Russian internet providers are required to block access to Telegram. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address and encrypt your connection – that way, you can get back to using Telegram while you remain safe and hidden from government surveillance. It’s important to note that not all VPNs work in Russia. Alongside banning Telegram, Russia has taken to blacklisting many VPN and proxy services as well. This is why you need a solid VPN for the job – and one that still works. Don’t worry! We’ll show you the easiest way to keep using Telegram in Russia with a VPN. We also have a list of the best services for your needs, based on our tests.
Why You Need a VPN for Telegram in Russia
Telegram was created by two brothers from Russia in 2013. It quickly gained popularity, largely due to its privacy features including end-to-end encryption and a self-destruct timer for messages. The encrypted app was soon deemed as a threat by authoritarian countries including Iran, China, and Russia. After Telegram refused to hand over its encryption keys to the Federal Security Service (FSB), the app was blocked in Russia by the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, in April 2018. Telegram maintains that it’s impossible to provide this information due to the way the service works. And even if they were able to share the encryption keys, this would be a massive breach of user privacy. The Telegram ban is one of many problems for privacy in Russia. The Yarovaya law, which came into force in July 2018, requires telecom operators to retain voice and messaging data for up to six months. Russian courts also ruled that, under this law, Telegram must provide the FSB with the requested encryption keys. This would leave millions of Russian users exposed. Naturally, many turned to VPNs as a way to tackle the Telegram ban. But such software has also been subject to heavy blocks by the Russian government. VPNs were first targeted in November 2017, when a new law aimed to block all services that didn’t register with Roskomnadzor. But that’s not all – shortly after Telegram was banned, Russia also blacklisted dozens of popular VPNs used to unblock the messenger. The good news is that, with a little research, you can still find quality VPN providers which aren’t blocked in Russia. That way, you can use their servers to obtain a working IP address, hide your real location, and encrypt your traffic for secure access to Telegram. To unblock Telegram in Russia, you’ll need a VPN with a good number of server locations. Russian servers can be a plus for some users. In this case, we recommend choosing another location that’s close to yours, but not within the country. You’ll also want unlimited VPN traffic and fast speeds – especially if you’re using Telegram for voice chats. If you’re a fan of Telegram on mobile, make sure your VPN offers dependable and intuitive clients for Android or iOS. A user-friendly app with robust protection makes all the difference. Last but not least, think about your own safety. You want your VPN to have the following security features:
256-bit encryption to hide you from your Russian internet provider and protect you from hackers. a legitimate no-logging policy, so you know your VPN provider isn’t collecting or sharing any of your sensitive data. a working kill switch for those rare cases when your VPN connection drops.
If you follow our advice above, it won’t take long before you have the perfect VPN for Telegram in Russia. To make things even easier, we’ve rounded up the top five picks for you. Check them out below!
The Best VPNs for Unblocking Telegram in Russia
1. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers a clean and simple interface for desktop and mobile. With the speeds and servers to match, this VPN is both user-friendly and powerful. None of your connection or bandwidth data is logged, so your privacy is taken care of. You can also count on CyberGhost’s military-grade encryption and 9,074+ servers in 90+ countries for fast and secure access to Telegram. Quick to install and easy to use, CyberGhost is a great pick for new and experienced users alike. See for yourself by checking out what users are saying about this VPN. Money-back guarantee: 30 days for shorter plans; 45 days for 6-month plans and longer Free trial: 7-day mobile trial; 1-day or 3-day Windows trial Unblock Telegram with CyberGhost!
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is all about speed and server variety. This VPN is the fastest one you can currently get, and the 148+ VPN locations give you plenty of choice for quick access to Telegram in Russia. You’ll also benefit from a proven zero-logs policy and AES-256 encryption with native OpenVPN support – even on mobile! Excellent speeds and features come at a price, but ExpressVPN is more than worth it. Don’t just take our word for it – see what real users are saying in their reviews! Money-back guarantee: 30 days Free trial: 7-day trial on iOS and Android Unblock Telegram with ExpressVPN!
3. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield runs its own its Catapult Hydra protocol, which is hard to detect and excellent for protection. It’s one of the reasons this VPN still works with Telegram in Russia, despite its popularity. You also get 1,800+ servers in 80 countries, as well as an internet kill switch. Hotspot Shield has stylish and easy-to-use clients for all major platforms, and you can use it on up to 5 devices with a single subscription. If you prefer browser extensions, Hotspot Shield offers quick and simple VPN functionality on Chrome and Firefox. Overall, Hotspot Shield gives you all you need for smooth access to Telegram in Russia. Find out more about this VPN with our expert and user reviews. Money-back guarantee: 45 days Free trial: Free version available with limited servers and features Unblock Telegram with Hotspot Shield!
Summary
Unblocking Telegram in Russia is fast, easy, and risk-free with the right VPN. Our top VPN picks will help you get back to chatting securely, despite the blocks. You’ll also rest easy knowing your personal information is safe and hidden. If you’re still wondering which service to trust, you can’t go wrong with CyberGhost. Try the full range of features free for a whole week! Get Telegram in Russia with CyberGhost NOW!
Further Reading
Get a great deal and save some money with our exclusive VPN coupons! Learn more about VPNs and find out why you need one with our in-depth VPN guide. Get the most out of Viber in Russia and elsewhere with the top VPNs for Viber. Planning a trip to Russia soon? Don’t forget to pack one of these best VPNs as well! The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
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