Blocked Apps and Websites: Country Guides
Travellers, expats, students, remote workers, creators, and gamers often search for a specific app in a specific country. This hub is the index for that work. It is not a list of thin pages that only swap a country name.
Every spoke records a restriction type (full block, calls only, throttle, commercial exit, or restored access) and a verification date. A VPN cannot restore a nationwide shutdown, and DexterVPN does not claim iPhone support yet.
How to read restriction status
Status is a text label, not a colour. Fully blocked is not the same as calls restricted. A restored or historical row is not a current ban. Uncertain means sources disagree or a later measurement contradicted an older order.
- Fully blocked on typical local networks
- Calls restricted — messaging often still works
- Temporarily or intermittently restricted
- Throttled or degraded — not a clean nationwide block
- Partially blocked
- Regionally restricted — not a nationwide app-wide block
- Commercially unavailable — not a government block
- Access restored — VPN not required for the former block
- Generally accessible on typical networks
- Uncertain — evidence is mixed, outdated, or network-dependent
- Full internet shutdown — a VPN cannot restore connectivity
A VPN cannot restore a complete internet shutdown. DexterVPN has not published mainland China, Iran or Russia connection tests and does not claim those markets as proven compatible.
Editorial snapshot. Restrictions change. This is not legal advice. Sources sit on each country and app page.
Country and application directory
Filters run in this page. They do not invent live network tests. Status is written as text, not colour alone. A VPN cannot restore a complete internet shutdown.
30 records
| Country | Application | Status | Last verified | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Google SearchSearch, most Google web properties | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | GmailWeb and app mail access | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | YouTubeSite and app | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | InstagramApp and web | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | WhatsAppMessaging and calling | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | TelegramApp and web | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | FacebookFacebook and Messenger | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| China | X / TwitterSite and app | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| United Arab Emirates | WhatsAppVoice and video calls | Calls restricted — messaging often still worksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| United Arab Emirates | FaceTimeAudio and video calling | Calls restricted — messaging often still worksEvidence: current · confidence medium | Open guide | |
| Qatar | WhatsAppVoice and video calls | Calls restricted — messaging often still worksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Russia | InstagramApp and web | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Russia | YouTubePlayback quality / reachability varies by ISP | Throttled or degraded — not a clean nationwide blockEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Russia | WhatsAppCalls and some routes; availability varies | Partially blockedEvidence: current · confidence medium | Open guide | |
| Russia | DiscordApp and web | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Iran | National internet pathInternational connectivity during shutdown windows | Full internet shutdown — a VPN cannot restore connectivityEvidence: historical · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Iran | InstagramApp and web on the filtered internet | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Turkey | DiscordApp and web | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Turkey | RobloxFormer nationwide block | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Turkey | InstagramNine-day nationwide block in August 2024; account-level blocks continue | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Pakistan | X / TwitterSite and app for ordinary users | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Vietnam | TelegramApp and web — mixed after the 2025 order | Uncertain — evidence is mixed, outdated, or network-dependentEvidence: uncertain · confidence medium | Open guide | |
| India | TelegramTime-bounded nationwide access restriction around NEET-UG 2026 re-exam | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Indonesia | RedditFormer 2015–2026 access block | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence high | Open guide | |
| India | TikTokApp store presence and typical access | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Myanmar | FacebookFacebook, Messenger, related Meta properties | Fully blocked on typical local networksEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| North Korea | Open global internetOrdinary residents do not have open global internet | Full internet shutdown — a VPN cannot restore connectivityEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Turkmenistan | Open internet / circumventionHeavily filtered internet; circumvention is technically difficult | Partially blockedEvidence: current · confidence high | Open guide | |
| Bangladesh | National internet / social media2024 protest-period shutdowns and social blocks were event-based | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence medium | Open guide | |
| Gabon | National internetElection-period internet disruption (2023) is historical | Access restored — VPN not required for the former blockEvidence: historical · confidence medium | Open guide |
Start here
Apps Blocked in China: Traveller and Expat Guide
Mainland China blocks Google, Meta apps, YouTube, Telegram, and many Western tools. This pillar maps the blocks and links to per-app guides.
Apps Blocked in Russia: 2026 Status Guide
Russia mixes full blocks, YouTube throttling, and companies that left. This pillar separates those cases and links to per-app guides.
Apps Blocked in Iran: After the 2026 Shutdown
Iran combines long-standing app filters with shutdowns. A VPN cannot restore a complete national blackout.
Should You Install a VPN Before Going to China?
If you rely on Google, WhatsApp or Instagram, install apps and any VPN you intend to use before you land. Mainland networks often filter those services and VPN download sites. This is not a legality or connectivity guarantee.
China
Apps Blocked in China: Traveller and Expat Guide
Mainland China blocks Google, Meta apps, YouTube, Telegram, and many Western tools. This pillar maps the blocks and links to per-app guides.
How to Use Google in China
Google Search, Maps, Drive, and Play are blocked in mainland China. Prepare accounts and DexterVPN before you fly.
How to Use Gmail in China
Gmail is part of the blocked Google suite in mainland China. Prepare the app, 2FA, and DexterVPN before arrival.
How to Watch YouTube in China
YouTube is blocked in mainland China. A VPN may restore access on supported devices, but streaming quality is not guaranteed.
How to Use Instagram in China
Instagram is blocked in mainland China with Facebook. Install the app and DexterVPN before you travel.
How to Use WhatsApp in China: Practical Guide
WhatsApp access in mainland China is heavily restricted. Prepare before travel and follow a practical setup flow.
How to Use Telegram in China
Telegram is blocked in mainland China. Set up the app and DexterVPN before you arrive; calls are more fragile than text.
How to Use Facebook in China
Facebook and Messenger are blocked in mainland China. Install the apps and DexterVPN before you fly.
How to Use Signal in China
Signal is blocked in mainland China. Keep an existing session and install DexterVPN before you travel.
How to Use X in China (Twitter)
X, formerly Twitter, is blocked in mainland China. Install the app and DexterVPN before you travel.
Should You Install a VPN Before Going to China?
If you rely on Google, WhatsApp or Instagram, install apps and any VPN you intend to use before you land. Mainland networks often filter those services and VPN download sites. This is not a legality or connectivity guarantee.
Russia
Apps Blocked in Russia: 2026 Status Guide
Russia mixes full blocks, YouTube throttling, and companies that left. This pillar separates those cases and links to per-app guides.
How to Use WhatsApp in Russia: Access and Travel Guide
Recent reporting indicates severe WhatsApp restrictions in Russia. Learn what to expect and how to prepare.
How to Use Instagram in Russia
Instagram has been blocked in Russia since 2022. A VPN may restore an existing app session; it is not legal advice.
How to Watch YouTube in Russia
YouTube in Russia is throttled and often unusable, not a simple 2022-style Instagram block. A VPN may help; quality is not guaranteed.
How to Use Discord in Russia
Discord has been blocked in Russia since 2024. A VPN may restore the desktop or Android app; voice is more fragile than text.
How to Use Facebook in Russia
Facebook has been blocked in Russia since 2022. Messenger is not a workaround.
How to Use X in Russia (Twitter)
X, formerly Twitter, has been blocked in Russia since 2022. A VPN may restore an existing app session.
Iran
Apps Blocked in Iran: After the 2026 Shutdown
Iran combines long-standing app filters with shutdowns. A VPN cannot restore a complete national blackout.
Internet Not Working in Iran: Shutdowns vs Filters
Iran's 2026 blackout showed the limit: DexterVPN cannot create international internet when the path is switched off.
How to Use WhatsApp in Iran During Internet Restrictions
WhatsApp access in Iran can change quickly. Learn a practical setup path with realistic limits.
How to Use Instagram in Iran
Instagram remains filtered in Iran. A VPN may help only when some international connectivity exists.
How to Use Telegram in Iran
Telegram in Iran is often delayed or filtered. A VPN cannot help if the country is offline.
Are VPNs Legal in Iran?
A VPN still needs a path. Shutdowns made that limit obvious in 2026. DexterVPN does not claim Iran compatibility.
UAE and Gulf calling
WhatsApp Calls in the UAE and Dubai: Availability and Limits
Dubai is not a separate internet. UAE-wide TDRA rules typically allow WhatsApp messaging and block unlicensed WhatsApp calls on local networks.
How to Use FaceTime in the UAE
FaceTime calls are widely restricted on UAE networks. DexterVPN can be tried on a Mac; iPhone support is not claimed.
How to Make Telegram Calls in the UAE
Telegram chat often works in the UAE while calls fail. Do not describe the whole app as banned.
How to Use Discord Voice in the UAE
Discord is not fully banned in the UAE in the China sense. Voice is the usual failure. A VPN may help; ping may get worse.
How to Make WhatsApp Calls in Qatar: Practical Fixes
Use this practical guide when WhatsApp calls fail in Qatar while messaging still works.
How to Use FaceTime in Qatar
FaceTime calls in Qatar can be restricted. DexterVPN is available on Mac, not iPhone yet.
Pakistan, Turkey, India, Vietnam
Is X (Twitter) Blocked in Pakistan?
This is a current PTA-era platform block, not a hotel Wi-Fi failure and not a Facebook outage.
Social Media Restrictions in Pakistan
X is a current platform block. Facebook and YouTube takedown counts are not the same as a nationwide app ban.
Social Media Blocks in Turkey
Do not flatten Turkey into “social media is banned.” Discord ≠ Instagram ≠ X’s older episodes.
Instagram Restrictions in Turkey
Do not describe Instagram as blocked in Turkey today. The 2024 outage was temporary. Account geo-blocks are a different mechanism.
How to Use Discord in Turkey
Discord remains blocked in Turkey. Officials have talked about restoring it; that is not the same as access today.
Telegram Restrictions During Exams in India
Section 69A exam blocks are temporary when the order says so. Do not recycle them as “Telegram banned in India.”
Telegram in Vietnam: 2025 Order, OONI Lift, Uncertain Now
Reuters documented the order. OONI documented a later lift. Current reachability is network-dependent and unverified here.
Diagnosis
How to Tell Whether an App Is Down or Blocked
If one app fails, check the vendor status page, a second network and a second country path before calling it censorship.
Full Internet Shutdown vs App Block: What Is the Difference?
If no site loads, you do not have an Instagram problem. You may have no international path at all.
Is WhatsApp Down or Blocked?
If chat fails worldwide, check WhatsApp’s status. If only calls fail in the Gulf, that is licensing, not a Meta outage.
Editorial notes
Call-only Gulf restrictions are not whole-app bans. Historical exam and election blocks are labelled restored or historical.
Vietnam Telegram is uncertain: Reuters documented a 2025 order, OONI reported a July 2025 lift.
We do not publish a TikTok-in-China how-to that pretends Douyin is the same app.
voip-apps-blocked-in-uae stays unpublished so it does not cannibalise voip-apps-in-uae.
Get DexterVPN
Choose a plan and set up DexterVPN on supported devices before you travel.
Need help or spotted inaccurate info? Contact us so we can review and update this page.