How to Bypass Pornhub Restrictions Safely and Anonymously

Pornhub is blocked in certain U.S. states as a result of new laws that require adult websites to verify a user’s age using 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 sensitive personal data from its users, Pornhub has chosen to block access in those states, entirely.

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

Either way, if you’re in one of the blocked states, you’re probably wondering how to bypass Pornhub and access the site like usual. We’ve got you covered!

The Best Way to Access Pornhub in Restricted States

The easiest way to bypass Pornhub restrictions 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.

Editor's Pick May 2025

Get NordVPN for just $3.49 a month on a 2 year plan

Get Deal

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 getting started. 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.

How to Use a VPN to Bypass the Pornhub Block

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.

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) where Pornhub isn’t blocked. 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, it should load like normal.

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 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 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.

State-by-State Access Guide: Where Pornhub Is Blocked (and Why)

Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Accessing Pornhub?

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.

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 is not, by itself, illegal.

However, some states have passed laws that target adult sites that don’t comply with age verification. These 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 laws are still pretty new, and legal interpretations could change.

Other Effective Methods for Browsing Adult Sites

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

One of the easier options 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.

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 can help bypass those filters (assuming your mobile network provider hasn’t also blocked the site, but that’s rare).

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, your browsing may still be visible to your ISP or anyone else monitoring your connection.

Some people also look into Tor, 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.

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

Recap: Get Around Those Blocks With Ease

While VPNs offer the most reliable way to bypass these restrictions, 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 laws are constantly evolving, and access to adult sites will likely keep changing depending on where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions