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VPN in Iran: is it legal and which to use
VPN legal status
Restricted
VPNs are allowed only with significant restrictions. Check the details below before using one.
Internet freedom
13/100
Freedom on the Net 2025, Freedom House (higher = freer)
Restrictions and measures
- Only government-approved VPN services are allowed.
- Authorities actively block VPN protocols and servers.
- Internet or mobile-data shutdowns have been documented in the past two years.
Blocked services
FacebookInstagramXYouTubeTelegramSignalWhatsApp
VPNs with obfuscation
Plain VPN protocols are blocked here. These services offer obfuscation, which disguises VPN traffic. We have not tested them in this country, so this is not a guarantee that they work.
| # | VPN | Transparency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amnezia VPN | 85 | Visit site |
| 2 | IVPN | 85 | Visit site |
| 3 | Mullvad | 85 | Visit site |
| 4 | NymVPN | 85 | Visit site |
| 5 | Proton VPN | 85 | Visit site |
| 6 | Windscribe | 85 | Visit site |
| 7 | ExpressVPN | 75 | Visit site |
| 8 | NordVPN | 75 | Visit site |
| 9 | Private Internet Access | 75 | Visit site |
| 10 | CactusVPN | 70 | Visit site |
| 11 | PureVPN | 70 | Visit site |
| 12 | Surfshark | 60 | Visit site |
| 13 | X-VPN | 60 | Visit site |
| 14 | Lantern | 50 | Visit site |
| 15 | Psiphon | 50 | Visit site |
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; last reviewed 2026-10. Check local laws before using a VPN.
Sources
- rferl.org/a/iran-vpn-banned-internet-restrictions/32832544.html
- iranwire.com/en/technology/125541-iranian-authorities-escalate-crackdown-on-vpns/
- thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/05/27/internet-restored-to-tens-of-millions-in-iran-after-three-month-blackout/
- aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/1/17/iran-restores-sms-as-phased-rollback-of-internet-blackout-begins