Is Instagram banned in Russia? Why it fails even with a VPN and how to fix it

Instagram has been blocked in Russia since March 2022.

Quick fix. Usually the VPN itself is the problem: it connects but carries no traffic. Try Surok — it disguises traffic as HTTPS and works on mobile networks.

1. The VPN isn't carrying traffic. Check our IP page; switch server, protocol or service.
2. The app kept old connections. Fully close Instagram, turn the VPN on, reopen.
3. Restricted mobile data. Works on Wi-Fi only — you need a CDN-based profile.
4. "Suspicious login attempt". Confirm via email/SMS, stick to one exit country, avoid free VPNs with shared addresses.
5. Feed loads, stories and video don't. Overloaded server — switch.
6. Two VPNs or a proxy at once. Keep one.
7. Instagram outage. Wait.

On a computer a VPN browser extension is enough for instagram.com. See which VPN works in Russia.