Telegram is an exciting new platform, available for both mobile and desktop devices, on which you can communicate with friends and family, and receive and send audio, photos, stickers, files, and videos. It offers encrypted, instant messaging and is becoming ever more popular worldwide.
However, Telegram’s platform has been blocked by many governments around the world, including those of Iran, India, Russia, and China. If you live in or visit these countries you’ll be unable to access Telegram unless you have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to unblock your access to it.
Using a VPN means you can hide your actual IP address and connect to a remote server– owned by the VPN provider in an area in which Telegram usage is allowed. This will make it appear as if you are connected from a permitted region.
In addition, when using Telegram with a VPN, your connection to the platform will be encrypted, making it impossible for anyone to monitor your activities online (even the government).
Let’s check out the 5 best VPNs for you to use for Telegram…
In a Hurry? Here Are 5 Best VPNs for Telegram
Why You Need a VPN to Access Telegram
Telegram itself has an impressive focus on your online privacy, providing end-to-end encryption and messages that self-destruct. This ensures that messages that you receive or send on Telegram cannot be deciphered by your ISP, the government, or any other 3rd party.
This emphasis on privacy has made some governments wary of it, resulting in them censoring its use. As a result, if you live in a country like Russia, China, or Iran (or travel there), you will be unable to use Telegram.
The solution to this problem is to subscribe to one of the premium VPN services. This allows you to disguise your actual IP address and replace it with one corresponding to a VPN server in an area in which Telegram is unblocked, enabling you to easily access the Telegram website and message your contacts to your heart’s content.
Another reason for using a VPN is that it ensures your online security by encrypting all your messages, making them inaccessible to any authorities, and also to criminals who want to hack your information or scam you.
Furthermore, by obtaining a VPN subscription, a huge variety of other geo-restricted content will become available to you from streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Telegram
When rating each VPN service provider, we looked at several criteria to enable us to effectively guide your choice of the best VPN for Telegram. These criteria were:
Strong security features that ensure that your actual location is never exposed.
A vast server network with servers in many areas of the globe.
A strict no-logs policy.
Simple to use apps, available for both iOS and Android, and others.
Ability to unblock geo-restricted content.
Below you will find our 5 top picks for the best VPN for Telegram.
How to Unblock Telegram with a VPN Service
Once you have subscribed to a VPN, it isn’t difficult to access Telegram, even in an area in which it is blocked. Just follow the 5 steps below on your PC, iOS, Android, or Windows device:
- Choose the best VPN for your purposes and sign up for it. We recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Telegram.
- Download the VPN app and install it or install the browser extension appropriate for your device
- Open the VPN app (or the browser extension) and make sure to connect to a server that’s in a country in which Telegram is unblocked (this could be in your home country if you’re traveling). Now your actual IP address will be replaced by that of the VPN server.
- Go onto Google Play, App Store, or the Telegram website and download Telegram’s app onto your smartphone or PC.
- Log in to Telegram and freely receive and send messages.
The 5 Best VPNs for Telegram
There are many VPNs available on the market, but some are not ideal for use with Telegram or otherwise provide inferior service. We did extensive research and arrived at this list to guide you in choosing the best VPN for Telegram:
1. ExpressVPN – Widespread VPN Server Network
ExpressVPN is an outstanding VPN, offering extremely strong security features, lightning-fast speeds, and an unrivaled ability to unblock Telegram and most other geo-restricted sites. Overall, ExpressVPN is one of the very best in the VPN world, providing excellent global coverage, connection protection, and download speeds.
ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps, a simple user interface, and great versatility that allows you to connect from all of your devices. It allows you 5 simultaneous connections from your single subscription, which is notably fewer than some of the other VPNs, but is sufficient to keep your connection safe, wherever you may be and on all your devices. Router support is also available.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN guarantees your online safety with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit), a strictly enforced policy of never sharing customer logs (it is based in the British Virgin Isles where no activity logs are held), a choice of VPN protocols (OpenVPN, Lightway or IKEv2) and a Kill Switch that protects you from DNS leaks.
ExpressVPN’s global server network boasts over 3,000 server locations in more than 94 countries, so encountering blocked Telegram access is no problem– all users need to do is to begin a VPN session and connect to a server in the VPN network that can unblock Telegram.
The large server network also means that you are unlikely to experience buffering when streaming. All ExpressVPN’s servers provide unlimited bandwidth and fast connection speed so your messages will be delivered immediately and you can speedily download any content from different channels. With a VPN, you can also safely use public Wi-Fi hotspots with maximum security and without any security concerns because you know that the VPN protects you from hacking or any security breaches.
ExpressVPN consistently provides extremely fast upload, download, and connection speeds, great for handling file transfers.
ExpressVPN unlocks most streaming platforms, from Amazon Prime and Disney Plus to BBC iPlayer, and all the international Netflix catalogs. Furthermore, if you have difficulty connecting to Facebook or Twitter while abroad, ExpressVPN easily unblocks social networks.
Because it offers a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, you can conduct a free trial to see if ExpressVPN really is one of the best VPN services. You can contact its customer services team on chat 24/7 for skilled and knowledgeable support.
You can even pay with Bitcoin via BitPay if you don’t want to reveal your identity.
- Easily unblocks Telegram
- Exceptional security and privacy features
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 support via live chat
- Extensive network of speedy servers
- Apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS,
- More expensive than many competitors
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
2. NordVPN – Secure VPN Service
NordVPN is another excellent choice of VPN for Telegram as it places a high premium on privacy, is based in Panama, and has an externally audited no-logs policy.
It’s the VPN of choice for millions of Telegram users and has a network of more than 5,100 servers in over 60 countries, including many in which one can easily access Telegram.
NordVPN offers 256-AES, military-grade encryption, and DNS leak protection as well as NordLynx, an advanced tunneling protocol, to protect your privacy and online security. It also offers a kill switch to sever your Internet connection if your VPN connection cuts out.
NordVPN offers great speeds so it enables HD streaming and video calls without buffering or interruptions and it’s great for torrenting, as it’s P2P friendly. It unlocks a wide range of streaming platforms, including US Netflix, and has apps for all platforms and obfuscated servers that hide your VPN usage entirely.
NordVPN’s 24/7 live-chat support means that help is always available and you can pay with Bitcoin if you really want to protect your anonymity. Bandwidth is unlimited, each account allows for up to 6 concurrent devices to be used with it and the price is reasonable.
It offers a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it at no risk.
- Capable of unblocking Telegram
- Offers a wide range of features at an affordable price
- Access all of the most popular streaming platforms
- Provides the OpenVPN protocol to safeguard your privacy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Only allows for 6 connections
- Slightly higher price
- Issues around the usability of its User Interface
3. Surfshark – Unlimited Device Connections
Surfshark boasts an extremely competitive, budget price but nevertheless offers great speeds and the huge advantage of allowing unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you and all your family and friends can use the VPN for Telegram, or any other purpose, all from a single subscription.
In the area of security, Surfshark compares well to its competitors. This VPN encrypts your data to an extremely high level (AES 256-bit encryption), sufficient to keep your data totally safe. It has a regularly audited no-logs policy and allows you to choose from several protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, so you can customize your connection to the VPN, depending on your reason for using it.
Surshark offers private DNS, split tunneling, and a Kill Switch that can be enabled on the setting menu to protect your data if the VPN drops. It also provides obfuscated (stealth) servers that hide your use of a VPN (essential if you live in an area in which VPNs are banned or illegal.)
Surshark easily unblocks many apps and social media sites, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access many streaming sites, including Netflix catalogs, Hulu, YouTubeTV, and BBC iPlayer.
Surfshark has apps for all your mobile devices and can also be used with Android TV, other smart TVs, and games consoles.
It provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support on chat.
- Capable of unblocking Telegram
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Reasonable price
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Strong security features
- Not as quick as the other VPN
- Some delays and lag
- Server network is less extensive
4. CyberGhost – 45-day Money-Back Guarantee
CyberGhost is another great VPN for accessing Telegram.
Its servers don’t record the activity or history of its users and it provides a very high level of security that makes it excellent for use with Telegram.
Its security features include 256-bit AES encryption, OpenVPN protocols to maintain secrecy, and an Internet Kill Switch to ensure that your data is secure. It also offers adblocking, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking.
As CyberGhost has a huge network of almost 7,500 servers in over 90 countries, it can enable you to access Telegram wherever you may be and unblock a wide range of geo-blocked streaming content.
CyberGhost’s apps are compatible with such devices as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
It also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee and a very high level of full-time customer service.
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Option of dedicated IP addresses
- Huge network of servers
- Strong security features
- Inconsistent connection speeds
- Not sufficiently customizable for the advanced VPN user
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) – Over 29,000 Servers
PIA is another one of the best VPN providers, offering an impressive level of encryption of data and safeguarding its users from tracking and monitoring by third parties online. This makes it a strong choice if you want to unblock Telegram or other geo-restricted sites.
In terms of security features, PIA has a proven no-logs policy and it comes with a Kill Switch and both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. It also provides DNS leak protection and obfuscation (stealth) measures. However, it uses 128-bit encryption, rather than the recommended level of 256-bit AES encryption.
PIA has a huge network of more than 29,000 servers across more than 78 countries worldwide, enabling you to easily unblock Telegram and any other restricted sites. Its servers are very fast, allowing you to stream content in HD or to participate in VoIP calls.
You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with PIA and it can be installed on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
PIA MACE protects you from unwanted adverts, malware, viruses, and trackers, keeping you safe and protected online.
You can try PIA risk-free for 30 days with a reliable money-back guarantee and can access skilled support and advice 24/7 on live chat from its customer support service.
- 10 simultaneous connections on a single subscription
- Excellent security features
- Over 29,000 servers
- Reasonable cost
- US-based, which is not optimal in terms of privacy
- Inconsistent speeds
Can I Use a Free VPN for Telegram?
When using a VPN to access Telegram in areas in which it is geo-restricted, it is essential to ensure that your privacy is protected, as you are engaging in an activity that contravenes government restrictions.
Though it is tempting to use one of the many free VPNs advertised, if you are going to use the VPN for unblocking Telegram, this is a very risky choice. Even the best free VPN is likely to make its money by tracking your data and selling it to 3rd parties, some of whom can be very unscrupulous. Using free VPN services means that your digital footprint may very well be tracked, making you very vulnerable every time you go online.
In addition, free VPNs tend to have too few servers for the volume of traffic with which they deal, meaning that servers are often overcrowded, so you are likely to suffer from frequent disconnections and struggle to connect to the server of your choice.
It is definitely preferable to make a small monthly investment in one of the best VPN services as it will undoubtedly provide you with far superior access to popular messaging apps like Telegram and, in fact, to all online content.
How We Analyzed & Picked the Best VPNs for Telegram
There are a plethora of VPNs on the market but there are a few criteria that are essential when selecting a VPN that is ideal for the needs of Telegram users. The 5 VPNs we have recommended above all excel on all the criteria below:
Ability to unblock content: You need to ensure that the VPN you secure will allow global access to Telegram, and also to other websites and services that are geo-blocked as a result of censorship or copyright issues.
Worldwide Network of Servers: If the VPN you select has many servers across all areas of the globe, it will enable you to connect to Telegram, even if you find yourself in areas where it is blocked, like Iran, Russia, or China.
Strong Security Features: Even though Telegram can be activated to encrypt your messages, using a VPN will enhance your online security by providing an additional level of encryption and protecting you from any data leaks. This will keep you totally safe online.
Protection of Privacy: When you use a messaging service like Telegram, you have to reveal your telephone number and, sometimes, your IP address, so you need to ensure that the VPN you choose will protect your privacy and ensure that this information is never divulged to anyone.
Good Speeds: The best VPNs are fast enough to allow you to use Telegram and also enable torrenting and streaming without buffering or lag.
Simplicity: Your VPN should connect quickly and easily and have easy-to-use apps as well as customer support, preferably on chat and 24 hours a day.
Reasonable cost: Many VPNs offer low pricing but lack the features you require. Those we recommend all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and offer great value for the money and good long-term deals.
VPN Doesn’t Unblock Telegram: Possible Solutions
Once you have subscribed to and installed a VPN, you should be able to access Telegram, wherever you are, via the VPN servers.
If you find that you are still unable to use Telegram, your VPN may not be working or you may have inadvertently connected to a server in a country that has blocked Telegram. Check to see if this is the case and remedy the situation if it is.
If not, there are several additional reasons why you may be having difficulty connecting to the Telegram app:
There may be cookies still on your device that are disclosing your actual location.
The VPN you have installed may not be compatible with your device.
Your real IP address may be leaking.
The VPN you chose (perhaps a free VPN) is not able to bypass restrictions and geo-blocks.
The VPN servers of your VPN provider could have been blacklisted/blocked by the country in which you are currently located.
There are several ways to address these issues including:
Clearing out any cookies on your browser and your cache, as these may be revealing your actual location.
Enabling the IP leak protection settings on your VPN.
Connecting to a server in a different area in which you are certain that access to Telegram is unlimited.
Using a different browser.
Contacting the Customer Service Department of your VPN provider.
Changing your region on the app store that you used.
Directly sideloading the Telegram. APK file.
Upgrading your VPN if nothing else works.
Countries Where Telegram is Blocked
Where is Telegram blocked? It is usually banned in countries with restrictive policies, where censorship is common.
Below is a list of countries that place geo-blocks on Telegram:
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Brazil
China
Cuba
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Pakistan
Russia
Thailand
FAQs
Telegram is one of the safest messaging services, though some feel that Signal protects your privacy even better.
Telegram offers heavy, end-to-end encryption, but only if you switch this on in the settings on its app. One benefit of Telegram is that messages can be set to self-destruct after a chosen time period.
The fact that Telegram is cloud-based also allows you to access your messages from any of your devices and Telegram servers are located all over the world, which maximizes both speed and security.
According to Telegram, its messages are protected against hacking and it also allows its users to enable secret chat mode to send business or personal secrets.
Telegram also emphasizes that its source code and MTProto protocol can be reviewed by anyone who wants to do so, which is not the case with an app like WhatsApp which makes it more transparent.
Obviously, there is no infallibly secure messaging app and users must be aware that some of the more advanced security features need to be switched on in Telegram’s settings as they are not automatically available.
Wherever you use Telegram, and whether it is available or blocked, a VPN enhances your level of security and anonymity as well as boosts the capability of your iOS or Android devices, your PC, or your MAC.
Our extensive research, using the criteria above, indicates that ExpressVPN is the most secure, speedy and efficient of the popular VPN services. It offers unrivaled speeds and a plethora of excellent features, making it the best Telegram VPN, and well worth the slightly higher cost.
If you are in an area in which Telegram is not blocked, there is no problem with using it without a VPN.
However, if you find yourself in an area in which Telegram is geo-blocked and you do not have a VPN, the only way to use the platform is to resort to using GPS proxies or spoofing apps to disguise your true IP address and locations.
You need to be aware that the majority of these apps are unsafe and unreliable, so you place yourself at notable risk by using them.
In Russia, Telegram is banned because its management refuses to hand its encryption keys over to state security agencies. More than 16 million IP addresses have been blocked in an attempt to exert authoritarian control over the people of Russia, resulting in demonstrations demanding freedom of expression online. The situation is unlikely to change soon, so the only solution if you are in Russia or any other area in which Telegram is blocked is to use a premium VPN to bypass the geo-restriction.
What else will your VPN enable you to do? In addition to enhancing your online security, using a VPN to access the Internet will allow you to access content that’s free of barriers and restrictions.
A VPN also allows you to blog safely online and to gain access to streaming services that are geo-restricted in some areas e.g., BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and international versions of Netflix.
Conclusion
Telegram is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to its strong privacy and security features but it’s blocked in some totalitarian countries and in some workplaces and schools. Luckily you can easily unblock Telegram using a premium VPN.
By choosing a server provider with a high level of encryption and data protection, you’ll be protected from any tracking or monitoring of your online activity by 3rd parties.
Our research indicates that ExpressVPN is the best choice for use with Telegram, but all our other choices above are also highly recommended.
