Tidal blocking VPN

VPN
1

So for the past few days I have been unable to use Tidal only to find out they are blocking VPN. Why the hell would they do that in the first place? Especially when you are not able to use Tidal in offline mode on PC. I am now unable to use Tidal when on PC as it is total stupidity to not be usable when using a VPN. I kind of understand when a service like Netflix does so (I still do not accept that though but whatever), but a music service?? No other music service does so… And then to still not being able to use Tidal on PC in offline mode is just bullying your customer.

Tidal please consider reverting this dumb change as it would mean I have to cancel my Tidal subscription, which I really do not want.

EDIT: It is FIXED! There were many different experiences from all kinds of users with many suggesting to use split-tunneling. This solved the problem for me, with both my work and regular VPN. Thank you to everyone who suggested this. If you encounter the same issue, u/Nastybirdy made a detailed reply on how to solve the issue:

If you’re using Express/Nord or something with split-tunneling, you need to add the app to your exclusion list so it doesn’t go through the VPN. On my install of Windows 11 it was here:

(for NordVPN)
Settings > split-tunneling > turn on.
Turn on disable VPN for selected app.
Add apps, look for the following path (may be different for you):

“C:\Users\MYUSERNAME\AppData\Local\TIDAL\app-2.37.8\TIDAL.exe”

I added the “squirrel.exe” and the “update.exe” as well (which is one directory up) to be on the safe side and boom, it works again.

The principle should be the same for similar VPN.

2

Tidal costs only 2 dollars (estimate) in some countries. Im sure they want to avoid you using that.

3

Because a lot of people use that technology to circumvent subscription policies. Like getting a cheap subscription from Argentina to work in the US or Denmark.

4

I’m using Nord and haven’t had any problems recently.

Just tried streaming some songs from my phone and computer, everything is working as it should.

I’m in the United States using a connection also based in the US.

5

As mentioned earlier. Use split tunnelling. Problem fixed.

6

Yeah this makes Tidal useless for me and I will have to cancel my subscription. I have to use a VPN for work, and the whole reason I have Tidal is to listen to music at work.

7

There’s been a few of these threads. I don’t think it’s a Tidal thing, I believe it is your VPN.

Tidal works for me on PaloAlto Global VPN but doesn’t work for me on Surfshark. Quite a few services don’t work for me on Surfshark

8

They are probably doing it to stop people abusing the subscription system in different countries to get their subscription cheaper. That’s likely.

Maybe they are also blocking VPNs because other services actually do. That’s another valid reason why they are blocking them. Licensing reasons are also a factor to why they might be blocking them.

9

Based on OPs posting history, i assume he is in the netherlands… which is a supported country by Tidal.
What country do you connect to with your NordVPN?

Take myself for example, I am in Canada, I’ve streamed Tidal without issue on my phone while connected to NordVPN within Canada…

So i think it’s all about which end point your VPN connects to.

10

Hey OP, I had the same problem.

If you’re using Express/Nord or something with split-tunneling, you need to add the app to your exclusion list so it doesn’t go through the VPN. On my install of Windows 11 it was here -

“C:\Users\MYUSERNAME\AppData\Local\TIDAL\app-2.37.8\TIDAL.exe”

I added the “squirrel.exe” and the “update.exe” as well (which is one directory up) to be on the safe side and boom, it works again.

11

I just got this response from TIDAL customer service when I asked about my inability to connect using my VPN. BTW, I am in US using a VPN that is in the same state. Their suggestion is to simply quite using the VPN… lol
Oh and another BTW, my android app connects regardless of what I set the VPN on my phone to.

Thank you for contacting TIDAL Support.

We appreciate that you are letting us know about this situation, and we’re happy to know that you were able to access the app when you disconnected your VPN. After reviewing the information, please note that we advise you to disconnect and connect to your network normally. When you use a VPN, your IP address is masked, and it may appear as if you’re accessing the service from a different location than you actually are. This can sometimes lead to issues with content availability or the service not recognizing your location properly.

We appreciate your understanding.

Best regards,

Willian
TIDAL Support

12

Your VPN probably has a split mode which will allow Tidal traffic not utilise the VPN. I had to set this up on privateinternetaccess VPN today.

13

That’s really mad seeing as once you have set up a foreign account it just works wherever you are…

14

Ah I thought there was a global error or something I was just waiting for it to fix itself but after 2 days I got here, Well this is super annoying I always use VPN for various reasons one of them being work. And it’s kind of ridiculous I am forced to use split tunneling for Tidal. Slowly but surely do I keep wanting to switch platforms over the years of using Tidal.

15

For anyone who is using a dedicated VPN on their router like me… Just use the web player, that still works.

16

May I ask what’s the point in using TIdal with VPN?

17

Why are you using a VPN? Why do you think a music steaming service differs from a video service?

18

Well they’re avoiding me paying any money at all now because I will have to use Spotify instead because I am required to use a VPN.

19

Spotify doesn’t even allow you to have a family account if they detect the family isn’t in the same household. You don’t need to use a vpn on the phone. If it’s a work phone, you shouldn’t have unnecessary apps anyways to decrease any chance of security holes that open you up for an attack.

20

I am also using Nord but from Europe using a EU connection. Consider yourself blessed for the time being I guess :frowning: