Twitter competitor Threads remains unavailable in the EU and other regions. Threads keeps a lot of personal information — and even shares this with its parent app, Instagram. As a result, the app is not compliant with EU privacy law.
Is the service unavailable or banned where you are? Do you want to unblock Instagram Threads? All you need to do is change your IP address by connecting to a VPN server outside of the EU.
Follow these steps:
- Subscribe to NordVPN, our top choice for unblocking geo-restricted content.
- Download and open NordVPN’s app on your smartphone.
- Connect to a server in the US, or any country where Threads is available.
- Go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Install “Threads, an Instagram app“, and log in with your Instagram account.
For more information about accessing Threads from anywhere, check out the article below.
Is Instagram Threads banned in your region? As of writing, the Twitter competitor is unavailable in China, Russia, and the European Union. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to unblock Instagram Threads: connect to a VPN server in a country where Threads is available.
If you want to get “threading” (the Threads version of tweeting), we recommend getting NordVPN. This VPN is excellent at unblocking Instagram Threads and other platforms, thanks to its thousands of servers and superb unblocking features.
For a full guide on how to unblock Instagram Threads, keep reading our article below.
How to Unblock Instagram Threads
Instagram Threads is unavailable for download in countries that have banned the app, such as the European Union (EU), Russia, and China. Even if you somehow install the app on your phone, it likely won’t run properly if you’re in these regions.
Threads uses your IP address to determine if it should restrict your access. This is because your IP address is directly tied to your location. Fortunately, it’s easy to change your IP address so you can gain access to Instagram Threads.
With a virtual private network (VPN), you can change your IP address, making it seem like you are in a country where Threads is available. We tried and tested this method of accessing Threads from countries where the app is banned, and we were able to download, install, and use the app.
With NordVPN’s app for Android or iOS, you can acquire an IP address from countries where Threads is available, such as the US. You can also unblock other services with NordVPN, such as ChatGPT or Google Bard.
Below, we’ll explain in detail how to access Threads from anywhere with NordVPN.
How to Access Instagram Threads With a VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide
To use Instagram Threads in a country where it’s unavailable, follow these steps.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN as it has reliable and speedy servers in regions where Threads is available, like the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
- Download the NordVPN app on your smartphone through the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone).
- Open the NordVPN app and log in.
- Connect to a server in a country where Threads is available, such as the US. Choose a country and a server location near you so you get better speeds.
- Go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Look for “Threads, an Instagram app” in the search bar, then download the app.
- Install Threads and open the app.
- Tap “Log in with Instagram.”
- Set up your profile.
- Choose if you want your profile to be public or private.
- The app asks if you want to import followers directly from Instagram. You can accept or decline this. After that, you can use Threads.
Tip #1: Download the correct Instagram Threads app
There are several fake apps in the Play Store that pretend to be Threads. To get the right app, you need to find the one called “Threads, an Instagram app.” You can confirm its legitimacy by checking the developer’s name, which should be Instagram.
Malicious apps can cause irreparable damage to your smartphone. If you think you downloaded the wrong app, make sure to scan your device for malware. You can choose one of the best antivirus software solutions of this moment, our top choice being Norton 360. Its mobile app, Norton Mobile Security, will warn you of dangerous files and apps.
If you’re an Android user, make sure to also check out our complete Android malware removal guide.
Tip #2: Create a new Instagram account for Threads
We recommend creating a separate Instagram account for Threads for two reasons:
- You can’t delete your Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account. If you just want to check Threads but have no intention of keeping it, then you won’t be able to delete your Threads account unless you also delete your Instagram account.
- Separate accounts prevent data from your Instagram account from being passed on to Threads. Keeping your data separate prevents social media platforms from building an accurate profile of you. You can get an overview of Instagram’s privacy practices from our article on what data is stored by Instagram.
During account creation, you’ll be asked to provide a phone number. This number is needed to confirm your account.
Make sure the number you provide comes from a country where Threads is available. Otherwise, Instagram might block your attempt at creating a Threads account. Fortunately, you can easily use a virtual phone number, such as those offered by Skype.
The Best VPNs for Instagram Threads
Drawing on our VPN testing and extensive experience with more than 80 VPNs, we compiled this list of the best VPNs for unblocking Instagram Threads. These VPNs allow you to download Threads from anywhere in the world. Their stable servers and excellent speeds will afford you a smooth Threads experience.
Here’s our roundup.
1. NordVPN: The most reliable Threads-unblocking VPN
Pros
- Global server network that offers fast and reliable speeds
- Strict no-logs policy that protects user privacy
- User-friendly interface coupled with advanced features like a kill switch
Cons
- Not as cheap as other VPNs
When testing NordVPN, we were able to find Threads immediately in the Play Store. Installing and using the app was also a smooth experience. This is why NordVPN is our #1 VPN, as it flawlessly unblocks Threads and many other apps, websites, and services, from ChatGPT to gambling sites.
NordVPN offers a huge server network of 5,000+ servers in 60 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, The Netherlands, and more. These servers are also fast and reliable, so you’ll get decent connections even with servers that are farther away.
NordVPN will also make your Threads experience as safe as possible, thanks to its strong encryption and strict no-logs policy. Although it’s not as cheap as other VPNs on the list, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to get a NordVPN free trial.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. Surfshark: The fastest VPN for unblocking Threads
Pros
- Fastest premium VPN based on our extensive speed tests
- Can be used on unlimited simultaneous devices
Cons
- Relatively new VPN on the market
Surfshark is best known for its value for money — you get reliably fast speeds and access to a network of 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries.
What’s more, you can use Surfshark on an unlimited number of devices. This means you can split your Surfshark subscription fee with friends and family, so everyone can unblock Instagram Threads.
For this article, we connected to a UK server and were able to find Threads in the Google Play Store quite easily. We also browsed the app and didn’t experience any issues using Threads while connected to Surfshark. So, for unblocking Threads, Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice.
Get Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee below.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
3. CyberGhost: The cheapest VPN for unblocking Instagram Threads
Pros
- Most affordable premium VPN, at the fraction of a cost of competitors like ExpressVPN
- Powerful unblocking capabilities you can use with Threads, TikTok, and more
Cons
- Servers aren't as fast as NordVPN's and Surfshark's
CyberGhost is one of our favorite premium VPNs, thanks to its affordable monthly rate. Although its servers aren’t as fast as NordVPN’s or Surfshark’s, you shouldn’t run into any problems as long as you choose a VPN server near your region.
With this VPN, we were able to find Threads in the Play Store and use the app without any issues. Like the first two VPNs, CyberGhost can also unblock other social media apps like TikTok and Reddit, as well as streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
CyberGhost further distinguishes itself by offering the longest period for a money-back guarantee. You can try the service for 45 days and get your money back afterward, no questions asked.
- Very user-friendly
- High quality for a low price
- Torrents and Netflix possible
You can find our other VPN recommendations in our roundup of the best VPNs.
Where is Instagram Threads available?
Instagram Threads is available in over 100 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan.
Despite the app’s already huge popularity, there are some countries and regions where Threads is unavailable. These include China, all countries in the European Union, and Russia.
Why is Threads Blocked in Some Countries?
The reasons for Threads’ unavailability in different countries vary from region to region. Below, we’ll discuss the two main cases.
Privacy concerns: Why Threads is blocked in the European Union
The EU currently bans Threads because of privacy concerns. The European Union has strict privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Meta wants to automatically import user data from Instagram into Threads, which is not allowed under EU privacy law.
The data involved includes not only data that you can consciously import yourself — such as your followers, your bio, and your profile picture — but also your search history and your location.
Interestingly, it is not the European Data Protection Commission that is blocking the availability of Instagram Threads. Meta itself has decided not to introduce Threads in the EU due to the complexity of EU laws.
Censorship and control: Why you can’t use Threads in China and Russia
In the case of China, Russia, Iran, and other countries, the reason behind the Threads ban is more straightforward. Countries with strict censorship laws restrict access to several social media apps to control the availability of information.
These countries may also oppose content found on platforms like Instagram Threads based on religious or ideological grounds.
Note:
If you live in a country with strict censorship, consult local legislation before attempting to unblock Instagram Threads or other websites and apps. VPNOverview does not provide legal advice. The information in this article is purely for educational purposes.
What is Threads and How Does It Work?
On Instagram Threads, users can post short text messages of up to 500 characters (almost twice as many as on Twitter). You can also post photos and videos.
Threads looks and feels like a mix of Instagram and Twitter. The user interface has a similar visual identity to Instagram, while the content format feels reminiscent of Twitter. Like Twitter’s retweet feature, you can share other people’s Threads posts. The blue checkmarks for verified accounts also seem inspired by Twitter’s design.
Users can also comment on and like posts. Posts on Threads can also be shared directly on your Instagram account.
As of writing, Threads still has some work to do if it wants to overtake Twitter. For example, a hashtag feature and a more robust search function seem to be missing.
Another downside is that you need to have an Instagram account before you can open an account on Threads. Also, you can’t delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account as well.
Thankfully, you can deactivate your Threads account and set your Threads profile to private to protect your privacy. A private profile hides all your Threads posts from non-followers.
When it comes to private messaging, you can send direct messages within the app. You can also block someone on Threads if you don’t want a particular user to be able to message you, see your status updates, or check out your profile.
To block a user on Threads, simply go to their profile, click on the three dots in the top right corner, and use the block option. You can follow the same steps to unblock someone on Threads.
Fine-tune your Instagram privacy settings by following our Instagram privacy guide.
Conclusion: Unblock Threads with a Reliable VPN
Considering its rapid rise in popularity, Threads by Instagram might very well cause a serious Instagram-Twitter rivalry. Those who live in the EU and several other countries have a problem, though: Threads is not available in these regions.
Fortunately, you can unblock Instagram Threads with a VPN. We strongly recommend NordVPN, which has proven to get the job done. This provider is the most reliable unblocking VPN we’ve tested. Thanks to its powerful unblocking features, it allowed us to access Threads effortlessly.
Did you know that a VPN can also help you unblock other online services? Check out the articles below for more information.
- How to Unblock YouTube at School or Anywhere
- Bypass Online Censorship: How to Freely Access the Internet
- Facebook Restrictions Abroad: How to Bypass Them
- How to Access Instagram in Russia: Step-by-Step Guide
- Accessing WhatsApp Abroad: How to Circumvent the Restrictions
Want to know more about how to access Instagram Threads from anywhere? Check out our FAQ. Can’t find your question? Feel free to leave us a comment below.
Instagram Threads is Meta’s alternative to Twitter. The app was launched on July 6 and managed to attract 30 million users on the first day. You can share short text messages via the app. You can also comment on other people’s posts and like and share posts. The app is linked to Instagram. A link with Mastodon is still being worked on.
Instagram Threads is available in over 100 countries including the US, Canada, UK, and Japan. As of now, Threads is unavailable in the European Union, due to the region’s strict privacy laws. It’s also banned in China and Russia, among others. Read our article on how to unblock Instagram Threads to access the service in these regions.
If you can’t access Instagram Threads, this is likely because you live in a country where the service is either unavailable or banned. Fortunately, you can solve this by using a VPN.
To access Instagram Threads in a country where it’s geo-blocked, you will need to change your IP address. You can do so with a VPN.
By connecting to a VPN server in a country where Threads is available, you can find the app in the Play Store or App Store. You can then install and use the app. Learn more by reading our article about how to unblock Instagram Threads anywhere.
Generally, downloading Threads is just a matter of going to the Play Store or the App Store and getting the app. However, in some countries, you’ll have to take the extra step of first connecting to a VPN before you can download the app. Just connect to a server in a country where Threads is available, such as the US, and you’re good to go.
you can't get threads from PlayStore if your resident in EU, as your PlayStore is linked to the country you live in, and you can only change that country once a year
Hi Val! In some cases, this might indeed be an issue and just using a VPN might not work. Our own tests showed both: on one of our phones, it did work directly, while on the other it didn't. If you run into the latter situation, you can use our guide to change your Play Store location.