Did WhatsApp crash? Or is something wrong with it? Why is my WhatsApp so slow or even unusable?
This is because the Turkish government recently imposed access restrictions on several social media platforms and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X. So, how to use WhatsApp in Turkey without throttling and restrictions? A VPN is the best and safest solution.
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Did WhatsApp Crash Today? WhatsApp Access Ban
Why is WhatsApp not working? If you’re still in the dark about what’s been happening lately, here are all the answers to your questions about the WhatsApp access ban.
> Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu Arrested
On March 19, 2025, Turkish police detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist organizations. Alongside İmamoğlu, arrest warrants were issued for around 100 people, including his aides and other opposition members. Two Istanbul district mayors were also among those detained.
The background
The day before his arrest, Istanbul University revoked İmamoğlu’s bachelor’s degree, citing “irregularities” during his transfer to the university. This means he would be ineligible to run for president under Turkish law.
> Social Media and Internet Restrictions
At the same time as İmamoğlu’s arrest, the Turkish government imposed bandwidth restrictions on multiple social media platforms. Access to WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok was significantly slowed down. Additionally, regular internet connections were affected, with many users reporting a noticeable drop in speed.
This “bandwidth throttling” is a common tactic the Turkish government uses to prevent the rapid spread of information and stop people from organizing protests.
> Ban on Demonstrations
To further control the situation, the Istanbul Governor’s Office announced a ban on all forms of gatherings, demonstrations, and press conferences from March 19 to 23, 2025. Critics argue this is a severe violation of democratic rights and freedom of speech, adding to the already tense atmosphere in Turkey. Despite the ban, large numbers of people still took to the streets to protest.
So, when will the ban be lifted? Honestly, it’s like trying to guess tomorrow’s weather in Turkey. For now, all we can do is wait—or use a VPN to bypass the restrictions and regain free access to WhatsApp!
Spoiler
How to Use WhatsApp Without Throttling in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide
Yes, Turkey’s gone and done it again—throttled WhatsApp. Whether it’s during elections, protests, or just a random Tuesday, the government has a habit of making life difficult for messaging apps.
But don’t worry, there’s a way around it. Using a VPN can transport you to a place outside Turkey, unblock WhatsApp, and get you back to chatting in no time. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Choose a Strong VPN
Not all VPNs work in Turkey—after all, the country’s internet restrictions are no joke. You’ll need a VPN that’s up for the challenge. We recommend X-VPN, and here’s why:
✅ It works well in Turkey: With 8,000+ servers in 225+ locations, X-VPN has helped tens of thousands of Turkish users easily unblock WhatsApp (and almost everything else).
✅ It’s sneaky: Thanks to X-VPN’s proprietary Everest protocol, your VPN traffic looks just like regular internet traffic, making it harder for the government and ISPs to block.
✅ It’s super fast: Nobody likes buffering—X-VPN’s servers deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps, so your messages and calls stay smooth.
✅ It’s very secure and private: Military-grade AES-256 encryption, along with features like Double VPN and a Kill Switch, keeps your data safe. Plus, X-VPN encrypts all your online activity, letting you browse the internet anonymously.
✅ It’s affordable: For just $2.99 a month, you get unlimited VPN access and a full suite of cybersecurity tools(like adblocker and malicious site blocker).
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN
Now, download the X-VPN app on your device. It works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and even smart TVs. Even better, one X-VPN account lets you connect up to 5 devices. So, you can unblock WhatsApp on your phone and watch YouTube on your TV.
Step 3: Connect to a Server Outside Turkey
Restrictions or blocks exist only in Turkey. So, just choose servers in countries where WhatsApp has full access, such as the US, Germany, or the UK. Click connect, and boom—your IP address will change.
💡 If you’re in Turkey, try selecting a server in a nearby country like Greece or Bulgaria for faster speeds. Even in the digital world, location matters.
Step 4: Get Back on WhatsApp and Start Chatting!
Once the server is connected, you’re virtually in another country. Now, open WhatsApp and start messaging like nothing happened! Whether you’re sending memes, making calls, or sharing updates, you’re free from any restrictions or throttling. And no one will know your real IP address.
Just remember to follow your local laws and the platform’s terms of service.
When Will the WhatsApp Access Ban Be Lifted?
Usually, the government doesn’t tell you exactly how long a social media ban will last. It could be days, weeks, or… who knows? It’ll last until the government feels, “Okay, that’s enough.”
Looking back, WhatsApp bans in Turkey have lasted anywhere from days to weeks or even longer, depending on the political climate and the government’s goals.
- 2021: WhatsApp faced backlash over its new data privacy rules, leading to an antitrust investigation by Turkey’s Competition Authority. While it wasn’t directly blocked, its market share took a hit.
- 2020: Turkey passed the Social Media Law, requiring major platforms to appoint local representatives and comply with takedown requests. This showed the government’s tightening grip on social media.
- 2016: After the failed coup attempt in 2016, Turkey’s control over online speech reached new heights. The government repeatedly blocked or restricted access to platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
- 2014: In February 2014, Turkey amended its Internet Law, giving the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) the power to block websites without a court order. While WhatsApp wasn’t specifically targeted, this marked the start of stricter control over the internet and social media.
Clearly, blocking social media platforms isn’t new in Turkey. That’s why VPNs have become a “lifesaver” for many Turks—not only to bypass restrictions but also to protect their privacy.
Conclusion
Did WhatsApp crash in Turkey? Yes, it did, and we can’t predict when the ban will be lifted. But the good news is you can get around these restrictions by using a VPN. Click below to get the best Turkey VPN of 2025—with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s risk-free!
FAQs
Will WhatsApp be closed?
WhatsApp hasn’t been shut down, but Turkey might temporarily block it for political or censorship reasons.
Will I get in trouble for using a VPN to bypass the WhatsApp ban?
Using a VPN isn’t illegal in Turkey. Most users who use VPNs to access blocked platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp haven’t faced any legal issues. But just to be safe, make sure to check and follow the relevant laws and regulations.
How do I know if I’m blocked on WhatsApp?
If someone has blocked you on WhatsApp, you won’t see the read receipt (two blue check marks) for your messages. You also won’t be able to see that person’s status or profile picture updates, and your messages to them will only show one gray check mark.
