server of your choice.

Enjoy TikTok videos

3. Enjoy TikTok videos

That’s it! Open your TikTok account and create content or enjoy videos.

Why can't I access TikTok?

Why can't I access TikTok?

Firewalls can bar access to the TikTok app at your college, workplace, or even your cozy dorm. Why? To save bandwidth and to keep you from falling into the warm hands of procrastination. An easy fix would be to switch from the Wi-Fi you’re using to mobile data or another hotspot. 

However, if switching your network leaves TikTok still on blok, TikTok might be banned in the country you’re connecting from.

Where is TikTok banned?

Different countries have different reactions to TikTok, with some imposing total bans while others simply limit its use.
Here are the countries limiting TikTok use at the time of writing:

 

Countries Current status
Australia, Estonia, The UK, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Belgium,
Denmark, Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, Austria, Ireland
TikTok banned on government/public servant sector devices
Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan Banned
Russia Users can only see old Russian-uploaded content

Note: according March 2024 data

Could TikTok be banned in the US?

TikTok might soon be banned in the US, but it’s still up in the air.

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act was signed into law on April 24, 2024. This act allows the US President to ban apps like TikTok in the name of national security. To avoid any risk of TikTok being removed from US app stores, Chinese owner ByteDance would need to divest from the app.

These developments are all due to allegations that the Chinese government uses TikTok to gather information on and influence American audiences. In a recent survey, 47% of US TikTok users said they’re concerned about TikTok collecting their personal data, and 50% of respondents have adjusted their privacy settings to limit data collection.

ByteDance has denied these claims, and freedom of speech activists have also spoken out against any ban.

Could TikTok be banned in the US?

Why do you need a VPN for TikTok?

You need a VPN for TikTok to create or access your favorite content safely. Surfshark VPN maintains the privacy of your time spent on the TikTok app without compromising your speed. So don’t forget to use Surfshark VPN when traveling to safely access TikTok while staying at a hotel or drinking coffee in a cafe with that sweet public Wi-Fi. 

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Why Surfshark is the best VPN for TikTok?

Surfshark is the best VPN for TikTok because it provides:

Protection on public Wi-Fi

Protection on public Wi-Fi

Whether exploring foreign lands or watching TikTok videos at your neighborhood café, we've got your back against those public Wi-Fi dangers.

Private streaming & browsing

Private streaming & browsing

Connect to secure VPN servers and shield your online adventures. Wherever you go, a VPN lets you journey through websites as if you never left the comfort of your home.

Unrestricted internet access

Unrestricted internet access

The internet should be accessible to everyone. Surfshark enables you to surf the web freely and uninterrupted by barriers, firewalls, or boundaries.

Fast speed & speed throttling protection

Fast speed & speed throttling protection

Do you love TikTok but hate seeing that loading circle on every video you scroll to? Don't worry. If your ISP is throttling your internet connection, a VPN will get the speed back.

Fewer advertisements & cookie pop-ups

Fewer advertisements & cookie pop-ups

Enjoy TikTok seamlessly without ads, trackers, or cookie pop-ups. Turn the VPN on, and our CleanWeb will wipe them out for you.

Unlimited connections & security

Unlimited connections & security

Love to share TikTok videos with your friends and family? Don’t stop there & share online security as well! Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Should you use a free VPN for TikTok?

No, you shouldn’t use a free VPN for TikTok. Free things are tempting, but you should avoid free VPN services. Why? Because free apps need to have other ways to make money. As such, free VPNs might be selling your data, bombarding you with ads, or limiting your bandwidth and data to make you buy the premium version.

Should you use a free VPN for TikTok?

Enjoy TikTok with Surfshark on all major platforms

Try Surfshark VPN risk-free

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try all of our features without limits and make sure it’s the right choice. If you decide that Surfshark is not for you during your 30-day trial, contact us and get a full refund.

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FAQ

Does a VPN work with TikTok?

Yes, a VPN works with TikTok. A VPN allows you to connect to any server and enjoy TikTok safely.

How do I connect to TikTok with a VPN?

To connect to TikTok using a VPN, you need to have an active VPN subscription, such as Surfshark. Once you have it, all you need to do is select your desired country, connect to it, and enjoy creating or watching TikTok videos. 

What is the best free VPN for TikTok?

There is no best free VPN that you could use for TikTok. Cybersecurity experts recommend avoiding free VPNs since they make money by showering you with ads or collecting and selling your browsing habits. To avoid that, get a premium VPN that works with TikTok and has clear privacy guidelines, like Surfshark.

Can I get banned by TikTok for using a VPN?

At the time of writing, TikTok’s Terms of Service doesn’t mention limitations on using the app with a VPN. However, due to the difficult situation TikTok finds itself in, changes may be implemented at any time.

Read the Terms of Service before using TikTok with a VPN, and don’t use a VPN if it goes against the user agreement. 

How does TikTok know your location?

Based on the information provided by TikTok’s customer services, TikTok can determine your approximate location based on the device’s GPS (in regions where Location Services are available to the app) as well as data from your SIM card and IP address. 

What is a TikTok APK?

APK is the format Android devices use for installing apps, like Surfshark APK, which is available to users who want a VPN for Android but can’t access the Google Play Store. So, TikTok APK would be the file necessary to install TikTok on an Android device. 

How do I upload content to TikTok for a foreign audience?

If you’d like to upload your content for an audience from a specific region via a VPN connection, you should know that TikTok tracks your location through your mobile phone’s SIM card. So, suppose you’d like your content to be visible to your foreign TikTok audience. In that case, you can only do so by removing the SIM card from your mobile device before uploading content or accessing TikTok on a computer via an internet browser.

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