Is Discord banned in the UAE? How to use Discord in the UAE

Finding access to Discord blocked in the UAE? The UAE’s main Internet Service Provider (ISP), Etisalat, has been imposing Discord blocks on and off since 2017, most recently implementing a full ban in September 2020. If you’re unhappy about the ban, you’re in luck, as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help.

A VPN will encrypt all the traffic flowing to and from your device and send it through a secondary VPN server. This means that snoopers, including your ISP, can’t see the contents of your traffic or which website you are visiting, enabling you to bypass blocks. A bonus is you can choose the location of your server and make it appear you’re actually in that location, enabling you to access geo-restricted content such as that from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

In this post, we reveal the simple steps required to use a VPN to unblock Discord. We also provide recommendations for VPNs that still work in the UAE in 2021. Because of the restrictions imposed in the UAE, choosing a suitable VPN provider is especially tough. Here’s an at-a-glance look at the best VPNs that still work in the country (we’ll go into more detail below.)

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for Discord. NordVPN delivers a large network of high-speed servers and plenty of security features. Offers a no-fuss 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget provider on the list. Works reliably anywhere and lets you connect as many devices as you like.
3. ExpressVPN: fast, reliable, and secure, plus it unblocks a ton of services, including Discord, in the UAE.
4. PrivateVPN: Offering big performance in a small package, PrivateVPN is highly secure and great for unblocking.
5. AtlasVPN: With low-cost plans and unlimited device connections, AtlasVPN is a wise choice for enjoying Discord from anywhere.
6. Private Internet Access: Adjustable encryption, zero logs, and lightning-fast speeds are just a handful of benefits you get with PIA.

How to unblock Discord in the UAE

The inner workings of a VPN might seem complex, but getting one set up on your device is very straightforward.

Here’s how to use Discord in the UAE with a VPN:

1. Select a VPN provider from the list below and sign up. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the relevant apps and install them on any device you wish to use Discord on.
3. Log into the VPN app and connect to a server in a country that allows access to Discord. Note that if you want the best speeds, you’ll usually be better off going for a geographically close server.
4. You should now be able to start using Discord as normal.

Note that since the UAE does restrict the use of VPNs. Some of the VPNs on this list will require some settings changes before they will work in the country.

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Discord.

Best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

Aside from working in the UAE, you need your VPN to offer solid all-around performance. Here are the main criteria we considered when selecting the best VPNs for Discord in the UAE.

• Speedy connection
• Strong encryption and other security features
• Zero-logs providers
• User-friendly interface
• Money-back guarantee

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to unblock Discord in the UAE:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2023 unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

NordVPN is our top choice. It’s a veteran provider operating a vast network of over 5,500 servers spanning 60 countries, including some options in the UAE. Within its server list is a selection of obfuscated servers which are ideal for avoiding detection measures imposed in the UAE. Aside from allowing you access to Discord and other communication apps, NordVPN is great at securely accessing streaming platforms. It works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and others. What’s more, this provider pegs some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen.

This service uses the latest technology to secure your connection. Expect 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch in most apps. NordVPN never keeps any logs and accepts various cryptocurrencies, so you can be sure your data remains private. Security extras include automatic wifi protection and double VPN (which sends your traffic through two VPN servers).

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, and desktop apps for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. You can use the VPN on up to six devices at a time.

BEST VPN FOR DISCORD IN UAE:NordVPN is our top pick for accessing Discord in the UAE. It operates a huge network of servers and pegs some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that will help you access the free web in the UAE (using its NoBorders mode is the best option). This provider runs a network of more than 3,200 servers covering 100 countries, including the UAE. Surfshark is well-known for its unblocking ability and can readily access a ton of popular streaming sites.

Another area it has an excellent reputation in is security. Surfshark keeps no logs and secures connections with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. All apps come with a kill switch and leak protection. You’ll also find automatic wifi protection, split tunneling, and double VPN. Cryptocurrency payments (Rpple, Bitcoin, and Ethereum) are accepted.

Surfshark doesn’t cap the number of devices you can connect at one time, making it ideal for families or roommates. Apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is fast, reliable, and great at unblocking content. Plus it doesn’t impose a device limit. The company extends a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

ExpressVPN is a great choice for accessing Discord in the UAE. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you have plenty of options. ExpressVPN is well known for its ability to bypass the strictest censorship, including in the UAE. It has great speeds for gaming, streaming, and downloading and can unblock a ton of popular streaming sites, including HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Split tunneling options mean you can continue to use your regular connection while tunneling select traffic through the VPN. This is handy, for example, for accessing local content or ensuring you don’t experience lag when playing online games.

This provider packs a punch on the security front too. It boasts military-grade encryption in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also leak protection, and the desktop apps come with a kill switch (dubbed a “network lock”). ExpressVPN keeps minimal logs and doesn’t store any data that could be used to trace activity back to its users. ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin payments in case you want to pay anonymously.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. You can connect up to five devices at a time.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a highly versatile option. It provides a vast network of fast servers and has your back when it comes to privacy and security. The company extends a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. PrivateVPN

unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

PrivateVPN has a much smaller network than most top competitors, with just 200 servers in 63 countries. Although, you wouldn’t know it by its performance. It works well in the UAE and in other regions where internet censorship is rife, including China. PrivateVPN pegs decent speeds and will help you securely access the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer from abroad.

You don’t have to worry about security and privacy with this VPN. It stores no logs and secures connections with strong encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch (in the Windows app). You can even pay with Bitcoin.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and up to 10 devices can be connected at a time.

SOLID SECURITY:PrivateVPN may not have a huge network but it does offer a secure connection for users in the UAE and other countries around the world. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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5. AtlasVPN

unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

AtlasVPN is a great provider for users looking to enjoy the best of the Discord community from anywhere. It has a network of 750+ servers which is slightly smaller than competitors, but with servers in 40+ countries, you’ll have no trouble finding a nearby server. With a large percentage of Discord users being gamers, AtlasVPN uses the WireGuard protocol to bring uninterrupted gaming to desktop and mobile. It also includes an unlimited connection limit, letting you enjoy Discord, Netflix, Prime Video, and other platforms from multiple devices with the protection of a VPN.

AtlasVPN won’t record your data, and their claim is backed by their Panama operating location and with it being owned by the parent company of NordVPN, Nord Technologies. AtlasVPN includes a kill switch, which will drop your internet connectivity if your VPN connection stops working. It also includes ad blocking, a malware blocker, split tunneling, and multihop servers.

New users can try AtlasVPN risk-free, but its cancelation process could do with improving. 24/7 support is available via live chat to help you with any issues you encounter.

EFFORTLESS UNBLOCKING:AtlasVPN includes servers in over 40 regions, perfect for accessing Discord from anywhere. Plans don’t impose a connection limit, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days.

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Unblocks discordTested Jun 2023

Private Internet Access is a popular provider for users visiting the UAE or traveling outside of the region, as it has over 10,000 servers in 80 locations worldwide. It works with popular streaming services like Netflix US and Prime Video and includes a 10-device connection limit. Apps are available for desktops and smartphones, and their plans are great for wallet-conscious users.

In our tests, connection speeds were consistent, and for streamers, PIA gives a boost with its use of WireGuard to provide buffer-free streaming. PIA has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, adware blocking, and malware protection. If you’re performing activities that require less encryption, you can lower your encryption level to benefit from added speed.

PIA doesn’t log your activities and provides a transparent privacy policy. Its live chat is available day and night, and canceling is straightforward. You can try PIA risk for 30 days today.

BULLETPROOF SECURITY:Private Internet Access secures up to 10 devices simultaneously and has servers in the UAE. A 30-day risk-free offer is included with all plans.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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Unblocking Discord in the UAE using a free VPN

There are a huge number of free VPN options out there, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good choice. These services likely won’t work in the UAE, leaving you disappointed and unable to access Discord. Even if they do work, you’ll have to endure the practical problems associated with free services, such as laggy connections and wait times to connect to a server.

Free VPNs don’t tend to perform much better from a privacy and security standpoint either. Their encryption standards rarely measure up to those of their paid rivals and some forgo encryption altogether. You’ll also find that many free VPNs invade your privacy rather than protect it. A typical business model involves monitoring user browsing activity and using the information to serve ads or selling it to third-party advertisers.

Overall, a free VPN just isn’t worth the hassle, whereas a paid VPN provider will give you a secure, all-around performance for a relatively small fee.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for Discord in the UAE

In order to use Discord in the UAE, your VPN will have to be able to beat the country’s online censorship, which is easier said than done. You’ll also need fast, reliable speeds and a strong set of security tools, among other things. We’ve put together a list of the most important factors we considered when finding the best VPNs for using Discord in the UAE:

• Unblocking potential: The UAE has very strict online blocking, so you’ll need to fly under the radar to even access popular VoIP services like Discord, Skype, or WhatsApp. Luckily, we’ve performed thousands of tests, so we know which VPNs are able to beat this kind of restriction the most consistently.
• Performance: If your connection isn’t up to the task, you’ll notice artifacts in your video chats and might run into stuttering, robotic-sounding audio on regular calls. We’ve personally speed-tested dozens of VPNs and only recommend those with above-average speeds.
• Security features: To make sure you’re as anonymous as possible, we looked for services with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. Additionally, we required some form of cloaking, whether it’s in the form of a custom protocol or simply a toggleable option in the settings menu.
• Ease of use: The best services need no tutorials. That’s why our top picks all have well-organized, beginner-friendly apps and solid multi-platform support. Of course, we also made sure that there’d be live chat-based support in case you run into any issues.
• Price: Some providers try to take advantage of customers by charging more than they’re really worth. However, thanks to our experience, we can spot these VPNs a mile away and will never recommend one that isn’t priced fairly. What’s more, we include information on discounts, deals, and guarantees so you’ll pay as little as possible.

Interested in learning more about our testing process? We have a whole post dedicated to explaining all of the different ways we put VPNs through their paces.

Accessing Discord in the UAE: FAQs