Twitter has been going through a tricky few months since it was bought out by Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk.

Which is perhaps why the launch of a new social media service that has been dubbed the “Twitter Killer” could not be better timed.

Threads is the latest project to come out of the Meta (Facebook) stable as Mark Zuckerberg’s company seems to be moving away from its obsession with the Metaverse and back into the real world.

Threads is linked to Instagram and is closely modelled on what Twitter does, albeit without some of the more advanced features. It is also currently only available in a select group of countries right now too.

However, with more than 30 million people already signing up, that means that an awful lot of people around the world are potentially missing out on signing up for their Threads handle and getting a feel for this exciting new site for themselves.

We don’t think this is fair, which is why we have been working around the clock to find solutions that will allow people all around the world to access Threads, not just those that Mark Zuckerberg wants on board.

If you want to know how just keep on reading.

Understanding Geo-Blocking

Threads is restricting early access to the new app and site using a technique known as geo-blocking.

Geo-blocking works by looking at the IP Address of individual users. This tells websites and apps where users are located and lets them pick and choose which to allow on their site.

Everyone outside the select group of countries that Threads has launched in are currently being geo-blocked. They will be seeing a message explaining that Threads is not available in their region yet and to come back later.

Alternatively they won’t be able to locate the app in their regional app store.

The Solution: Using a VPN

The best way around geo-blocking is to use a VPN app.

A VPN is a simple privacy and security app that works by encrypting your data and redirecting it through an external server.

These servers can be located anywhere, and when you connect, they change your IP Address to one in the country where the VPN’s server is located.

So, by connecting to a VPN server in locations where Threads is available, it is possible to unblock Threads, log in, and create new handles from anywhere in the world.

This includes countries where the app isn’t currently available.

Step-By-Step Guide to Unblock Threads using a VPN

So, how do you use a VPN to unblock Threads where you are? It’s a lot simpler than you might think. To help, here is a simple step-by-step guide for you to follow:

1. Select a VPN

You need to choose a VPN that offers servers in the countries where Threads is available, and which offers all the key security and privacy features expected of a premium VPN.

After 10 years of testing VPN apps, we recommend ExpressVPN. It’s beginner-friendly and quick to set up, it also has extremely fast connection speeds and there’s a handy 30-day money back guarantee.

Couple it with their offer of saving 49% off their 12-month package and them throwing in 3 months for free on top and we think it’s a winner.

Two other alternatives to check out are NordVPN and Surfshark.

2. Sign up and Install VPN

Once you have chosen your VPN, sign up to your preferred package then download and install the VPN app onto your device. Be sure to always do this from either your official app store or the VPN’s official website for security reasons.

3. Set up your new VPN

Open your VPN app, log into your account and then connect to a VPN server located in a Threads-friendly country.

4. Access Threads with a VPN

Once your VPN has connected, download and log in to Threads in the usual way and you will be able to set up and use the site as normal, regardless of where in the world you are actually located.

Availability of Threads: A Global Perspective

You might be wondering where exactly Threads is currently available and which countries cannot currently access the site.

Well, Threads is currently available in 100 countries around the world, a not-insubstantial list that includes:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Australia
5. India
6. Brazil

However, there are some notable countries where Threads is not currently available including:

1. France
2. Germany
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Portugal
6. Greece

The reason is that Meta has decided that it is not currently able to make Threads forward compatible with the European Union’s hugely complicated legal and regulatory requirements at this stage.

They hope to launch there in the future but will not do so unless they can be sure they can comply fully with EU law.

Other countries where Threads cannot be accessed include the usual authoritarian regimes like Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and Iran.

Comparing VPN Services

The last thing you are probably wondering is which VPN should you use to unblock and use Threads where you are. We’ve given you a brief selection earlier in the article but let’s take a more in-depth look.

We have been testing all the main VPNs for over ten years now and here’s our rundown of the top three options for use with Threads.

1. ExpressVPN

In my experience, using ExpressVPN in combination with the Threads app has delivered outstanding results. As the Editor’s Pick for the best overall VPNs, ExpressVPN certainly lives up to its reputation, providing everything a Threads user could need from a VPN service, and more.

When I tried ExpressVPN, I found that it has a substantial number of servers situated in all major countries where Threads is accessible.

This allowed me to select the optimal server based on my location, thereby ensuring the best possible connectivity and performance with Threads.

One of my favorite aspects of ExpressVPN is its firm commitment to security and privacy. The apps, compatible with all common devices, come equipped with robust privacy protections and a variety of security features.

This ensured that my data and true location remained hidden while I used Threads, offering a secure and anonymous browsing experience.

The speed and reliability of ExpressVPN’s connection impressed me greatly. These factors contributed to a smooth, uninterrupted experience while using Threads, eliminating potential connectivity issues.

Additionally, ExpressVPN offers exemplary customer service, which I found to be both responsive and helpful. The competitive pricing of their annual package, coupled with a 30-day money-back guarantee, offers tremendous value for money.

In conclusion, in my experience, ExpressVPN has proven to be the best VPN to unblock and access Threads from anywhere, making it a must-try for all Threads users.

Our #1 Recommended VPN for Threads

30-day money back guarantee

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a highly recommended VPN provider for use with the app Threads, due to its expansive network of servers worldwide, capable of unblocking the app in various locations.

The superior NordVPN apps, accessible across a vast array of devices, complement Threads excellently. They offer numerous additional security features, ensuring that your Threads interaction remains safe and private.

Another noteworthy advantage is the speed and reliability of the connection provided by NordVPN, which results in smooth and uninterrupted usage of Threads.

What sets NordVPN apart is its affordability, considering the premium services it offers.

Furthermore, the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support bolster the user experience, making NordVPN a wise choice for enhancing your Threads experience.

3. Surfshark VPN

Based on my personal experience, Surfshark VPN, although relatively new in the market, is an excellent choice for Threads users.

When I tried Surfshark VPN, I noticed that it maintains a solid server network, particularly well-established in countries where Threads is widely used. This makes it ideal for accessing Threads effectively, regardless of your geographical location.

In terms of connection speeds and security protections, Surfshark VPN is as good as it gets. While using Threads, I found that the high-speed connections provided by Surfshark VPN ensured a seamless user experience.

My favourite part of using Surfshark VPN was the array of bonus features it offers, providing a unique and enjoyable user experience. However, it’s worth noting that Surfshark VPN does collect a bit more user data than I would typically prefer, although this did not impede my overall experience.

Despite this, Surfshark VPN prices are competitive, making it a cost-effective solution for enhancing your Threads experience. Furthermore, the quality of customer service was commendable, making my interaction with the service more pleasant.

In summary, my experience with Surfshark VPN has been positive, especially in relation to its use with Threads.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Whether Threads is the ‘Twitter Killer’ it claims to be remains to be seen, but it’s already got millions of users signed up, and we have certainly enjoyed playing with it.

If you want to try it now, you need a VPN if you are in the European Union or any of the other countries where Threads is not currently available. It is also advisable for users everywhere to use a VPN for privacy and security reasons anyway.

If you’re interested in using Threads now then try ExpressVPN or one of the other providers out today and see what Threads has to offer?

You might be surprised at how busy it already is out there.