We recommend these VPNs for Pokemon Go
Pokémon Go, the AR sensation, set the world ablaze in the summer of 2016, initially rolling out in America and Oceania before finally arriving in Europe after developer Niantic was able to relieve the game’s server strain. In just one week, Pokémon Go had become more popular than Tinder.
In 2024, aspiring Pokémon Masters are still checking off their Pokédex. The game has seen many updates, with new generations of Pokémon, seasonal events and community challenges.
For some players, however, catching a Pikachu or two might be easier said than done. The game can be region blocked or banned from schools and campuses, and others may have access to the game, but find themselves in a part of the world where Pokémon are sparse.
In this case, if you really want to catch ‘em all, you can unblock Pokemon Go anywhere with a VPN. It is even possible to combine a VPN with a GPS spoofing app to travel the globe virtually, and finally complete your collection.
Best VPNs for Pokémon Go
Check out our picks below and be sure to read on to our detailed reviews of each provider for more information. These VPNs all come jam packed with security features, top speeds, and easy installation.
ExpressVPN is the best Pokemon Go VPN. Packed with premium features and encryption that'll keep your data secure when relying on Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as a wide selection of servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN Demo ExpressVPN has consistently set the bar for VPNs, and since its launch in 2009 has come to be known as a premium service with a stacked roster of features. Whilst some prospective buyers might be put off by the subscription price, it’s worth noting that with ExpressVPN, you truly get what you pay for. ExpressVPN offers servers in more than 94 countries
, all with consistently sharp speeds, meaning that Pokémon trainers around the world won’t miss out on a single Pidgey… er, if that’s what you’re after. Boasting powerful online protection, 24/7 customer care, and a zero-logs policy, it’s not hard to see why ExpressVPN regularly claims the top spot on our comparison pages. The VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can check it out for yourself without any quibble. NordVPN is the best mid-range Pokemon Go VPN. A well-known service that can keep up with data-intensive tasks, has servers around the globe, and can effortlessly mask your original IP thanks to well-implemented encryption. Nord Demo NordVPN is a no-logs VPN provider based in Panama that is strong on privacy. It is a reliable service with apps for all popular platforms that will easily let you bypass local censorship, access internationally geo-restricted content, or unblock content restricted by an admin in work, at school, or on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN offers a wealth of market-leading security features that make it a good option for just about anybody. It also has rare privacy features such as double-hop connections, VPN over Tor, DNS-based malware protection, Smart DNS, and more, all at a very reasonable price point. Surfshark is the best value Pokemon Go VPN. A fresh-feeling service with easy-to-use apps for all platforms, plenty of servers to choose from, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark Demo Surfshark might be the new kid on the block, but is still taking the VPN market head on with an incredible set of services. Users will be able to connect unlimited devices and access 15 Netflix libraries, all for a budget price. Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark allows gamers to pick from thousands of snappy servers in more than 100 countries
- meaning there are very few places you won’t be able to find and catch Pokémon. In addition to its live chat support and 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark offers a split tunneling feature that allows you to pick and choose which apps travel through the VPN and which remain routed through your ISP, and a full Smart DNS service. You’ll also be able to surf the web without sparing a thought for ads, malware or phishing attempts, thanks to Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature. Private Internet Access is the best secure Pokemon Go VPN. Users get a huge network of servers to pick from, as well as a number of VPN protocols, and an ad-blocking feature that gets rid of pop-ups. PIA Demo Reddit’s online security community has praised Private Internet Access (PIA), in particular thanks to its all-round performance and security strength. The VPN has apps available for all platforms, and you’ll be able to select from 84 countries
in your hunt for legendary Pokémon. PIA might not have as many servers as the other providers on this list, but it is quick and reliable, meaning gamers won’t have to worry about excessive ping. The service lets you access geo-blocked streaming sites on up to 10 devices simultaneously, whilst also blocking ads and malware. So, don’t let PIA’s inexpensive subscription price fool you - the services and features provided feel premium, with a quick setup time and absolutely no logs. And you can even try for yourself thanks to PIA's 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is the best beginner friendly Pokemon Go VPN. Its apps install in a blink and are easy to use, available for all platforms, and boast speedy servers that can keep up with gaming, streaming, and downloading. CyberGhost Demo This Romanian-based VPN allows you to connect up to 7 different devices simultaneously, and Pokémon Go players will be spoiled for choice, with more than 91 countries
to choose from. CyberGhost's connections are quick and easy to set up on all your devices, and even beginners will be able to roll through installation and begin accessing geo-blocked content without a problem. Additionally, CyberGhost's top-of-the-line encryption keeps your online activity cloaked, meaning your addresses, bank details and other personal information will all stay secure. CyberGhost users can also enjoy safe P2P torrenting and a no logs policy. And if you need help at any time, the service provides its own excellent setup guides and customer support. 1. ExpressVPN
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How to unblock Pokemon Go with a VPN
If Pokemon Go is blocked at your school, place of work or in the region you live, a VPN can help. Simply follow the 4 steps below to access the game.
- Pick a VPN from the list above
- Sign up to the service and follow the installation instructions
- Pick a server and connect. If you just want to unblock the game, pick a server close to your own location.
- Open the Pokemon Go app and catch 'em all!
Will a VPN change my location in Pokemon Go
No, this is a common misconception. Unfortunately, Niantic has been aware of VPNs since the early days of Pokémon Go. Initially, the company played whack-a-mole by banning VPN IP addresses, but has turned its sights towards the banning of users more recently.
As a result, a VPN can't entirely solve the issue of relocating you on its own, but used alongside a GPS spoofing app and mock locations program, you’ll be able to drop your avatar anywhere on the map.
How does a VPN help?
In recent years, Pokémon Go has gotten wise to players trying to use a VPN to change their location, and the game is now combing through its servers for players whose locations don’t match their GPS position.
If you’d rather avoid being banned or suspended from playing, you’ll need the spoofing app for its added layer of security, as it effectively prevents the game from realizing that you’ve "teleported” halfway around the world. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend changing your location too often.
A VPN comes into play by cloaking your IP address, which Pokémon Go uses to determine your location, comparing it with your GPS coordinates. If the two don’t match up, you’ll likely get hit with the ban hammer.
A VPN takes care of the former part of that issue by allowing you to connect to a remote server - and there are myriad other ways in which this feature can come in handy!
Whilst a VPN can prevent you from being identified by your IP address, it cannot cloak your GPS location. This is where you’ll need some other handy tools.
How does a spoofer help?
Seeing as Pokémon Go will rely on your GPS location in addition to your IP address, you won’t be able to change your location without a spoofer.
This can be a tricky process, requiring a third-party app and, depending on whether you’re using iOS or Android, can require you to jailbreak your device.
Luckily, there are plenty of spoofing apps available online, and they’re typically free to download. Once you’ve got yours set up, you’ll need to decide which location or region you’re headed to, and select it.
It’s important to remember to keep your VPN on and connected to a server in the same location during this process, as you’ll more than likely face a ban from the game if you location hop without doing so.
The final piece of the puzzle is the Mock Mock Locations module. You can download the module from the Xposed Module Repository, and it’s recommended to do so, as it’ll prevent Pokémon Go from clocking on to your use of mock locations.
Warning
Try not to use this workaround too often. Niantic is more vigilant than ever when policing Pokémon Go and changing locations too often could draw attention to your account - resulting in a ban.
With all the tools assembled, it’s just a case of applying them - but bear in mind that the steps are different for iOS and Android. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of both processes.
What content am I missing without a spoofer and VPN?
Unless you’re living in a city, you might find yourself missing out on some key parts of the game. There tend to be more Pokéstops and gyms in these built-up areas, meaning that rural players run out of items more quickly and are less likely to come across rare Pokémon.
Additionally, cities form the central social hubs where players come together in order to raid Gyms, swap Pokémon, and battle.
So, by implementing a VPN, you not only have access to all of Pokémon Go’s most exciting aspects, but you’ll be able to roam across the world digitally - from London to LA, and everywhere in between!
How to spoof Pokémon Go on iOS
If you're playing on iPhone, follow the steps below to geo-spoof in Pokemon Go.
- First, select and register for a VPN.
- Download the VPN via the App Store and install it on your device.
- You’ll now need to jailbreak the device in order to change your location - a guide for which you can find here.
- After your device is jailbroken, visit Cydia - an unofficial App Store for jailbroken phones.
- Download tsProtecter, which will prevent Pokémon Go from finding out that you’ve jailbroken your phone.
- Once tsProtector is installed, revisit Cydia and download a location spoofer app.
- Enable your VPN and connect to a server as close to your spoofed location as possible.
- Select your location from the location spoofer app - but make sure that tsProtector is running, too.
- All done - you’re ready to play!
How to spoof Pokémon Go on Android
If you're playing on Android, follow the steps below to geo-spoof in Pokemon Go.
- Select and register for a VPN.
- Download the VPN via the Google Play Store and install it on your device.
- Download a fake GPS location app via the Google Play Store.
- Head to your device’s Settings menu.
- Click About Phone.
- Click Build Number seven times to turn on developer mode.
- Return to settings and click Developer Options at the bottom of the menu.
- Click on Mock Locations App.
- Switch on Mock Mock Locations.
- Enable your VPN and connect to a server of your choice.
- Enable your spoofing app and select a location as close as possible to your VPN server.
- Then, you’re all set!
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