Hey there fellow gaming enthusiast! I know the recent ban on BGMI has been a real downer for us mobile gamers in India. As one of the most popular mobile battle royale games with over 100 million downloads, the BGMI ban came as a shocker.
But before we look at how to circumvent this ban, let‘s first understand what happened and why.
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What Led to The BGMI Ban?
Within just one year of launch, BGMI had amassed a whopping 100 million registered users in India. It was on track to challenge PUBG Mobile‘s meteoric popularity before getting banned.
But why did the government decide to ban BGMI out of the blue?
Well, data privacy concerns seem to be the official reason.
In July 2022, the government ordered Google and Apple to remove BGMI from their app stores. This effectively imposed a nationwide ban.
The rationale was that BGMI publisher Krafton‘s alleged links with China‘s Tencent posed data privacy risks for Indian users just like PUBG Mobile.
Previously in 2020, PUBG faced a similar ban over data security concerns before being relaunched as BGMI for India.
So while disruptive, the BGMI ban wasn‘t entirely unexpected considering India has banned over 300 apps linked to Chinese publishers since 2020.
Impact of The Ban on The Gaming Community
The ban shocked legions of mobile gaming enthusiasts in India who had embraced BGMI wholeheartedly.
After PUBG Mobile‘s ban, BGMI emerged as the go-to mobile battle royale experience tailored for Indian gamers.
It even had India-centric events, collaborations with celebrities like Dynamo, and in-game rewards.
In fact, within a week of launch, BGMI had crossed 10 million downloads. The ban meant fans lost access to skins, purchases, and progress they had built up.
Here are some reactions that highlight the community‘s feelings:
The numbers indicate the ban‘s commercial impact too. As per reports, BGMI generated:
- 175 million downloads and 24 million active users before the ban
- Monthly revenue of $5.4 million just from iOS users
- Over 50 percent market share among mobile battle royale games
So the ban likely cost Krafton tens of millions in lost revenue. It also deprived Indian esports athletes who had dedicated effort into mastering BGMI.
But where there is a will, there is a way! So let‘s discuss how we can still play BGMI after the ban.
How Can You Still Access BGMI in India?
Despite the ban, there are some workarounds through which you can play BGMI in India:
1. Using a VPN Service
One of the most popular and convenient options is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Here‘s how it helps you bypass geo-restrictions:
- VPNs mask your real IP address and location by routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in another country.
- This allows you to access apps, sites, and content blocked in your region.
I recommend choosing a reputed VPN app like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. They have servers strategically located in countries where BGMI is still accessible.
Once you connect to say a Singapore or Hong Kong server, you can simply search and install BGMI from your device‘s app store. The VPN shields your actual location in India.
This allows you to play BGMI without worrying about the ban. Just ensure the VPN app is running smoothly in the background.
However, VPNs do slow down your connection speed slightly. So pick a fast and stable VPN if you want lag-free gameplay.
2. Using BGMI APK and OBB Files
Another option is manually installing BGMI using the APK and OBB files:
- APK is the actual Android application file.
- OBB contains additional game resources and assets.
You can find direct download links for the latest BGMI APK and OBB files on forums and tech sites.
Sideloading these files bypasses Play Store restrictions since you‘re not downloading from there. The steps are simple:
- Enable ‘Install from unknown source‘ in Android settings.
- Install the APK and grant permissions.
- Copy the OBB file into the right folder on device storage.
- Run the BGMI app – voila, you‘re in!
This method doesn‘t require a VPN once you do the initial installation. However, you‘ll have to manually update BGMI whenever a new version arrives.
3. Play Using BGMI Lite or MODs
Certain modified (MOD) or ‘Lite‘ versions of BGMI offer a similar battle royale experience without geo-blocks. These include:
- BGMI Lite
- BGMI Lite ME
- PUBG Mobile MOD
The gameplay mechanics, weapons, maps and overall feel is akin to the original BGMI. You can simply install and run the MOD APK file to start playing.
However, be careful of shady websites. Only download BGMI MODs from trusted sources after reading reviews and comments from other users.
4. Using Gaming Emulators
Emulators allow you to create a virtual Android environment on your Windows PC or Mac. Popular options like MEmu and BlueStacks support installing and running mobile games like BGMI.
Once you set up the emulator, search for BGMI on its built-in app store and install the game. This works because emulators bypass Play Store restrictions.
The only catch is you‘ll need a computer with enough RAM and processor power for smooth performance. Emulators can be resource-intensive.
5. Trying Similar Games Like PUBG New State
If you‘re looking for similar gameplay, check out PUBG: New State. This newer battle royale title is built from scratch for mobile.
It features modern weapons, maps, graphics and mechanics reminiscent of PUBG and BGMI. But there‘s no ban on PUBG New State in India.
You can simply download it from the Google Play Store on your mobile and enjoy playing. It‘s a legal alternative to BGMI that delivers a similar experience.
Which Method Should You Use?
All the above methods have their merits and limitations. Here is a comparison to help decide:
| Method | Convenience | Security Risk | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN | High | Low | Paid subscription required |
| APK/OBB Files | Medium | High | Free |
| Lite/MOD Version | Medium | High | Free |
| Emulators | Low | Low | Free (apart from hardware cost) |
| Similar Games | High | Low | Free |
My recommendation would be to use a reliable VPN if you wish to play the original BGMI consistently. This method is secure and convenient.
Alternatively, gaming emulators also provide a safe way to enjoy BGMI on PC without spending money.
Downloading APK/OBB files or mods is riskier in terms of malware and account bans. Only resort to direct downloads if you trust the source and are tech-savvy.
Hopefully, this gives you a clear picture of the various options at hand to satiate your BGMI gaming cravings!
Top 3 VPNs for BGMI Players in India
If you decided to go with a VPN, here are my top recommendations for playing BGMI from India safely:
1. ExpressVPN
With 3,000+ superfast servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN is my top choice for gaming. Some key aspects:
- Blazing fast connections with unlimited bandwidth.
- 256-bit AES encryption keeps your data secure.
- Apps for all devices including Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, routers.
- 30-day money back guarantee allows ample testing time.
I prefer ExpressVPN because it offers reliable low ping connections ideal for online games like BGMI. The speeds remain unaffected even on distant servers.
![ExpressVPN]]https://i.imgur.com/idiAmWn.png)
2. NordVPN
A close second choice is NordVPN thanks to its huge server network spanning 60 countries.
Some salient features include:
- 5,600+ servers strategically placed near your location.
- Advanced security features like Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated Servers.
- Allows connecting 6 devices simultaneously.
- Apps available for all platforms like Windows, Android, iOS, Mac.
NordVPN is known for its ability to bypass tough geo-restrictions. Connecting to a nearby country helps reduce latency.
3. Surfshark
Finally, consider Surfshark for an affordable yet powerful BGMI VPN option. Notable aspects:
- 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries worldwide.
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites.
- Allows unlimited device connections.
- Apps present for all platforms.
Surfshark offers great value by combining air-tight security with blazing speeds. It‘s capable of bypassing the BGMI ban in India at a moderate price point.
Final Thoughts
That sums up this comprehensive guide on playing BGMI in India after the ban. While the government‘s decision is regrettable, thankfully we still have some workarounds to enjoy BGMI safely.
Using a good VPN or emulator present the most convenient and secure options in my opinion. However, you can also try direct APK installs or similar games at your own discretion.
I advise against downloading shady mods or cracked versions of BGMI as they pose account ban risks. Your best bet is sticking to authorized game versions and playing anonymously via VPN.
Feel free to reach out for any other help or tips on gaming online anonymously and bypassing restrictions. Happy gaming!
