Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services such as Skype, Facebook Video, and Zoom allow people from all over the world to connect over video calls. Instead of flying employees out to various parts of the world for one-off meetings, many businesses are now conducting meetings using VOIP software.
Unfortunately, many VOIP services such as Zoom are banned in various parts of the world and that includes Iran. This is frustrating for many people living in Iran, as Zoom is fast becoming the teleconferencing app of choice for both businesses and individuals.
Thankfully, we have a solution. In this article, we’ll explain how using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to access Zoom and any other VOIP services that are banned in your country.
What is a VPN?
A VPN routes your internet connection through a private, encrypted network rather than the network your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is providing. Put simply: a VPN makes it look like your computer is connected to the internet from a different location.
As VPNs allow you to choose which network you’d like to connect to, you can choose from servers in different locations all over the world. This number of servers and locations you’re able to access will vary depending on your provider, though.
And bear in mind that the more servers you have access to, the less trouble you’ll have bypassing geo-filters.
Changing your server location will allow you to bypass any geo-restrictions in your country. This makes it possible to access banned or blocked websites, as well as access content that’s unique to certain countries.
VPNs also protect your online identity by encrypting the data that’s transferred, making it even more difficult for your ISP to ever find out you’re using a VPN. But you shouldn’t have any reason to worry in the first place: VPNs aren’t illegal in Iran, although people can technically only use one that’s registered and approved by the Government.
How to Unblock Zoom Using a VPN
Understanding how a VPN works might be difficult for some people but using one is a relatively straightforward process. One of the first things you’ll need to do is make sure your router is VPN compatible, as the software won’t work on older router models.
Alternatively, you can choose a VPN router, which provides all of the safety and security benefits of a VPN service directly through your router.
Many of the most popular VPN clients, such as NordVPN and TorGuard VPN offer routers that are pre-configured with their own software.
All you’ll need to do is buy the router, set it up following the steps that are provided, and then connect your devices to it. Alternatively, if you already have a VPN compatible router and simply need to connect it with a VPN, just follow the steps below.
- Decide which VPN provider you wish to use. There are hundreds of different VPNs to choose from, each with their own unique subscription packages and benefits. If you need an extra hand making your decision, we’ve covered the best VPNs for bypassing geo-restricted services such as Zoom further down.
- Once you’ve chosen your VPN provider, you’ll need to connect it to your router. Depending on which router you have, these steps may vary, but this is the most common method that can be applied to most routers.
- Log into your router by entering its IP address into your router. If you’ve lost this or don’t know your router’s IP address, you’ll be able to access it in your computer’s Network and Internet settings by searching for your IPv4 Default Gateway. If you’re using a Mac computer, enter your network settings, click ‘advanced’, and select the TCP/IP bar at the top of the window. You’ll see the address you need listed next to ‘router’.
- Once you’ve logged into your router, you’ll need to update the information that’s in there with the information provided by your VPN. Consult your provider for specific instructions, but this is usually your username, password, and VPN server IP address. Save any changes you’ve made once you’ve inputted this information.
- Your router will now be connected to your VPN. To change your location and accept Zoom, simply log in and change your country location. Just remember to make sure the country you’ve chosen actually supports Zoom. We’d recommend servers in the United States.
Best VPNs for Bypassing Geo-restrictions
We’d recommend using a trusted VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. If this is your first time using one, we’d also suggest picking a provider that offers excellent customer service support – just in case you ever need the help.
Here are our top three VPNs for bypassing geo-restrictions.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers everything you could possibly need to access websites and services that are blocked in your country.
If you’re worried that using a VPN could somehow be traced back to you, ExpressVPN operates with a strict no-log policy, which means the company doesn’t collect or log any information that’s transferred through its network. This includes browsing history, IP address logs and session durations.
ExpressVPN offers all new customers a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll be able to access thousands of servers across 94 countries, complete with unlimited speeds and a full compatibility with Mac, Windows, Android and Linux devices.
Prices start from $8.32 a month and with that, you can feel assured knowing any data and information you’re transferring is fully protected. ExpressVPN is the perfect choice for those seeking a VPN that truly cares about the online protection of its users.
With one of the largest selections of servers on the market, you’ll be able to bypass a variety of geo-restricted websites.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another impressive VPN client that offers access to more than 4000 servers over the world. You’ll never struggle to access a reliable server, allowing you to bypass even the strictest of geo-restrictions.
Whether you’re accessing the app on your Mac, Windows, Android or Linux device, changing your country location couldn’t be any simpler thanks to its user-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface.
Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN also operates with a no-log policy, so you can feel assured all of the information you’re processing over your private network is safe and secure. It’s much cheaper too. An online subscription to NordVPN starts from as little as $2.99 a month.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and digital censorship by accessing nearly 6000 server locations in over 89 countries. All of these servers offer fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of your video calls being compromised when you finally start using Zoom.
As well as being able to access an impressive number of server locations, CyberGhost allows you to protect up to seven devices simultaneously.
You’ll never have to worry about your security either. It uses military-grade encryption to protect your information and operates with a no-log policy. And, just like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it’s supported on Mac, Windows, Android, and Linux devices.
Prices start from just $2.75 for a monthly subscription and if for some reason you’re not completely satisfied, CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Goodbye Geo-Restrictions
Once you’ve started using your VPN and bypassing geo-restrictions, it’s easy to wonder how you ever managed without one. Using a VPN is one of the safest and most straightforward ways of accessing websites and services that are blocked in your country.
Now that you’re using a VPN, it’s up to you where to turn down or accept any Zoom meeting requests that your boss sends you.