Is Instagram in China blocked? Can it be unblocked?
Though Instagram has been inaccessible from China since 2016, it’s still possible to connect to the service. I have been using the service reliably for a while now. In this article, I’ll explain everything that you need to know if you want to use Instagram in China.
Instagram is one of many different social media platforms that are censored in China. You've probably already heard that Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail are censored by the authoritarians in Beijing. But you might now know the extent of internet censorship. Take a look at my list of sites blocked in China for reference. If you're in Hong Kong, you shouldn't have an issue.
Why would I want to use Instagram?
Instagram is excellent keeping up with news and checking out photos of attractive females. This probably is one of the many reasons that there are more than 800 million users around the globe that use Instagram every month. One issue is that Instagram is blocked in Mainland China. So if you’re living in China, you won’t be able to check out all the sexy photos.
Instagram has some unique qualities in comparison to other social networks like Facebook. Instagram was created to be used primarily as an app on mobile devices. Though you can still go to Instagram using the browser on your computer if you like, you won’t be able to access all of the features. For example, you need a mobile device to be able to post images or videos.
If you try to access Instagram in China, the app will never load. You’ll get a message that the app is “Not Connected to the Internet.”
Accessing Instagram in China
As you might’ve already heard, the internet in China is blocked behind what we like to call the Great Firewall. This is one of the reasons that many expats have decided to leave China.
Facebook, Twitter, and Google have been blocked since 2009 when political unrest forced the authorities to moderate modes of communication among potential dissidents. Instagram is a part of Facebook, so it makes sense that it's just another on a long list of blocked sites.
To connect with overseas servers and use Instagram in China, you're going to need a method to circumvent the censorship firewall.
Best Solution: A VPN Server
There are free VPNS or simple proxies you can use on your laptop or desktop computer to access Instagram, though I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN because of security issues.
It’s also unfortunate that free VPN services aren’t the best when it comes to using Instagram in region-blocked locations. If you want a secure, quality connection, you’ll need to purchase a subscription to a virtual private network or as otherwise known as a VPN. VPNs are used in Western countries to provide privacy while working online, but in China, many people use VPNs to get around internet restrictions.
If possible, I recommend getting more than one VPN service when coming to China, just in case one of them stops working for whatever reason. The two kinds of VPNs I usually recommend are VyprVPN and Strong VPN. You can try both of them for free with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Getting connected is relatively simple after you've downloaded and installed a VPN client. After you've created an account on an official website, you can use your login credentials on the client. When you click connect, you should be able to start viewing and posting on Instagram immediately.
Step 1: Connect to the Internet
First, you'll need to get connected to the internet in China. Sounds simple, but it might not be as easy as you expected. Some of your choices include the following methods:
Wi-Fi: In most cities in China, you’ll be able to find Wifi service. It may not be ideal to rely on Wifi all the time for internet access in China, but there are other choices.
International Roaming: If you’re only going to be in China for a short time, you can ask your network carriers if they provide international roaming. This means you’ll be able to use your data plan while abroad, but be careful because most of the time it isn’t cheap.
Local SIM: As a foreigner getting a SIM card in China is relatively easy. You can put the SIM card in any unlocked phone and start using the service. In most major international airports in China, you’ll be able to buy a card at a kiosk. Check my guide on the Best China SIM card for details.
Just know that even though you can connect to the internet, you still won’t be able to access Instagram.
Step 2: Connect to a VPN
If you're going to live in China, it's wise to get a VPN (virtual private network) up and running before your arrival, as it can be challenging to access VPN server websites, make a payment, and download the client when your internet is blocked. You might want to take the inititative to get a VPN on your phone as soon as possible.
A VPN is a service that makes your computer appear to be somewhere it's not (preferably outside China). Because of this, it works to help you access region-blocked content. This article isn't going to break down all the technical aspects of the service, just know that every expat uses a VPN and they are relatively easy to operate.
Here’s how you would connect if you had a VPN on your phone:
- Pay for a subscription to a reputable VPN service.
- Download the app or client to your device.
- Sign into the app using the credentials you established on the service site.
- Tap the connect button to direct your traffic to the server with the best connectivity.
You might want to get two or three services in the case that one of them might start working. The Chinese firewall is continually changing and adapting so you might want to get some extra insurance.
I recommend the following services:
VyprVPN: An excellent service with plenty of different servers around the world for accessing the internet
StrongVPN: One of the most reliable services I've ever used. I've had a subscription since I had arrived in China years ago and it has rarely let me down.
ExpressVPN: A popular service for expats in China. Many swear by it, using it every day to access region-blocked content.
Step 3: Log in
After your VPN is installed, you’ll be able to log in from China and access Instagram without any issues.
There will be times when you may need to disconnect your service and connect to another server, but this doesn’t happen frequently. For the most part, after you found a server that works, it remains unchanged for at least a few weeks to a few months. You can enjoy Instagram without any issues.
Conclusion
It's entirely possible to log in and check Instagram while in China in 2019. If you make sure you have a VPN installed before traveling to China, you will have little to worry about. If you go to Hong Kong, you shouldn't need a VPN app at all.
To access Instagram in China isn't that different from accessing Facebook in China. All it requires is a little planning and preparation.
Why is Instagram blocked?
Instagram was blocked in China for the same reasons other popular platforms have been blocked. Instagram allows communication between people from all around the globe, including those from democratic countries. It is impossible for the Chinese government to censor to delete Instagram content selectively, so therefore that had to go with the nuclear option and block it from the whole internet.
Facebook was blocked long before Instagram. After merging, they are essentially the same company.
China also has its own kinds of social media platforms, which take up the domestic market share. There are several Instagram imitators available on Chinese app stores. Some consider this a form of electronic protectionism.
How to add a location in Instagram when you are in China?
You just go to the section in Instagram where it asks which location you’d like to tag and manually enter your location. In many cases, the GPS in your phone may be able to track your location anyway and offer it as an option.
What sites are blocked in China?
All social media, video sharing sites, and several news sites are blocked in China. Almost every site that features user-generated content is unavailable. Check my full list of blocked websites, check here.
Note: This article contains affiliate links.