Instagram is a photo and video sharing social network. Launched in 2010, the service boasted one million users in two months, 10 million in a year, and 1 billion monthly active users as of October 2019. Instagram is popular with users of all ages, particularly the younger set.
However, educational institutions tend to frown upon the service due to students checking Insta instead of concentrating on their studies. This has led many schools and universities to block user access to Instagram on their networks.
While we could debate for hours about whether schools should block Instagram, I’d rather share with you how you can get around roadblocks like these with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
How to Unblock Instagram at School
Educational institutions block users from accessing Instagram by blocking the service’s servers on their routers. Luckily, by using a VPN, you can get around such roadblocks, as the VPN hides your online activities.
I’ve tested numerous VPNs over the last few years, and in my experience, ExpressVPN is the most reliable way to restore access to Instagram and other blocked online services.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s a no-risk proposition.
Steps for Unblocking Instagram by Using a VPN
Just follow the instructions below to regain access to Instagram.
- Subscribe to a VPN provider.
- Download and install the provider’s app(s) on your device(s).
- Start the VPN app and connect to a VPN server.
- Connect to Instagram.
- Post your selfies and enjoy the photos of other users’ meals.
How a VPN Works
While this article is focused on how a VPN can help you avoid Instagram roadblocks at school, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share information with you about other reasons why you should use a VPN at school.
A VPN opens access to websites and services that are blocked at your school, or that are blocked due to geographical or governmental restrictions. In addition to Instagram, a VPN can unblock social media sites like Snapchat and Facebook, as well as streaming services like Netflix, online games like Fortnite, and other websites and services.
A VPN also protects your online activities from being observed by prying third parties. Governments are always interested in what their citizens are doing online. Other interested parties can include your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and that guy or gal sitting at the next table while you’re using the unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot down at Starbucks.
In addition, some ISPs (COUGH! – Comcast – COUGH!) have been caught throttling their customers’ connection speeds when they detect they are accessing “unapproved” websites or engaging in P2P file sharing. By hiding your online activities, a VPN prevents your ISP from throttling your connection.
And that is only the tip of the iceberg!
Which VPN Is Best for Unblocking Instagram at School?
While it’s true that any VPN can probably unblock Instagram, I would also argue that if you’re going to pay for a VPN anyway, why not subscribe to a VPN that is uber-reliable, offers fast connections and does a top-notch job of protecting your online travels?
ExpressVPN is that provider.
ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN service available today.
Delivering speedy, well-protected connections, the provider opens access to Instagram and other blocked sites and services by helping you get around virtual roadblocks.
The provider also offers top-notch native app support, comprehensive customer support and wide-ranging global server coverage.
Connection Speeds
Instagram offers the best experience when you have a fast internet connection. Fast connections also improve your experience when you’re web browsing, streaming video and music, playing games, or doing nearly any other online activity you can think of.
ExpressVPN ranked #1 in speed during our most recent VPN connection speed tests, measuring in at an average of 106.78 Mbps.
Multi-Platform Support
Official Instagram apps are available on iOS and Android devices, as well as Windows PCs and tablets, allowing both posting and viewing of photos and videos.
Third-party apps are available for macOS and many other device platforms, and you can view the service in most any major browser.
ExpressVPN offers apps for all of the major device platforms, as well as a few others. They also offer browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome platforms.
The provider allows you to connect up to 5 devices to their servers at once via a single set of login credentials, in case you want to share your VPN with friends.
Customer Support
Fingers crossed that you never have issues with your VPN service, but let’s face it, stuff happens. That’s when you’ll appreciate the level of customer support provided by ExpressVPN.
The provider’s 24/7 live support chat, email support, trouble ticket submission system and searchable troubleshooting and support library have you covered around the clock.
Global Server Coverage
While you’ll be able to unblock Instagram at school by using the nearest VPN server, you’ll also find that optimal global server coverage will enhance your other online activities by allowing you to access international content.
ExpressVPN covers the world like Sherwin-Williams, with 3,000+ servers located in 94 countries around the globe. That means that international content for online gaming, streaming video and music, and much more are at your fingertips.
Pricing
You’ll likely never see ExpressVPN mentioned on a list of “5 Best Bargain VPNs.” However, the service provides an excellent return on investment.
Unblock Instagram at School
If your school blocks Instagram on their network, don’t worry about missing the latest post from your favorite Instagrammer. ExpressVPN will help you bust through those network roadblocks. Just promise me you’ll keep up with your schoolwork, okay?
In addition to opening up access to Instagram, ExpressVPN also opens access to geo-blocked content from streaming services like Netflix, protects your online activities from monitoring, and enhances all of your online activities.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the ExpressVPN website.
