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.
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 access to Instagram.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for safe 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.
Safely Access Instagram in Turkey >>
Quick Guide: How to Access Instagram With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN — It comes with private DNS and automatic obfuscation, making it a reliable choice for smoothly bypassing blocks without drawing attention.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server located in a country where Instagram isn’t blocked. For the best connection speeds, pick a server that’s close to Turkey.
- Start scrolling. Now, you can safely keep up with your Instagram feed and reels from anywhere.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Accessing Instagram in 2024
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Editor’s ChoiceExpressVPN
Strong security features and excellent speeds to reliably access Instagram in Turkey.70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN -
CyberGhost
Easy-to-use apps to effortlessly access Instagram in Turkey, but monthly plans are pricey. -
Private Internet Access
An extensive server network to safely access Instagram from anywhere, but complex apps.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
| Lowest Price | Server Network | Device Connections | Obfuscation | Refund Period | |
 ExpressVPN |
$6.67/month | 3,000 servers in 105 countries | 8 |  Automatic on all servers |
30 days |
 CyberGhost |
$2.19/month | 11,690 servers in 100 countries | 7 |  |
45 days |
 PIA |
$2.19/month | 29,650 servers in 91 countries | Unlimited | Shadowsocks (you have to turn it on in the settings) |
30 days |
1. ExpressVPN — Obfuscated Server Network to Reliably Access Instagram in Turkey
Editor’s Choice
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Tested August 2024
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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%, which 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. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Access Instagram in Turkey
CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps, so it’s straightforward to set up even for beginners. During my tests, I got CyberGhost up and running on my laptop in less than 5 minutes. It offers plenty of servers in nearby countries like Bulgaria and Greece, making it easier and safer to access Instagram from Turkey.
A minor drawback is the expensive short-term plan. However, long-term subscriptions are more affordable, starting at just $2.19/month. They also come with extended money-back guarantees, so you can try CyberGhost for free for up to 45 days.
3. Private Internet Access — Massive Server Network for Safe Access to Instagram in Turkey
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 disconnections during our tests.
Unlike CyberGhost, 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.
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 Wikipedia, from 2017 to 2020, and imposed temporary restrictions on Twitter and other social media sites during periods of political tension or crisis.
Pro Tip: Some VPNs offer excellent trial periods, allowing you to try them out before you subscribe. Here’s our rundown of the best VPNs with free trials. You can also check our detailed guides for some of the top services:
FAQs on Accessing Instagram in Turkey
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, 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 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 content.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for accessing Instagram in Turkey…
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