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How to Safely Bypass Pornhub When It’s Blocked

Pornhub is blocked in certain U.S. states as a result of new verification laws that require adult websites to know a user’s age using a government ID. These laws are meant to protect minors, but many adult sites, including Pornhub, argue that they pose a risk to user privacy.

Instead of collecting and storing age verification and other sensitive personal data from its users, Pornhub has chosen to block access in those states entirely.

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The decision has sparked debates about online privacy, censorship, and personal freedom. Some believe these verification laws overstep and could drive people to engage in shady or unsafe alternatives. Others argue that adult websites are responsible for doing more.

Either way, if you’re in one of the states with the porn ban, you’re probably wondering how to bypass Pornhub’s age verification wall and access the site like usual. We’ve got you covered!

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The Best Way to Bypass Pornhub in Restricted States

The easiest way to unblock Pornhub restrictions (and other adult websites affected by a porn ban) without responding to the age verification demand is by using a VPN (virtual private network). VPNs let you connect to the internet through servers in other locations. Doing this makes it look like you’re browsing from a state or country where Pornhub isn’t blocked. A VPN also encrypts all your internet traffic to help protect your privacy.

If you’re going this route, choose a no-log VPN that doesn’t track or store your browsing activity. You’ll also want one that works well with U.S.-based servers and has a good record of speed and reliability.

Here are a few options we recommend:

  • NordVPN: Offers strong encryption, fast U.S. servers, and a strict no-logs policy. Founded in 2012, it’s very popular and reliable.
  • ExpressVPN: Known for speed and security. Simple to use and doesn’t keep any logs. This one has been around since 2009.
  • Surfshark: More budget-friendly, but still fast and secure. Great if you want to connect multiple devices at once.

It is important to understand VPN legality before using one to get into adult websites. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about bypassing Pornhub in the U.S. because the use of VPNs is legal in the states.

However, it’s still imperative to stick with trusted VPNs (like the ones we’ve researched above), to avoid shady sites, and make sure you’re being smart about how you browse. Once you do that, getting around Pornhub’s age verification prompt is a cinch.

How to Use a VPN to Bypass Pornhub in the USA

Even if you’ve never heard of a VPN or think it’ll be too confusing, trust us when we say that using a VPN to bypass Pornhub restrictions is easier than it sounds. The hardest part is picking the right one.

Once you’ve got that covered, the rest takes only a few minutes. Here’s how it goes:

  1. Start by choosing a VPN provider. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are some smart picks for reasons we’ve already covered above (click those links for more info).
  2. After you sign up, download the appropriate app for your device. The most reputable providers have options for phones, tablets, and computers.
  3. Open up the VPN app and log in to your account to see a list of server locations.
  4. This step is crucial for bypassing the Pornhub block: Pick a state (or a totally different country) that doesn’t currently have a porn ban. Most VPNs will let you select a U.S. server by city or region, so choose one that’s not affected by the block.

Once you connect, your device now looks like it’s browsing from that location. That’s it! Now, when you open Pornhub and other restricted adult websites, it should load like normal, without asking for age verification.

The Real Reason Why Pornhub Is Blocked in Certain States

Pornhub has restricted access to its website in several U.S. states due to the implementation of age verification laws. These porn ban laws require adult websites to verify the ages of their users through government-issued IDs or other official documents.

The point is to protect minors, but there’s an argument to be made that the rules raise privacy concerns, since they require the collection and storage of sensitive personal information (which could be leaked, hacked, etc.).

Pornhub’s response to the porn ban has been to block access to its content in over a dozen states that are enforcing this law. The company argues that the mandated age verification methods are “ineffective” and could expose its users to risks, like identity theft and data breaches.

Pornhub advocates for device-based age verification solutions, which would authenticate people at the device level and reduce the need to share personal data across multiple platforms.

Pins on a US map

Where Is Pornhub Banned (and Why)?

State Status Reason
Alabama Blocked HB 164: “Any commercial entity… shall use a reasonable age-verification method to provide reasonable assurance that individuals under 18 years of age cannot access the material harmful to minors.”
Alaska Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Arizona Blocked Implemented age verification laws requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages through government-issued IDs.
Arkansas Blocked Act 689: Required platforms to verify the age of users, though declared unconstitutional.
California Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Colorado Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Connecticut Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Delaware Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Florida Blocked HB 3: Requires users of adult websites to verify their ages with a driver’s license before they can view explicit material.
Georgia Blocked SB 351 mandates age verification for social media companies and adult websites, requiring digital ID uploads.
Hawaii Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Idaho Blocked HB 498: Requires websites that contain content deemed “harmful to minors” to perform age verification on users.
Illinois Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Indiana Blocked Senate Bill 17: Requires an adult-oriented website operator to use a reasonable age verification method to prevent a minor from accessing material harmful to minors.
Iowa Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Kansas Blocked SB 394: Requires the use of age-verification technology to permit access to internet websites containing material that is harmful to minors.
Kentucky Blocked HB 278: Establishes a civil cause of action against entities publishing harmful material without obtaining age verification.
Louisiana Accessible While age verification laws exist, Pornhub remains accessible through a digital ID system.
Maine Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Maryland Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Massachusetts Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Michigan Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Minnesota Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Mississippi Blocked SB 2346: Requires entities that knowingly publish or distribute adult content to verify the age of users attempting to access it.
Missouri Blocked Implemented age verification laws requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages through government-issued IDs.
Montana Blocked SB 544: Mandates that adult websites perform age verification using digitized ID cards or other commercial methods.
Nebraska Blocked LB 1092: Requires adult websites to perform “reasonable age verification” to prevent minors from accessing harmful material.
Nevada Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
New Hampshire Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
New Jersey Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
New Mexico Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
New York Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
North Carolina Blocked HB 8: Requires any website that distributes content that could be harmful to children to verify the age of each of its users.
North Dakota Blocked Implemented age verification laws requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages through government-issued IDs.
Ohio Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Oklahoma Blocked SB 1959: Prohibits commercial entities from distributing adult material without age verification.
Oregon Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Pennsylvania Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Rhode Island Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
South Carolina Blocked HB 3424: Requires adult websites to perform “reasonable age verification” to prevent minors from accessing harmful material.
South Dakota Blocked HB 1053: Requires adult websites to perform “reasonable age verification” to prevent minors from accessing harmful material.
Tennessee Blocked A law requiring pornographic websites to verify visitors’ ages is in effect. Pornhub has blocked access in response.
Texas Blocked HB 1181: Passed legislation relating to the publication or distribution of sexual material harmful to minors on an internet website.
Utah Blocked A law requiring age verification for porn websites remains in effect after a judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging it. Pornhub has blocked access in response.
Vermont Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Virginia Blocked A law requiring pornography websites to verify users’ age and identity went into effect in 2023. Pornhub has blocked access in response.
Washington Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
West Virginia Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Wisconsin Accessible No specific age verification laws targeting adult websites.
Wyoming Accessible The porn block went into effect on June 30, 2025, in response to state law Wyoming House Bill 43, requiring age verification for adult content websites.

Using a VPN is legal in the U.S. However, what you do with it can carry over into legal or ethical gray areas, especially if you’re trying to bypass state-specific restrictions to adult websites.

People use them every day for privacy, security, or accessing geo-restricted content – like streaming services, or apps for work or fun. Accessing Pornhub, specifically, through a VPN to get around the age verification requirement is not, by itself, illegal.

However, some states have passed laws that target adult websites that don’t comply with age verification. These porn ban laws often hold the websites responsible, not the users, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Bypassing an age verification system with a VPN could violate the intent of local laws. While enforcement is unlikely (as of right now), the verification laws are still pretty new, and legal interpretations could change.

How to Bypass Pornhub’s Block Without a VPN

If you’re in a state where Pornhub or similar adult websites are blocked, and you’re not using a VPN for unblocking Pornhub, there are still a few other workarounds people tend to use, though they each have limitations and risks.

Try a Different Adult Website

One of the easier options for dealing with a porn ban is to switch to a different site. Some smaller platforms, or international ones, may still be accessible without ID checks. Just be aware that the lesser-known sites may not offer the same privacy or security protections. This is precisely why Pornhub opposes these age verification laws.

Switch the Network

Another workaround, especially if you’re on a restricted network (like at work, school, or home), is to switch off Wi-Fi and use mobile data. Some blocks are network-based rather than location-based, so disconnecting from the network and relying on your phone’s data plan might help bypass Pornhub filters to skip the age verification page (assuming your mobile network provider hasn’t also blocked the site, but that’s rare).

how to bypass pornhub

Use a Pornhub Proxy

You could also try using a web proxy. The downside is that many proxies are slow and full of ads. Plus, since proxies don’t encrypt your traffic like VPNs do, browsing adult websites may still be visible to your ISP or anyone else monitoring your connection.

Use the Tor Browser

Some people also look into Tor for dealing with a porn ban, which is a web browser that bounces your connection through multiple layers to help anonymize all your traffic. It’s certainly a more advanced option that can be slower, but it’s one of the most private ways to access adult content without revealing your location. However, some adult sites may block Tor users or limit functionality to curb abuse.

  1. Download Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website.
  2. Install and open the app.
  3. Select Connect.
  4. Wait for the browser to open.
  5. Open Pornhub like you would from any browser.

Install a Browser Extension

An add-on installed in Chrome, Firefox, or whatever browser you use, is another quick way to bypass Pornhub’s restrictions. Be careful, though, as many browser extensions are actually quite dangerous.

These are our favorite options for Chrome because they’re safe and secure:

Note: Just like with VPNs, none of these methods are guaranteed to work forever. States and sites continue adapting to new verification laws, and what works today to bypass Pornhub might not work next month.

Recap: Unblock Pornhub With Ease

While VPNs offer the most reliable way to bypass Pornhub, there are various methods to try when you need to get around a pesky website block. Furthermore, it’s still important to understand that these verification laws are constantly evolving, and access to adult websites will likely keep changing depending on where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will using a VPN to Bypass Pornhub get me in legal trouble?

It’s generally legal, but laws vary. What matters most is your intent and whether you’re bypassing any local age verification laws knowingly. Accordingly, always check your state’s latest regulations before using a VPN.

Are all adult websites blocked in these states, or just Pornhub?

Some may still be accessible without age verification, depending on how each site chooses to comply with state verification laws. Pornhub is just the most visible example because of its popularity and public stance.

Can mobile apps or browsers get Bypass Pornhub blocks?

In some cases, special browsers or apps with built-in proxy tools might help bypass network-level restrictions. However, for state-level blocks, they usually won’t work unless combined with a VPN.

Why does Pornhub ask for ID in some states but not others?

Pornhub only requires ID verification in states where laws mandate it. If you’re seeing an ID prompt, it means your state has passed age verification rules for adult sites. In states without those verification laws, Pornhub usually still allows access without ID.

Will these Pornhub restrictions expand to other states?

It’s likely. More states are introducing similar legislation around adult content and age verification, so the list of blocked states is expected to grow.

Is Pornhub banned everywhere?

No. The website is blocked in some US states, but is generally available elsewhere in the states as well as worldwide.

Why can’t I watch Pornhub?

The most likely reason is that your device falls within a territory that has imposed a porn ban. The reason it’s blocked could be due to your local network (school, work, etc.), your state or country, or the site itself. It’s also possible that your browser is too old or your network is too slow to stream videos.

Can I bypass the US porn ban without a VPN?

Proxies can sometimes work to get around the porn ban. The Tor browser is another option that helps to hide your real location and thus unblock Pornhub.