Is it possible to access Instagram in China in 2024? Even though Instagram is blocked in China and has been since the middle of 2016, it is still possible to use Instagram using a VPN…as long as you’re prepared. Here’s a quick explanation of what you need to know if you want to post photos to Instagram in China.
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When it comes to being censored within China, Instagram is in good company.
Other social sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Gmail have also been axed by the powers-that-be in Beijing. There are plenty of other websites and apps that are blocked in China.
Instagram is slightly different than most social networks, however, since almost all of Instagram functions on mobile devices only.
In other words, you can’t rely on computer-only solutions when Instagram is a mobile-only social network.
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Is Instagram Blocked in China?
Yes, Instagram is blocked in China. The block first started in 2016 as a means for the Chinese government to control how its citizens use western social media.
Even in 2024, because of riots, protests and Covid, China continues to crack down on access to “western” media and platforms, continuing to make it harder and harder to access.
Despite the fact that China blocked Instagram for people within the country, it’s surprising how many Chinese people continue to use the app on a regular basis.
The way they can do this is the same way you can as well, which I’ll describe in these three steps.
How to Use Instagram in China (3 Easy Steps)
I’ve broken down the process of using your phone from within China to access the Instagram app here. Each step is important to ensuring an easy connection to the world outside of China’s censorship.
Step 1: Get Access to the Internet in China
It sounds simple enough to access the internet in China, right? But you might find it more difficult than you first imagined.
The most common ways to access the internet in China are:
- Via Wi-Fi: In larger cities in China, you’ll find Wifi access everywhere but as you get further inland this becomes harder and harder to find. Relying on Wifi for all your internet access may not be ideal, although there are ways to get reliable WiFi in China.
- Via International Roaming: If you’re traveling to China for a short period of time, you can work with your network carrier at home. They’ll offer international roaming when using your own phone in China. What this usually means is that you’ll be given a certain amount of data and/or minutes to use while you’re in China. Beware: it can be expensive.
- Via a local SIM card: It’s not difficult for a foreigner to get a local SIM card to access the internet via any unlocked phone. You’ll need your passport to register the number but monthly service can be unbelievably cheap. In some major airports (Beijing, Shanghai) you’ll find kiosks where you can purchase a China SIM card. Otherwise, you’ll have to go to a China Telecom, China Unicom or China Mobile store to purchase.
As I already mentioned above, though, there’s still a problem accessing Instagram in China once you’re connected to the internet since it’s been censored.
Note: In some cases travelers have reported that when using international roaming on their phone or services such as Google Fi, they have access to the full internet since it is routed through their home network. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true and it can’t be relied upon as an option.
Step 2: Connect to a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Ideally, you’ve already setup your VPN prior to arrival in China, since it’s a huge pain to do so once you’ve arrived.
Take note of that as you read on and consider getting a VPN app like NordVPN on your phone right now.
If you’ve never heard of a VPN, you can think of it like a tunnel through a wall (for a more detailed description, see What is a VPN?).
Even when China has censored everything, a VPN will tunnel through and give you access to sites like Facebook, Gmail and even Instagram in China. There’s no need to dive into the specifics of how it work, just know that it’s used by pretty much any expat who lives in China, including me.
This is what usually happens when you’re setting up a VPN for your phone:
- You purchase a VPN service on your computer (5 min)
- Donwload the VPN app on your phone (3 min)
- Sign into the App and use the app to install server connections (5 min)
- Click “Connect” and you’re done!
Set aside about half an hour to get this all put together and you’ll be good to go.
One more thing: I highly recommend you download at least two VPN services for your phone as a backup in case one doesn’t work.
China constantly messes with VPN services, which can cause major connection issues no matter which VPN you use. I recommend the following VPNs:
- NordVPN: One of the most popular VPNs on the market that has one of the best phone apps I’ve seen. I use this every day. Best of all, they have a 30 day money-back guarantee in case it doesn’t work well for you.
- ExpressVPN: Again, another VPN that has an easy-to-use mobile app and a 30 day money-back guarantee.
Step 3: Log on to Instagram!
One you have access to the internet on your phone and a reliable VPN installed and running, you should be able to log onto Instagram without any problems!
I will say that there are times when I’m using Instagram that I need to disconnect and connect to another VPN server, but that doesn’t happen very often.
I’ve been able to post to Instagram on a daily basis over the past year and I’ve had a very good response from people!
Conclusion | Using Instagram in China in 2024
It’s quite possible to use Instagram in China in 2024 – and I hope you have a chance to do so! Take some time to make sure that you have a good VPN setup on your phone before you travel to China and you should be good to go.
In the same way you access Facebook in China, it takes a little bit of creativity and a little bit of patience, but being able to share your experiences on Instagram can be worth the effort.
Yes, it will work while you’re in China. The point of the VPN is to get you access to a server outside of China so that services like Instagram will work. That’s why you don’t want a server connection in Chengdu, for example.
Are you using a VPN like ExpressVPN to access Instagram?
Great! I hope it’s been working well for you.
You can access Facebook (or Instagram) on any device that is connected to the internet – it doesn’t matter whether it’s on a network or over Wi-Fi. The key is that you MUST use a VPN like ExpressVPN while in China. Otherwise, you won’t get anything.
WeChat accounts are tied to phone numbers, so you can only create a new account with a new phone number.
Hi Jacqui, don’t worry…this is the way it’s supposed to be. The idea is that you DON’T want to access servers in China. While you’re in China, you want to access servers OUTSIDE of China. I don’t know of any commercial VPN right now that has published servers within China. It doesn’t really make sense to do that since the internet in China is censored.
So yes, I can assure you that the service will still work well, although I’m sure China will still try its best to make connecting a tad difficult 😉
Yes, you can…but it expect it to be pretty difficult. Sorry!
No, I personally haven’t. Why do you ask?
Hi Mary, if your friend didn’t set up a VPN (or two) prior to the trip, there’s a good chance they have been caught behind the Great Firewall. Still, I would try to reach him via email or another means to make sure that he/she is safe.
Yes, it will.
Use the ExpressVPN link in this article and download it.
Sometimes this happens where your international roaming acts as a VPN of sorts. It’s not always the case, but you’re not the first person I’ve heard this happen to. Congrats!