How To Bypass 4chan IP Address Ban By Using A VPN In 2022

4chan is a popular anonymous online imageboard, known for its fast-moving discussions, minimal moderation, and complete lack of user accounts. The anonymous account is a big part of what makes 4chan appealing, but it’s also exactly why IP bans are so common. Since there are no usernames to block, 4chan relies almost entirely on IP addresses to control access.

If your IP gets flagged, whether from posting too often, sharing controversial content, or simply having a shared IP address with someone who violated a 4chan rule, you can suddenly find yourself locked out with no warning.

That’s where a virtual private network (VPN) comes in. A good VPN hides your real IP address, replaces it with a new one, and encrypts your traffic so you can access 4chan privately and securely without running into the same block again.

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to bypass a 4chan IP ban with a VPN, explain what features actually matter when choosing one, and break down the 5 bestVPNs for 4chan. Whether you’re dealing with an active ban or just want a more secure and private connection.

In a hurry? Here’s how bypass a 4chan IP ban with a VPN

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be back on 4chan in no time!

1. Purchase a subscription to a reliable VPN service. My favorite is ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app onto your device.
3. Open the app, select a server, and connect. A nearby server will give you the best speed.
4. Sign in to 4chan and enjoy!

Key takeaways

1. Chan4 is a popular, anonymous online imageboard.
2. 4chan bans can happen, and they rely almost entirely on IP addresses to control access.
3. A quality VPN hides your real IP address, assigns you a new one, and encrypts your traffic, allowing you to access 4chan again without the original block stopping you.
4. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN are the most reliable options for safe, unrestricted access to 4chan.

Why you need a VPN to beat 4chan IP bans

If your IP address has been blocked on 4chan, a reliable VPN is just the tool you need to get back in the game. When you connect to a premium VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN’s network. This masks your real IP address and assigns you a new one from the VPN instead.

Since 4chan only sees the VPN’s IP address, not your original one, the site no longer recognizes you as blocked. By appearing as a new user coming from a different location, you can access 4chan again without the original restriction stopping you.

How to choose the best VPN to bypass a 4chan IP ban

Not every VPN can get around a 4chan IP ban, so choosing the right one really matters. When I’m looking for the best VPN for 4chan, these are the key features I pay attention to:

• Privacy and security. I look for providers that use AES-256 military-grade encryption, offer an automatic kill switch, and follow a strict no-logs policy so my activity stays private and untraceable from hackers, snoops, and even my internet service provider.
• IP masking. To effectively bypass a 4chan IP ban, the VPN has to do more than just change your IP address. It needs to effectively hide your real IP address and VPN usage, so you can get past the 4chan VPN blocks.
• Server network. A large server network gives you access to more IP addresses, which is important after a block. As a bonus, a wider server selection also helps with accessing region-restricted websites and helps prevent slowdowns from overcrowded servers.
• Speed. I stick with VPNs that offer fast, stable connections so messaging, browsing, streaming, and gaming all work smoothly without constant loading or disconnects.
• Compatibility. A VPN for 4chan should be easy to use on all major devices and operating systems, and allow you to connect multiple devices on one account.
• Customer support. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to have to wait for normal business hours to get the help you need. That’s why I prioritize VPNs with 24/7 live chat support and a reliable refund policy.

5 best VPNs for 4chan

After testing and comparing dozens of services, I found these 5 VPNs to be the most reliable for regaining access while staying fast and secure.

1. ExpressVPN

Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: Up to 8

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF

ExpressVPN is my top pick for bypassing a 4chan IP ban because it just works, right out of the box! Its IP masking and location spoofing capabilities are among the best I’ve tested, especially on sites like 4chan, that aggressively block VPN traffic.

Features: ExpressVPN comes with a strong feature set that includes split tunneling, an integrated password manager, an ad and tracker blocker, and automatic protection against malicious websites. Its network spans over 3,000 obfuscated servers across 105 countries, giving you plenty of IP addresses to switch to if one gets blocked.

Speed: In real-world speed testing, ExpressVPN kept close to 90% of my original download speeds, which is considered excellent for a VPN, and more than fast enough for use with 4chat.

Privacy and security: You get advanced security features with ExpressVPN, which uses military-grade encryption, RAM-only servers, and an independently verified no-logs policy. It also protects against IP and DNS leaks and includes an automatic kill switch to keep your data secure if the VPN connection drops.

Performance: The consistently fast and stable connections make ExpressVPN ideal for messaging, browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting without interruptions.

Streaming: ExpressVPN reliably bypasses geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more, so you’re not limited to your local content libraries.

Compatibility: You can use ExpressVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with support for 10,12, or 14 simultaneous connections, depending on your subscription plan.

Pricing: The best value comes from the 2-year plan, which works out to $3.49 per month and includes 24/7 customer support with a 30-day refund policy.

Pros

• Reliably unblocks 4chan
• Large global server network
• Excellent speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Private and secure
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Fewer features than competing VPNs

2. NordVPN

Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: 10

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Get NordVPN with 72% OFF

When it comes to speed and features, NordVPN is tough to beat. Plus, you can count on it to bypass blocks for easy access to 4chan and other geo-restricted services.

Features: NordVPN offers an impressive range of features, including dark web monitoring, a password manager, Double VPN, dedicated IP options, ad blocking, malware protection, and split tunneling. Its server network includes over 7,100 reliable servers in 118 countries.

Speed: You can expect incredibly fast speeds with NordVPN. In speed tests, I retained an average of 95% or better of my baseline speed in real-world testing.

Privacy and security: NordVPN’s advanced security features include the use of military-grade encryption, RAM-only servers, IP & DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited.

Performance: The stable and fast connection speeds lead to an overall good performance for messaging, browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: You can use NordVPN to gain access to geo-restricted content libraries on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more, so you can enjoy movies and TV shows that otherwise would be unavailable to you.

Compatibility: The apps are easy to use with Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Each account allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Pricing: The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs around $3.39 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as round-the-clock customer support.

Pros

• Unblocks 4Chan
• Large server network
• Excellent speed
• Strong privacy and security features
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Occasional connectivity issues

3. Surfshark

Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: Unlimited

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Get Surfshark with 83% OFF

Surfshark is my top pick for value, providing reliable service, a good selection of advanced features, and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great option for bypassing a 4chan IP ban on a budget.

Features: Some of my favorite Surfshark features are split tunneling, data breach monitoring, ad blocking, malware protection, static IPs, dedicated IPs, and multi-hop connections. It operates over 4,500 VPN servers in 100 countries.

Speed: Surfshark isn’t the fastest VPN I tested, but it still offers very good speeds, maintaining an average of 80% or better of my baseline.

Privacy and security: When you use Surfshark, your internet connection is protected by military-grade encryption, a reliable kill switch, and IP & DNS leak protection. It’s got a strict no logs policy that’s been independently audited, and uses RAM-only servers, so your data gets erased with every reboot.

Performance: Surfshark’s stable and fast connection speeds generally support smooth messaging, streaming, gaming, torrenting, and browsing. During peak hours, you may get some slight slowdowns, but switching servers usually fixes the issue.

Streaming: Surfshark can reliably bypass blocks on all of the major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more, so you can access all the shows you want, without geo-restrictions getting in your way.

Compatibility: Surfshark has easy-to-use apps for Windows, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Android. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pricing: The two-year plan is reasonably priced at $1.99 per month. It includes 24/7 support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Unblocks 4chan and more
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Strong privacy and security features
• Low cost
• 24/7 live chat support
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Slower than the premium VPNs

4. CyberGhost

Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries

Money-back guarantee: 45 days

Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS

Simultaneous devices: 7

Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

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CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly VPN for a great price with one of the largest server networks available and solid performance for bypassing a 4chan IP ban.

Features: CyberGhost offers more than 11,500 servers in 100 countries, including specialty servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It also includes split tunneling, ad blocking, and optional dedicated IPs.

Speed: In testing, CyberGhost retained around 80% of my baseline speeds on nearby servers, with speeds dropping on long-distance connections, sometimes as much as 40%. For the best speed, use the WireGuard protocol, specialty servers, and nearby server locations.

Privacy and security: CyberGhost protects your internet connection using military-level encryption, a verified strict no-logs policy, IP & DNS leak protection, and a built-in kill switch to keep your data private.

Performance: Overall performance for messaging, browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting is reliable, though speeds can vary. Stick with the WireGuard protocol, nearby server locations, and specialized servers for the best performance. If you happen to hit a slow server, the live chat support can direct you to a faster connection.

Streaming: Use CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers to unlock geo-restricted content libraries on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: The apps are beginner-friendly and available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices, with support for up to seven devices simultaneously.

Pricing: Long-term plans start at $2.03 per month and include 24/7 support and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

• Unblocks 4chan
• Massive server network
• Easy-to-use apps
• Strong privacy and security features
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Inconsistent speeds
• Fewer advanced features

5. Proton VPN

Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV

Simultaneous devices: 10

Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more

Get Proton VPN with 56% OFF

Proton VPN stands out as a strong choice for bypassing a 4chan IP ban, especially if online anonymity is a top priority or you want a reliable free VPN option to test out before committing to a paid plan.

Features: Proton VPN gives you access to 15,000+ servers across 120+ countries, along with helpful features like split tunneling, ad and malware blocking, Secure Core Servers, and port forwarding. The free tier includes a smaller set of servers in 5 countries, but still offers unlimited data.

Speed: In my testing, Proton VPN delivered fast speeds for its paid users, retaining, on average, 90% of baseline. The free plan is slower, but it’s still usable, especially for messaging, browsing, and other light use.

Privacy and security: One of the best things about Proton VPN is that both free and paid plans use the same strong security protocols, including military-grade encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, and strong leak protection to keep your connection secure and private while you’re bypassing blocks.

Performance: Proton VPN’s stable and secure connections make it suitable for everyday browsing, messaging, streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Just keep in mind that the free plan has slower speeds and fewer servers than the paid option.

Streaming: Proton VPN unblocks major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more, though region options and consistency may be limited on the free tier.

Compatibility: You can run Proton VPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Paid plans support up to 10 simultaneous connections, while the free VPN version supports one device at a time, but you can open multiple accounts.

Pricing: Proton VPN’s paid plan starts at $2.99 per month with a long-term subscription, and every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros

• Unblocks 4chan and more
• Strong privacy and security protections
• Unlimited data on both free and paid plans
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Free VPN has slower speeds
• Free VPN has limited speeds and features
• Customer support is not 24/7

How I picked and analyzed the best VPNs for 4chan

To figure out which VPNs actually work with 4chan, I reviewed a wide range of paid and free VPN services and put them through real-world testing. Not every VPN can handle IP bans reliably, so I focused on the features that matter most when accessing blocked sites like 4chan. Here’s what I paid the closest attention to during testing:

• Bypass IP bans. I only considered VPNs that consistently masked a user’s IP addresses and VPN connection to successfully bypass IP bans, so you can get back onto 4chan and have full access to geo-restricted services.
• Server locations: A large, well-distributed server network was a huge plus. More servers in multiple countries means more options for a new IP address, better performance, and easier access to region-restricted content across the web.
• Privacy and security: Strong security and privacy were non-negotiable. I made sure every VPN provider offered modern VPN protocols, military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy to keep user data private at all times.
• Speed: I tested each VPN for speed and stability to make sure it could handle everyday browsing, messaging, streaming, gaming, and torrenting without frustrating slowdowns or disconnects.
• Compatibility: Ease of use matters, so I chose VPNs with intuitive apps that work smoothly on common devices like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. I also prioritized providers that allow you to connect multiple devices to one account.
• Customer service: Finally, I stuck with VPN providers that offer strong customer support and a money-back guarantee. That way, users can test the service risk-free before committing long-term.

How to use a VPN with 4chan

Here’s how to use a VPN for safe, private, unrestricted access to 4chan.

1. Sign up for a reputable VPN service. I recommend using ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app onto your device.
3. Open the app, select a suitable server, and click connect. Nearby servers will give you the fastest connection speeds.
4. Activate your VPN’s kill switch.
5. Clear your cache.
6. Sign in to 4chan and enjoy!

Can I use a free VPN to get around 4chan bans?

Using a free VPN to bypass 4chan bans can be a bit hit-or-miss. The free providers tend to have many more VPN users on a single shared IP address, making VPN detection easier. They also don’t always have the technology that paid providers have to effectively hide your real IP address, so you can get past your IP block.

If you do decide to give a free VPN a try, the only free VPN that I recommend using is Proton VPN. Proton VPN is unique in that it offers the same high-end security and privacy features to all of its customers, even if they are using the free version. This is in stark contrast to some of the other no-cost providers that may be collecting your internet data and selling it for profit.

Another big perk of Proton’s free tier is that it comes with unlimited data, so you can spend as much time as you want on 4chan without reaching your limits.

VPN not working with 4chan: Troubleshooting

If your VPN isn’t getting past a block, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem. Luckily, most of them are easy to fix. Here’s what I recommend trying:

• Switch to a different server. If a specific server’s IP address has already been identified as a VPN, 4chan may block it automatically. Connecting to a new server usually solves the issue.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies. Stored location data in your browser can sometimes give away your real location. Clearing your cookies and cache helps clear that up.
• Update your VPN. Make sure you’ve got the most updated version of your VPN app.
• Contact customer support. If you’re still stuck, reach out to the VPN’s 24/7 live chat team. They can usually suggest specific servers or settings that work best for bypassing blocks.
• Change VPN providers. If all else fails, you may want to try a different VPN service.

Read related articles:

• How to Unblock Craigslist with a VPN
• How to Get Unbanned from Chatroulette

FAQ

Can I use a VPN on 4chan?

Yes. You can use a VPN on 4chan.

Is it safe to go on 4chan without a VPN?

Using a VPN for 4chan helps keep you safe and protects your privacy. A good VPN sends your data through an encrypted VPN tunnel via a remote server, so no one can track your location or see what you’re doing online.

Why is my VPN not working on 4chan?

If your VPN isn’t working on 4chan, it may be blocking access because it detects you are using a VPN. That’s why the quality of your VPN provider matters. You also want to be sure to clear your cache, as your browser history may be giving away your true location, leading to blocked access.

Conclusion

A reliable VPN makes it easy to get back online after a 4chan IP ban, and improves your privacy and security at the same time. The key is choosing a VPN that’s fast, secure, and proven to work against aggressive VPN blocks.

Whether you’re trying to gain access after a ban or simply want to stay anonymous while using 4chan, investing in a good VPN, like ExpressVPN, is the easiest and most effective solution.