How to Unblock LinkedIn From Russia in 2025: Quick & Easy
LinkedIn is blocked in Russia because it uses foreign servers to store users’ personal data. Since this is against Russian law stating the servers need to be on Russian territory, people located or traveling in Russia aren’t able to access this website.
A VPN can provide you with a different IP address from a country of your choice, which makes it seem like you’re not located in Russia. This can help unblock websites and apps. Theoretically, this will also work for LinkedIn, but you should first check the local rules for accessing such sites.
Note: Russian authorities are not known to prosecute tourists for using VPNs, but they do routinely ban VPN services that don’t follow government regulations. That’s why a lot of VPNs don’t work in the country, but the ones we recommend proved to be the most reliable so far. Laws and regulations change, so make sure you check them before traveling to Russia and using a VPN there.
Quick Guide: How to Use LinkedIn From Russia in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN.
- Connect to a server.
In order to access LinkedIn in Russia, you will have to connect to a server in a different country. For faster speeds, I recommend you connect to a nearby country, such as Estonia or Ukraine. - Start using LinkedIn.
Now you can safely log in to your LinkedIn account and start browsing.
Why You Need a VPN to Use LinkedIn in Russia
In 2015, Russia made it illegal for companies to store its citizens’ personal information outside of Russia. LinkedIn refused to abide by these laws, so Russian authorities blocked it in November 2016. So in order to access this website while traveling to Russia, you’ll need to change your IP address.
This is where a VPN comes in handy. It masks your real IP address and replaces it with a new one from a country of your choice. By connecting to a VPN server in a country other than Russia, you’ll get an IP address from your newly selected country.
In addition, it encrypts your data to make it unreadable to third parties, so it is nearly impossible to track your activity. Some VPNs even come with obfuscation, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. This is particularly useful because Russia blocks most VPNs.
What Should I Do if My VPN Is Blocked in Russia?
It can be tough to find a reliable VPN to use in Russia since most of them are blocked there. If you’re having issues with getting your VPN to work, there are a few things you could try.
- Switch your VPN protocol. Your chosen VPN likely offers multiple protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard. My testing has shown that OpenVPN or WireGuard work best for securely using networking apps like LinkedIn.
- Use obfuscated servers.
- Try Onion over VPN. Some VPNs let you use the anonymous TOR network through any web browser with no special software. Using LinkedIn via this alternate web makes you even harder to trace.
- Look into proxies. Proxy IP addresses can sometimes bypass VPN blocks. Some VPN services integrate proxy options to help you regain access to LinkedIn and other websites.
FAQs on Accessing LinkedIn in Russia With a VPN
Why is LinkedIn blocked in Russia?
LinkedIn violated national data laws requiring internet companies to store user data on Russian servers. The Federal Service for Supervision of Telecommunications of Russia (called the Roskomnadzor) ordered to block the site in Russia in November 2016. In 2017, they decided to reinforce this block. You can still access LinkedIn from Russia in a few steps while keeping yourself safe from hackers by using a secure VPN.
Can I access the LinkedIn app on Android or iOS in Russia with a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to access LinkedIn’s mobile apps on Android or iOS in Russia. Each VPN I listed has easy-to-use mobile apps for these devices.
Keep in mind that not all VPNs work in Russia. In fact, many are blocked by the government. To use LinkedIn safely while staying protected on your phone, you can choose one of these VPNs I recommended, as they are proven to work more reliably in Russia.
Does Russia have any LinkedIn alternatives?
Yes, there are several LinkedIn alternatives in Russia, including Skillsnet.ru, Xing, Moi Krug, Executive.ru, Super Job, Rabota.ru, and Mycp.
However, they are still developing, and most of them have only small communities, so they aren’t as useful as LinkedIn.
Are VPNs legal to use in Russia?
The legality of VPNs in Russia is a complex topic. Russia restricts VPN services that don't comply with its state-approved online censorship. Technically, only government-sanctioned VPNs that adhere to these rules are considered legal.
Despite this, several international VPN services continue to operate in Russia. However, most aren’t advanced enough to get past Russian filters. That’s why you need a VPN with specific features such as obfuscation to safely get onto LinkedIn while you’re in the country.
Laws and regulations can change, so make sure that you check them before using a VPN in Russia. The team and I don't condone using a VPN for any illegal purposes.
Can I use a free VPN to access LinkedIn from Russia?
You can use a free VPN to access LinkedIn from Russia, but I don’t recommend it. I advise you to use a reliable, paid VPN service to ensure that you remain safe on the internet at all times.
Free VPNs often come with security risks and limitations. They may have fewer server locations, slower speeds due to overcrowded servers, and sometimes weaker security protocols. All of this impacts your ability to protect your privacy.
Some free VPNs have also been caught logging user data and even selling it to third parties. This is a major privacy concern, especially in a country with strict communication laws like Russia.
Is LinkedIn translated into Russian?
Yes, LinkedIn provides Russian-to-English translations and vice versa. Just log in, scroll to the bottom, get to the footer, then click Select Language and choose Russian from the list. Now you’ll see LinkedIn displayed in Russian instead of English.
However, securely accessing LinkedIn from Russia can be difficult. That’s why you should protect your data with a secure VPN IP address to use LinkedIn safely.
Access LinkedIn in Russia in Minutes
While it can be difficult to access LinkedIn in Russia, reliable VPNs can help you overcome these problems easily. VPNs change your IP address and encrypt your traffic, which gives you a safer internet experience while using LinkedIn in Russia.
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