How to Unblock LinkedIn From Russia in 2024: 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.

Not all VPNs work in Russia, so my Russian teammates based in the country ran some extensive tests. They shortlisted the ones that worked, and ExpressVPN came out on top. Its obfuscated servers can hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, helping it reliably access LinkedIn in Russia. Even better, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Access LinkedIn With ExpressVPN >>

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.

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.

Best VPNs to Securely Access LinkedIn From Russia in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Untrackable Obfuscation for Accessing LinkedIn in Russia

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ExpressVPN offers powerful obfuscation on all its servers hiding that you’re using a VPN. This makes it harder for VPN detectors in censorship-heavy countries like Russia to spot VPN traffic, which in turn makes it easier for ExpressVPN to access LinkedIn. However, keep in mind that you will have to use the default Automatic protocol or turn on Lightway to obfuscate the traffic.

I recommend setting the protocol to Automatic, as this option will choose the best one to use for your network

Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption for maximum security on LinkedIn in Russia. To complement data security, it employs the above-mentioned protocols and OpenVPN. This minimizes the chances of your LinkedIn account getting hacked, too.

It also has a Threat Manager that automatically blocks trackers and malware for a better LinkedIn experience. Additionally, the VPN comes with a no-logs policy, so your personal data doesn't get stored or shared with third parties. This policy has been audited by popular cybersecurity firms. And ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances).

The VPN offers short- and long-term subscriptions that are a bit on the expensive side. But my testing showed that it’s worth the money because it excelled in both security and speeds. You can even pay with anonymous methods, like Bitcoin. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free, since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide it’s not for you, just reach out to the 24/7 live chat for a refund.

It’s worth noting that you may need a Russia-sanctioned VPN to access and use ExpressVPN, at least the first time you use it. I recommend using the free version of Kaspersky VPN. Kaspersky VPN is approved by the Russian government because it follows their data retention and censorship requirements.

Useful Features

• Network Lock. This is ExpressVPN’s kill switch, which keeps your real IP safe when you access LinkedIn from Russia, even on unreliable networks. If your VPN connection drops in Russia, this blocks all your internet traffic until the connection is restored, making sure your data stays hidden.
• Shortcuts. ExpressVPN gives you the option of adding websites to its Shortcuts tab. This way, you can make a shortcut to LinkedIn that you will see as soon as you connect to a server, letting you access the website in a single click.
• TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers that are technologically incapable of saving any of your data, so even if servers were seized, there would be nothing to see. It also cryptographically verifies all server updates, removing the chance of using compromised software.
• Exclusive Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN offers a proprietary protocol named Lightway, which is designed to provide stronger security and reliability than many other VPN protocols can offer — ideal for accessing LinkedIn from Russia.

2. Astrill VPN — Highly Reliable Servers in the West to Safely Access LinkedIn in Russia

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www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN offers a large number of reliable server locations in the West that allow for secure and easy access to LinkedIn while in Russia. As an example, it offers 32 US server locations, which is more than any other VPN on this list. It also offers several options in the UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, and more — if you’re traveling to Russia, you’re likely to find plenty of servers back home that will work for accessing LinkedIn and your other favorite sites.

Astrill VPN also offers servers in Asia, South America, and even Russia itself

It also offers a proprietary StealthVPN protocol for improved privacy while using LinkedIn in Russia. This conceals your internet activities and the fact you’re using a VPN. Plus, an automatic kill switch cuts off your internet if the VPN connection drops, avoiding any accidental leaks. That being said, I never experienced any VPN connection issues during my tests.

In addition, Astrill features a Site Filter feature, which allows you to choose specific websites to pass through the encrypted VPN tunnel while all others use your regular connection. I easily configured LinkedIn to go through the VPN while everything else stayed on my faster local connection. The App Guard feature also lets you set apps of your choosing to run only when the VPN is active, ensuring you’re always protected.

That said, the app can feel somewhat simplistic to more advanced users. But its user-friendliness makes it a solid option for VPN beginners.

Useful Features

• Ad-blocker. With this feature active, you won’t have to worry about intrusive ads and trackers while you browse LinkedIn and other online platforms.
• Free trial. Astrill VPN offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
• Multi-hop VPN. This advanced feature improves your security and privacy by routing your traffic through several VPN servers, applying multiple layers of encryption to your connection. However, you must pay an added fee to use it.

3. Proton VPN — Double VPN Mode Lets You Privately Use LinkedIn in Russia

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protonvpn.com

Proton VPN's Secure Core feature strengthens your security on LinkedIn by routing your data through two VPN servers, applying an additional layer of military-grade encryption to your connection. While this feature did reduce my base internet speed by about 20% during my tests, it was a small price to pay for the significantly increased protection my sensitive data received.

Proton VPN offers many Secure Core servers to choose from

Proton VPN also comes with a rigorously enforced no-logs policy that has been verified multiple times by independent auditing firms. What’s more, it’s based in Switzerland, one of the most privacy-friendly countries in the world. The Swiss government enforces no data retention laws on VPNs, so Proton VPN is free to adhere to their no-logs policy.

It’s worth noting that Proton VPN can get a bit pricey, especially if you go with the Proton Unlimited plan that comes bundled with several other services. That being said, I found the VPN-only plan to be much cheaper and perfectly enough for securing my LinkedIn activity in Russia.

Useful Features

• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature regularly switches encryption keys. So, even in the highly improbable event that a key is compromised, it’d only expose a single VPN session — all other past and future sessions would be secured with different keys.
• Netshield. Proton VPN's integrated ad blocker, Netshield, effectively filters out malicious websites, pop-ups, and trackers. This feature is especially helpful if you're browsing local Russian websites and may struggle to identify harmful links due to the language barrier.
• Money-back guarantee. You can try Proton VPN for free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t a fan, you can easily get a refund.

4. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly App Allows VPN Beginners to Easily Access LinkedIn

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Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN offers simple apps that are straightforward to use. For example, it lets you sort servers by proximity, which allowed me to easily find a fast server in a closeby country during my tests. I could also mark my preferred server as a “Favorite”, which made it even easier to find for future LinkedIn sessions. While this is all great for VPN newbies, PrivateVPN also accommodates more seasoned users with its “Advanced View” mode, which puts important settings right on the main screen, allowing for easy tinkering.

One concern I had is that PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, a country in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance (an international government surveillance network). However, PrivateVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your LinkedIn sessions or browsing activities remain protected.

In terms of affordability, PrivateVPN stands out with subscriptions available for as low as $2/month. The service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it for free.

Useful Features

• Stealth Mode. PrivateVPN's Stealth VPN mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This feature enables you to bypass VPN blocks and securely access websites and apps in Russia, including LinkedIn.
• Remote support. For those new to using VPNs, PrivateVPN offers a helpful service where its support team can remotely control your device. This means they can set up the VPN for you or resolve any technical issues you might encounter while using it in Russia.

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. Some VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, use obfuscation to disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This makes it harder to be detected and blocked.
• 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.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Using LinkedIn in Russia

Choosing the right VPN for your specific needs can be a daunting task. This is why I compiled a list of useful features for a VPN to have if you need to access LinkedIn from Russia. You can use this list to do your own research and choose the best VPN for you.

• Large server network. A VPN with lots of servers increases your chances of accessing LinkedIn from Russia. More server locations also mean more options for finding a stable and fast connection because you're less likely to experience overcrowding.
• Obfuscated servers. These disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for ISPs to detect and block your VPN usage. This feature can be crucial for reliable access in countries with strict internet censorship, like Russia.
• IP/DNS leak protection. Reliable IP and DNS leak protection hide your real location and personal information to avoid any blocks. This helps ensure you stay private online in Russia.
• Strict no-logs policy. A VPN that follows a strict no-logs policy doesn’t record or store any information about your online activities. This is a must-have in countries such as Russia so that information like your IP address and browsing history can’t be shared even if there’s a request.
• Strong security features. Look for a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and the latest security protocols (or their proprietary ones, like ExpressVPN’s Lightway). These help keep your data secure while using LinkedIn in Russia.
• Good speeds. While security is very important, you also want a VPN with fast speeds. This ensures that while you're securely accessing LinkedIn, your feed doesn’t get stuck, and you can share videos seamlessly.

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. To continue using LinkedIn safely, I recommend ExpressVPN since it’s the only VPN I tested with automatic obfuscation. That means you can get onto your LinkedIn account without having to mess with technical settings.

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.

Personally, I recommend ExpressVPN since it offers obfuscation on its servers and robust security features that help your data stay protected. You can try ExpressVPN out easily and risk-free, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for using LinkedIn in Russia

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: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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