VPN Not Working in Russia? Here's What You Need to Know in 2026

Russia has one of the strictest internet censorship systems in the world. From social media platforms to independent news sites and encrypted apps, much of the free internet is either restricted or closely monitored. In this environment, a VPN for Russia has become crucial for users who wish to access global content and protect their online privacy. But increasingly, users are reporting that their VPN is not working in Russia. What’s happening? Let’s dive in.

Ryan Brooks

Updated on 01/23/2026

5 minutes

Table of Contents

Is VPN Blocked in Russia?

vpn for russia

Yes, VPNs are largely restricted or blocked in Russia. Since 2017, Russian authorities have tightened regulations, banning VPNs that do not comply with the country’s censorship laws. In 2026, this crackdown has intensified, making it difficult to find a reliable, working VPN in Russia.

However, using a VPN is not technically illegal unless you use it to access content that violates Russian law. But it’s important to note that many popular VPN apps have been removed from app stores or are being throttled by local ISPs.

VPN Not Working in Russia: Reasons & Fixes

If your VPN is not working in Russia, the reasons could include:

Blocked VPN servers or IP ranges
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) used by Russian ISPs to detect and block VPN traffic
Outdated VPN protocols that are easily detected
Government pressure on app stores causing removal or restrictions on installation

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Here are fixes to try if your VPN fails:

✅ Switch to obfuscated/stealth servers
✅ Change protocol to WireGuard or TCP
✅ Connect to less common countries (e.g., Czech Republic VPN server, Latvia VPN server)
✅ Clear DNS cache and app data
✅ Reinstall the app using a secure browser like Tor

How to Connect to a Russia VPN

To bypass restrictions and use a VPN in Russia safely, follow these best practices with UFO VPN - a free proxy VPN:

Windows macOS iOS Android

Step 1

Download UFO VPN for Windows

Grab the free Windows VPN installer right below. UFO VPN is lightweight and secure on all Windows systems. Double-click the downloaded file and complete the installation. Once installed, launch UFO VPN.

Free Download

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Step 2

Select a VPN Server

Inside the app, you can click the "Connect" button for quick connection, or browse the list of servers by Location or categroy: Video& Stream, Game, etc. Choosing the right server ensures fast speeds and smooth access.

Pro Tip

UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN that offers unlimited access to 4D streaming like Netlfix, Disney Plus, no-ping gaming as PUBG, Roblox, CODM and social networking for YouTube, X, Facebook and more.

Step 3

Enable Advanced Features

In addition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on extra protections via Ad Blocker and features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Smart Hop. Users can optimize online gaming/streaming/chatting as much as possible.

Step 4

Check Your New IP

Use UFO VPN's built-in " What is My IP" feature to see your new IP address and location. This confirms your VPN is working, hides your real IP, and ensures privacy while browsing.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for macOS

Click the button below to download offcial Mac VPN free. Open the .dmg file, drag UFO VPN to your Applications folder, and launch it. You're just a few clicks away from secure browsing.

Free Download

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Step 2 Pick Your IP Server

Tap "Connect" button for the fastest server automatically. Or you can select a server from the global server list in 100+ countries. UFO VPN is an UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN or gaming, video streaming, social platforms, and AI tools.

Step 3

Unlock Pro Features

If you have upgraded to premium plan , feel free to enjoy premium servers for 4K streaming and advanced features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and gaming acceleration. Your Mac is now fully optimized and protected. Inaddition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on

Step 4

Verify Your IP Now

Use UFO VPN's " What is My IP " feature to see your new IP and location. This confirms your connection is secure, anonymous, and ready for safe browsing online anywhere at any time.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for iPhone/iPad

Download this free iOS VPN via official link or App Store. Once installed, launch the app to get started. UFO VPN is now trusted by over 2 million users worldwide with optimzed service.

Free Download

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Step 2 Select a Perfect Server

Hit "Connect" button for the fastest server near you instantly. Or you can choose a favorite location/platform from the server list manually for full control. UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN companion for gaming, streaming, social media, and AI tools.

Step 3 Lookup IP and Enable Pro Features

Now you can check your current IP via built-in IP lookup tool. Pro features in premium plan offer you premium servers, blazing speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, so you can protect your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices all at once.

Step 1 install UFO VPN for Android

Get free Android VPN from offcial website or Google Play Store. Follow the instructions for easy download. Then open the app and get ready to surf safely.

Free Download

Watch Video Guide

Step 2 Choose Your Ideal Server

UFO VPN is an all-in-one powerhouse for gaming, video streaming, social apps, and AI tools. The"Connect" button links you to the fastest server instantly, or you can choose among the server list manually via Location/ Video&Stream/Games for easy access.

Step 3 Power Up Pro Features

Pro users can look up current IP via built-in "What Is My IP" feature, and unlock premium features like 4K servers, turbo speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, keeping all your Android phones, tablets, and other devices safe at once.

In the meantime, here are additional tips for using a Russia VPN:

Use obfuscated servers (stealth mode or camouflaged servers) to bypass DPI.
Choose VPNs like UFO VPN with a no-log policy and strong encryption (AES-256).
Use WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols with obfuscation.

Tips: How to Make VPNs Work in Russia Again

Use browser-based extensions (some VPNs offer Chrome plugins)
Try bridge servers or shadowsocks in extreme censorship cases
Consider port forwarding via ports like 443 or 8443
Use dual VPN or multihop (only available in advanced services like NordVPN or UFO VPN)

Use browser-based extensions (some VPNs like UFOVPN offer Chrome plugins)
Try bridge servers or shadowsocks in extreme censorship cases
Consider port forwarding via ports like 443 or 8443
Use dual VPN or multihop (only available in advanced services like NordVPN or UFO VPN)

Bonus: Best VPNs That Still Work in Russia

Free VPNs in Russia are hit or miss. Many are blocked, slow, or dangerous. If you must use a free option: UFO VPN offers a free tier with stealth features. Avoid unknown free VPNs that may log or sell your data, especially in high-surveillance regions.

VPN Brand	Obfuscated Servers	App OS Support	Free Plan	Kill Switch	Highlights
UFO VPN	✅ Yes	Android, iOS, Windows	✅ Free & Paid	✅ Yes	Lightweight, reliable, stealth support
ExpressVPN	✅ Yes	All platforms	❌ No	✅ Yes	Premium, known for bypassing restrictions
NordVPN	✅ Yes	All platforms	❌ No	✅ Yes	Strong obfuscation mode
ProtonVPN	✅ Yes (Plus plan)	All platforms	✅ Yes (limited)	✅ Yes	Open-source, secure
Windscribe	✅ Yes (Stealth Mode)	All platforms	✅ Yes (10GB/mo)	✅ Yes	Strong free plan option

Stay Safe, Stay Connected

Internet access in Russia is becoming more restricted by the day, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your digital freedom when VPNs are not working in Russia. While VPNs in Russia are being blocked, there are still reliable services like UFO VPN, ProtonVPN, and NordVPN that help users maintain access.