How to Access Instagram From Turkey in 2024
Reading time: 14 min
Updated on August 14, 2024
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![Kate Hawkins]()
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![Justyn Newman]()
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing situation, and deliberations are still in progress. We will update this page with a final verdict as soon as the legal situation is finalized.
After recent global events, Turkey has blocked Instagram, which means that it’s not possible to access it if you’re located there. At least not without the help of a simple tool called a VPN (Virtual Private Network). With a VPN, you can use Instagram in Turkey (or any location).
A VPN is a tool that enables you to easily alter your virtual location. All you need to do is connect to a nearby location where Instagram isn’t blocked (for example Cyprus or Greece). However, it’s crucial to note that not all VPNs work in this situation. Turkey actively works to block both VPNs and VPN-related websites.
Of the 30+ VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN came out as the best. All of its servers are obfuscated by default, so VPN traffic is hidden from prying eyes. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free in Turkey as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally satisfied, you’re entitled to a full refund.
Note: Although accessing Instagram in Turkey isn’t illegal, you may face issues if you post content that is. Turkey is known to actively prosecute people who post content that violates their laws. VPNs can hide your location but they don’t give you license to break the law. My team and I don’t condone any illegal behavior, so please check Turkey’s laws to avoid repercussions. Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: How to Access Instagram in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. For reliable access to social media, plus fast speeds for lag-free reels and stories, ExpressVPN is the top choice for Instagram in Turkey.
- Connect to a server. For the best speeds, use a nearby server in a country where Instagram isn’t blocked.
- Start using Instagram! Now you can safely share, browse, and network on Instagram without restriction.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Why You Need a VPN for Turkey in 2024
Turkey’s first recorded case of Internet censorship was in 2007 when the government blocked YouTube for hosting a video that mocked its first president, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. After the Gezi Park protests in 2013 and the coup attempt in 2016, bans and restrictions on social media, messaging apps, and websites have become a common occurrence.
Blocks usually happen when something politically controversial happens, mostly to control the flow of information inside and outside the country. For example, after the earthquakes in southern Turkey in 2023, many social media sites were blocked.
Additionally, Turkey put a “Disinformation Bill” into place in 2022 that extends the government’s powers and allows them to censor content even further. Under this law, posts perceived as critical of the government could result in a user being sentenced to jail time.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are the most common targets, and these blocks are usually temporary. Sites can also face long-term blocks. For example, Wikipedia, Imgur, and Tumblr were all blocked for several years to protect Turkish citizens from “harmful content.”
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Access Instagram in Turkey
- ExpressVPN — Most reliable connections to Instagram with obfuscation on all servers and fast speeds for smooth posting, scrolling, and messaging.
- Private VPN— WiFi Protection secures Instagram activity on all networks, but not as fast as ExpressVPN.
- Private Internet Access — Shadowsocks proxy provides access to Instagram, but can take several attempts to connect to a server from inside Turkey.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
How to Access Instagram in Turkey: Full Guide
- Get a VPN that works in Turkey and download it to your device. There are several ways to sign up for a VPN when in Turkey:
- If the VPN website is blocked, try using a mirror site — ExpressVPN is a reliable option with working mirror sites.
- Create a new app store account in a different country where the VPN is available, then download the app from that store.
- Use a high-quality free VPN, like Proton VPN, to access the VPN website and subscribe.
![screenshot of ExpressVPN's website with the]()
- Configure the VPN with the best security and privacy settings. Switch on your kill switch and activate obfuscation features (if they’re not already on).
- Connect to a nearby server. Choose a local connection, like Cyprus or Greece, for reliability and speed.
- Open the Instagram app or visit the website in your browser. Stay connected to the VPN to browse and post on Instagram securely.
![image of Instagram open in a web browser, with ExpressVPN's Windows app connected to a server in Greece]()
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Accessing Instagram From Turkey (Tested in 2024)
| Apps for iOS and Android | Obfuscation | Leak Protection | Kill Switch | Lowest Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | ✔ | DNS, WebRTC, IPv4, IPv6 | ✔ | /month | 30 days |
| PrivateVPN | ✔ | ✔ | DNS, IPv4, IPv6 | ✔ | $2.00/month | 30 days |
| Astrill VPN | ✔ | ✔ | DNS, WebRTC, IPv4, IPv6 | ✔ | /month | ✘ |
1. ExpressVPN — Unrivaled Security and Stability for Instagram
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers, with local connections in Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece
- Military-grade encryption, obfuscated servers, kill switch, and a zero-log policy
- Use Instagram on up to 8 simultaneous devices
- 24/7 support via live chat, email, FAQs, and video tutorials
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Top Tip: ExpressVPN has a mirror site you can access in Turkey (https://www.get-express-vpn.com/). The official website is blocked in the country, but you can use the mirror site to subscribe and download apps or contact live support. Also, you can email support at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com. You may have trouble logging in to ExpressVPN on mobile or tablet at first, but you should be able to connect after a few tries.
ExpressVPN is the top choice for connecting to Instagram in Turkey. It uses obfuscation on all of its servers by default — this masks the VPN to look like a regular internet connection and avoids detection on Turkey’s restrictive network. My colleague in Turkey tested multiple ExpressVPN servers and could connect to Instagram without issue.
To protect your Instagram activity from prying eyes, ExpressVPN has premium security and privacy features on every connection, including:
- Military-grade encryption — AES-256-bit encryption on all servers ensures no one can see your access to Instagram.
- Network Lock kill switch — cuts access to the internet if the VPN is interrupted, keeping your connection to Instagram secure and private.
- Zero-log privacy policy — independently audited and backed by RAM-based servers that cannot store your activity proves ExpressVPN never stores data logs.
- Leak protection — stops accidental DNS, WebRTC, IPv4, and IPv6 leaks from compromising your security when using Instagram.
ExpressVPN’s fast connection speeds mean you won’t experience slowdown when scrolling your feed, posting reels, or sending messages. The Lightway protocol is fastest for mobile devices, while maintaining top security, and won’t drain your battery life as quickly as other more resource-heavy protocols.
ExpressVPN is a little more costly than other services, but I think it’s worth it for reliable access to Instagram in Turkey. Plans start at /month for a 2-year + 4 months free subscription, and all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund with no questions asked.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN also unblocks: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, BBC News, Deutsche Welle, New York Times, Wikipedia, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
ExpressVPN works on: Windows PC, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, routers, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. PrivateVPN — Reliable Obfuscation for Safe Instagram Access
Key Features:
- 200+ servers, including nearby options in Cyprus and Greece
- Kill switch, leak protection, and a zero-log policy
- Connect to Instagram on 10 devices
- 24/7 support via live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN offers effective obfuscation to ensure you can use Instagram while staying safe against DPI firewalls and VPN blocking measures. Stealth VPN uses Shadowsocks to obfuscate your traffic, and you can easily enable it from the app’s settings menu.
In addition, PrivateVPN offers several extra security features that enhance protection while using Instagram:
- AES 256-bit/128-bit encryption — safeguards your traffic against prying eyes.
- Kill switch — stops all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects, keeping you anonymous.
- No-logs policy — ensures no logs of your browsing activity are stored on PrivateVPN servers
Note that PrivateVPN’s connection speeds aren’t as fast as ExpressVPN, especially if you enable the Stealth VPN feature. However, they remain fast enough for browsing Instagram feeds and watching reels without lag.
Private VPN offers great value for money, as you can get it for just $2.00/month with the 3-year subscription. Plus, the app provides a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you lots of time to try it without risk and see if it suits you.
PrivateVPN also unblocks: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, BBC News, Deutsche Welle, New York Times, Wikipedia, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, and more.
PrivateVPN works on: Windows PC, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, routers, Android TV, Kodi, and more.
2024 Update! PrivateVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $2.00 per month with the 3-year plan (you can save up to %)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Astrill VPN — Highly Secure and Effective Against Censorship
Key Features:
- 117+ servers, with local servers in Bulgaria and Greece
- StealthVPN protocol, AES 256-bit encryption, and more to ensure safety
- Allows up to 5 simultaneous device connections
- 24/7 live chat, email support, online manuals, and FAQs for help
- Starts at $12.50/month
Astrill VPN’s proprietary StealthVPN protocol makes it worth using in censorship-heavy countries. Enabling this protocol lets you stay safe while you use Instagram in Turkey, but your speeds might be a little slower because of the obfuscation. Also, the app offers the following features for added protection:
- Impenetrable encryption — uses AES 256-bit encryption to stop others from spying on your traffic.
- Leak protection — keeps you from leaking your IP address and other identifying information online.
- No-logs policy — doesn’t keep any personally identifying information or activity logs on its servers.
While its security is really impressive, one downside to Astrill VPN is that it costs a lot more than its competitors. You can get Astrill VPN for $12.50/month with the 2-year plan, which is decent value for its security, but top choices like ExpressVPN offer more for less.
Astrill VPN also unblocks: Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat, BBC News, Deutsche Welle, New York Times, Wikipedia, Netflix, Max, Disney+, and more.
Astrill VPN works on: Windows PC, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, routers, some smart TVs, and more.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Instagram
To find the best VPNs in 2024 for using Instagram in Turkey, I looked for these features:
- Works reliably in Turkey — Many VPNs are blocked in Turkey, so our team ran multiple tests from inside Turkey to ensure the VPNs work consistently and connect to servers outside the country.
- Advanced security features — All recommended VPNs feature military-grade 256-bit encryption, data leak protection, and a kill switch to protect Instagram activity. As a bonus, some also feature obfuscation to help navigate Turkey’s restrictive network.
- Strict privacy policy — I checked each privacy policy for independent audits, RAM-based servers (that cannot physically store user data), and reassurance that activity won’t be shared with third-party advertisers.
- Easy-to-use apps — I tested each VPN for intuitive apps that are quick to download and set up on desktop and mobile devices, making it simple to get connected and access Instagram from your chosen device.
- Money-back guarantee — If you’re not completely satisfied with your VPN, you can get a full refund within the guarantee period.
FAQs: Instagram and VPNs
Can I use Instagram in Turkey with a VPN?
Is it legal to use a VPN with Instagram in Turkey?
Will I get banned for using Instagram with a VPN?
My VPN isn’t working in Turkey — how can I fix it?
Turkish networks often block VPN traffic, even the top VPNs for Turkey might not always work. Here are a few tips on how to fix the issue:
- Switch to a different server — try connecting to a different local server, as the server you’re using may be under maintenance or a known VPN IP already blocked by the network.
- Change your port — switch to port 443 or 80, as these ports are used for secure, unencrypted traffic and are less likely to be blocked.
- Turn on obfuscation — some VPNs have automatic obfuscation (like ExpressVPN), but a service like Private VPN needs to have obfuscation switched on (via the Stealth VPN feature).
- Contact customer support — email customer support and ask for advice — you’ll get a response letting you know which servers are best for reliable connections from Turkey.
Can I use a free VPN with Instagram in Turkey?
Access Instagram From Turkey With a VPN
After recent events, the best way to connect to Instagram from Turkey is with a quality VPN. By using a VPN, you can avoid Turkey’s network restrictions to scroll through your feed, add posts, and message your friends despite the ban. But most VPNs are blocked in Turkey, so it’s difficult to find a service that works reliably and consistently.
After testing more than 30 VPNs, ExpressVPN emerged as the top choice for Instagram in Turkey. Every server has automatic obfuscation to avoid proxy blocks, and fast speeds keep your Instagram activity lag-free. Plus, all plans have a 30-day guarantee — if it’s not right for you, you can get a full refund.
Summary — How to Access Instagram From Turkey in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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