How to Block Calls in Messaging Apps and How to Stay Connected

Russia recently imposed restrictions on calls made through popular messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp and FaceTime. Let's take a look at how governments can block voice calls and how to get around these restrictions so you can always stay connected.

How Call Blocking Works in Messaging Apps

In many countries, intelligence agencies use cutting-edge technology to monitor Internet traffic. One of the key technologies is— Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), or deep packet inspection. This system allows you to analyze data transmitted over a network and identify its type based on characteristic features.

How does this happen?

Many messaging apps use standard network protocols, such as SIP, to establish voice calls. DPI can block such protocols entirely or target servers belonging to the messaging app. The list of these servers is limited and can be updated in real time.

However, modern messaging apps have learned to bypass simple blocks, and monitoring technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Now, DPI analyzes not only protocols or servers, but also the “behavior” of traffic. Voice traffic (VoIP) is easy to distinguish from text messages: it consists of a continuous stream of small data packets with roughly equal volumes of incoming and outgoing information.

Even if the traffic is encrypted, DPI can recognize this pattern and block the call without having access to the content of the conversation.

In August 2020, DPI systems from the Canadian company Sandvine (whose contract was terminated on September 16, 2020) were actively used in Belarus. These systems made it possible to block even encrypted connections, including HTTPS traffic, if they led to “undesirable” resources, or to completely shut down certain types of traffic. The technical capability to block VoIP calls in the country already exists, although such restrictions on calls via messaging apps have not yet been implemented.

How to Bypass Blocking

At the moment, calls via messaging apps are not restricted in Belarus, but the situation could change at any time. To be prepared, it’s important to have a plan in place and learn how to use tools to bypass blocks. Here are a few solutions—ranging from simple to more complex.

1. Use alternative messaging apps and platforms

If one messaging app is blocked, Try other apps. For example:

• Element/Matrix is a decentralized, open-source platform.
• Zoom, Google Meet, Jitsi Meet, Jami, Cisco Webex, and Microsoft Teams are popular video calling services.

Choose trusted platforms, as marketing claims of anonymity and security don't always match reality. Check out reviews and comparisons of messaging apps to choose a reliable option.

2. Connect to the VPN

VPN services are one of the most effective ways to bypass blocks. They encrypt your traffic and reroute it through servers in other countries, hiding your activity from your internet service provider. Some paid VPNs offer traffic obfuscation features, which help bypass even sophisticated DPI systems. Free options, such as Psiphon, Tachyon or Lantern, can also be useful, but their capabilities are limited.

3. Set up your own VPN

For added security, you can set up your own VPN server, for example, using Outline or Amnezia. A server like this, deployed on an inexpensive hosting plan, works perfectly even under strict blocking measures, allowing users to access blocked websites and resources.

4. Use Tor

Browser Tor ensures anonymity and allows you to bypass blocks. If access to the Tor website is blocked, please email [email protected], specifying your operating system to get instructions. You can also configure Tor as a proxy through the app Orbot on iOS and Android, or using special guides for Windows and Mac.

5. Proxy Servers

Proxies are another way to bypass restrictions. Use only trusted ones HTTPS or SOCKS5-proxies, since HTTP proxies do not encrypt traffic and may not be secure. Telegram supports built-in MTProto proxy, and WhatsApp recently added a similar feature. You can connect to trusted proxies or set up your own—for example, through the official WhatsApp repository, which lets you quickly configure a proxy for the messaging app.

Important: Avoid questionable proxies from public lists on the internet. Even HTTPS/SOCKS5 proxies may log your connections, so only trust verified sources.

Here are guides on how to manually connect to a proxy at Windows, Android, iOS and Mac.

Telegram has a built-in connection feature by default (here There's a guide for MTProto Proxy; WhatsApp also added this feature relatively recently (guide here). It's better to connect to a trusted proxy or set up your own, because even though an HTTPS/SOCKS5 proxy server can't read messages, it can log connections.

Be prepared in advance

The key to success is preparation. Learn how to bypass restrictions before you need to. Stay up to date on news from Doberman Media and the IT community, and be sure to Subscribe to our email newsletter — In the event of restrictions, they will quickly offer practical solutions. Make sure you have alternative communication channels so you can stay in touch with your loved ones and stay informed.