You can unblock Instagram in Russia if you’re traveling to the region and don’t want to lose access to your favorite social media service. The best way to bypass Instagram censorship in Russia is through a VPN. And we recommend iProVPN for Instagram in Russia. 

This guide covers our top three recommended methods to unblock Instagram in Russia, reasons why iProVPN stands out as the best option, and Russian alternatives to Instagram. 

Note: This guide is only for informational purposes, and we do not recommend using iProVPN to access Instagram in Russia for malicious or anti-state activities. 

How to Unblock Instagram in Russia

Instagram was blocked in Russia in March 2022. This was after the parent company, Meta, let users post against Russia and Russian prosecutors labeled Meta an extremist organization afterwards. As a result, Instagram and Facebook were banned. 

However, you can still access Instagram in Russia with a reliable workaround. However, if you’re caught engaging in any anti-state or malicious activities, you may face serious legal consequences from the Russian authorities. 

Here’s how to access Instagram in Russia: 

1. Use a VPN

This is the most common and a reliable solution for accessing Instagram in Russia. We recommend iProVPN for its robust encryption. It secures your internet traffic and routes it through a server abroad to mask your origin. Ensure you download the VPN app before you enter Russia, since the VPN websites or their download pages are usually blocked there.

2. Use a Proxy Service

You can use a proxy as well to access Instagram in Russia. However, they aren’t as reliable as a VPN. Proxies act as a gateway for your internet traffic. They are less secure than VPNs and less reliable. 

A proxy service doesn’t encrypt your connection and is often unstable. Lists of available proxies are also frequently inaccessible due to blocks. Moreover, similar to VPNs, free Proxies often don’t work. It’s best to trust a paid proxy service over a free one.

3. Access via the Tor Browser

Tor Browser is a free, open-source tool designed for anonymity. This often works to bypass geo-limits. It helps users hop censorship by routing the connection through a distributed volunteer network. However, this process might result in much slower speeds than a VPN. 

We recommend using a TOR over VPN. This helps bypass geo-limits smoothly than normal since TOR is not prone to detection. Without a VPN, your connection might get detected and you won’t be able to access Instagram in Russia. 

What Caused the Instagram Ban in Russia?

The direct cause was the direct change in Meta’s content moderation policy. According to various sources, such as Reuters, Meta platforms allowed its users to call for violence against Russians following the Ukraine invasion. However, there were temporary changes in Meta’s hate speech policy following this. 

As a result, Instagram and Facebook were blocked in Russia. The Russian government viewed Meta’s policy as an endorsement of violence against Russian citizens. In response, the Prosecutor General’s Office formally classified Meta as an “extremist organization,” leading the state media regulator, Roskomnadzor, to implement the ban on Instagram.

However, the ban was not an isolated event, but a culmination of years of tension. Banning Meta’s platforms was a move to eliminate a major platform that the State saw as outside its interest, especially during wartime. 

Which Is the Best VPN for Instagram in Russia

The best VPN depends on your requirements. We find iProVPN the best VPN to access Instagram in Russia. A VPN for unblocking Instagram in Russia must have: 

• Reputation for bypassing geo-limits
• Extensive server network
• Dedicated servers
• An internet kill switch
• Multiple encryption protocols

All of which iProVPN offers. However, you must ensure that you set up and download the iProVPN app before you enter Russia. Here’s a brief tutorial on how to access Instagram in Russia: 

• Go to iProVPN > Pricing. 
• Get your preferred subscription.
• Install the VPN app on your device.
• Connect to a server close to Russia for faster speeds. 
• Log in to your Facebook account. It should be accessible now. 

What Are the Instagram Alternatives in Russia?

Various Instagram alternatives emerged following the ban. Here’s a list of the top three Instagram alternatives in Russia: 

1. VKontakte (VK)

This is the most popular Instagram and Facebook alternative in Russia. It offers similar features to Meta’s social media apps, such as:

• Video sharing
• Stories
• Clips (short videos)
• Direct messaging 

2. YaRazvlekatys (Now Part of “Rossgram”)

This social media service was designed to closely mimic Instagram’s interface and user experience. It mainly focuses on photo feeds, stories, and likes. 

3. OK (Odnoklassniki)

This is another longstanding Russian social network owned by VK. It mainly offers the features of photo albums, community groups and messaging. 

Final Note

You can unblock Instagram Russia if you’re traveling to the region. Ensure that you setup the VPN before you enter the region. Once you’re in Russia, most VPN websites and apps will be inaccessible. 

Moreover, we only recommend using a VPN to unblock Instagram in Russia if you’re using the social media app for personal uses and avoid engaging in malicious or anti-state activities.