How to Access Instagram in Turkey: Working Solutions in 2024

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.

My team and I tested 35+ VPNs. Among all the safe and tested options we list, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for secure access to Instagram. It offers a vast network of reliable worldwide servers and robust security features to keep your online activity private. Better yet, ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free and see if it meets your needs for securely accessing Instagram in Turkey. 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.

Safely Access Instagram in Turkey >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Accessing Instagram in 2024

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.

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. I recommend ExpressVPN, which is known for its reliability, speed, and ability to bypass stringent internet controls. You can try it without risk for up to 30 days.

If you can't access the main ExpressVPN site, go to the mirror site at "get-express-vpn" dot com instead. You can also email the VPN’s support team at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com or use the 24/7 live chat if you need any help getting started.

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.

ExpressVPN apps are easy to use, even for the VPN beginners

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.

The VPN app can also suggest the fastest available server based on your location

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.

If there are issues like a wrong IP, disconnect and connect to another server

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. In the ExpressVPN app, the kill switch is called Network Lock.
• 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. ExpressVPN offers automatic obfuscation on all its servers.

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.

Best VPNs to Safely Access and Use Instagram in Turkey in 2024

To put together a list of the best VPNs for Instagram, I looked at several factors, including their cost, the number of servers they have, and their money-back guarantees.

1. ExpressVPN — Obfuscated Server Network to Reliably Access Instagram in Turkey

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is a top choice for accessing Instagram in Turkey due to its obfuscated servers. They hide the fact that you use a VPN so no one can see you use it to access social media or other sites. Plus, military-grade encryption enhances the security of your connection, offering more privacy as you browse. ExpressVPN is also the fastest VPN we tested. Our average speed dropped by only 7% using the VPN’s battery-friendly Lightway protocol. This is impressive, as many VPNs can slow you down by over 50%.

Thanks to a reliable server network, you can safely access Instagram from anywhere. My only gripe is that subscription plans are a bit pricey. Luckily, ExpressVPN regularly offers generous discounts and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

2. Private Internet Access — Massive Server Network for Safe Access to Instagram in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

A big plus of PIA is its extensive network of 29,650 servers worldwide, which really helps when you're trying to access Instagram in Turkey. This wide selection means you're less likely to run into slow speeds due to crowded servers. We didn't experience any slowdowns during our tests. PIA also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, perfect for households with multiple devices.

Unlike PrivateVPN, PIA might seem complicated to use due to its many customization options. However, it’s pre-configured for safe browsing. Just connect to a nearby server and start scrolling Instagram. You can get PIA for only $2.19/month.

3. PrivateVPN — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Access Instagram in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN offers easy-to-use apps, so it’s straightforward to set up even for beginners. During my tests, I got PrivateVPN up and running on my laptop in less than 5 minutes. You can also enable the advanced mode, which opens up more settings for tech-savvy users.

On the downside, the server network is relatively small, so you might be unable to connect to a server in your preferred country. However, PrivateVPN offers servers in nearby countries like Bulgaria and Greece for safe access to Instagram from Turkey. Plus, the speeds are fast enough to quickly upload photos and videos to Instagram, and to watch reels without buffering​​​​. You can get PrivateVPN for as low as $2/month.

4. Astrill VPN — Specialized Servers for Quick Access to Instagram in Turkey

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill's Supercharged servers are optimized for speed and reliability. This is particularly important for a visually intensive app like Instagram, which relies on fast image and video loading. During my tests, I also used the Stealth VPN protocol to help keep my VPN use under wraps. Just remember, it’s not automatic like ExpressVPN — you'll need to enable it from the settings yourself.

Unfortunately, there's no money-back guarantee, and the VPN costs more than others on this list. On the bright side, you can use Astrill VPN for free for 1 month if you refer a friend and they sign up for a paid subscription.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Accessing Instagram in Turkey

When selecting the best VPNs for accessing Instagram in Turkey, my team and I focused on several important factors. We ran speed tests to check for connection speeds that allow for smooth browsing on Instagram. We also looked at the reliability of servers near Turkey, aiming to find ones that provide consistent access to Instagram. Additionally, we evaluated the security and privacy features of each VPN to help protect your online activities and maintain privacy.

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.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for accessing Instagram in Turkey…

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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