Did Instagram crash again?! If you are in Turkey, you might be wondering: why is instagram so slow or even unavailable today.
It’s not a problem with your Wi-Fi, but a social media ban that has been re-imposed due to the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Starting from March 19, accessing social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), YouTube, and TikTok has become difficult. So, how can you use Instagram without throttling in Turkey? The best solution right now is a VPN.
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Did Instagram Crash Today? Instagram Access Ban
Is social media banned in Turkey? Yes, my friend, Turkey has currently imposed bandwidth throttling on all social media, including Instagram. What exactly happened? Why was Instagram closed? Let’s break it down:
> The last bastion of democracy in Turkey crumbled
On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was arrested. This reformist leader, who defeated the ruling party’s candidate with 54% of the vote in 2019, faces 13 charges, including “degree fraud” and “collaborating with terrorist organizations.”
The arrest warrant was issued at 6:15 AM, and a nationwide operation was launched to detain 100 opposition members. Taksim Square was blocked by armored vehicles, and three metro lines were shut down urgently.
> Social media was completely restricted
At the same time as the arrest warrant, access to social media was restricted. Platforms like Instagram, X, and YouTube slowed down to dial-up speeds, and TikTok’s live streaming was cut off. Even regular internet connections and speeds were affected.
> Four-day ban on demonstrations
In addition to social media restrictions, the Istanbul Governor’s Office announced a ban on all forms of gatherings, demonstrations, and press releases from March 19 to 23 to maintain public order and prevent provocations.
So, when will Instagram open? Unfortunately, we don’t know. It could be soon, or it could go on for a long time. The only thing we know for sure is that using a VPN can help you get back to using Instagram without restrictions!
Spoiler
How to Access Instagram Without Throttling in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide
Turkey’s ban on Instagram is nothing new. Back in 2024, Turkey also blocked Instagram over concerns about edits made to posts related to Ismail Haniyeh.
So, at that point, most people already had a VPN. A VPN is like an arbitrary door that can change your location to another country/region in seconds, thus bypassing the ban. Next, we will teach you step by step.
Step 1: Choose a VPN That Really Works in Turkey
Not all VPNs are able to bypass the Turkish cyber blockade. That’s why we recommend X-VPN here. It’s great for accessing Instagram and other social media in Turkey because:
✅ Powerful Unblocking Ability: X-VPN has over 8,000 servers in 225+ locations worldwide, helping thousands of users in Turkey access Instagram with ease. It also updates server IPs regularly to counter new blocking measures.
✅ Advanced Anti-VPN Detection: With its exclusive Everest protocol, X-VPN disguises VPN traffic as regular data, helping you avoid detection by the government and service providers effectively.
✅ High-Speed Servers: X-VPN’s servers can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps, ensuring smooth and lag-free Instagram scrolling.
✅ Top-Notch Security and Privacy: Military-grade AES-256 encryption and features like a Kill Switch and double VPN add extra security to your online activities. Your real IP address and browsing history will be hidden.
✅ Affordable Premium Plans: No need to pay a high fee, just $2.99 per month for a first-class unlimited VPN service.
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN App
X-VPN works with iOS, Android, tablets, PCs, TVs, and even gaming consoles. Plus, one X-VPN account allows 5 simultaneous connections, so you can access Instagram on all your devices.
Step 3: Connect to a Server Outside Turkey
Since the ban is only in Turkey, just pick a server in a country where Instagram is still accessible, such as the US. Then, you can keep being active on Instagram!
💡Tips: Choosing a server close to your location will give you faster speeds!
Step 4: Start Scrolling Instagram Freely Again!
Once the VPN shows you’re connected, open your Instagram app or visit the website. Now, you can scroll through your feed without any restrictions!
For your safety, make sure to check and follow your local laws and regulations.
When Will Instagram Access Ban Be Lifted?
Will Instagram be reopened in a few days or be permanently blocked? Right now, the government hasn’t provided any clear explanation about how long the social media restrictions will last or if there’s an official decision behind them. Considering past patterns and current political tensions, the ban might continue for a while until the government feels it’s no longer necessary.
In fact, internet censorship is common in Turkey, especially when it comes to sensitive content or political events. And similar bans have happened before with Twitch and Reddit.
- Twitch: Banned in 2023 due to content “insulting the national leader,” but unbanned after 27 days.
- Reddit: Blocked during social events in 2022 and unblocked after 14 days.
So, against this backdrop of strict internet censorship, VPNs have become a necessity for many people in Turkey.
Conclusion
Did Instagram crash? Yes, the social media ban in Turkey is still in effect, and access to platforms like Instagram is still restricted. Currently, the best and most secure way to access Instagram is by using a VPN to change your IP address. Click below to get the best Instagram VPN of 2025 at a low price!
FAQs
Is Instagram open?
It’s currently unclear when Instagram will reopen. As a result, most users in Turkey choose to use a VPN to bypass the ban and regain access to Instagram.
Will I get in trouble for using a VPN to bypass the Instagram ban?
While the Turkish government hasn’t clearly stated that using a VPN to bypass the ban is punishable, there are risks involved since it might violate local laws and regulations. So, it’s important to carefully consider the potential legal risks before using a VPN.
What’s the best VPN for Instagram?
X-VPN is considered one of the best Instagram VPNs due to its strong unblocking capabilities, fast speeds, simple setup, and lack of annoying ads.
