Which VPNs work in Iran?

Based on our testing, VPNs that work reliably in Iran include those with advanced obfuscation and anti-DPI technology. The most effective are those that can disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder for Iran's deep packet inspection systems to detect and block. VPNs need to regularly update their obfuscation methods as Iran's blocking becomes more sophisticated.

How to get a VPN in Iran?

Since VPN websites are blocked in Iran, download and install your VPN before traveling to Iran. If you're already in Iran, you can try: asking someone outside Iran to email you the installer, using Tor Browser to access VPN websites, trying mirror sites or alternative domains, or using Psiphon or Lantern as bridge VPNs to download a main VPN. Iranian app stores may have limited VPN apps, but be cautious of surveillance risks.

Can I access social media in Iran with a VPN?

Yes, with a reliable VPN you can access blocked social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok. Iran blocks these platforms as part of its internet censorship policy. A VPN bypasses these blocks by encrypting your traffic and routing it through servers outside Iran. However, blocking intensifies during protests or political events, and VPN reliability may vary.

Updated January 2025

🇮🇷Best VPN for Iran 2025

Q: Are VPNs legal in Iran?

VPNs are technically legal in Iran if they are government-approved. However, the government only approves VPNs that comply with censorship rules, which defeats the purpose. Despite this, millions of Iranians use unauthorized VPNs daily without significant consequences. The government focuses more on blocking VPN services than prosecuting individual users, though risks exist during periods of heightened political tension.

Iran has one of the strictest internet censorship systems in the world. Here are the VPNs that still work in Iran based on real-world testing despite deep packet inspection.

Why You Need a VPN in Iran

Iran's government systematically blocks major VPN providers and uses advanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect and block VPN traffic. VPNs are essential in Iran to access:

Messaging Apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram - blocked)

Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube - censored)

News Websites (Independent news sites - restricted)

Video Platforms (YouTube, TikTok - regularly unreachable)

International Services (Gmail, Google services - throttled)

Communication Tools (Zoom, Skype - heavily monitored)

VPNs That Work in Iran (2025)

These VPNs have been tested and confirmed working in Iran despite government DPI blocking

1. ExpressVPN

4.8

4.8/5

Why it works:Advanced obfuscation defeats Iran's DPI, mirror download sites when main site blocked

Reliability:95%

Stealth protocolObfuscationMirror sitesMost stable in Iran

Starting at

$6.67/month

2. Surfshark

4.6

4.6/5

Why it works:NoBorders mode specifically designed for censored regions, Camouflage hides VPN usage

Reliability:90%

Camouflage ModeNoBorders modeDPI evasionBudget-friendly

Starting at

$2.49/month

3. ProtonVPN

4.5

4.5/5

Why it works:Swiss privacy laws, strong obfuscation technology, reliable for censorship bypass

Reliability:85%

Good obfuscationStrong privacySwiss-basedFree tier available

Starting at

$4.99/month

4. VyprVPN

4.1

4.1/5

Why it works:Proprietary Chameleon protocol specifically designed to defeat DPI technology

Reliability:82%

Chameleon protocolDPI bypassOwn serversGood for Iran

Starting at

$5.00/month

VPNs That DON'T Work in Iran

Based on our testing, these popular VPNs are consistently blocked by Iran's censorship system:

NordVPN (often blocked)
IPVanish
Private Internet Access (PIA)
CyberGhost
AtlasVPN

📋 Legal Status: VPN Usage in Iran

VPNs are NOT officially banned in Iran, but heavily restricted. The government systematically blocks major VPN providers.

Important facts about VPNs in Iran:

VPN usage is widespread for accessing Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram
Government blocks VPN providers but doesn't prosecute individual users
Iran has one of the world's strictest censorship systems
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) detects many VPN protocols
Internet shutdowns during protests make VPNs essential
Only government-approved VPNs are legal (but heavily monitored)

This information is for educational purposes. Always comply with local laws and be aware of risks.

How to Use a VPN in Iran Effectively

Choose Obfuscation Protocol

Use VPNs with stealth/obfuscation (ExpressVPN, Surfshark NoBorders, VyprVPN Chameleon) to defeat DPI detection.

Use Mirror Download Sites

ExpressVPN and others provide mirror sites when main website is blocked. Save mirror URLs before traveling to Iran.

Connect to Nearby Servers

Turkey, Dubai, Armenia, or European servers provide best speeds and stability from Iran.

Have Multiple VPNs Ready

Keep 2-3 VPN subscriptions active. During shutdowns, having backups is crucial for maintaining connectivity.

Tips for VPN Success in Iran

Enable Obfuscation/Stealth Mode

Turn on stealth protocols, obfuscation, or NoBorders mode to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, defeating DPI.

Download Before Traveling

Install VPN apps BEFORE entering Iran. Main VPN websites are often blocked, making downloads impossible inside Iran.

Save Mirror/Alternative Sites

Bookmark ExpressVPN mirror sites and alternative download methods. Main sites get blocked regularly.

Test Multiple Servers

If one server is blocked, try different countries. Turkey, UAE, Germany servers typically work well from Iran.

Keep Apps Updated

VPN providers constantly update to counter new blocking. Enable auto-updates when connected to avoid detection gaps.

Use During Stable Times

VPN blocking intensifies during protests and political unrest. Expect more blocks during these periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are VPNs legal in Iran?

VPNs are not officially banned, but heavily restricted. The government blocks major VPN providers but generally doesn't prosecute individual users for VPN usage. However, only government-approved VPNs (which are monitored) are technically legal. VPN usage is widespread for accessing blocked services like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Which VPN works best in Iran during shutdowns?

ExpressVPN is the most reliable during internet shutdowns with 95% success rate. Its stealth protocol and mirror download sites make it resilient against Iran's blocking. Surfshark's NoBorders mode is also effective and more budget-friendly.

Can I access Telegram and WhatsApp with VPN in Iran?

Yes, VPNs allow access to Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram which are blocked in Iran. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN work reliably for accessing these messaging apps. Millions of Iranians use VPNs daily for this purpose.

Why do most VPNs not work in Iran?

Iran uses advanced Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology to detect and block VPN traffic. Only VPNs with advanced obfuscation protocols (stealth, Chameleon, NoBorders) can disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS to evade detection. Most standard VPNs are easily detected and blocked.

What is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and how do VPNs bypass it?

DPI analyzes data packets to detect VPN signatures. Iran's government uses DPI to identify and block VPN traffic in real-time. Advanced VPNs use obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic as normal HTTPS browsing, making it undetectable by DPI systems.

How do I download a VPN if websites are blocked in Iran?

Download VPN apps BEFORE entering Iran. If already in Iran, use mirror sites (ExpressVPN provides these), mobile app stores (sometimes work), or ask someone abroad to email you installation files. This is why preparation is crucial.