Facebook, one of the world’s largest social media platforms, has faced increasing restrictions in Russia since 2022. Due to geopolitical tensions and government censorship policies, Facebook’s main website and mobile apps have been largely blocked by Russian internet service providers (ISPs). This has left millions of Russian users unable to freely access the platform without using special tools. If you’re wondering “Is Facebook banned in Russia?”, this detailed guide is for you. We’ll explain the current situation, what it means for users, and step-by-step methods to safely access Facebook from Russia — including recommended VPN services, proxy options, and legal considerations.
Is Facebook Banned in Russia?
The Official Facebook Russia Status
In March 2022, Russian authorities officially restricted Facebook following a series of fines and warnings related to “censorship” of Russian media and information control during the Ukraine conflict. Since then, most Russian ISPs have been ordered to block access to Facebook’s main domains, including:
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facebook.com -
m.facebook.com(mobile site) -
Facebook apps on Android and iOS
What Does This Mean for Users?
If you try to visit Facebook from a Russian IP address, you’ll typically see:
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A connection timeout or “site can’t be reached” message
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A block page from your ISP indicating the site is restricted
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Facebook apps failing to load content or connect
Official access to Facebook without any circumvention tools is effectively impossible for most users within Russia.
Facebook’s Official Russian Site
There is no separate “Russian Facebook site.” Attempts to access facebook.ru or similar domains redirect to the global Facebook platform, which is blocked by ISPs. Facebook does not operate a localized Russian version that bypasses censorship.
5 Ways to Unblock Facebook in Russia
The Facebook ban is part of a wider crackdown on foreign internet companies deemed hostile or uncooperative with Russian government demands. Fortunately, there are practical ways to regain access to Facebook, even under Russia’s censorship regime. Below are the most reliable methods to unblock Facebook:
1. Use a VPN
A Facebook VPN routes your internet connection through servers in other countries, masking your real IP address and encrypting your traffic. This allows you to bypass ISP blocks and appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different location.
Recommended VPNs for Russia:
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UFO VPN – Reliable servers near Russia, strong encryption, and good speeds.
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ExpressVPN – Known for bypassing censorship with obfuscation technology.
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NordVPN – Large server network with specialty obfuscated servers.
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ProtonVPN – Strong privacy focus and free tier with limited servers.
How to unblock Facebook with a VPN:
With 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Open the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
After connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
With all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
Open your browser or Facebook app — the site will now load as usual.
2. Use Proxy Websites
Web proxies act as intermediaries, fetching Facebook content on your behalf. However, proxies often lack encryption, can be slow, and many are blocked as well. Some browsers (like Opera) offer built-in proxy or VPN features you can enable to access blocked sites, but these may not be secure for personal data.
1. Visit a secure proxy website
Examples:
hide.me/proxy
proxysite.com
whoer.net/webproxy
2. Enter the Facebook URL
Example: https://www.facebook.com
3. Choose a proxy location outside Russia
4. Click “Connect” or “Go”
You’ll be redirected to a usable Facebook session via the proxy browser.
3. Use Tor Browser
Tor routes your connection through multiple volunteer servers worldwide to anonymize traffic and bypass censorship. Tor is free and open-source, but it can be slower than VPNs and some Facebook features may not work properly.
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Download Tor Browser
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Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux from https://www.torproject.org
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Install and launch the browser
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Wait for the connection to the Tor network
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Visit Facebook’s onion address
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Facebook has a
.onionversion:https://facebookcorewwwi.onion/
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⚠️ May be slower due to multi-layer encryption, but it's highly private.
4. Use SmartDNS Services
Smart DNS changes your device’s DNS queries to unblock geo-restricted content. It’s faster than a VPN because it doesn’t encrypt traffic, but it won’t protect your privacy or bypass deep censorship.
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Subscribe to a SmartDNS provider
Examples: SmartDNS Proxy, Unlocator -
Set up the DNS IP on your device manually
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Typically under Network Settings > DNS > Enter new DNS address
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Restart your device
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Open Facebook in your browser or app
Unlike VPNs, SmartDNS doesn’t encrypt traffic — use only on trusted networks.
5. Use a Mirror or Alternate Domain
Sometimes, Facebook or other providers offer alternate URLs during restrictions.
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Search for Facebook mirror URLs using DuckDuckGo or another uncensored search engine
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Try logging in with your credentials
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Some may redirect to the main Facebook platform after login
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⚠️ This method is often unreliable and short-lived. Use only as a last resort.
Tips for Safe and Reliable Facebook Access in Russia
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Connect accross mobiles & deskstops
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Always use a trusted VPN provider with strong encryption and no-logs policies.
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Enable obfuscated or stealth mode to disguise VPN traffic from DPI (deep packet inspection).
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Avoid free or unknown VPNs that may compromise your data.
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Use HTTPS connections and enable two-factor authentication on Facebook.
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Keep your VPN app updated to avoid detection.
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Combine VPN use with privacy-focused browsers (e.g., Brave, Firefox).
Conclusion
Facebook is effectively banned in Russia due to government censorship efforts, making direct access nearly impossible. However, by using reliable VPN services, proxy tools, or privacy networks like Tor, Russian users can unblock Facebook and continue to connect with friends, family, and the global community.
While VPN use carries legal risks, informed users who prioritize privacy and security can regain access safely. For the best experience, choose VPNs with obfuscation features and servers near Russia to maximize speed and reliability.
FAQs
1. How do I unblock Facebook in Russia?
Use a trusted VPN to connect through servers outside Russia, or use Tor browser.
2. Is using a VPN legal in Russia?
VPNs are legal but regulated. Using VPNs to access banned sites may risk fines.
3. Does Facebook have a special Russian site?
No, Facebook only has the global site which is blocked in Russia.