⚡ Quick Answer
Connect to a VPN server in the US or UK, then access ChatGPT normally. Works for country blocks, school/work networks, and API access. NordVPN and Surfshark both work reliably with ChatGPT.
Why Is ChatGPT Blocked?
There are several reasons you might not be able to access ChatGPT:
🌍 Country Restrictions
OpenAI doesn't offer ChatGPT in all countries. As of 2025, it's unavailable in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and several other nations due to regulations or sanctions.
🏫 School/University Blocks
Many educational institutions block ChatGPT to prevent academic dishonesty. Network administrators can block the domain entirely.
🏢 Workplace Restrictions
Companies may block AI tools due to data security concerns—they don't want employees accidentally sharing proprietary information with AI.
📱 ISP Blocking
Some ISPs in certain countries block access to AI services even if they're not officially banned.
How a VPN Unblocks ChatGPT
A VPN works by routing your internet traffic through a server in another location:
You connect to a VPN server in the US
Your device establishes an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server
Your traffic appears to come from the US
ChatGPT sees a US IP address, not your actual location
ChatGPT grants access
Since the US is a supported region, you can use ChatGPT normally
How to Access ChatGPT with VPN
Get a VPN that works with ChatGPT
NordVPN and Surfshark both work reliably. Avoid free VPNs—they're often blocked.
Install the VPN app
Download from the VPN's official website or your device's app store.
Connect to a US or UK server
Both countries have full ChatGPT access. Choose whichever is closer to you.
Go to chat.openai.com
Sign in or create an account. You should now have full access.
AI Tools: Where They're Available
| AI Tool | Restricted Regions | VPN Works? |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | China, Russia, Iran, etc. | ✓ Yes |
| Claude | Limited availability | ✓ Yes |
| Google Gemini | EU (some features), others | ✓ Yes |
| Midjourney | Generally available | ✓ Yes |
| DALL-E | Same as ChatGPT | ✓ Yes |
Best VPNs for ChatGPT Access
NordVPN
Best Overall for AI Tools
- • 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- • Obfuscated servers for heavy censorship
- • Consistent ChatGPT access in testing
- • Fast speeds for API usage
Surfshark
Best Value
- • Unlimited simultaneous connections
- • Camouflage Mode for censored networks
- • Works with ChatGPT reliably
- • Very affordable pricing
ChatGPT Still Blocked? Try These Fixes
Clear cookies and cache
ChatGPT may have cached your old location. Clear browser data and try again.
Try a different server
If one US server doesn't work, try another city. Some IPs may be flagged.
Use obfuscated servers
If you're in a country with heavy censorship, enable obfuscation to hide VPN usage.
Switch to mobile data
If school/work Wi-Fi blocks VPNs, try using your phone's mobile data instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ChatGPT ban VPN users?
OpenAI doesn't actively ban VPN users. Unlike streaming services, they don't have aggressive VPN detection. As long as you're using a reputable VPN, you should be fine.
Can I use a free VPN for ChatGPT?
Free VPNs often have IP addresses that are already blocked due to abuse. They're also slower and may have security issues. A paid VPN is more reliable.
Will using a VPN affect ChatGPT's performance?
Slightly. The extra routing adds a bit of latency, so responses might take a fraction of a second longer. For normal use, you won't notice a difference.
Is it legal to use VPN for ChatGPT?
VPNs are legal in most countries. However, in places where VPNs are restricted (like China), there may be additional considerations. Check local laws.
Get Access to AI Tools Anywhere
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work reliably with ChatGPT and other AI platforms. Try risk-free with 30-day money-back guarantees.