How to Use Telegram in Russia (Updated 2024)

Reading time: 4 min

Updated on October 11, 2024

Telegram
Despite Telegram’s roots in Russia, government officials declared the Telegram app a potential threat to its residents. The app had risen to prominence so much that government officials were using it as their primary messaging resource.

Eventually, high-ranking officials insisted the creators, brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, to hand over their encryption key to ensure total control of the shared content. They said, “No.”

That said, Telegram remains one of the most popular apps in Russia even though you can’t access it with a Russian IP address.

How a VPN Works With Telegram

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic through its own remote servers, which are based all around the globe. This allows you to connect to the internet in your home country while visiting Russia for work or a vacation. This includes messaging apps like Telegram.

While you should exercise caution if you decide to use a VPN within Russia’s borders, you likely won’t be prosecuted for doing so. The common practice is that Russia fights VPNs by technologically blocking the services, and not by chasing after foreigners who use them. Remember that the protection of a VPN doesn’t give you license to commit illegal acts.

To access Telegram:

  1. Install the VPN. 
  2. Connect to a server outside Russia.
  3. Log in to your Telegram account.

The Best VPNs for Telegram in Russia

All VPNs offer a great way to hide your actual location. However, these services are the best if you want to access your Telegram account.

1. ExpressVPN

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • No Logs
  • Split Tunneling
  • 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

ExpressVPN offers anyone within Russian borders a way to access their Telegram account without restriction. With a no-logs policy, users can be confident their online activity goes unreported to local authorities.

The 256-bit AES encryption protects your data and ensures your activity remains private and anonymous. You can be sure of fast connections when using ExpressVPN. This service has more than 3,000 servers in over 105 countries, so there are no issues with lag due to server overcrowding.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free

2. CyberGhost VPN

Key Features:

  • 11,670+ servers in 100+ countries
  • Strong malware blocker
  • Protects 7 devices at once
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption with a no-logs assurance to shield the online activities of its customers. Unlike some of its competitors, CyberGhost has a malware blocker to keep out suspicious programs.

It has more than 11,670 servers in over 100 nations with applications for all major operating systems as well as mobile devices and internet browsers.

Try CyberGhost risk-free

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries
  • State-of-the-art security with no logs
  • Protects unlimited devices at once
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access has a no-logs policy to keep unwanted third parties from demanding user information. The 256-bit AES encryption prevents others from intercepting the data stream while you browse. This provider also has 35,000+ servers in more than 91 countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try PIA risk-free!

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.

Final Thoughts

Not every user finds all VPNs effective. Several of these services provide a money-back guarantee or short free trials to help you confirm your choice is right.

We suggest you experiment with different VPNs to ensure you are getting the service you desire and can access your favorite sites, content, and apps.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more

Wizcase was established in 2018 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Intego and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on Wizcase are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Justyn Newman
Written By Justyn Newman
Justyn Newman is the Head Content Manager at WizCase. He, along with his talented team of writers, editors, and content managers ensures that the best content is produced. Having begun his journey with WizCase as a writer and editor, Justyn is a subject matter expert versed in every step of the content creation process for VPNs, Antivirus, and Password Managers. Prior to WizCase, Justyn worked as a freelance writer, freelance editor, and he spend some time as the Chief Editor for an indie novel publisher. Justyn has been writing professionally since 2015 and has worked in a wide range of niches from PC building to tabletop RPG guides. Outside of work, Justyn spends his time reading, working on his manuscript, and planning for his next TTRPG game. He also takes the time to enjoy nature in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where he resides with his partner and their two fuzzy children.
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