How to Get Instagram Unblocked at School in 2024

Using Instagram is the latest craze among teens as it readily connects them with their kith and kin during their precious moments. However, schools often block this platform on their networks to restrict students to academic activities. While that’s understandable, a blanket ban on using it at school is cruel.

A VPN can help students bypass such restrictions and unblock Instagram even at schools. (Students must ensure responsible platform use and shouldn’t let it meddle with their studies.) This guide will elaborate on unblocking Instagram at school without being caught.

A quick guide to getting Instagram unblocked at school

Getting Instagram unblocked at school requires a stealth VPN. Here are quick steps to access it at school:

Why you can’t use Instagram at school

If you’re a student facing Instagram blocks daily at school, you might wonder why they blocked this incredible platform.

Well, while you can be a fan of Instagram and its likes, from the other end, things seem different.

Imagine a classroom where a teacher delivers a critical lecture, but the students stay busy posting on Instagram via their smartphones. Doesn’t it look annoying?

Your school wants you to learn when you are within their premises, and your teacher is there to educate you. But they know that allowing the platform can distract you from your studies.

Besides, it may also indirectly promote unhealthy or dangerous behaviors such as bullying and gossiping.

These platforms may also host content that students shouldn’t view, violating the school’s policies. Hence, they ban such sites on their network to prevent all these issues.

Consequently, you cannot use Instagram at school (unless you know the workarounds).

How schools block Instagram

When your school authorities prohibit you from using sites like Instagram, it doesn’t mean they lock you out entirely from your Instagram accounts.

Instead, they apply content filtering at the school’s network, restricting various websites.

Your school’s WiFi network comes from a router on the premises. Hence, the authorities, or at least the relevant IT personnel of your school, have complete access to the network’s configurations.

Thus, they can easily allow or block specific websites from loading on their network. That includes banning social media platforms and websites they think students shouldn’t access.

So, when you connect to your school network, the router monitors the entire traffic to detect any requests for blocked sites. If such a request is made, the router blocks it, and you experience a failed connection.

Since you’re likely to have access to no other network, you cannot proceed to your desired website.

That’s how your school blocks you from using Instagram during school times.

Why you should learn to unblock Instagram

Websites like Instagram appear to be a time-wasting source for most schools, at least for students.

However, like any other tech product, the platform has pros and cons depending on how the end-users use it.

While using Instagram may appear useless, it can sometimes benefit students. For instance,

• When leaving for trips, students can stay connected with their kith and kin while sharing their beautiful moments. For instance, they can take a tour picture and post it on Instagram, letting others know how wonderful learning experiences such excursions offer.
• As a student, you can share your research and projects with your family and parents. No need to feel bad that you can’t share your achievement with others because you can’t bring it home.
• Your presentations and classroom activities no more remain confined to school. You can ask your friends to record your presentation and share videos on your or their Instagram accounts.
• You can post various educational visuals on your Instagram account that you can access later.

And the list may go on!

As we said already, the pros and cons of Instagram depend on how students use it at school. So, while the platform may be distracting and damaging, it can also be constructive.

The best way to get Instagram unblocked is to use a VPN

Now that you know you won’t be wrong to use Instagram at your educational institution, the question is, how would you do that?

Well, it isn’t tricky, but you need to be careful while doing so. You’ll face trouble justifying your act if caught, given that you have strict policies banning Instagram and its likes at your institution.

However, if you find no prying eyes physically tracking you, you only need to hide online, especially when using your school’s WiFi network.

That’s because your school authorities will likely monitor your online activities when permitting you to use their WiFi for free. While this isn’t a problem, it will undoubtedly land you in hot water if you use Instagram.

However, you have one such solution to go anonymous online – a VPN.

As you know, a virtual private network or VPN reroutes your device traffic through its own servers — that, too, in an encrypted form. That’s how it keeps you anonymous, protecting your data from interception and tracking. It also changes your online location, allowing you to access content blocked in your region.

So, you can easily use a VPN for the school network to unblock Instagram, too.

How to use a VPN to unblock Instagram: a step-by-step guide

If you haven’t used a VPN before or haven’t used one on your device at school, don’t worry. Here, we elaborate on how to use a VPN to access Instagram at the school.

1. Choose a credible VPN provider

The essential thing to freely use Instagram or any other blocked website anywhere is to choose a reliable VPN service.

A quick market search will show you overwhelming results regarding VPN services. Some are paid, while most are free (that’s the most tempting thing about them).

However, not every VPN provides as good a service as you need. Most VPNs, especially the free ones, have little to no security features to protect your data.

Therefore, you should carefully review a service before subscribing to it. Here, we quickly list the key points you should consider.

• Make sure the VPN offers strong encryption to protect your data. Otherwise, your school will sniff your data and not let you access blocked content.
• The VPN must offer a kill switch to protect your privacy in case of connection drops.
• Despite encryption, your VPN must not compromise browsing speed. Of course, you can’t wait for the sites to load while using the internet at school.
• You should choose a service that has proven resilient enough to bypass VPN blocks.
• Ideally, you should subscribe to a VPN service that supports multiple operating systems and offers numerous simultaneous connections. It will enable you to use the VPN on your smartphone, desktop, school system, or any other device at home.
• As a student, you would have a limited budget. So, make sure that the VPN doesn’t charge a high fee. Thankfully, you can easily get a good VPN for an affordable price.

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2. Install the VPN on your device

Once you have selected your VPN provider, install it on your device.

You might need to create an account first. So, as a precaution, try a VPN service offering a free trial or a money-back guarantee. It will let you test the VPN without worrying about losing money.

After completing the registration process, download the respective client on your device. Most good VPNs offer dedicated apps for Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS devices.

Once you download the setup, run the installation file. Often, this won’t require much input from your side.

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3. Connect to a fast server

After completing the installation, you can start your VPN connection.

Most VPN services offer a lot of options for choosing your location. This variety is vital if you only wish to access a site in a particular region.

For instance, if you wish to access Netflix USA, you must connect to a USA server. Likewise, to unblock BBC iPlayer or access the Nordic streaming service ViaPlay, connect with a UK server or select a Nordic location.

However, since Instagram is available globally, you don’t have to think much about its servers. Instagram only suffers local bans from authorities, such as educational institutions, offices, or security personnel.

So, you can connect to any available VPN server to use Instagram at an educational institution. Just make sure that the server offers a fast speed. You may choose a server from a nearby location for it.

Besides, you should prefer connecting to a server other than your state or country to avoid getting suspected.

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4. Proceed to the Instagram login

Once you connect with the correct server, feel free to sign in to your Instagram account. You can easily log in to your account via the Instagram app or visit the website.

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Best VPNs to get Instagram unblocked on school WiFi

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is also among the leading VPNs of today, with millions of customers globally. In addition, it has a massive network with over 6,800 servers, giving you plenty of locations to choose from.

To unblock Instagram, NordVPN will undoubtedly help you since it not only bypasses content restrictions and geoblocking but also escapes VPN blocks.

The service applies strong AES encryption and other features that make the VPN almost undetectable. Hence, when no other VPN would help you at school, NordVPN will still work for you.

While NordVPN doesn’t offer a free trial, it gives new users a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you don’t risk your money by subscribing to NordVPN. If it doesn’t satisfy your requirements, you can refund your money and cancel the subscription within 30 days of registration.

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2. Surfshark

Although NordVPN is an excellent service for getting Instagram unblocked anywhere. However, you might be reluctant to risk your money when you already have a small budget as a student. Mainly, if your school actively blocks VPNs, the risk is higher.

However, one more option to address this problem is the Surfshark VPN.

Though, the overall Surfshark network isn’t as massive as NordVPN. Yet, it still offers an impressive choice of 100 countries on its network powered by 3200+ servers. But, of course, you don’t need a vast server list to use Instagram on your school network. Instead, you need a robust VPN that seamlessly bypasses all geoblocking and VPN bans. For this, Surfshark works excellently.

But the key reason to list Surfshark VPN here is its affordable subscription fee.

If you find NordVPN costly to fit your limited budget, Surfshark is what you need.

Also, like most other leading VPN service providers, Surfshark offers a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. So, you can keep your worries aside while testing Surfshark VPN for the first time at school.

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3. ExpressVPN

Do you think NordVPN and Surfshark are the only viable services that let you use Instagram regardless of location? Certainly not! Here is another excellent option for you – ExpressVPN.

This service has proved to be the most resilient in evading content censorship. It boasts a widespread network of over 3000 servers across 107 locations. Hence, from journalistic content to fun-filled social media platforms like Instagram, ExpressVPN can unblock almost every restricted content.

Besides unblocking content, ExpressVPN is also robust enough to evade VPN blocks. So, even if your school bans VPNs, you will still find ExpressVPN working there.

Although ExpressVPN is a paid service. However, the providers offer everything to facilitate their current and prospective customers. Therefore, they offer a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

You can easily subscribe to their service without worrying about your money. First, try using the VPN at your school. If it doesn’t help you unblock Instagram, you can ask VPN providers to refund your money.

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Other ways to unblock Instagram on your device at school

However, a VPN is the recommended and the most feasible workaround to using Instagram where it’s blocked.

But this isn’t the only option.

Below are more methods to access Instagram on your device when your school doesn’t let you through.

1. Use the Tor browser

The Tor browser is best for getting Instagram unblocked for free on your device.

Tor is a great secure web browser powered by Mozilla (the creator of the Firefox browser). With Tor, you can rest assured about your privacy as it bears numerous security features to keep you anonymous online.

The browser employs extensive relaying of data through different servers. Thus, your IP address changes numerous times, making it difficult to track your activities. This lets you access blocked content on your device without leaving any traces behind.

So, if you install this browser on your device, even if you can’t use the Instagram app because your school has restricted it, you can visit the website to access Instagram.

The browser also applies encryption to your data, thus promoting your anonymity. Plus, it clears cookies after every browsing session and maintains no history.

Hence, even if someone gets physical access to your devices, like your teacher or other school authorities, they won’t find you using Instagram during school hours.

On top of everything else, TOR comes for free. So, you don’t have to worry about spending money while using the Tor browser.

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2. Use Instagram to unblock proxy

Using a web proxy is another excellent strategy for using Instagram freely on your device, even at school.

Briefly, a web proxy also changes your IP location. That’s how it enables you to access blocked content, including Instagram, at school.

Also, web proxies are convenient and (often) free to use. Besides, they often require no installation, subscription, or account registration.

You can visit your chosen web proxy website and then, in the same window, type ‘Instagram.com’ to access Instagram with a changed IP address.

However, web proxies are not as resilient as VPNs. Comparing VPN vs. proxy reveals that the latter lacks numerous security features to protect your privacy.

So, while you can access Instagram with a web proxy, chances are the school authorities might catch you violating the policies there.

Moreover, clear your browsing history after every session to remove evidence that you had used a web proxy.

Nonetheless, some good web proxies offer features similar to a VPN. So, you might need to do some research to find the best web proxy sites. But once you do, you can use them to temporarily evade the bans and access your Instagram profile at school.

Still, if you want to do this frequently, you should use a VPN instead.

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3. Use SmartDNS

Another workaround to unblocking Instagram and other sites at school is to use Smart DNS.

Once again, you don’t have to install anything to use a Smart DNS. Nor would you have to subscribe or register.

A Smart DNS works by rerouting DNS requests through foreign servers that eventually change your IP address. The service provider replaces your ISP’s DNS with its own to let you access a blocked website.

If your school has blocked Instagram on its network, using a Smart DNS will let you access it.

What’s excellent with Smart DNS is its incredible browsing speed and effective bypass to content restriction.

However, this isn’t an ingenious strategy as compared to a VPN.

At first, Smart DNS offers no data encryption. So, the data generated from your respective device remain open to interception and tracking.

Secondly, your ISP (your school, in this case) can track and block your Smart DNS, preventing you from accessing Instagram.

You are safe if caught legally since using Smart DNS is perfectly legal. However, if your school detects you are accessing blocked content using this tool, you may face your institution’s punishments.

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4. Switch to HTTP instead of HTTPS

Though it’s an unsecured workaround, since HTTPS ensures encrypted connections, you can’t think about it when you want to access Instagram at school quickly, right?

So, if you’re sure you can’t wait to reach home, type “http:” instead of the “https:” in the Instagram website’s URL on your browser and press enter. Then, you could likely succeed in unblocking the site.

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5. Use URL shorteners

Of course, URL shorteners aren’t supposed to work as site unblockers; you could still use them as a workaround to unblock Instagram at your school.

The method’s success rate depends on the site filters applied to your school network. Often, those filters block a website’s URL or IP address. So, if you change the target URL using a URL shortener like TinyURL or Bitly, you might successfully access your Instagram account.

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6. Use mobile data

The last but costly workaround to use Instagram anywhere is to abandon the school network and use mobile data instead.

In this case, you don’t have to worry about being caught because your mobile data provider has no problem with you using Instagram. Nor is Instagram illegal or banned anywhere.

So, when you don’t use your school network, your school authorities will never track your online activities.

But you still need to remain careful because you are vulnerable to being watched.

Besides, Instagram is generally a data-hungry service. Therefore, you may frequently suffer bandwidth capping and similar issues. You will have trouble using Instagram, especially if the signals aren’t strong within your school premises.

Though, you can subscribe to unlimited data plans to eliminate this issue. However, if you have a limited budget, then this might be a costly option for you.

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How to unblock Instagram on school computers

Wondering how to unblock Instagram on school Chromebooks or other computers? Can you do it?

Of course you can!

Just as you can use it on your mobile phone or any other device at school, you can also use it on your school computers.

But be careful. Your school computers are meant to assist you with educational tasks. Using them to access blocked sites like Instagram can land you in hot water.

Yet, if you’re confident you won’t be caught, here we explain how to do it.

1. Try Portable browsers with a USB Toolkit

The best workaround to access any blocked content on school computers is to create a USB Toolkit for web browsers. Doing so will save you from the hassle of installing anything on school computers.

To do this, download a portable browser on a flash drive. Fortunately, all frequently used browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome, and Tor, offer portable browser versions.

You can also install VPN browser extensions on these browsers. This way, you can protect your browsing activity even when using a school computer.

Whenever you need to use Instagram or access any other website at school, or merely as a precaution to protect your privacy, plug your flash drive into your school computer and start browsing via the portable browser. It is neither illegal nor would your school prevent you from connecting your USB drive to a school system.

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2. Use Proxy servers

A web proxy is an excellent alternative if you can’t arrange a flash drive or have forgotten it and wish to use it on your school computer.

To use it, open your school computer’s web browser, then open the incognito or private mode. (This will ensure that your activities aren’t logged in the browsing history). Now, visit the proxy website and go to the Instagram login page.

While this step will not immediately get you caught, be sure that no one is watching you from behind.

Also, this isn’t a fool-proof strategy, as your school authorities may still track your online data.

Besides, if your school blocks proxies on its network, you may fail to access a web proxy on the school computer.

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3. Connect your school computer with your mobile hotspot

Disconnecting the school network system is the last viable workaround to unblock Instagram on school computers. If the system supports WiFi connectivity, you can connect it to your mobile data by turning on the hotspot on your phone.

This method will turn your mobile phone into a WiFi router where your cellular service serves as the ISP.

This method works for both Android and iOS devices. However, creating a mobile hotspot may drain your phone’s battery. So, don’t use this method if your phone runs out of charge. Secondly, this process may also exhaust your mobile data plan.

Lastly, you remain vulnerable to physical tracking. So, ensure that no one watches as you unblock Instagram on the school computer.

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FAQs