How to Access Instagram in Turkey: Working Solutions in 2025

Turkey has recently become a hot topic for two significant reasons — an Olympic shooter who has quickly become a legend and a sudden ban on Instagram. This recent block has taken many residents and travelers by surprise, making it challenging to access one of the world's most popular social media platforms via its website or app.

If you find yourself cut off from Instagram, you're not alone, and there are ways to reconnect. Instead of asking yourself, “What can I do, sometimes?”, check out how to quickly dive back into scrolling through your feeds.

One effective solution is using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN allows you to change your IP address to a different location where Instagram is freely accessible. This way, you can appear as though you're browsing from another country, allowing private access to Instagram.

How to Safely Access Instagram in Turkey

In Turkey, strict internet censorship often blocks access to popular social media platforms like Instagram, making it challenging for residents and visitors to stay connected. This step-by-step guide will walk you through selecting, setting up, and using a VPN to privately access Instagram in Turkey.

Step 1. Choose a Reliable VPN

Pick a VPN that allows safe access to social media sites and apps. Essential features include AES 256-bit encryption, private DNS, and servers located in numerous countries.

Step 2. Install the VPN

Download the VPN app directly from the provider's official website or a trusted app store to avoid fake VPN apps. Follow the installation instructions specific to your device's operating system.

Step 3. Connect to a Server

Launch the VPN application and log in using your credentials. Select a server in a country where Instagram is not restricted.

Step 4. Check the Connection

After connecting to the server, verify your new IP address by visiting a website like vpnMentor’s IP Checker. This check is crucial to ensure that your real location is successfully masked and that you appear to be accessing the internet from the selected country.

Step 5. Access Instagram

Open Instagram either via its app or through a web browser. You should now be able to access Instagram seamlessly as if you were in a different location where the service is available. If Instagram still appears blocked, try clearing your browser cache and cookies.

Step 6. Set Up Security Features (Optional but Recommended)

Take full advantage of your VPN’s security features. You may need to activate these features manually in the settings:

• Kill switch. Activate this feature to automatically disconnect from the internet if the VPN connection fails, preventing any data from leaking.
• DNS leak protection. Ensure this setting is enabled to prevent your device from using your ISP’s DNS servers, which could inadvertently reveal your actual location. WebRTC, IPv4, and IPv6 leak protection also protect your location data.
• Split tunneling. Use this feature, if available, to select which apps go through the VPN and which use the direct internet connection. This can be useful if you want other apps to not use the VPN connection.
• Obfuscation (stealth mode). The Turkish government has a history of cracking down on VPN usage, employing techniques like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic. Obfuscation disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for DPI systems to detect.

Why Is Instagram Not Working in Turkey?

Access to Instagram has been blocked in Turkey as of August 2, 2024. The decision was made by Turkey's national communications authority, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), but no official explanation has been provided for the move. However, the block appears to be linked to a recent controversy involving the social media platform and the Turkish government.

The incident that likely triggered the block involves the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, who was killed in Tehran. Following his death, Fahrettin Altun, the head of communications for the Turkish presidency, accused Instagram of censoring posts that contained messages of condolence for Haniyeh. Altun criticized Instagram, calling the removal of these posts an act of censorship and asserting that the platform was impeding freedom of expression.

This action is part of a broader pattern of internet and social media restrictions in Turkey. The country has previously blocked access to other platforms — such as YouTube, Imgur, Tumblr, and Wikipedia, which was blocked from 2017 to 2020. It has also imposed temporary restrictions on Meta’s Threads app, Twitter, and other social media sites during periods of political tension or crisis.

FAQs on Accessing Instagram in Turkey

Are VPNs safe?

Yes, but it's crucial to choose a reputable VPN service. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection, and some free options may even compromise your data. That's why we only recommend VPNs that have been thoroughly tested and proven to provide strong encryption, no-logs policies, and reliable security features. They keep your online activities safe, allowing you to browse the internet privately, even in places with strict digital controls like Turkey.

Will I get banned from Instagram for using a VPN?

No, you won’t get banned, but it can trigger security measures if Instagram detects unusual activity, like logging in from different locations. It’s best to use a VPN with a big network and plenty of servers and IP addresses so you’re less likely to come across one that’s been blocklisted by online services and social networks. However, if you use a VPN to violate Instagram’s Terms of Service, such as creating fake accounts, your account could be at risk of being banned.

Is Instagram popular in Turkey?

Yes, Instagram is very popular in Turkey. As of early 2024, there are approximately 58 million Instagram users in Turkey, which represents a significant portion of the country's population of around 85 million. This high user base indicates that Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms in Turkey. Get a reliable VPN to safely access Instagram.

Who is the most followed on Instagram in Turkey?

The most followed individual on Instagram in Turkey is Burak Özdemir, also known as CZN Burak, a Turkish chef and restaurateur, with over 54 million followers. He is widely recognized for his engaging cooking videos and entertaining content, which have garnered him a substantial following both in Turkey and internationally. Use a quality VPN, and don’t miss out on Burak’s new recipes.

Can I use a free VPN to access Instagram in Turkey?

Possibly, but it’s not recommended. Many free VPNs don’t offer adequate encryption or obfuscation, which means your internet service provider and potentially the government can still monitor your activities. Some free VPNs have been found to sell user data to third parties, contain spyware, or have weak privacy policies that could compromise your security. It’s a better alternative to use a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Besides, most free VPNs (and other free alternatives like proxies, Tor browser, or DNS services) have limitations like slow speeds, limited server options, and data caps, which can result in long loading times and interruptions. The servers may not be reliable for accessing Instagram.