Stuck with limited trading options while the rest of the world enjoys Bybit’s professional tools and deep liquidity? However, strict regulations and geo-blocks make direct access impossible, leaving many traders searching for a workaround.
This guide will show you how to use Bybit in the US using a VPN and other legal alternatives suitable for your status.
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Step 1: Choose a crypto-optimized VPN
Install a reliable service with obfuscation technology (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) to hide your traffic.
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Step 2: Connect to a "safe" location
Select a server in a crypto-friendly country where Bybit operates legally (e.g., Panama, Poland).
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Step 3: Access and login
Open Bybit through your secure connection and log in using your valid non-US credentials.
Disclaimer: Bybit is banned in the United States. Using a VPN to access it violates the Terms of Service and may violate the law. This article is for educational purposes only, not legal or financial advice.
1. How to use Bybit in the US: Quick answer
Technically, you can access Bybit from the US using a VPN to mask your IP address. This path is strictly for international travelers or non-US residents with valid foreign IDs. For this specific group, a VPN allows temporary access to existing accounts while visiting the United States.
For US citizens and permanent residents, the VPN method is effectively a dead end. Bybit enforces mandatory “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols, meaning your account will be restricted the moment you fail to provide a non-US passport. Instead of risking frozen funds, US traders should consider these alternatives:
- Coinbase Advanced or Kraken for regulated spot trading.
- ApeX Omni for decentralized, non-KYC derivatives trading.
2. Step-by-step: How to access Bybit with a VPN
Note: This method is recommended only for non-US residents currently inside US borders who possess valid foreign identification.
If you have a valid foreign ID, accessing Bybit is about convincing their systems that you are back home. You cannot just use any free VPN; you need one that hides the fact that you are using a VPN at all.
2.1. Step 1: Choose a crypto-optimized VPN
You need a VPN with three specific features to keep your account safe:
- Obfuscation (stealth mode): This disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, preventing Bybit from detecting that you are using a proxy.
- Kill switch: If your VPN connection drops for even a second, this feature cuts your internet instantly so your real US IP address isn’t leaked to Bybit.
- No-logs policy: Ensures your activity isn’t recorded or shared.
2.2. Step 2: Connect to a “safe” location
Open your VPN app and connect to a server in a country where Bybit is fully legal and unrestricted.
- Recommended locations: Panama, Poland, Switzerland, or Portugal.
- Avoid: The United Kingdom, Canada, or China, as these regions also have trading restrictions.
2.3. Step 3: Access Bybit & complete login
Before you open Bybit, take a moment to practice good browser hygiene:
- Clear your browser’s cookies and cache. Old location data stored in your browser can give you away even if your VPN is on.
- Open an Incognito/Private window.
- Go to Bybit, log in, and verify your non-US identity if asked.
3. Mobile guide: How to use Bybit on iPhone vs. Android
Trading on mobile adds another layer of difficulty because app stores are region-locked.
3.1. iOS users: The browser workaround
Apple is very strict. If your Apple ID region is set to “United States,” the Bybit app simply won’t appear in the App Store.
- The risky fix: You can change your Apple ID region, but this often requires canceling existing subscriptions (like Apple Music) and having a payment method for the new country.
- The better solution: Use the mobile browser version (Safari). Turn on your VPN on your iPhone, check your IP on whatismyip.com to confirm it’s changed, and then log in via the website. It is less convenient than the app but much safer than messing with your Apple ID settings.
3.2. Android users: The APK advantage
Android gives you more freedom. If the Play Store blocks the app, you can “sideload” it.
- Turn on your VPN.
- Go to the official Bybit website (do not trust third-party APK sites).
- Look for the “Download APP” button.
- Install the app manually.
Warning: Never download “Modded” Bybit APKs from forums or random websites. They often contain malware designed to steal your crypto.
4. Best VPNs for Bybit (top 3 picks for 2026)
If you are a non-US resident proceeding with the VPN method, do not cheap out. You need a VPN that prioritizes obfuscation to hide your tracks.
Warning: Avoid “Free VPNs” at all costs. They reuse IP addresses that Bybit has already blacklisted, and they often sell your data.
4.1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the top contender for speed and stealth. Its Obfuscated Servers feature is specifically designed to work in restricted environments.
It also offers “Double VPN“, which routes your traffic through two servers for an extra layer of encryption, making it incredibly hard for Bybit to trace your origin.
4.2. ExpressVPN
Known for its Lightway Protocol, ExpressVPN is excellent for minimizing lag during trading. It has a massive network of servers in crypto-friendly countries. It is consistent at unblocking finance apps that usually detect VPNs.
4.3. Surfshark
If you are on a budget, Surfshark is a solid choice. It features Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) and NoBorders Mode, which automatically activates when it detects network restrictions.
It allows unlimited device connections, so you can secure your laptop and mobile simultaneously.
5. Legal alternatives to Bybit in the US
If you are a US citizen unable to use the main Bybit exchange due to KYC requirements, you are not out of luck. There are compliant, high-performance platforms available that offer many of the same features without the legal risks of bypassing geo-blocks.
5.1. ApeX Omni (No KYC)
ApeX Omni is the premier decentralized alternative for traders who crave the Bybit experience but cannot pass US KYC checks. Built by the same team behind Bybit, it mirrors the familiar interface and high-speed execution of its centralized counterpart but operates entirely on-chain.
This means you maintain full self-custody of your private keys and funds at all times. Because it is a non-custodial DEX, there are currently no requirements to upload a passport or ID, allowing you to access deep liquidity and leverage while preserving your privacy.
5.2. Coinbase Advanced
For traders who prioritize safety and regulatory compliance above all else, Coinbase Advanced is the gold standard in the US market. Unlike the basic Coinbase app, this platform offers a professional-grade interface complete with TradingView charts, sophisticated order types, and deep order books.
This platform is fully licensed to operate in the US, so you never have to worry about account freezes or legal gray areas. While it does not offer the extreme leverage of offshore exchanges, the security infrastructure is robust. Combined with seamless integration with US banking, it remains the most reliable option for serious spot trading.
5.3. Kraken
Kraken stands out as a top-tier alternative for US clients who want a balance between advanced features and security. Renowned for its “security-first” culture, Kraken has never been hacked and offers one of the widest selections of altcoins available to US residents.
Its “Kraken Pro” interface provides a granular trading experience that rivals Bybit, featuring real-time market data and low fees. Furthermore, Kraken is fully compliant with US regulations, providing peace of mind that your assets are backed by a transparent, audited, and legally operating entity.
6. Why is Bybit banned in the US?
Bybit blocks US users to protect itself, not to annoy you. The platform does not comply with strict regulations set by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
These agencies require exchanges offering derivatives (like futures and margin trading) to be registered in the US, which involves strict oversight that Bybit has opted out of.
The platform is getting stricter every year. For example, Bybit’s exit from the Japanese market in 2026 signals their commitment to global compliance. To enforce this in the US, Bybit uses technology to detect your location:
- IP address filtering: Blocks any connection originating from US servers.
- GPS data: On mobile devices, the app may check your physical GPS coordinates.
- Browser cookies: They check for stored location data from previous sessions.
7. Who can actually use Bybit from the US?
Before you download a VPN, you need to know which category you fall into. This is where most guides fail you; they pretend a VPN solves everything. It doesn’t.
7.1. US citizens and permanent residents
If your only government ID is a US passport or driver’s license, you cannot use the main Bybit exchange. Bybit now enforces mandatory KYC (identity verification).
Even if you use a VPN to spoof your location to Germany, the moment you upload a US passport, your account will be flagged and restricted.
7.2. International travelers and non-US residents
You might be a citizen of a crypto-friendly country (like Germany, Poland, or Panama) but are currently physically located in the US for travel or work. In this case, the VPN method works for you.
You have the valid ID required to pass KYC; you just need to appear as if you are connecting from home to avoid the geo-block.
8. The real risks of using Bybit in the US
We need to be transparent. Even if you succeed in logging in, you are operating in dangerous territory.
8.1. Risk 1: Account bans and frozen funds
Bybit actively hunts for US users. Community reports from Reddit and Discord highlight a common pattern: a user trades successfully for months, but one day forgets to turn on their VPN before logging in.
The system detects the US IP, and the account is instantly “Frozen.” You may lose access to your positions and funds indefinitely.
8.2. Risk 2: The “withdrawal trap”
This is the most painful scenario. Bybit might let you deposit crypto and trade without issues. But when you try to withdraw your profits, the system might trigger a “suspicious activity” flag.
To unlock your withdrawal, they will demand a Level 1 KYC verification (facial scan + ID). If you only have a US ID, you are trapped. Your funds are technically there, but you cannot touch them.
8.3. Risk 3: Tax implications
Do not assume that trading on an offshore exchange like Bybit means you are invisible to the IRS.
US tax law requires you to report capital gains on all property, regardless of where the exchange is based. The IRS has become sophisticated at tracking on-chain activity. Trading “anonymously” does not exempt you from taxes.
9. FAQs about How to use Bybit in the US
What is the best VPN for Bybit in 2026?
NordVPN or ExpressVPN are the best choices because of their advanced obfuscation technology. This technology disguises VPN traffic as normal web traffic, helping you avoid detection by Bybit’s security systems.
Can Bybit detect that I’m using a VPN?
Yes, if you use cheap or free VPNs. These services use shared IP addresses that are easily flagged. However, if you use high-quality obfuscated servers and clear your browser cookies regularly, detection is much less likely.
Which VPN servers work best for Bybit?
We recommend connecting to servers in Singapore, the Netherlands, or the UAE. These are crypto-friendly jurisdictions that generally offer stable, high-speed connections for trading.
How do I pass Bybit KYC with a VPN?
You cannot pass KYC with just a VPN. A VPN only changes your location; it does not change your citizenship. You must possess a valid government ID (passport or license) from a non-restricted country to pass verification.
What happens if Bybit detects my VPN?
Typically, Bybit triggers a “Withdrawal Only” restriction, giving you a short window to close positions and remove funds. However, in severe cases or repeat offenses, funds may be frozen immediately pending identity verification.
Do I need a residential IP VPN for Bybit?
It is highly recommended for long-term users. A residential IP looks like a real home connection rather than a data center connection, which significantly reduces the risk of being flagged by Bybit’s automated systems.
Can I use a free VPN to access Bybit?
Absolutely no. Free VPNs have limited pools of IP addresses that are almost certainly already blacklisted by Bybit. Furthermore, they often leak data that can expose your real US location.
How to prevent browser fingerprinting on Bybit?
Use a privacy-focused browser like Brave. Additionally, disable WebRTC in your browser settings and ensure your device’s system timezone matches the location of your VPN server.
Is it safe to withdraw from Bybit while using VPN?
Yes, but for safety, always withdraw to a private cold wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) first. Never withdraw directly to a regulated US exchange like Coinbase, as they may flag the transaction if they detect it coming from a restricted entity.
What should I do if my Bybit account gets flagged?
Contact support immediately. If you have valid travel documents proving you are just visiting the US, provide them. If you are a US citizen, politely request permission to close your positions and withdraw your funds.
10. Conclusion
Navigating the crypto landscape in the US is frustrating, but you don’t have to hit a dead end. While you can technically figure out how to use Bybit in the US using a VPN, it remains a high-risk game for citizens.
If you are a non-US resident traveling, secure your connection with NordVPN or ExpressVPN and trade carefully. US citizens seeking alternatives should look into decentralized options like ApeX Omni or regulated exchanges like Kraken to avoid account freezing risks.
For more guides like this, explore our How-to & Tutorials category at Safelyo.
