X/Twitter Unblocked: How-to Guide & Best Twitter VPNs for the Job
This guide presents easy-to-follow steps to setting up a VPN to get X/Twitter unblocked. You’ll also find the three best VPNs for Twitter and other ways to unblock the social media platform.
Written by Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
Reviewed by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Facts checked by Igor Kurtz (Fact-checking editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
Key Takeaways: How to Unblock Twitter/X With a VPN
- Subscribe to a VPN, such as NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a VPN server in a country where Twitter works.
- Open X/Twitter and start browsing.
Best VPNs to Unblock Twitter/X
- NordVPN — Secure and fast X/Twitter VPN with servers in 126 countries. Get 76% off NordVPN’s two-year plan.
- Surfshark — Affordable X/Twitter VPN with servers in 100 countries. Get an 87% discount on a two-year Surfshark subscription.
- ExpressVPN — Beginner-friendly VPN for Twitter/X. Get 61% off ExpressVPN’s two-year plan.
If you’re struggling to unblock X (formerly Twitter), chances are it’s blocked in your location or on your network. In many schools and workplaces, X doesn’t work due to network filters. Some countries, like China, Russia, North Korea, Brazil and Turkey, have banned it completely or at various times. To get X/Twitter unblocked, the best way is to use a VPN.
In this article, I’ll show you how to use a VPN to unblock X using an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. As a Cloudwards VPN writer, I’ll also highlight the three best VPNs for unblocking X based on my tests and research. To cut to the chase, my top suggestion is NordVPN; it has fast and secure servers in 126 countries that can unblock Twitter/X.
Why Is X/Twitter Blocked?
Twitter is blocked in many countries, including China, Iran, Russia and Myanmar. Some countries, like Nigeria and Turkey, have previously blocked Twitter.
In addition, even though Twitter does work in many countries, some organizations apply network restrictions to X. Some of the reasons include:
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- Institutional control: Schools and workplaces often restrict access to social media platforms such as Twitter to prevent distractions and boost productivity.
- Political censorship: Some governments restrict access to Twitter to suppress political opposition, control information flow and suppress dissent. For example, in 2021, the Myanmar military blocked Twitter (and VPNs) after a coup to stifle pro-democracy activists.
- Regulation disputes: Some countries have blocked Twitter for not complying with local internet and data laws. For instance, Turkey blocked Twitter in 2014 for not complying with directives to remove certain content and provide proprietary information to authorities.
How to Unblock Twitter/X at School, Work or Anywhere
To unblock Twitter/X, the best way is to use a VPN. Below is an annotated step-by-step guide you can follow. I used NordVPN in this guide, but similar steps apply to any other VPN.
- Subscribe to a VPN
Visit your preferred VPN’s pricing page, choose a plan and enter your payment details. Long-term plans often have bigger discounts. For example, NordVPN’s best value is its two-year plan, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Install the VPN on Your Device
Search for the VPN’s app on your phone’s app store and click to install. If you’re using a desktop computer, you can download the client from the VPN’s website.
- Connect to a VPN Server
Open NordVPN, search for a server in a location where X is available and click on it to connect. I recommend connecting to a server close to your location for faster speeds.
- Start Enjoying X
Log in to your X account and start posting, responding to messages and scrolling through your feed.
How Does a VPN Help You Access Twitter?
A VPN encrypts your traffic and changes your virtual location, enabling you to bypass Twitter geoblocks. The best VPNs use encryption like AES-256 to make your internet traffic gibberish to network administrators and internet service providers (ISPs).
Furthermore, a VPN masks your original IP and assigns you a new one, which is ideal for accessing Twitter in restrictive countries. For example, if you’re in Russia, you can change your virtual location to the U.S. by connecting to a U.S. VPN server. That way, you’ll be able to access Twitter in Russia as if you were in the U.S.
Are VPNs Legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia and most of Europe. However, some countries — such as Russia, India, China and Turkey — restrict or heavily regulate VPN providers. Note that a VPN doesn’t legitimize unlawful activity. Any illegal online activity remains illegal even with a VPN.
Can I Get in Trouble for Using a VPN at School?
You probably won’t get in trouble for using a VPN at school, unless your school expressly forbids it. If your school’s acceptable use policy doesn’t allow VPNs, you could face consequences such as loss of network access, detention, disciplinary action or confiscation of your device (if it’s school-owned).
Can I Get Twitter Unblocked Without a VPN?
Yes, you can unblock Twitter at school or in a restrictive country without using a VPN. Alternative methods include using a different network, a proxy server or smart DNS. However, none of these techniques are as reliable or safe as using a VPN.
- Use a different network: If your school or organization blocks Twitter on its network, switching to a different network, such as your phone’s mobile data, can save the day. However, you could be left with a hefty data bill.
- Use a proxy server: A proxy server routes your traffic through another server, making restrictive networks think you’re connecting to a different website than Twitter. However, a proxy is not as safe as a VPN because it doesn’t provide encryption.
- Use smart DNS: Smart DNS reroutes your DNS requests, wiping your location data and allowing you to access georestricted websites like Twitter. Unfortunately, it doesn’t encrypt your traffic. You can learn more in our article on smart DNS.
- Use Tor Browser: Tor Browser sends your traffic through multiple volunteer devices, or “nodes,” allowing anonymous browsing and access to Twitter. However, it doesn’t include end-to-end encryption, so your data may be exposed when it exits the network. You may also experience very slow speeds due to traffic passing through several nodes.
At a Glance: The 3 Best X/Twitter VPN Services
NordVPN is the best VPN for Twitter, thanks to its server network in 126 countries, fast speeds and solid security. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also secure VPNs with massive server networks.
| Provider: | Price (2-Year Plan) | Unblocks Twitter | Servers | Security | No-Logs Policy | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3.09 per month (two-year plan + three months) | 126 countries | AES-256, ChaCha20 | 30 days | ||
 | $1.99 per month (two-year plan + three months) | 100 countries | AES-256, ChaCha20 | 30 days | ||
 | $3.49 per month (two-year plan + four months) | 108 countries | AES-256 ChaCha20 | 30 days |
The Best X/Twitter VPNs
In this section, I’ll highlight the standout features of my top VPN picks for Twitter, starting with NordVPN. All of them have AES-256 encryption, multiple secure protocols, a strict no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
1. NordVPN — The Best Twitter VPN With a Large Server Network
NordVPN is the most reliable choice for unblocking Twitter. It provides servers in 126 countries, leaving you spoiled for choice when you want to change your virtual location. I’ve used NordVPN for the last eight years and have found its connections to be seamless and fast.
I recommend NordVPN if you want to access Twitter in countries with strict censorship. Its NordWhisper protocol obfuscates your traffic, making it seem like regular internet traffic. This makes it difficult for network filters to detect and block your traffic. You can learn more about NordVPN in our NordVPN review.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
- 10
2. Surfshark — An Affordable VPN for Twitter
Surfshark is a smart VPN pick if you’re on a budget. Its long-term plans offer some of the most affordable rates in the VPN industry — and you get access to more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. I tried its New York, Sydney, Israel and London servers to unblock Twitter, and they all gave me access without any issues.
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its camouflage mode, which excels at obfuscating your traffic. You can also switch to NoBorders mode to access servers that work best under specific network restrictions. You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want, thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. Learn more in our Surfshark review.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
3. ExpressVPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN for Twitter
ExpressVPN is worth considering if you’re new to VPNs. Its apps are simple to install and easy to navigate. With servers in 108 countries, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of locations to connect to. I tested its servers in Atlanta, Nuremberg and Perth and attempted to access Twitter; ExpressVPN unblocked Twitter every time.
Unlike most VPNs, ExpressVPN has built-in obfuscation on all its servers. This feature makes it a great option if you’re browsing Twitter in restrictive countries. Another feature I loved about ExpressVPN is its beginner-friendly apps. They’re clutter-free, and all the important settings are easy to find. Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
1-year plan + 3 months, 2-year plan + 4 months
- Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 12
- Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 14
What’s the Best Free VPN for Twitter?
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN for unblocking Twitter, with access to servers in 10 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, the U.K. and the U.S. I tried them out and they all unblocked Twitter without any hassle.
PrivadoVPN offers unlimited free data, but only 10GB of high-speed data each month, which could be enough for occasional Twitter use. After 10GB of data, PrivadoVPN reduces your speeds, slowing down your Twitter experience. Even though it’s free, PrivadoVPN uses secure protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard. Learn more about the service in our PrivadoVPN review.
Our Methodology: How We Tested the Top VPNs for Twitter/X
The best VPNs for Twitter must have servers that unblock Twitter, solid security and privacy features, and fast download and upload speeds, and they should offer good value for money. I checked the VPNs on this list by running a series of hands-on tests.
- Unblocking ability: I connected to multiple servers in each VPN app and attempted to open Twitter. I took note of the VPNs that consistently allowed me to access Twitter in locations where the platform is available.
- Security and privacy: The best Twitter VPNs must encrypt traffic using AES-256 encryption, have a kill switch to prevent data leaks and abide by a strict no-logs policy. Obfuscation, which hides your VPN activity, is especially useful for accessing streaming services and blocked sites like X in restrictive countries.
- Speed and performance: The best VPNs have a negligible impact on your internet speeds. I tested these VPNs by reviewing their download and upload speeds and ping. Some of the VPNs are part of our automated speed tests, but I ran manual tests for the others. I also took note of how the VPNs fared as I browsed through the Twitter website.
- Ease of use: The VPNs on this list are clutter-free, have an obvious connect button and include an intuitive server search bar. In addition, their settings tabs are well organized and often include descriptions, making them ideal for beginners.
- Value for money: I chose VPNs that offer reasonable short-term and long-term prices. All of them have large discounts on long-term plans and include free months. They also have 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them risk-free.
Final Thoughts: Twitter Blocked
Twitter is often blocked in schools and workplaces, and in some countries like China and Russia. A VPN is a smart workaround, changing your virtual location to bypass firewalls and unblock Twitter. NordVPN is the best pick to unblock Twitter because of its reliable servers in 126 countries and solid security. Try the VPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
What’s your favorite way to use Twitter? Have you ever struggled to access or unblock the Twitter website or other social media platforms in any country? Which VPNs have been your go-to for bypassing geoblocks? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comment section below. As always, thank you for reading this article.
FAQ: Access Twitter from Anywhere
Connect to a VPN server to change your virtual location and bypass any Twitter restrictions that your school network administrator has established.
No, Twitter isn’t removing NSFW. On the contrary, Twitter is allowing it under clear labeling and safeguards.
Yes, NordVPN works well for Twitter. It has servers in more than 126 countries, fast speeds and strong security features.
If Twitter is banned in your country, use a VPN to change your virtual location to another country where it works. NordVPN is the best option for unblocking Twitter.