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What works in Azerbaijan
Check what will work on holiday. Every fact with its source and date.
Checked 12.11.2026
Azerbaijan⚠️ Some limitsMessengers and Google work, but since 12 October 2026 Instagram, TikTok and X are unavailable because of protests, and news sites have been blocked for a long time. Social media was already restricted during military events (2020, 2022, 2023).
- ⛔Other Independent news sites are blocked (for example Anaxeber.info since 02.2025, OC Media since 06.2026); since 07.2026 sites can be blocked without a court orderSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · verified
- ⚠️Instagram Unavailable on several providers since 12.10.2026 (protests; confirmed by NetBlocks on 13.10). Whether the block was lifted is not checked as of 12.11Source: techradar.com, 13.10.2026 · according to techradar.com, 13.10.2026
- ⚠️TikTok Unavailable on several providers since 12.10.2026 (protests; confirmed by NetBlocks on 13.10). Whether the block was lifted is not checked as of 12.11Source: techradar.com, 13.10.2026 · according to techradar.com, 13.10.2026
- ⚠️X (Twitter) Unavailable on several providers since 12.10.2026 (protests; confirmed by NetBlocks on 13.10). Whether the block was lifted is not checked as of 12.11Source: techradar.com, 13.10.2026 · according to techradar.com, 13.10.2026
- ❔VPN No data found on VPN legality or blocking of VPN servicesSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · not verified
✅ 10 more work
- ✅WhatsApp calls Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅FaceTime Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Work now; during the 2020 war WhatsApp was blocked for over a monthSource: az-netwatch.org, 2020 · according to az-netwatch.org, 2020
- ✅Telegram calls Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Viber calls Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Signal Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Facebook Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅YouTube Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Google (Search, Gmail, Maps) Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Streaming Usually worksSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
Getting round via a roaming eSIM: We found no reliable source that a roaming eSIM bypasses local blocks
Happened before
- 27.09.2020: War: Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Zoom, Skype blocked, internet slowed down (NetBlocks) · source
- 09..2.2022: TikTok blocked for about 2 months during clashes · source
- 19.09.2023: TikTok blocked during the operation in Karabakh · source
- 01.2025: Internet slowdown in Imishli during a protest · source
- 12.10.2026: Instagram, TikTok, X unavailable on several providers (NetBlocks, according to Proton VPN and AZ NetWatch) · source
What to do
- During protests, elections or exams the internet or some services have been cut here (27.09.2020, 09..2.2022, 19.09.2023, 01.2025, 12.10.2026). It usually affects a tourist for a day or two.
- Install and sign in to the apps you need at home: WhatsApp, Telegram, Privat24, monobank, Diia, Maps. Some app stores and sites may not open in the country.
- Keep your Ukrainian SIM in the phone with roaming on: bank SMS come to it. Switch data to the eSIM and turn off «Data roaming» on the Ukrainian SIM.
- About Tutu eSIM, honestly: Tutu eSIM is data only, without a number. Normal calls and SMS go through your Ukrainian SIM at roaming rates. So where calls in messengers are blocked, the eSIM alone won't open them.
Do WhatsApp calls work in Azerbaijan?
Usually works
Does FaceTime work?
Usually works
Is a VPN legal?
No data found on VPN legality or blocking of VPN services
Do Privat24 and monobank work?
Yes, mostly. Banks confirm log-ins by SMS or push to the «financial» number, so keep the Ukrainian SIM in the phone.
