If you’ve been using TikTok with a VPN and it’s no longer working, if you’re coming across the “no network” error, TikTok has managed to block the IP address your VPN has given you.
This has happened because your VPN can no longer stay one step ahead of TikTok’s VPN blocks.
Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try to resolve this problem.
This article will explain how you can fix TikTok not working with VPN and how you can prevent these issues from happening again.
Which VPNs work with TikTok?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| TikTok | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Throttling | 79% | 71% | 27% | 31% | 41% |
| Stream quality | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Price per month | $6.66 | $3.79 | $2.03 | $1.00 | $2.19 |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with TikTok. Our last test was on the 21st November 2023.
TikTok not working with VPN: Quick Fixes
Total Time: 5 minutes
-
Check if your VPN works on another device
This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with TikTok on your smartphone, but not your computer, then you know your VPN isn’t the problem. If your VPN does work on one device, jump to Step 3 below.
-
Contact your VPNs live chat service
This is another easy one. Cycle through your VPN’s available servers. If you only have a few options available to you, go to your VPN’s website and find the Live Chat feature (if they have one) and ask for a specific server number that works with TikTok. This is the single most effective way to diagnose if your VPN is the problem or not. If they can’t point you towards a server that works with TikTok then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.
-
Delete your cookies
Deleting your cookies can potentially fix VPN issues. Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN. Clearing these cookies removes any old or problematic data, thereby ensuring a cleaner slate for your VPN connection to operate. This can help in establishing a more stable connection and resolving conflicts between the VPN and certain web services like TikTok.
-
Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with TikTok, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the service. Changing to a different server will give you a different IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked, your VPN will work with TikTok again.
-
Reinstall or update your VPN
Think of this as the classic “turn it on and off again” tactic. Removing your VPN, and its settings, from your device and starting again is a good way to get the most up-to-date settings configured on your devices without much effort. If you don’t want to reinstall the software, you can always check to see if there’s an update available to download any fixes your service may have introduced.
-
Switch VPN protocols
VPN protocols are the beating heart of a VPN. They determine how the VPN works. When you use a VPN the protocol is responsible for hiding your data and rerouting it via VPN servers. If TikTok isn’t working with your VPN, it might be because the protocol you’re using is no longer working with the service. If your VPN allows it, try changing to a different protocol to see if that fixes the issue. Take a look at our VPN protocols article to discover more about which technology might be best for you.
-
Upgrade your VPN
If all of the above fails, you should consider upgrading to a high-end VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for TikTok. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for TikTok: Quicklist
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is the gold standard of VPNs. With servers in 94 countries and top-tier encryption protocols, it provides users the fastest and most reliable way to unblock streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN ($3.19/month) has an expansive network of 5,800+ high-speed servers in 60 countries – making it a great option for anyone looking to unblock popular streaming services, at a more mid-range prince point. An excellent choice.
Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) is the “best of the rest” VPN. It stands out as a solid streaming VPN with a budget price tag. It’s not as reliable, or fast, as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Making it a more suitable choice for a casual VPN user.
Ivacy ($1.00/month) the price is the selling point here. If you want a VPN that works with major streaming services “most of the time” and don’t mind a bit of buffering during peak periods, Ivacy is fine. But it’s a nowhere near as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
CyberGhost ($2.19/month) is a decent VPN option that offers user-friendly apps and a range of servers worldwide. While it may not lead the pack in all features, it provides a satisfactory balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use.
Why am I getting the TikTok “no network” error when using a VPN?
If you’re getting the “no network” error when trying to use TikTok, it’s a sign that the app has blocked the IP address your VPN has given you.
The reason TikTok blocks your connection first is to do with your location. TikTok isn’t legal in all countries, and if it made itself available in nations where it was deemed illegal, TikTok could face severe financial penalties.
Because VPNs are a good way to use TikTok in these countries, the app blocks VPNs from accessing its content. It does this, so it doesn’t face financial punishments.
These VPN blocks are why you’re running into the “no network” error.
How does TikTok block VPNs?
TikTok blocks VPNs using three main techniques:
- The most common technique is to do with the IP addresses that your VPN can provide. VPN providers have more customers than the number of IP addresses they can provide; this means that customers can use the same IP addresses. Usually, only a household with a few devices uses the same IP address. When TikTok sees hundreds or even thousands of connections coming through on the same IP address, it knows that it is a VPN, and it blocks it.
- TikTok monitors for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- TikTok teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, TikTok will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from, and it will block you.
Lesser VPNs, especially free VPNs, struggle to get around these blocks. They don’t good enough measures to avoid these blocks, and subsequently, all of their IP addresses get blacklisted by TikTok.
This is what has most likely happened to your VPN, and it’s why you’re receiving the “no network” error. The good news is there are VPNs out there that do have methods to get around TikTok’s blocks.
Does TikTok still work with VPNs?
TikTok still works with VPNs. However, you need to use a VPN that can stay ahead of TikTok’s VPN blocks.
VPNs like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month) are very good at this. These VPNs work reliably with TikTok because they play a game and cat and mouse with the app.
Inevitably TikTok will sometimes identify an IP address provided by ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month); however, when these IP addresses are blocked, ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month) will close it and open a new one.
This means there will always be an IP address for you to connect to, allowing you to use TikTok anywhere in the world reliably.
TikTok not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why is TikTok not functioning when I use a VPN?
Answer: TikTok may not work with a VPN due to geo-restrictions or if the VPN’s IP addresses are blocked by TikTok for security reasons.
Q: Can switching servers on my VPN resolve issues with TikTok access?
Answer: Yes, changing servers can sometimes help, as different servers may not be blocked or restricted by TikTok.
Q: Is it safe to access TikTok with a VPN?
Answer: Using a VPN to access TikTok is generally safe, as it encrypts your internet connection and can provide anonymity, but ensure the VPN provider is reputable.
Q: How can I tell if my VPN is causing TikTok to malfunction?
Answer: If TikTok works normally when disconnected from the VPN but faces issues while connected, it’s likely that the VPN is the cause.
Q: Are there any VPNs known to work well with TikTok?
Answer: Some VPNs are more compatible with TikTok due to their ability to bypass geo-restrictions and having a range of servers; researching recent user reviews can identify these VPNs. We recommend ExpresVPN or NordVPN.
The VPN services we recommend for TikTok
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN
- ✔Optimized for HD streaming speed
- ✔Wide network with 160 locations across 94 countries
- ✔Split tunneling feature to select apps using VPN
- ✔TrustedServer technology for enhanced security
- ❌Limited to 5 simultaneous device connections
ExpressVPN is a top choice for TikTok users due to its exceptional speed and strong encryption standards. It boasts a large network of servers spread across numerous countries, providing ample options to bypass geo-restrictions on TikTok.
ExpressVPN is known for its reliable performance, which ensures smooth streaming and quick uploads on TikTok, even in regions where the app is heavily restricted or monitored.
Additionally, it offers robust privacy protections, including a no-logs policy and kill switch feature, ensuring your TikTok usage remains secure and private.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Extra encryption with Double VPN
- ✔Over 5,500 servers in 59 countries
- ✔SmartPlay technology to unblock 400+ geo-restricted streaming services
- ✔CyberSec feature for ad and malware blocking
- ❌The interface can be complex for new users
NordVPN is another excellent VPN for TikTok, notable for its advanced security features. It provides double VPN and Onion over VPN options, adding an extra layer of security for TikTok users concerned about their online privacy.
NordVPN also has an extensive server network, which is advantageous for accessing TikTok from different regions. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to find and connect to the optimal server for TikTok, and the VPN’s strong encryption protocols ensure your data is safe from prying eyes.
Read our full NordVPN review.
Special Offer for you!
(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔Strong encryption for secure connections
- ✔Extensive server network enhancing connectivity
- ✔Built-in ad and malware blocking
- ✔Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ❌Can have slower speeds
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔Cost-effective pricing
- ✔Servers optimized for P2P activities
- ✔Strict no browsing logs policy
- ✔Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- ❌Smaller server network compared to others
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Large server network with streaming-optimized servers
- ✔Strong encryption standards for security
- ✔Specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- ✔Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- ❌Speed performance can be mixed
Will a free VPN work with TikTok?
Using a free VPN with TikTok can be a hit-and-miss experience. While some free VPNs might work, they often have limitations that can affect your TikTok usage. For instance, free VPNs typically have fewer servers and lower bandwidth, leading to slower connection speeds, which is not ideal for a data-intensive app like TikTok. This can result in longer loading times and buffering when watching or uploading videos. Additionally, free VPNs might have data caps, meaning you could quickly exhaust your data allowance with regular TikTok use.
However, if you are considering a free VPN option, it’s important to choose the best free VPN available, prioritising those that maintain reasonable speeds and offer a decent amount of data. But keep in mind that even the best free VPN may not provide the same level of service as a paid VPN. They often lack advanced security features and might not be as effective in bypassing geo-restrictions or maintaining user privacy, which are crucial aspects for many TikTok users.
Is using a VPN with TikTok legal?
Using a VPN with TikTok is legal based on where you’re located. If you’re in a country where VPNs are prohibited or restricted like China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan, then using a VPN with TikTok is illegal.
The good news is if you’re in any other country around the world, then using a VPN with TikTok is perfectly legal. However, it does go against the app’s terms of service.
When you sign up to TikTok you automatically agree to its terms of service. And in this document it says “you may not interfere with or attempt to interfere with the proper working of the Services, disrupt our website or any networks connected to the Services, or bypass any measures we may use to prevent or restrict access to the Services.”
Basically, what this means is TikTok may block or ban your account if it figures out you’re using a VPN with TikTok.
With that said, given the wide-spread use of VPNs, plus the many legitimate and legal use cases for VPNs, it’s fair to suggest that banning customers for using a VPN would be an extremely costly policy for TikTok to enforce.
In theory, if you’re trying to watch TikTok in a region where it does not traditionally operate, you risk having your account banned. However, as the best VPNs use military-grade encryption, it’s impossible for TikTok to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.
There’s one final thing to note on the subject: TikTok has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.
