How to use TikTok abroad: QUICK walkthrough (2024)

TikTok is one of the biggest social media apps around, but it’s locked in some countries. A VPN lets you watch videos from anywhere in the world – but how do you set it up? Below, we explain what to do.

If the TikTok app identifies that you’re trying to stream content from outside of a supported country, your connection could be blocked. But a reliable VPN lets you use TikTok abroad with a temporary IP address.

Which VPNs work with TikTok?

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In three steps: using a VPN to access TikTok abroad

At a glance: To use TikTok within a restricted area, download a VPN, sign in to your account, connect to a server based in the United States (or the UK) and then reload the app.

Step 1. Install a VPN on your smartphone

To scroll through your TikTok feed abroad, you might need a VPN depending on where you are. By choosing the best option, you’ll get instant access to a tool that’s both easy to use and secure – it won’t share your personal details with third parties or your ISP (internet service provider).

Step 2. Sign in to your VPN

Once you’ve created your VPN account, sign in with your email/username and password on mobile. Make your password unique to your VPN account.

Step 3. Connect to a US server for TikTok

As TikTok is designed for specific countries, you can use it from anywhere by connecting to a VPN server based in the States.

To do this using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter a US location. Then, click the power icon to connect and wait for the green light.

Why is TikTok not working with my VPN?

Your current VPN isn’t pairing with TikTok and that’s probably because it’s not hiding your real location. The VPN servers you have available to you through your current VPN may be blacklisted by the TikTok app.

By swapping to a better VPN for TikTok, you’ll be able to watch clips without being interrupted. Alternatively, you can attempt to fix your current VPN with the methods below.

Common TikTok fixes

1. Update your VPN

If you encounter errors while using TikTok from outside Australia, it’s important to ensure that you are running the latest version of your VPN software.

For computer users, begin by launching your VPN and navigating to the Settings section. Look for the Update button, which will direct you to the VPN provider’s website.

iPhone users can update their VPN by opening the App Store and tapping on their user profile in the top-right corner. From there, you can easily check for and install any available updates.

If you are using an Android device, update your VPN via the Google Play Store. Start by tapping on your profile icon in the corner, then select Manage apps and devices. You will find options to update individual apps or update all of them.

2. Use a different VPN server

Occasionally, VPN servers may exhibit sluggish performance, and it’s advisable to switch to an alternative VPN server when encountering such issues.

The specific steps to do this may vary depending on the VPN service you’ve chosen. For example, if you’re running ExpressVPN, you can access a list of alternative servers within the same country by selecting the three dots icon.

3. Get assistance from Customer Support

The VPN services discussed on this page provide dedicated customer support teams ready to assist with any technical challenges. They are typically eager to provide you with the help you need.

4. Reboot your VPN

If switching servers doesn’t resolve the issue, try uninstalling and then reinstalling your VPN. Afterward, open your VPN and TikTok to check if the problem has been resolved.

5. Verify your internet connection

Begin by disconnecting from your wi-fi, reconnect, and attempt to use your VPN once more. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider performing a complete router restart.

To assess your internet connection, employ an internet speed testing tool. This test will enable you to compare the results with your Internet Service Provider’s “minimum guaranteed speed.”

More TikTok fixes:

Re-enter your VPN username and password. Check if you’ve entered your VPN login details correctly.

Make sure you aren’t the victim of a DNS leak. Flawed VPNs don’t disguise your real IP address and location when you visit TikTok. To check, turn it off and head to the IP Address Lookup tool. Make a note of your typical IP address, activate your VPN, run the test again and see if those details change. If you don’t see a difference, your VPN isn’t working.

Check the VPN servers that you’re using for TikTok. If you can’t connect to a server, your provider might be at fault. The best providers (we like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Ivacy and PureVPN) are quick to fix dodgy servers.

Best VPNs for TikTok

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

If you want to enjoy clips on TikTok from anywhere in the world, consider creating a membership with ExpressVPN. It’s easy to use, speedy and works well if you’re looking to access TikTok outside of a supported country. To watch clips anywhere, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN, connect to a server based in a supported country and go from there.

This VPN keeps your real IP address hidden, so TikTok won’t know you’re accessing content from outside of supported territories. Every ExpressVPN member has access to servers in over 90 countries around the world. ExpressVPN works on a range of different devices including Mac, PC, Android or iOS smartphone.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy works well with TikTok and it’s a reliable option if you don’t want to spend loads on a VPN to watch clips. This service is built to support 256-bit encryption, which helps keep cybercriminals away, and on top of that you get public wi-fi security that protects your gadgets against malware if you’re connecting to a hotspot in a public area.

You can use Ivacy to access geo-restricted apps such as TikTok without anybody knowing about it. That’s thanks to Ivacy’s strict no-logs policy, which stops your valuable personal data from being sold to sinister third parties.

This is one of the most widely-used VPNs proven to work hand-in-hand with TikTok. If you try it today, you’ll have access to over 3,000 VPN servers around the world. One subscription has you covered on up to 10 different devices at once.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

Here’s another VPN that lets you watch clips on TikTok outside of a supported country. NordVPN has servers across the globe and all of them are protected by military-grade encryption. And with Nord’s enhanced encryption technology, you can even stay safe on public wi-fi networks without speeds being affected.

NordVPN’s servers are mega secure and you can connect without handing over your personal data. This trusted VPN doesn’t keep an eye on how you’re using the service, so privacy is guaranteed. You can also try NordVPN’s CyberSec feature, which blocks suspicious-looking websites and lowers the risk of your device being infected with data-grabbing malware.

In just a couple of minutes, you can start watching clips on TikTok abroad using NordVPN. To access the streaming service, just connect to a VPN server based in a supported country. If you need help at any time, you can call on NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat service.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

PureVPN is a great VPN that allows you to bypass geo-locked apps and services so you can enjoy TikTok without a fuss.

Aside from TikTok, PureVPN also works with ITV Hub, Hulu and Amazon Prime. There are over 6,000 super-secure PureVPN servers based in over 70 different countries. This is a great pick if TikTok isn’t working with your VPN.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

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