How to Use Telegram in Russia (Updated 2024)

Denise Sullivan
Last Updated by Denise Sullivan on November 21, 2023

Telegram
Despite Telegram’s roots in Russia, government officials declared the Telegram app a potential threat to its residents. The app had risen to prominence so much that government officials were using it as their primary messaging resource.

Eventually, high-ranking officials insisted the creators, brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov, to hand over their encryption key to ensure total control of the shared content. They said, “No.”

That said, Telegram remains one of the most popular apps in Russia even though you can’t access it with a Russian IP address.

How a VPN Works With Telegram

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic through its own remote servers, which are based all around the globe. This allows you to connect to the internet in your home country while visiting Russia for work or a vacation. This includes messaging apps like Telegram.

While you should exercise caution if you decide to use a VPN within Russia’s borders, you likely won’t be prosecuted for doing so. The common practice is that Russia fights VPNs by technologically blocking the services, and not by chasing after foreigners who use them. Remember that the protection of a VPN doesn’t give you license to commit illegal acts.

To access Telegram:

  1. Install the VPN. 
  2. Connect to a server outside Russia.
  3. Log in to your Telegram account.

The Best VPNs for Telegram in Russia

All VPNs offer a great way to hide your actual location. However, these services are the best if you want to access your Telegram account.

1. ExpressVPN

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • No Logs
  • Split Tunneling
  • 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

ExpressVPN offers anyone within Russian borders a way to access their Telegram account without restriction. With a no-logs policy, users can be confident their online activity goes unreported to local authorities.

The 256-bit AES encryption protects your data and ensures your activity remains private and anonymous. You can be sure of fast connections when using ExpressVPN. This service has more than 3,000 servers in over 105 countries, so there are no issues with lag due to server overcrowding.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free

2. CyberGhost VPN

Key Features:

  • 9,780+ servers in 100+ countries
  • Strong malware blocker
  • Protects 7 devices at once
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

CyberGhost VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption with a no-logs assurance to shield the online activities of its customers. Unlike some of its competitors, CyberGhost has a malware blocker to keep out suspicious programs.

It has more than 9,780 servers in over 100 nations with applications for all major operating systems as well as mobile devices and internet browsers.

Try CyberGhost risk-free

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries
  • State-of-the-art security with no logs
  • Protects unlimited devices at once
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Private Internet Access has a no-logs policy to keep unwanted third parties from demanding user information. The 256-bit AES encryption prevents others from intercepting the data stream while you browse. This provider also has 35,000+ servers in more than 91 countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try PIA risk-free!

Final Thoughts

Not every user finds all VPNs effective. Several of these services provide a money-back guarantee or short free trials to help you confirm your choice is right.

We suggest you experiment with different VPNs to ensure you are getting the service you desire and can access your favorite sites, content, and apps.

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

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