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Blocked Updated 14 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes

How to unblock YouTube in Russia

YouTube has been blocked in Russia since Feb 2026. The fix that works for most people is a VPN, and ExpressVPN is the one we recommend here.

Short answer

Use ExpressVPN with automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic) on, connect to Finland, then open YouTube.

We picked ExpressVPN for Russia because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

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Why YouTube doesn't work in Russia

YouTube has been blocked in Russia since Feb 2026.

WhatsApp and YouTube were blocked in February 2026, Telegram is throttled, and Instagram, Facebook, X, Signal and Discord have been blocked for years.

Is a VPN legal in Russia? Legal with restrictions. Using a VPN is legal, but only approved providers may operate, advertising VPNs is banned, and July 2025 laws added penalties for searching for banned content. Hundreds of VPN apps were removed from Russian app stores.

Step by step with ExpressVPN

  1. Get the VPN before you need it

    Sign up for ExpressVPN and download the app while you still have an open connection, ideally before you arrive in Russia. VPN websites and app-store listings are often blocked there.

  2. Install and sign in

    Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use YouTube, then sign in.

  3. Switch on its stealth mode

    Open Settings, then Protocol, and keep it on Automatic. ExpressVPN obfuscates every server, and Automatic lets it switch protocols when one gets blocked.

  4. Connect to a nearby server

    Connect to a server in Finland, Germany or Netherlands. YouTube works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.

  5. Open YouTube and start playing

    Close and reopen the app after connecting so it notices your new location. What you can watch depends on the server country you picked.

  6. Leave the VPN on

    Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use YouTube. If you disconnect, the block applies again.

Tip: If a video spins forever, try a different server in the same country: streaming services block busy VPN servers.

Try ExpressVPN

If it still doesn't work

  • Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change.
  • Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others.
  • Try a different server country: Finland, Germany or Netherlands.
  • Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection.

Or try another VPN

NordVPN Unreliable

Open Settings, go to Connection, then VPN protocol, and choose NordWhisper. If your device doesn't offer NordWhisper, choose OpenVPN (TCP) and connect to a server under Specialty servers, then Obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark Unreliable

Open Settings, then VPN settings, and switch on NoBorders mode. If connections still drop, set the protocol to OpenVPN (TCP), which adds Surfshark's Camouflage obfuscation.

Try Surfshark

What people in Russia are reporting

Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in Russia this fortnight.

Vote on what's working

Questions people ask

Does YouTube work in Russia without a VPN?

No. YouTube is blocked in Russia, so it won't load without a VPN or proxy.

Is it legal to use a VPN for YouTube in Russia?

Legal with restrictions. Using a VPN is legal, but only approved providers may operate, advertising VPNs is banned, and July 2025 laws added penalties for searching for banned content. Hundreds of VPN apps were removed from Russian app stores. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock YouTube in Russia?

Usually not. Most free VPNs have no way to disguise their traffic, so Russia's filters spot them quickly, and many free apps sell browsing data. Proton VPN's free plan is a safe free option, but its free servers are limited and busy.

Why does YouTube still not work with the VPN on?

Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others. Try a different server country: Finland, Germany or Netherlands.

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick