how to visit blocked sites without vpn

5 Ways to Bypass Blocked Sites Without Using Proxies or VPNs

You're at work or school, but want to view a blocked website. Here are several methods you can try—no proxy or VPN needed.

Picture the scene. You're at work or school, and in your downtime, you want to peruse a website. Maybe you want to check your social media feeds or need to watch YouTube for research purposes... but it's blocked.

You could use a proxy service or VPN, but proxies might be blocked too, and VPNs require additional effort (and payment in some instances). So how can you open banned sites without a VPN or proxy? Is there a way to access restricted sites and bypass Wi-Fi firewalls at school, college, and work?

Sites are blocked for a reason: in schools, for instance, it's likely for safeguarding, i.e. protecting students from harmful content. We don't endorse anyone getting round such blocks put in place for good reason; however, in some cases, material can be banned accidentally by overzealous filters or you might need access for research.

1. How to Access Banned Websites Using Short Links Without a Proxy

This is a hugely popular method because it works in most cases. However, that also means administrators are getting wise to it. Still, it should definitely be your first port of call.

Shortened URLs became prominent due to Twitter: back when addresses counted towards the character limit, using short links was a way of condensing a tweet. It's incredibly easy to do. You just copy a URL into a service like Bitly or TinyURL , and it'll give you something like:

Insert it into the address bar, and you should be redirected to where you want to go, bypassing any blocks that might be in place—fingers crossed.

2. Access Restricted Sites Using an IP Address

This way is somewhat comparable to going through shortened links. Though website URLs are blocked, IP addresses might not be.

A URL is a domain name, an IP address translated into words. So while you can see the MUO domain name at the top of this page, the IP address is 54.157.137.27.

How do you find the IP address of a restricted website? In the Windows search bar, search for "Command Prompt." Then type in "tracert" and the desired domain name, and then click Enter . The IP address should appear, and you can copy this into the search bar of your browser.

Most browsers default to HTTPS, so you'll likely see a warning that your connection is not private . If you're sure you want to proceed, you can continue regardless.

3. How to Use Translation Services to Access Blocked Sites

You're probably familiar with services like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator. Many search engines and browsers offer translation options . Their standard offering is changing one language into another, so you can convert any sentence from English to Japanese, Urdu, French, etc., and back again.

It also translates whole websites—whether you actually need them translated or not. And that's why it's helpful here too.

Visit your chosen translation service. Whatever the site, follow the instructions and type the URL into the text box. For Google Translate, for example, you'll need to change the tab to Websites as it defaults to "Text". Now, click on the link in the translation output. You'll be redirected to it, but chances are that the blocks used otherwise will miss the page as it'll appear under a different address. It will look something like:

It's not perfect. It'll struggle with video streaming, adverts, and social media sites, for example, and responsive pages won't be as smooth as they're intended to be. Still, if it's an article you need to read for research reasons, it's ideal.

And anything you access within the translation window should also bypass your browser's restrictions!

4. Convert Pages to PDF to Access Blocked Websites

You'll generally need to sign up for this method to work. However, it's worth it, not just for reading censored pages but also for creating content that's easy to share and a pleasure to read.

There are plenty of services available online which will convert websites and more into PDFs : you just have to choose whether you want to pay for it or not.

Take Five Filters' PDF Newspaper for instance, a free PHP app that transforms articles into, effectively, a personal publication. You can read output from all your favorite sites in printable A4 or A5 sheets that are more aesthetically pleasing than RSS feeds.

You could use it to bypass blocks because Five Filters does the work of scouring a webpage for you.

It's useless for YouTube, Twitter, and viewing embedded content, but don't knock it until you've tried it. Of course, you'll need to know the exact addresses for articles, as you can't peruse a site. A simple Google search should help you with that; that is, if you know the webpage name. You could combine this technique with another method of bypassing restrictions to fully explore what you want to.

Further alternatives include PDFMyURL , ToPDF.org , and WebToPDF (which lets you view the results in your browser or via email).

5. Tether to Your Phone to Unblock Restricted Sites

You want to view a blocked site. You don't want to bypass using a proxy or VPN. You're clearly a rebel who doesn't play by anyone's rules but your own. In such a case, you won't have any grievances about using your phone when you possibly shouldn't.

The idea here is that you use the internet via tethering your smartphone , so yes, you'll need a top quality data plan to do this. It's not worth it if you just want to read something from a censored site, but if you want to watch YouTube and nothing else is working, this should work... though it's likely to be slow.

Go to Settings . From there, the method will vary slightly depending on your operating system.

On iOS, just turn on Personal Hotspot and note the password. It'll give you the option of connecting through Wi-Fi, USB (if you were really prepared!), or Bluetooth. From there, follow the instructions in that section. To tether Android devices , you'll need to go to Network & internet and then Hotspot & tethering .

This should really only be in emergencies, however, as you risk substantial bills if you go over your data usage limits. And be aware that your organization's IT department might have blocked connection to new Wi-Fi networks.

How to Bypass Firewalls and Blocks Without a Proxy or VPN

Whether you want to access banned adult sites, visit restricted pages for research, or watch a YouTube video in college, it is possible to open restricted content without a VPN or proxy.

Not everyone has the knowledge to effectively use VPNs or proxy sites, but using these techniques, you should be more than capable of bypassing any blocks you encounter without jumping through too many hoops.

How To Access Blocked Websites At School Without VPN

• How-To Guides
• Online Safety

Introduction

As a student, you may have encountered the frustration of trying to access certain websites at school only to find them blocked. Whether it’s social media platforms, streaming sites, or online gaming portals, school administrators often restrict access to these websites to maintain focus on academic activities. While these restrictions have their reasons, it can be frustrating when you need to access blocked websites for research or personal use.

Fortunately, there are methods to bypass these restrictions and access blocked websites at school without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs are commonly used to encrypt internet traffic and disguise the user’s location, but they may not always be available or allowed on school networks. In this article, we will explore alternative methods to access blocked websites that are practical and effective.

It is important to note, however, that attempting to bypass school website restrictions may have consequences. Always respect your school’s policies and guidelines regarding internet usage. Use these methods responsibly and for legitimate reasons.

In the following sections, we will discuss the risks and consequences of accessing blocked websites, as well as various methods that can be employed to bypass website blocking without VPNs. Keep reading to discover these effective techniques and regain access to your favorite websites at school.

Understanding Website Blocking at School

Website blocking at schools is a practice implemented by educational institutions to regulate internet usage among students. The goal is to create a controlled online environment that fosters academic focus and prevents students from accessing potentially inappropriate or distracting content. By blocking specific websites, schools aim to ensure that students are using the internet responsibly and for educational purposes.

There are several methods that schools use to block websites. One common approach is to employ content filtering software or firewalls that restrict access to specific URLs or website categories. These filters are typically set up by network administrators and can be configured to target social media platforms, entertainment websites, or any other websites deemed unnecessary or inappropriate for educational settings.

In addition to content filtering, schools may also rely on whitelisting or blacklisting certain websites. Whitelisting allows only selected websites to be accessed, while blacklisting denies access to specific websites. By utilizing these methods, schools can exert control over the websites that students are permitted to visit during their time at school.

Website blocking at school can have both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it helps maintain a focused learning environment and reduces distractions for students. It can prevent access to harmful or potentially inappropriate content that could be detrimental to students’ well-being. On the other hand, it may limit students’ access to valuable educational resources and hinder their ability to conduct research effectively.

It’s important to understand that website blocking at school is not solely motivated by control or restriction. Educational institutions have a responsibility to protect students from online threats, ensure their safety, and encourage a responsible use of technology. However, students may occasionally find the need to access blocked websites for legitimate reasons. In the next section, we will explore the potential risks and consequences of attempting to bypass these website restrictions.

The Risks and Consequences of Accessing Blocked Websites

While accessing blocked websites at school may seem like a tempting solution to bypass restrictions, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and consequences involved. By attempting to access blocked websites, students may face disciplinary actions, loss of privileges, or even legal ramifications.

One of the primary risks of accessing blocked websites is the violation of school policies or guidelines. Most educational institutions have clear rules regarding internet usage, and circumventing website blocking is often considered a breach of these policies. Students caught attempting to bypass restrictions may face consequences such as detention, suspension, or even expulsion.

Furthermore, attempting to access blocked websites may also lead to the loss of internet privileges at school. Network administrators closely monitor internet usage and can impose temporary or permanent restrictions on students who violate the rules. Losing access to the internet can severely impact your ability to complete assignments, conduct research, or access educational resources.

In some cases, the consequences of accessing blocked websites can extend beyond the school environment. Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the blocked content, students may inadvertently violate local laws or regulations. For example, attempting to access websites with explicit or illegal content can have serious legal implications, including fines or even criminal charges.

It is important to consider the potential risks and consequences before attempting to bypass website restrictions. While the desire to access blocked websites may be understandable, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential negative repercussions.

Fortunately, there are alternative methods that can allow access to blocked websites without resorting to risky behavior. In the next sections, we will explore these methods and provide guidance on how to responsibly and safely access blocked websites at school.

Methods to Access Blocked Websites Without Using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to use a VPN to access blocked websites at school, don’t worry. There are alternative methods that can help you bypass these restrictions and regain access to the websites you need. Here are several effective methods to consider:

1. Using Proxy Servers: A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the blocked website. It allows you to access blocked websites by redirecting your internet traffic through a different server. There are many free proxy servers available online that can help you bypass website restrictions. Simply search for a reliable proxy server, enter the URL of the blocked website, and the proxy server will fetch the content for you.

2. Utilizing Tor Browser: Tor Browser is a secure web browser that can be used to access blocked websites without a VPN. It works by routing your internet connection through a network of volunteer-operated servers, making it difficult to trace your online activity. Tor Browser allows you to access blocked websites anonymously, providing a safe and private browsing experience.

3. Employing Web-based Proxies: Similar to proxy servers, web-based proxies allow you to access blocked websites by entering the URL into the proxy website. These proxies work directly from your web browser without requiring any additional software or configuration. However, keep in mind that some web-based proxies may have limitations in terms of speed and reliability, so it’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider.

4. Accessing Websites via Mobile Data: If your school’s website restrictions only apply to the Wi-Fi network, you can try accessing blocked websites using your mobile data. Simply switch off the Wi-Fi on your device and use your cellular network to browse the internet. This method can be useful if your mobile data plan allows for unrestricted access to websites that might be blocked on the school network.

5. Using DNS Servers: DNS (Domain Name System) servers can be used to unblock certain websites by bypassing the DNS filtering set up by your school. You can change your device’s DNS settings to use public DNS servers that may not have the same restrictions as the school’s DNS. There are several popular public DNS servers available, such as Google DNS and OpenDNS, which can help you access blocked websites.

These methods offer viable alternatives to bypass website restrictions without relying on a VPN. However, it is important to use them responsibly and for legitimate purposes. Always consider the potential consequences and follow your school’s guidelines when accessing blocked websites.

Using Proxy Servers

One effective method to access blocked websites without using a VPN is to utilize proxy servers. A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the website you want to visit. It allows you to bypass website restrictions by redirecting your internet traffic through a different server that is not blocked.

Here’s how you can use proxy servers to access blocked websites at school:

1. Find a Reliable Proxy Server: Start by searching for a reliable proxy server that is accessible from your school’s network. There are numerous free proxy servers available online. Look for reputable providers that offer secure and fast connections.

2. Enter the URL: Once you’ve found a proxy server, access its website and locate the URL or address bar. Enter the URL of the blocked website that you want to visit. The proxy server will then fetch the content of the website and display it for you.

3. Browse the Website: After entering the URL, the proxy server will establish a connection with the blocked website on your behalf. You can now browse the website as if you were directly accessing it. Keep in mind that the browsing experience may be slightly slower due to the additional network hops involved.

Proxy servers work by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you are accessing the website from a different location, thereby bypassing the restrictions in place. This method allows you to access blocked websites without the need for a VPN.

However, it’s important to remember that not all proxy servers are reliable or secure. Exercise caution when using proxy servers, especially free ones, as they may compromise your internet privacy or expose you to malicious content. Stick to reputable proxy server providers with positive user reviews to ensure a safe browsing experience.

Additionally, be aware that proxy servers may not be suitable for accessing websites that require secure connections, such as online banking or shopping platforms. In such cases, it’s best to use the website’s official app or access it through a trusted, secure network.

By utilizing proxy servers, you can bypass website restrictions and gain access to blocked websites at school. Remember to use them responsibly, adhere to your school’s policies, and respect the purpose for which the website blocking is implemented.

Utilizing Tor Browser

If you are unable to use a VPN to access blocked websites at school, another effective method to consider is utilizing the Tor Browser. Tor (The Onion Router) is a secure web browser that allows you to access blocked websites while maintaining your anonymity.

Here’s how you can use Tor Browser to access blocked websites:

1. Download and Install Tor Browser: Start by downloading the Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices. Follow the installation instructions provided by the website to set up the browser on your device.

2. Launch Tor Browser: Once the installation is complete, launch the Tor Browser. Tor employs a network of volunteer-operated servers to redirect your internet traffic, making it difficult to trace your online activity and location.

3. Connect to the Tor Network: When you open Tor Browser, it will automatically connect to the Tor network. This process might take a few moments, as it establishes a connection with multiple servers to ensure your anonymity and security.

4. Access Blocked Websites: With Tor Browser successfully connected to the Tor network, you can now use it to access blocked websites. Simply enter the URL of the website you want to visit into the browser’s address bar, and Tor will route your connection through its network, bypassing the website blocking in place.

One of the key advantages of using Tor Browser is its ability to protect your online privacy and anonymity. It encrypts your internet traffic and prevents it from being easily traced back to your device or location. This added layer of security can be especially useful when accessing blocked websites in a school environment.

However, it’s important to note that Tor browsing can sometimes be slower compared to regular browsing due to the multiple network hops your data goes through. Additionally, some websites may have security measures in place that block access from Tor exit nodes, so you may encounter occasional access issues.

By utilizing the Tor Browser, you can access blocked websites at school without a VPN while maintaining your privacy. Remember to use Tor responsibly, respect your school’s policies, and avoid engaging in any illegal activities while browsing.

Employing Web-based Proxies

If you are looking for an alternative method to access blocked websites without a VPN, employing web-based proxies can be a viable solution. Web-based proxies allow you to bypass website restrictions by accessing blocked websites through a proxy website. These proxies work directly from your web browser without requiring any additional software or configuration.

Here’s how you can use web-based proxies to access blocked websites:

1. Search for Web-based Proxies: Start by searching for reputable web-based proxies that are accessible from your school’s network. There are numerous providers available online that offer proxy services for free. Look for proxies that have positive user reviews and a good track record of reliability.

2. Access the Proxy Website: Once you find a suitable web-based proxy, access its website from your web browser. The proxy website will serve as an intermediary between your device and the blocked website you want to visit.

3. Enter the URL: On the proxy website, you will usually find an input field or an address bar where you can enter the URL of the blocked website you wish to access. Simply type in the URL and click on the appropriate button to proceed.

4. Browse the Website: After entering the URL, the web-based proxy will fetch the content of the blocked website on your behalf and display it in your browser. You can now browse the website as if you were accessing it directly, while the proxy server handles the communication with the blocked website.

Web-based proxies provide a convenient way to bypass website restrictions without the need for additional software installations. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when using free web-based proxies, as some may be unreliable or pose security risks. Stick to reputable providers and avoid entering sensitive information on websites accessed through a proxy.

Keep in mind that web-based proxies may have limitations in terms of speed, reliability, and stability. Additionally, some advanced website blocking measures employed by schools may be able to detect and block proxy websites. If you find that a particular web-based proxy is not working, you can try switching to a different one or explore other methods mentioned in this article.

By employing web-based proxies, you can effectively access blocked websites at school without the need for a VPN. However, always use them responsibly, adhere to your school’s internet usage policies, and respect the purpose for which the website blocking is implemented.

Accessing Websites via Mobile Data

If you find that certain websites are blocked on your school’s Wi-Fi network, a practical solution to access those sites is by utilizing your mobile data. By switching off the Wi-Fi on your device and using your cellular network, you can bypass the website restrictions imposed on the school network and gain access to blocked websites.

Here’s how you can access blocked websites via mobile data:

1. Disable Wi-Fi: Start by disabling the Wi-Fi on your device. This can usually be done by swiping down on your device’s screen to access the quick settings panel, then tapping the Wi-Fi icon to turn it off. Alternatively, you can go to your device’s settings and toggle the Wi-Fi off.

2. Enable Mobile Data: Once the Wi-Fi is disabled, you can enable mobile data on your device. Again, access the quick settings panel or go to your device’s settings and toggle the mobile data option on.

3. Launch Your Web Browser: With mobile data enabled, open your web browser and navigate to the website you want to access. Since you are using your cellular network for internet connectivity, you should be able to bypass any website restrictions imposed on the school Wi-Fi network.

Accessing websites via mobile data can be a straightforward and effective way to overcome website blocking at school. Many schools only restrict access to specific websites on their Wi-Fi network, allowing you to freely browse the internet using your own mobile data plan.

Keep in mind, however, that using your mobile data to access blocked websites may have limitations depending on your data plan and network coverage. Ensure that you have an adequate mobile data plan that allows for unrestricted access to websites, and be mindful of any additional charges that may apply if you exceed your data limit.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the speed and reliability of your mobile data connection. Depending on your location and network congestion, the browsing experience via mobile data may differ from using Wi-Fi. Some websites may load slower due to variations in network performance.

Overall, accessing websites via mobile data provides a viable alternative to bypass website restrictions at school. However, it’s important to follow your school’s guidelines and only use this method for legitimate purposes and during appropriate times.

Using DNS Servers

If you’re looking for a method to access blocked websites without a VPN, using DNS (Domain Name System) servers can be an effective solution. DNS servers convert domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, allowing your device to connect to the desired website. By changing your device’s DNS settings, you can bypass the DNS filtering set up by your school and access blocked websites.

Here’s how you can use DNS servers to access blocked websites:

1. Identify Public DNS Servers: There are several public DNS servers available that may not have the same restrictions as your school’s DNS. Popular options include Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220). Research and select a DNS server that suits your needs.

2. Change DNS Settings: On your device, locate the network settings and find the DNS settings section. It may be under the Wi-Fi or Internet settings, depending on your device. Replace the default DNS server addresses with the addresses of the public DNS server you have chosen.

3. Save and Apply Changes: After entering the new DNS server addresses, save the changes and apply them. Your device will now use the new DNS server to resolve domain names when accessing websites.

By using alternative DNS servers, your device bypasses the DNS filtering set up by your school, allowing you to access blocked websites. It’s important to note that changing DNS settings affects the entire device and all network connections associated with it, so this method may not be suitable if you share the device with others who utilize the school network.

While using alternative DNS servers can be an effective way to access blocked websites, it’s crucial to consider the possible limitations. Some school networks may employ more advanced website blocking methods that cannot be bypassed solely by changing DNS settings. Additionally, the effectiveness of this method may vary depending on the restrictions and network configuration set by your school.

It’s also worth noting that using public DNS servers can impact your browsing experience, as the speed and reliability of these servers may differ from your school’s DNS. It’s advisable to test different DNS servers to find one that provides optimal performance and reliability for your needs.

By utilizing alternative DNS servers, you can potentially bypass website restrictions set up by your school and gain access to blocked websites. However, always use this method responsibly and adhere to your school’s policies regarding internet usage.

Accessing blocked websites at school without a VPN is definitely possible with the right methods and precautions. While schools have website restrictions in place to create a focused learning environment, there are times when accessing certain websites for research or personal use becomes necessary. By employing methods such as using proxy servers, utilizing Tor Browser, employing web-based proxies, accessing websites via mobile data, or using alternative DNS servers, students can successfully bypass these restrictions.

It is important to remember, however, that attempting to access blocked websites may come with risks and consequences. Violating school policies can lead to disciplinary actions or loss of internet privileges. Additionally, engaging in illegal activities or accessing inappropriate content can have more severe legal ramifications. Therefore, it is crucial to use these methods responsibly, respect school guidelines, and only access blocked websites for legitimate purposes.

When utilizing these methods, it is advisable to choose reputable proxy servers or web-based proxies, install Tor Browser from the official website, ensure a reliable mobile data plan, and opt for trusted public DNS servers. By doing so, students can enhance their chances of successfully accessing blocked websites while maintaining their safety and privacy.

It’s also important to remember that website blocking techniques employed by schools may evolve over time. Therefore, staying informed about the latest restrictions and exploring new methods that emerge can be valuable in accessing blocked websites in the future.

Ultimately, while it can be frustrating to encounter website restrictions, understanding the rationale behind them and using alternative methods responsibly can help students navigate these challenges effectively. By utilizing the methods discussed in this article, students can gain access to the information and resources they need while maintaining a respectful and responsible approach to internet usage.

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7 Easiest Ways to Access Blocked Websites

Whether the URL you want to visit is blocked by your ISP or georestricted by site owners, you can remove the restrictions yourself. Maybe you want to help friends who live in countries where they can’t access the sites you take for granted due to government censorship. Alternatively, your favorite VPNs might be blocked by your ISP. With this guide, you can unblock anything you want. We will show you the easiest ways to access blocked websites.

How ISPs Block Websites

1. virtual private network (vpn), 2. mirror sites and alternate urls, 3. free web proxies, 4. the tor project, 5. changed dns settings, 6. ssh tunneling, 7. use the wayback machine, frequently asked questions.

Also read: How to Block Websites on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Android, and iOS

All websites can be blocked by your ISP or government. As an end user, you have no control over it. Censoring a site’s URL is very easy. Because all your web traffic passes through a single port on your network, ISPs only have to introduce a middlebox facing consumer Wi-Fi routers/ MiFi devices . It can easily change the DNS addresses of banned IP addresses. When you try to access those sites on a browser window, all you see is a “Can’t reach this page” error.

How to Access Blocked Websites

Below are different methods you can use to access blocked websites. All are well-known techniques to bypass ISP restrictions and government censorship.

When it comes to accessing location restricted websites, using a virtual private network (VPN) is the first choice for many. A reliable commercial VPN is also the best way to override ISP/government censorship because it uses end-to-end encrypted tunnels leaving no trace of your presence in the network logs.

Some of our top VPN recommendations include ExpressVPN , NordVPN , Mullvad VPN , SurfShark , and Privado .

To access a banned website using a VPN, you first need to download its installer from its official website or an app store. After installation, you can choose an overseas server which helps you access the blocked website. Most commercial VPNs have a “Kill Switch” to suddenly terminate the connection due to Internet issues, thus preventing accidental IP address leakage.

While VPNs are very effective in overriding website restrictions, what can you do if the VPN services are banned by your ISP or government? The following methods might solve the trick.

Also read: How to Copy Text from a Blocked Site in Chrome

If a website is restricted by your ISP, you can regain access to it using its official and unofficial mirror sites, and alternate URLs, if available. Currently, all major VPN providers maintain mirror sites to help you out should the main site be banned. For example, NordVPN can be downloaded from its official site nordvpn.com as well as a mirror site nord-help.com . And once you’re back on a restricted VPN service, there is no stopping you from accessing any site you need.

The only problem with mirror sites is that their links aren’t permanent, and the changes are difficult to keep track of. The best way is to run a simple Google search to find the latest mirror sites for any banned website.

If you’re unable to access YouTube, Vimeo, and other video sites on your network, try using alternate mirror links such as, Safe Share TV , Toogles , ViewPure , and many more. Just enter the desired YouTube URL and you can watch the restricted content easily. The best part is you get to watch these videos without any advertisements or pop-ups.

Also read: 9 Firefox Addons to Protect Your Online Privacy

Using an anonymous web proxy has always been a popular alternative to VPN services. Just like a VPN, it can hide your IP address and encrypt your connection to ensure a high level of privacy. While ISPs block free web proxies from time to time, the new ones will easily show up on Google search.

Among the latest free proxy options, ProxySite and CroxyProxy are extremely reliable websites giving excellent site rendering. Both of them support multiple servers based in US, Canada, Europe, Israel, and other such locations with the least amount of georestriction.

Nothing comes close to the Tor Project when it comes to bypassing censorship. Tor ensures user privacy through its unique onion routing where the traffic data is encrypted and hopped through multiple intermediary nodes. While Tor can be slightly slower, it is a robust technology that will always keep you one step ahead of any censorship or restriction attempts.

If your ISP has blocked the official Tor Project download link , you can easily get past the restriction using alternate Tor downloads hosted at the Electronic Frontier Foundation and The Calyx Institute . You can also download Tor from some of the safest software sources such as Sourceforge or GitHub. The latter maintains many Tor repositories which are safe to use.

The Tor Project is extremely serious about defeating censorship and surveillance. This is evident by one of their email services known as “GetTor”. You only need to send an email to [email protected] specifying your operating system (and your location). For example, “Windows es” (Spain), “Windows IN” (India), “Windows zh_CN” (China/Simplified Chinese language).

If you send your email using Gmail, they respond almost immediately listing one of their available providers and the download links. Supported providers include “Dropbox, Google Drive and GitHub.”

Many VPN providers like Mullvad VPN maintain an active presence in the Deep Web/Dark Web where you can use their Onion addresses to download the VPN software. This means if you just download and install the Tor, you can unblock pretty much any other service using VPN. Accessing VPN and Tor together is easily possible as both services complement each other.

Follow the tips included in this tutorial to learn how to use Tor properly .

Also read: How to See a Password in Your Browser Instead of Dots

As mentioned earlier, ISPs can use their DNS address to impose restrictions on websites and their IP addresses. Such a problem can be overcome by using a public DNS service, and there are many to choose from. You can always find Google’s Public DNS IP addresses using Google search.

• To change the DNS settings on a Windows device, you need to visit the “Control Panel-> Network and Internet-> Network Connections”.
• Right-click on the network you use for Internet access. Select “Properties.”

• Select “Internet Protocol Version TCP/IPv4/IPv6)” as applicable, and double-click on it.
• This will open a new pop-up window where you can change the IP and DNS server addresses.
• Currently, Google’s public DNS server IPv4 addresses are “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4.” respectively. Its IPv6 addresses are “2001:4860:4860::8888” and “2001:4860:4860::8844” respectively. Enter the details in the column for “Use the following DNS server addresses.” Always double-check to ensure you’re using the current DNS server address.
• Once you change your DNS server from your ISP to Google’s Public DNS, it will help you overcome any websites restriction.

Google isn’t the only one in the public DNS space. Cloudflare and OpenDNS are extremely reliable public DNS server companies which provide a high degree of security and encryption on public networks. There are many other DNS server companies which can be found using a Google search online.

This one requires a little technical knowledge, but is actually easy to learn. Secure Shell (SSH) tunneling is a classic maneuver used to remotely transfer files and data to servers around the world. But that same SSH tunneling technique can be used as a de facto VPN. We will demonstrate it for Rebex Buru SFTP Server which is very easy to use, and can be quickly installed on a Windows device. Rebex is free for personal use.

• After finishing a simple installation from the download link, you will be asked to register the SSH server as a Windows service. You can simply check “Start immediately” and use your local Windows system account (your computer credentials and password) to login into the interface.
• Once logged in, you need to create a new user for web administration.

• After you finish installation, Rebex will launch a localhost login screen on a browser window. Log in using your created credentials and now you’re in a position to share files and web content with remote users worldwide.

Note : To use SSH tunneling to unblock websites, it is important you have access to a remote SSH server in another country.

Also read: 9 of the Best Dynamic DNS Providers You Can Use for Free

We have saved the easiest method for the last. The Internet never forgets any information you post online. The Wayback Machine is one of the best examples of such a long and distant memory. Almost all web pages are cached and at least one of their snapshots is stored in The Wayback Machine. You can easily find many more as this is the single largest repository of archive contents.

If your ISP or government pulled the plug on a website, and it is no longer available online, you can still view the archive snapshots using date-wise search. Of course, this method can only be employed as a temporary or one-off solution.

Also read: 5 of the Best Solutions for Monitoring Website Changes

Can my browser block specific websites?

Sometimes, a browser that you’re using may not allow access to a particular website although you can easily access it on another browser. For example, Google Chrome cross-checks all web pages for malicious links or downloads, policy violations, and any legal issues, so the browser may prevent you from accessing certain sites which it deems unsafe for your PC.

Why can't I unblock websites at my school or workplace?

Website unblocking is very difficult to pull off if your device is on a shared LAN common at schools, colleges or the workplace. This occurs due to stricter content filtering policies applied in these networks targeting individuals. Unless you can figure out how to get the system administrator totally off your back, you may not be able to unblock websites in a restricted network.

Can I use a browser extension to unblock websites?

We won’t recommend using browser extensions to unblock website as they can be a big source of malware. However, you can check our recommended extensions for Google Chrome which enable security and privacy features such as HTTPS everywhere, cookie autodelete, and unshortening URLs.

Image credit: Unsplash

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Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.

How to Unblock Websites (Ultimate Guide)

Blocked websites are an unfortunate reality of the online world — so much so that almost everyone runs into a block at one point or another. Thankfully, there are tons of handy tools and methods for bypassing blocks and accessing restricted content.

If you can’t access your favorite website, you’re not alone. Over 76 %  of Internet users live in countries with at least some form of online censorship. Plus, even if you don’t live somewhere with censorship, you’ve probably encountered blocks from work, school, and other places.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the many tools and methods available for unblocking websites from any device. Before we can do that, however, we’ll first have to find out why (and how) your favorite websites get blocked. Read on to learn more and start unblocking.

Why Am I Getting Blocked From a Website?

While blocks  can happen for any number of reasons, it’s usually because someone is trying to prevent you from accessing a certain website or app.

Most blocks fall into one of three major categories: Being blocked by the network you’re using (such as the WiFi at your work or school) or being blocked by the website itself. Finally, your internet service provider (ISP) or government may even block you.

No matter the block, there’s usually a workaround. However, the workaround you use depends on the type of block and what you’re trying to access. Read on to learn more about the different types of blocks and what tools you can use to bypass them.

It’s Blocked by Your Work or School

Almost everyone has had content blocked by their work or school. But why are these blocks in place, and how do they work?

The reasoning is pretty easy to guess: Schools and workplaces have a vested interest in keeping students and employees productive. As a result, they place heavy blocks on certain kinds of websites, such as social networks and online games.

Usually, your school or work network blocks websites by URL . That means whenever you enter an address into your browser  — the network compares this address to its blocklist. If the address is on the blocklist, it restricts access and blocks you.

A common way around these blocks is to reroute your browsing through a third party, such as a proxy or virtual private network (VPN).

It’s Blocked by the Government

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, most of the world’s population faces a block imposed by governments. But why?

The exact answer may vary, but it all boils down to a common trend: Governments have a vested interest in preserving their reputation among their citizens. As a result, many governments restrict access to websites that share embarrassing or incriminating information about past events.

One of the most famous examples of a government block is the “Great Firewall”  of China, which was quickly implemented after the Internet first arrived in the country in the early 1990s. The intention of the firewall is to block foreign websites and cross-border traffic that go against China’s constitution and censorship objectives.

Because of the Great Firewall, China’s population of nearly 1.5 billion people can’t access popular websites such as Google and Facebook. However, this hasn’t stopped them:  29 %  of Internet users in China bypass blocks with a VPN.

Of course, China is far from the only country that restricts its citizens’ Internet access. No matter the country, however, the blocks are usually the same, with government networks filtering web traffic based on URLs and host IP addresses.

VPNs are usually the best way to bypass government blocks. However, some users can get by using proxies and other methods .

It’s Blocked by Your ISP

While not nearly as common as the other types of blocks we’ve discussed so far, many users face blocks from their Internet service provider (ISP).

While the reasons for ISP blocks can vary, they’re usually meant to prevent web traffic that could violate local laws or the provider’s terms of service. In contrast to government-level “hard blocks,” ISP “soft blocks” are typically easier to bypass with VPNs, proxies, and other methods. Simply switching DNS servers can even bypass some ISP blocks.

Many Internet users aren’t even aware that they’re being blocked by their ISP. One common reason is that these blocks can be a valuable add-on service meant to safeguard your browsing experience. However, some ISPs may also restrict access to safeguard their own interests.

But how do you know if your ISP is behind a block? While it isn’t always easy to tell, you can usually conclude that a block is from an ISP if you can’t access a website on an otherwise unrestricted network. For example, if you live in a country without censorship and aren’t using a work or school network, then any blocks you experience are likely coming from your ISP.

It’s Geo-Restricted

Many websites block traffic from entire countries or regions. Also known as ‌”geo-restriction,” this type of block is common on streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and more.

Why bother blocking foreign traffic? Streaming services, in particular, must also follow distribution laws that dictate which countries and regions can access certain content. These laws are why your Netflix experience often changes when you enter a new country — even on the same account.

As you may have guessed, bypassing geo-restrictions requires accessing the website from an “approved” country. While that may seem impossible without travel, VPNs and proxies offer this capability by rerouting your traffic through remote foreign servers.

Another reason for other sites is that too much foreign traffic can overwhelm server resources.

You’re Banned

Sometimes blocks come from a website itself. Many popular websites such as Omegle and Twitter can ban users for violating their terms of service or promoting illegal activity.

In this case, it’s pretty easy to tell if you’re banned. But how can you get around it?

The answer varies depending on the website and the method of the ban. Account-based services such as Twitter will simply ban the account itself, meaning that you won’t be able to bypass it by simply using a VPN. Instead, you’ll have to create a new account altogether.

However, many bans are based on the user’s IP address . Instead of banning an account, a website may instead ban all traffic from the user’s IP address . VPNs and proxies are great ways to bypass these bans since they can effectively change your IP address by rerouting your traffic.

Can You Unblock a Website?

Yes, but it depends on the block. VPNs and proxies can usually bypass most restrictions, but it’s not always guaranteed.

As we’ll see in the next section, unblocking capability can vary widely between different providers and software packages. To make things even more difficult, many popular web services are constantly on the lookout for VPN and proxy server IPs, resulting in a never-ending struggle to maintain a vast pool of functional addresses.

Thankfully, even if a VPN or proxy doesn’t work for a certain service, there are still plenty of ways to bypass blocks. Read on to learn more about VPNs, proxies, and some effective alternatives to unblocking your favorite websites.

Top 4 Ways To Unblock Websites

VPNs and proxies are the most popular and effective tools for unblocking websites. However, many users also achieve great results from anonymous browsers such as DuckDuckGo . While there are many other methods for unblocking websites, these four are the most widely used.

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPNs are by far the most popular tool for unblocking websites. However, bypassing blocks is just a byproduct of their functionality.

True to its name, a virtual private network reroutes your traffic through its own set of secure servers, effectively extending the private network of your home, school, or work onto a virtual public network. In other words, where your traffic would normally be sent directly to a website, a VPN steps in as a “middleman” that takes your data and resends it.

Unlike a proxy, a VPN  also encrypts your outgoing traffic. As a result, both your traffic and your identity stay private and secure. As we’ll see later, this is part of the key to accessing blocked websites.

The process may sound a bit complicated, but it’s actually fairly straightforward:

• You open the VPN client on your desktop or web browser .
• The VPN client encrypts your outbound traffic. Depending on the provider, you may also be able to specify which apps will use the VPN (this option is known as “split tunneling”).
• Your encrypted traffic gets sent to the VPN’s network of secure servers. Like with any connection, your traffic is divided into “packets,” each of which includes source and destination IP addresses. Here, the source IP address is that of your private home, work, or school network.
• The VPN server removes your source IP address from each packet and replaces it with its own. In doing so, the receiving end will think that your traffic came from the VPN server, not your computer.
• Your traffic is decrypted and received by the recipient, who won’t be aware of its true source.

Okay, so maybe not entirely straightforward. However, you likely won’t need to worry about the details of the process. Once it’s up and running, you’ll be able to browse normally while the VPN encrypts and reroutes your traffic behind the scenes.

That’s all well and good, but how does that process unblock websites?

The answer is in your IP. As many blocks and bans are IP-based (websites use it to deduce your location), replacing your IP address during rerouting is usually enough to slip through restrictions. However, as most major websites are constantly trying to block access from known VPN servers, providers need to maintain large networks of distributed servers in order to secure access.

Server numbers and capabilities vary widely between different VPN providers, however. Even a quick search for a VPN will yield hundreds of different options, with each provider having a different number and variety of servers.

As you might imagine, price also varies with performance, with top providers charging $10 or more per month to use networks with thousands of secure VPN servers. While there are some free VPNs, they often aren’t robust — and many people turn to proxies for free unblocking.

2. Use a Proxy Server

Like a VPN, a proxy also reroutes traffic through its own servers — but with a few key differences.

The biggest difference is that proxies don’t encrypt data as VPNs do. As a result, your traffic is fully visible to third parties, which can pose additional security risks if you’re using a less-than-reputable provider. Users should be careful when typing passwords or sending other secure information while using a proxy.

Most proxies also offer far fewer servers than the average VPN provider. While you may still be able to unblock websites, they probably won’t be as reliable as using a VPN.

However, these drawbacks don’t mean that proxies don’t have their place. Since they’re free and widely available, proxies offer a quick way to unblock websites and preserve anonymity. Just be careful when sending secure data and be prepared to try many different servers before you’re able to access restricted content.

3. Use a VPN/Proxy Browser Extension

Many VPNs and proxies can also come as browser extensions  (rather than full-fledged software tools).

These are a great option for unblocking websites. Conventional VPNs will reroute your entire connection rather than traffic sent from individual apps. While some providers do allow users to pick and choose which apps use the VPN network, you may have to pay extra for the privilege.

Another benefit of browser extensions  is that they won’t slow down your connection speed for other apps. Since VPNs add an extra step between source and destination, a slightly slower connection is always expected. However, if only the web browser is using the VPN, you’ll maintain a high connection speed for other apps while you unblock websites from the browser.

The difference isn’t quite as significant for proxies, however. Since most proxies are usually free and often overused, there’s little difference in connection speed unless the browser extension provides access to premium proxy servers.

Short for “The Onion Router,” Tor is a free, open-source network dedicated to preserving online anonymity. While its primary purpose is hiding your identity, it also has the benefit of unblocking websites by rerouting your traffic through its vast network of relays.

While that may sound a lot like a VPN or proxy, it’s not quite the same. Where VPNs and proxies use dedicated servers, the Tor network relies on a large overlay network run entirely by volunteers.

When you use Tor, your traffic and data get rerouted through at least three volunteer relays  until there’s no identifying information left. As of 2022, the Tor network boasts over 6,000 relays.

Using the Tor network is free and easy. You can access the network by downloading the Tor browser  and simply selecting a connection. While some countries block Tor itself, you can bypass these blocks by configuring Tor to use its own network during the download. After installation, you’re good to go.

Tor does have some drawbacks, however. In order to keep your identity private, the Tor browser will often block media plugins (such as Flash) that could be manipulated into revealing identifying information. Similarly, it also automatically disables scripts, resulting in a slightly less feature-rich browsing experience.

Other Ways to Unblock Websites

While using VPNs, proxies, and the Tor network are all great ways to unblock websites, they’re not the only option — and they may even be unnecessary in certain situations.

Before shelling out for a premium VPN or replacing your favorite web browser with Tor, consider some of these simpler alternatives.

Switch from HTTP to HTTPS

One of the easiest ways to unblock certain websites is to simply switch to its HTTPS version . To do this, simply replace the “http://” in the URL with “https://”.

These days, it’s not a surefire solution as HTTPS has become the standard for most websites. But it can be an effective way to bypass blocks on work or school networks.

In these cases, administrators usually specify a complete URL (e.g., http://www.blocked-website.com/) when adding a site to their network’s blocklist. Administrators may forget to include the HTTPS variation, offering you a convenient workaround.

Use the Website’s IP Address

Similar to switching to HTTPS, you can also try using the website’s IP address instead of its URL.

To find a website’s URL, use any of the methods outlined here . Simply enter the IP address into your browser, and you should be able to access the website unless your network administrator has done the due diligence to also block the IP.

For example, one of several IP addresses for the Google homepage is 172.217.204.102. Try entering this address in your browser instead of google.com — you’ll wind up at the same place.

Use a URL Shortener

URL shorteners like TinyURL  provide another way to bypass certain blocks.

These services take an existing URL and return a shortened version that automatically redirects you to the original website. In doing so, you’re only connecting to the shortened URL and not the original, which may be blocked by your administrator. As a result, URL shorteners can sometimes do the trick for URL-based blocks and blocklists, depending on how they’re enforced.

Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a different Domain Name System (DNS) server is an effective way to unblock websites if you’ve been IP banned.

Without getting too technical, your DNS server  is responsible for linking URLs to their IP address(es) (e.g., google.com to 172.217.204.102). Since private networks and ISPs manage blocks from their DNS servers, switching to a public one is usually a good workaround.

You can switch to a different DNS server by entering its IP address in your computer’s network settings. One of the most popular (and easy to remember) choices is Google’s public DNS server, which has an IP of 8.8.8.8.

Use an Online Translators

Submitting a URL to online translators such as Google Translate  provides an alternative link that can evade many blocking filters. Simply enter the URL into the translation field, select your language, and let the translator work its magic.

Check Caches and Website Archives

Google Cache  and archive.org’s Wayback Machine store copies of every website they crawl, which are available to the public. Since you don’t need the original URL to access a cached website, it’s an effective method for viewing blocked websites — albeit older versions.

To access a cached version of a website, you can either Google search the URL and access the cache  from the results or search the Wayback Machine .

Use Opera Browser

The Opera browser includes a free built-in VPN, making it a quick and easy way to unblock websites without purchasing an expensive subscription. However, be careful: According to some reviews, it’s not the best option for securing your privacy or accessing streaming services such as Netflix.

Though there are many ways to unblock websites, VPNs remain the most popular and effective solution. With top providers offering thousands of servers spread across global networks, a VPN is a great way to access restricted content and even secure your privacy.

However, proxies, Tor, and the other tools and methods we’ve covered can also do a great job in many situations. No matter what you use, remember that the key to unblocking websites is either changing your IP address or trying an alternative URL.

Looking for more helpful hints? Visit the Kinsta blog for the latest tips on secure browsing, managed WordPress hosting , application hosting , database hosting , and more.

Salman Ravoof is a self-taught web developer, writer, creator, and a huge admirer of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Besides tech, he's excited by science, philosophy, photography, arts, cats, and food. Learn more about him on his website , and connect with Salman on Twitter .

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How-To Geek

How to bypass blocked sites.

You can get into any site from anywhere with these tools

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Virtual private networks, shadowsocks, decentralized vpns.

Not everybody has the luxury of accessing any website they want to. It could be that your job's network admin doesn't want you to go to YouTube or even that your government doesn't want you to watch news it doesn't approve of. Whatever the case may be, there are ways to access blocked sites.

Below we'll go over some of the best ways in which you can bypass blocked sites. There's no one way that will work for everybody all the time as all have their pros and cons. However, each has their uses. Let's get started.

The first method is to use a proxy, a lightweight tool, usually operated in a browser window, that reroutes your internet connection and gives you a fake IP address ---called "spoofing." By rerouting your connection, you're fooling the block into letting you through, an effective method that's at the basis of all the methods we'll go over.

However, proxies are pretty limited tools. They're perfect for unblocking YouTube while at school or work, but other than that there's a good chance they won't work. Use them from a country like China that restricts internet activity and you may even get in trouble for using one. Still, if you want to give them a whirl, we like the ones offered by HideMyAss and Hide.me .

A much better option are virtual private networks. To quickly explain how VPNs work , they're much like proxies in that they reroute your connection and spoof your IP, but they're better because they also encrypt your connection, making it much harder to see what you're doing.

VPNs are great for unblocking sites, it doesn't matter if you're trying to get past Chinese internet censorship or simply to watch what another region's streaming services have to offer. Besides cracking blocks, they also offer a decent measure of protection against anybody trying to spy on you, too, so they're a privacy tool, to boot.

However, they come with a big caveat: they cost money, and the best ones like our favorite ExpressVPN will cost a lot. Most free VPNs aren't very good and probably should be avoided, though even the good ones like PrivadoVPN will limit your usage in several ways. As such, if you don't have the money or just don't want to spend it, VPNs are a poor option.

A third option is to use Shadowsocks , a protocol designed to tunnel under the Great Firewall of China but that can also be used as a proxy of sorts. Unlike proxies, Shadowsocks encrypts the connection, but not to the same standard as a VPN. It's meant to unblock and hide traffic, not secure it against attack; you shouldn't use it for torrenting , for example.

If that sounds like what you need, you'll be happy to know that setting up Shadowsocks is easy with an open-source program called Outline. It handles everything for you, including setting up a server and you should be able to crack any block with just 20 minutes of setup. The only thing that costs money is the server, but it's only $5 per month through DigitalOcean .

Our penultimate option may be interesting for anybody that doesn't have money, namely using The Onion Router, or Tor, to get past blocks. Tor rose to prominence as a way to access the dark web and the illicit goods on offer there, but it's actually a very useful way to access blocked sites as it does a fine job of spoofing your IP, on par with VPNs.

When you use Tor , you're bouncing your connection between different so-called nodes, usually run by volunteers, which each have their own IP address. This makes it extremely hard to track you and, because the nodes aren't commercially owned, make your IP seem more "real."

We really like Tor as a way to get past blocks, but the downside is that it's slow, and we mean slow . As such, it's not the best choice for downloading large files or streaming Netflix shows.It's also a little trickier to use and you need to have a bit of know-how to operate it effectively.

Our final pick may be the best of both worlds, a fusion of the ideas behind VPNs and Tor. Called decentralized VPNs, they offer the protocols and security of VPNs with the decentralized nodes of Tor. This should make them the perfect way to break through blocks while staying secure.

However, using a decentralized VPN right now, at least as of 2022, is still a bit iffy. To use one---like Orchid or Mysterium ---you need to sign on to a service, buy cryptocurrency and contend with a lot of obscure technical terms before you can get it to work. Accessibility doesn't seem to be too high on anybody's list right now.

That said, once it does work, it's pretty cool. While there are still some issues, as with any new tech, it could very well be that in a few years dVPNs will be the method of choice for circumventing site blocks.

Top10VPN is editorially independent. We may earn commissions if you buy a VPN via our links.

How to Unblock Websites with or without a VPN

Simon Migliano is a recognized world expert in VPNs. He's tested hundreds of VPN services and his research has featured on the BBC, The New York Times and more.

Fact-checked by Callum Tennent

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Our Verdict

The easiest way to unblock websites is to use a virtual private network (VPN) . VPNs are easy to use and change your IP address to bypass website geo-blocks on a range of devices. To unblock websites without a VPN, you can use a web proxy, Smart DNS, or the Tor browser, although they're less effective.

Websites can be blocked by governments, ISPs, copyright holders, website owners, and network administrators at school, college, and work.

Typically, these blocks are based on your IP address, geolocation, or local network.

Fortunately, there are dozens of different tools and methods you can use to unblock a website, should you need to.

We’ve tested over 20 different methods to find the most effective ways to unblock websites from anywhere in the world. Based on our findings, only five methods are worth recommending.

Summary: 5 Effective Ways to Unblock Websites

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) : The very best way to unblock websites.
• Use a Web Proxy : The fastest way to unblock a website without a VPN.
• Use a Proxy Browser extension : A beginner-friendly, free tool for unblocking websites.
• Use a Smart DNS service : The best tool for unblocking websites on smart TVs.
• Use the Tor Browser : A highly secure and anonymous way to access censored sites.

A VPN is the most effective tool for unblocking websites using any browser. VPN software bypasses even the strictest website blocks, is very easy to set up on almost any device, and delivers fast connection speeds.

Quick Guide: How to Unblock Websites Using a VPN

• Choose a VPN and install it onto your device . If you need help picking one, read our latest VPN recommendations .
• Open the VPN app and choose a server location . If you’re trying to unblock geo-restricted content, select a server in the location you require.
• Connect to the server location . You can run an IP address test to verify it has changed.
• Visit the blocked website . The site you’re trying to access will now be unblocked.

In this guide we’ll also explain how to unblock websites without a VPN , using alternative tools we’ve carefully tested. We’ll outline each tool’s strengths and weaknesses.

We’ll also explain which method to use depending on your device. We’ll show you how to unblock websites on Mac , Windows , iPhone , Android , Chrome , Firefox and your Smart TV .

To bypass website blocks at school and college, read our specific instructions on how to unblock websites at school .

5 Effective Ways to Unblock Websites

Ultimately, the best method for unblocking a website will depend on the type of block in place and the reasoning behind it .

After testing 20 different methods , we’ve summarized the best methods for unblocking websites, along with their strengths and weaknesses, in the table below.

Overall, we found that using a VPN is the most effective way to unblock websites at home, at work, or in high-censorship countries.

A VPN is also the most reliable tool to access geographically-restricted content from outside of your country.

However, a VPN won’t be the best option in every situation.

For example, if you’re in a hurry, then the quickest way to unblock a website is to use a free web proxy . If anonymity is your priority, it might be better to use the Tor browser.

Ultimately, the best way to unblock websites depends on how it is blocked and what your priorities are .

In the rest of this section, we’ll take a more detailed look at each method.

1. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of software designed to improve your privacy, security, and freedom online. According to our tests, it is the most effective and reliable way to unblock websites .

VPN apps are available on a range of different devices, which means it’s also the most versatile method. You can use a VPN to access restricted content on your phone, computer, or even your Smart TV.

ExpressVPN unblocks Channel 4 on desktop, mobile, and home devices.

VPNs work by encrypting your web traffic and routing it via a remote VPN server. This has the effect of hiding your IP address and geographic location from the websites you visit.

It also prevents your internet service provider (ISP), government, and Wi-Fi administrator (e.g., at home, at work, or on public Wi-Fi) from being able to monitor your browsing activity .

VPNs are the most effective tool for bypassing website blocks for three main reasons:

1. VPN encryption unblocks websites that are blocked by URL or domain name.

ISPs, governments, and network administrators often block websites using a ‘blacklist’ of specific URLs or domain names. VPN encryption prevents these systems from seeing the websites you’re connecting to, which means they cannot block your connection.

VPNs are therefore excellent for unblocking websites at work and for bypassing online censorship in countries like China or Russia. Often, top VPNs come with obfuscated servers designed specifically for unblocking websites in restricted countries.

2. By hiding your IP address, a VPN unblocks geographically-restricted content.

Some websites host content that is restricted to certain geographic regions. When you visit these websites, they use your IP address to determine your location and then block you accordingly.

When you connect to a VPN server in a different location , you temporarily replace your IP address and spoof your geolocation. This lets you unblock websites that aren’t typically available in your region.

This allows VPN users to unblock geographically-restricted websites like HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, or Hotstar. You can unlock additional streaming material on sites like Netflix or Disney Plus, and bypass copyright restrictions on YouTube and Twitter

3. VPN apps can be downloaded onto almost any device.

You can easily use a VPN to unblock websites and streaming services on a laptop, cell phone, or tablet. Dedicated VPN extensions are also available for specific browsers, meaning you can quickly access restricted content on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

The main downside to using a VPN to unblock websites is the cost. A subscription to a good-quality VPN tends to cost around $4.00 per month . Free VPNs do exist, but they are often extremely limited, or even unsafe.

VPNs may not be the best option for unblocking websites quickly, either. The process of signing up and installing VPN software onto your device can take a few minutes, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for immediate access to a restricted webpage.

EXPERT ADVICE: You may not have permission to install a VPN app if you’re using a public computer or a work device. In these cases, using a VPN is not the best way to unblock websites. Try using a web proxy or Smart DNS service, instead.

Unblocking Sites with a VPN: Step-by-step Instructions

Video demonstration on how to unblock websites using ExpressVPN.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use a VPN to unblock websites:

• Choose a trusted VPN , like ExpressVPN (our top-rated VPN of 2024).
• Select your preferred payment plan . The longer the plan, the cheaper the monthly fee.
• Install the VPN . For most devices, you can set up a VPN by simply downloading the corresponding application.
• Open the VPN application . You may have to verify your account the first time you open it up.
• Choose a server location . Find a VPN server in a location that will unblock the website you’re after.
• Press connect . Your connection will now be routed through that VPN server. You’ll be able to unblock websites and browse privately.

Should I Use a VPN to Unblock Sites?

Use a VPN if you are:

• Unblocking websites on a long-term basis (e.g. traveling).
• Bypassing geographical restrictions (e.g. on streaming platforms).
• Unblocking websites on a mobile device .
• Generally worried about your online privacy and security .

Don’t use a VPN if you are:

• Trying to quickly unblock a single web page . Use a web proxy instead.
• Unblocking streaming services on a Smart TV or games console . Use Smart DNS , instead.
• On a public computer or work device , where you don’t have the necessary permissions to download a VPN application.

2. Web Proxy

The fastest way to unblock a simple website is to use a web proxy. To do this, you simply enter the URL you want to unblock, press enter, and the restricted content should appear.

Hide.me has a free proxy for Chrome and Firefox.

Like a VPN, a web proxy works by routing your web traffic through a remote proxy server on its way to your desired website.

This has the effect of temporarily replacing your IP address with the IP address of the proxy server, effectively hiding your physical location from the website you’re visiting.

A proxy server hides your physical location.

You can therefore use a web proxy to unblock websites that are not available in your geographic region . Some web proxies even let you choose the proxy server’s location, much like a VPN.

Another benefit is that you don’t need to download or install anything to use a web proxy – just navigate to the proxy website in your browser and enter the URL.

This makes using a web proxy the most viable option for unblocking websites on public computers , such as at work or in a public library.

Web proxies tend to be free to use, too. Unfortunately, this means they often come with some operational drawbacks that you should be aware of:

• No Encryption : Most web proxies do not encrypt your connection. This means that governments, ISPs, and network administrators can monitor your activity and block your connection, if they choose.
• Protection In One Tab Only : Unlike a VPN, a web proxy won’t redirect any traffic from outside the browser tab it’s being used in. That means you need to navigate to the web proxy URL every time you open a new tab.
• Privacy & Security Issues : Some web proxies track your activity and sell that information to advertisers and other third-parties. Many also insert adverts into your browsing session, and some have been known to infect users with malware.
• No Multimedia Content : A web proxy rarely gives you access to video or audio content. In our tests, we could not find a single proxy that unblocked restricted streaming material on Netflix or YouTube.

Unblocking Sites with a Web Proxy: Step-by-step Instructions

How to use Hide.me's web proxy.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to unblock websites using a web proxy:

• Navigate to a web proxy site in your browser . We recommend using Hide.me’s proxy .
• Type in the URL you want to unblock .
• Select a proxy location . Pick a country where the website you’re trying to access is unrestricted.
• Click ‘Go’ . The website should appear unblocked on your screen.

Should I Use a Web Proxy to Unblock Sites?

Use a Web Proxy if you:

• Are trying to quickly access a blocked text-based webpage , such as a newspaper article or Wikipedia page.
• Don’t have permissions to download software or browser extensions on the device you’re using, such as on public PCs, work computers or school Chromebooks .

Don’t use a Web Proxy if you are:

• Are sharing personal or sensitive information .
• Want to access blocked multimedia content , such as video streaming websites.
• Don’t want your work or school WiFi administrator to see what you’re doing online.
• Are worried about your privacy and security online .

3. Proxy Browser Extension

A proxy browser extension is essentially a midpoint between a VPN and a web proxy .

Rather than downloading software directly onto your device or navigating to a web proxy’s URL, a proxy browser extension involves installing an extension or add-on into your browser . You can then use the browser extension to access geographically-restricted websites.

Proxy browser extensions work in much the same way as a web proxy or a VPN. When turned on, your browser activity is routed through a remote proxy server, which has the effect of hiding your true IP address from the websites you visit. This unblocks sites that block you based on your IP address or physical location.

CyberGhost’s Chrome Extension.

A proxy browser extension is therefore not as simple or as quick to set up as a web proxy , but we found them to be generally more effective and reliable at unblocking websites. For example, we found that most proxy browser extensions let you stream geographically restricted YouTube videos, whereas most web proxies do not.

On the other hand, proxy browser extensions are not as safe or secure as a VPN . Most proxy extensions use HTTPS encryption at the very most, which means the domains you visit may still be visible to third parties.

Moreover, many browser extensions are only free to use because they make their money by selling your browsing data or by injecting adverts into your session .

Google claims to vet all of its Chrome extensions, but unsafe add-ons regularly slip through the net – such as the Hola VPN Chrome extension .

We therefore advise you not to use a proxy of any kind for sensitive activity that involves sharing financial, medical, or otherwise personal information – you can never be sure who’s watching.

That said, good-quality proxy browser extensions are available on Chrome , Firefox , and Edge . However, be aware that mobile users cannot download Chrome extensions. iOS users cannot get Firefox add-ons, either.

Unblocking Sites with a Proxy Browser Extension: Step-by-step Instructions

How to use CyberGhost's Chrome Extension to unblock The Baltimore Sun.

Step-by-step instructions on how to unblock websites on Chrome with a proxy browser extension:

• Open Chrome on your device.
• Tap the More icon. On Mac, it’s the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
• Under More Tools , click Extensions .
• Click the Hamburger icon . On Mac, it’s in the top-left corner.
• Select Open Chrome Web Store .
• Type in the name of the proxy browser extension you want to download. We recommend CyberGhosts’ and PIA’s Chrome proxies.
• Click Add to Chrome .You will then have to confirm the installation.
• Once it is downloaded, you can open the proxy browser extension by clicking on its icon in the browser. This should be next to your address bar.
• Choose a server location. You may need to register with the service before doing this.
• Turn the proxy on. This will connect you to the proxy server.
• Navigate to the blocked website. It should now be unblocked.

And here are instructions on how to unblock websites on Firefox with a proxy browser add-on:

• Open the Firefox browser on your device.
• Go to the Mozilla Add-Ons library .
• Search for a proxy browser add-on. We recommend Surfshark’s Firefox Proxy.
• Click + Add to download the add-on.
• Once it is downloaded, open the add-on by clicking its icon in the address bar.
• Turn the proxy on. This will connect you to your chosen server.

Should I Use a Proxy Browser Extension to Unblock Sites?

Use a proxy browser extension if you are:

• Unable to download VPN software onto your device, e.g., on Chromebooks or work computers .
• Unblocking websites on a more long-term basis , such as when traveling.

Don’t use a proxy browser extension if you are:

• Particularly concerned about privacy and security online .
• Bypassing censorship measures in highly authoritarian countries.
• Sharing personal or sensitive information .
• Using Firefox on iOS or Google Chrome on a smartphone.

NOTE: We don’t recommend using a proxy browser extension to unblock websites on Safari. Apple offers limited support for third-party extensions. As such, most of the safe proxy extensions are not available to Safari users.

4. The Tor Browser

The Tor browser is a free , open-source web browser that was built to maximize users’ anonymity online . It is available to download on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android devices.

Tor works by encrypting your internet connection and then routing it through multiple volunteer-run servers or “nodes”, known as the Tor network.

How the tor network reroutes your data.

Using Tor ensures that websites cannot see your real IP address or geographic location. Instead, they see your connection as coming from the location of the exit node.

You can therefore use Tor to unblock geographically restricted websites , provided the exit node is located in a country where the content is accessible.

Sadly, choosing the exit node’s location is not always straightforward. The browser offers some degree of control, but not as much as you get with a VPN, web proxy, or Smart DNS service.

We therefore don’t recommend using Tor to unblock streaming content , such as on Netflix or HBO Max. Not only is Tor incredibly slow, streaming typically requires much more precise geo-spoofing than the Tor browser can provide.

Instead, you should use the Tor browser to unblock websites if you’re trying to bypass censorship restrictions imposed at the government-level, or to maximize your anonymity online.

Connected to Windscribe free and the Tor browser, we accessed ProPublica’s onion site.

Tor is designed with journalists and whistleblowers from authoritarian countries in mind. The airtight encryption and decentralized network architecture mean that governments, police and ISPs cannot track your browsing activity and so cannot block you from accessing certain information and websites.

In short, Tor is the most anonymous way to unblock websites that are blocked by your government .

Although using the Tor browser will almost certainly let you access websites blocked by your employer, you should be aware that your network administrator will see that you’re using the Tor network (even if they can’t see what you’re doing on it).

They may not approve of this, due to concerns about the safety of Tor . Indeed, some workplaces, colleges and schools actually block users from downloading the Tor browser on the local network. It’s also banned in certain countries, including China and Russia.

Unblocking Sites with Tor: Step-by-step Instructions

You can only access .onion sites using the Tor Browser.

Step-by-step instructions on how to use the Tor Browser to unblock websites:

• Go to the Tor Project’s download page . You can download it onto any Windows, Linux or macOS computer. There’s also an Android smartphone app.
• Select your operating system and download the corresponding .exe file.
• Open the file and select your language using the drop-down menu.
• If you’re happy with the recommended settings, press connect . Tor will set-up and you’ll be able to unblock websites and browse anonymously.

It’s important to remember that using Tor comes with risks. If you don’t configure your browser properly and modify your behavior, it’s incredibly simple to reveal your identity.

Should I Unblock Sites Using Tor?

Use the Tor browser if you are:

• Primarily concerned with anonymity .
• Accessing information censored by your government .

Don’t use the Tor browser if you are:

• Unblocking streaming content , or anything requiring fast connection speeds.
• Trying to access sites restricted to a specific geographic region .
• Unblocking sites at school or work .
• Using an iPhone or iPad .

5. Smart DNS

​​Smart DNS is an effective tool for accessing websites blocked or restricted in your region. It is cheap , compatible with a wide range of devices , and commonly used to unblock streaming services due to its extremely fast connection speeds .

Smart DNS works by rerouting your DNS (Domain Name System) requests through a proxy server in a country of your choosing. It therefore differs from proxy and VPNs, which redirect all of your traffic through the proxy server.

How Smart DNS works to unblock streaming websites.

By only rerouting your DNS requests, Smart DNS services are able to achieve much faster speeds than a VPN or a web proxy .

Speed is prioritized over security, however. Unlike Tor or a VPN, a Smart DNS tool will not encrypt your traffic or even hide your IP address .

This lack of encryption means employers, ISPs and governments can see which websites you visit, and therefore can still block you whenever they want. It also means personal IP address bans will still be enforced.

In this sense, Smart DNS services are only really useful for unblocking geographically restricted websites or changing your Netflix region. We don’t recommend using Smart DNS for bypassing censorship or accessing restricted websites at work.

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer unblocks US Netflix.

For unblocking streaming content, however, Smart DNS is often an excellent option. Smart DNS is usually cheaper than a VPN , offers faster connection speeds, and is compatible with a wider range of devices.

Unblocking Sites Using Smart DNS: Step-by-step Instructions

How to use MediaStreamer Smart DNS to unblock HBO Max on Apple TV.

To unblock websites with a Smart DNS service:

• Subscribe to a Smart DNS service . Popular ones include MediaStreamer , Control D , Smart DNS Proxy , and Unlocator .
• Register your IP address with the provider . Your chosen provider will have instructions for how to do this on their website.
• Find the DNS server addresses for your desired server location . These should be under ‘My Account’.
• On your device , go to Network Settings > Advanced > DNS Settings.
• Enter in the Smart DNS server addresses . Click confirm.
• Restart your device . Your traffic will be routed through the Smart DNS service once you reconnect to the internet.

Should I Use Smart DNS to Unblock Sites?

Use Smart DNS if you are:

• Only interested in unblocking streaming services , such as Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer.
• Streaming on a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, such as an Xbox One or PS5 .

Don’t use Smart DNS if you are:

• Trying to access non-streaming websites .
• Concerned about your privacy and security online .
• Reluctant to make manual configurations on your device.

How to Unblock Websites on Different Devices

Unless you can quickly fix the problem by changing your device settings or switching to mobile data, the overall best way to unblock a website on almost any device is to use a VPN .

This is certainly the case for devices where native VPN apps are supported, such as on macOS and Windows PCs , iPhone and Android smartphones, and on some streaming devices like the Amazon Firestick . Not only is a VPN the most effective option for these devices, it is also extremely easy to set up and use.

For devices without native VPN support – such as Chromebooks , Roku , Xbox One , PS5 , and most Smart TVs – the simplicity of other methods may outweigh the efficacy of a VPN.

On games consoles and Smart TVs, for example, a Smart DNS tool will work to unblock most geographic restrictions without the hassle of having to set a VPN up on your router.

Below is a table summarizing the unblocking method we recommend based on the device:

Ultimately, the method to use depends on your own personal preferences. You’ll have to balance efficacy, ease of use, privacy, security, and anonymity. The information in this guide will help you make the right decision.

Why Are Websites Blocked or Banned?

Websites are blocked using a variety of different technical measures, for lots of different reasons.

Some blocks are entirely legitimate, such as preventing children from viewing obscene material online. Others are more questionable, such as government-endorsed internet shutdowns that threaten citizens’ safety or freedoms.

Website blocks tend to originate from three main groups:

Governments and ISPs

Most governments censors their citizens’ internet usage to some degree. In most countries, this means stopping children from accessing harmful websites, and upholding national law, such as intellectual property rights or gambling regulations.

However, some governments also use internet censorship for political reasons . This can range from controlling the information citizens can access online, to full-scale internet shutdowns during moments of civil unrest and political instability.

These forms of government censorship are most commonly enforced through the country’s internet service providers (ISPs), which are the telecommunication services that connect your device to the internet.

When compelled to do so by law, these ISPs will set up firewalls in their network, which scan your traffic as it passes through. The firewall then blocks your connection if it detects activity that fits a certain description.

Firewalls can be set up to detect particular URLs, IP addresses, port numbers, protocols,and even certain types of website content (using a method known as Deep Packet Inspection).

We recommend : To overcome censorship by your ISP, use a VPN. It will hide your IP address and encrypt your connection, so your ISP can no longer see the websites you’re visiting.

Network Administrators at School, College, or Work

Schools and businesses often place restrictions on the internet use of their students and employees. The same is true for parental controls and other restrictions on home WiFi networks.

This type of website block is usually intended to reduce distractions and increase productivity, although they might also be used to protect children and prevent malware.

Typically, blocks at work and school apply to gaming and gambling sites, social media platforms, adult websites, and video streaming services. In theory, they can apply to any website the administrator decides to censor.

These website blocks tend to be implemented in the form of URL-based or IP-based blocklists. If you try to access a blacklisted URL or IP address while connected to the local network, your connection gets blocked.

We recommend : If you’re using a personal device, you can easily overcome local network-based website blocks with a VPN or a proxy server. If you’re using a work or school-issued device, try using a web proxy or proxy browser extension.

Be aware that your network administrator may have implemented the website blocklist onto the device itself. If this is the case, your only option is to use a method where you don’t actually visit the site directly, such as a web proxy or a mirror site.

Website Owners and Copyright Holders

The final type of website block comes from websites themselves. There are many reasons why a website might choose to prevent you from accessing it, including operational costs and GDPR compliance, but by far the most common is to do with copyright laws and licensing regulations.

Streaming websites such as Netflix, YouTube, or HBO Max have to block visitors from countries where their content is not licensed, in order to comply with the law.

To do this, these websites use your IP address to determine your physical location and then block you accordingly. This is referred to as a ‘geographic restriction’.

This is also how some websites impose personal bans on users. Common on video-sharing and gaming websites, personal bans target users who have violated the website’s Terms Of Use in some way.

We recommend : To overcome geographic restrictions on your computer or phone, use a VPN. On devices that do not support native VPN applications, use Smart DNS. For general browsing and for bypassing personal IP bans, it is best to use a VPN.

What’s the Best Way to Unblock Websites?

Generally, the best way to unblock websites is to use a VPN. They are the most effective tool for the job, and offer an unparalleled mix of privacy, security, and performance.

With a VPN, you can easily bypass geographic restrictions and access censored websites at school, home and work. The only downside is the cost, but with an average price of $4.00 per month, it’s unlikely to break the bank.

How Do I Unblock Websites without a VPN?

The best way to unblock websites without a VPN is to use a web proxy or a Smart DNS tool.

A web proxy is the easiest way to unblock a website, but it will only work for text-based content and isn’t a safe option for private or sensitive browsing.

Meanwhile, a Smart DNS tool is the best way to unblock streaming services, but you won’t be able to use it to bypass government censorship or any other type of content block.

Is It Legal to Unblock Websites?

In the vast majority of countries, unblocking websites is completely legal .

However, keep in mind that you may be breaking school or workplace policies by accessing restricted websites.

Using a VPN to unblock Youtube, Netflix, and other content platforms is also legal — although you could be breaking the service’s Terms of Use.

The situation is not as clear in high-censorship countries, though.

In some countries, such as China and Russia, VPN use is restricted and using Tor is banned. We advise researching local laws before using any method to bypass government internet filters.

Related guides

How to Change Your VPN Location

How to Unblock Websites at School

How to Bypass Internet Censorship, Filtering, and Restrictions

How to unblock websites and banned web pages online from anywhere

It's probably easier than you imagined... with the right tool

One of the beautiful things about the internet is just how accessible it is. You can be anywhere in the world at any time of the day and still be able to email your friends, find the football results, discover delicious cupcake recipes, and find the best open café in your 200-metre vicinity.

But dig beneath the surface and the more you use the internet, the more you realise that there are actually a lot of areas that you can't access. From pure geo-restrictions that mean you have to be in a certain country to view a site, to localised TV broadcasts or sites that countries have flat-out banned, a tool to unblock websites is a useful thing to have on your laptop and phone.

That's where using one of the best VPNs comes in. It's affordable, versatile software that has crossed over from being a niche business tool to being widely used across the world to access banned web pages and getting around blocked services. Below we'll explain what they are, how to use them and which ones are best to help you unblock websites with ease.

Today's best 3 VPNs to unblock websites

1. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Fwhat-is-vpn%2Funblock-websites%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> ExpressVPN is the world's #1 overall VPN <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/expressvpn" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"">ExpressVPN has proved time and time again in our testing how good it is across the board. When it comes to the combo of speed, security and service, nobody tops it. It's just so easy to use for unblocking websites on laptops and mobiles. And its 30-day risk trial means you can try it out for free .

2. <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> NordVPN - the world's most famous VPN Pushing ExpressVPN hard to our top spot is <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nordvpn" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"">NordVPN. It plays an excellent security game and is also really easy to operate (although its Android app could do with a facelift). And there's loads of online and live chat support available if you hit a banned or blocked service that you just can't budge.

3. <a href="https://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Surfshark - affordable VPN for unblocking sites What <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/surfshark" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"">Surfshark lacks in the odd feature, it really makes up for in price. It tops TechRadar's best <a href="https://www.techradar.com/vpn/cheapest-vpn" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="techradar.com"" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"">cheap VPN list thanks to costs that come in at under $2.50 USD per month for those who don't mind committing.

How does a VPN help to unblock websites?

Virtual private networks work by channelling all of the internet traffic you receive through a secure VPN server . And they work whether that traffic flows through your computer, TV, streaming device, games console, or your phone using a mobile VPN app . 

Not only does this make your internet use really secure - everything is strongly encrypted - but it also means you can effectively spoof the IP address of your device. Simply put, that means you can appear like you're in completely different zip code, city or country to the one you're actually in.

So if, for example, you're physically in China where loads of online services like Google , YouTube , Facebook, WhatsApp and many more are banned, you can use VPNs for China to virtually relocate yourself to a country where they're not.

The same method applies if, say, your school or office has cut access to social media and video sites. And this even extends to more far-reaching uses like watching Netflix content or live sports that are only available in other regions.

How to change location with a VPN and unblock websites

Believe it or not, it's really very straightforward to change location and IP address with a VPN :

• Find and download a reliable VPN  – or simply head straight to ExpressVPN
• Install it on to your computer, mobile or other chosen device
• Once everything is ready, open the VPN application
• Log-in with your details, follow any welcome prompts, and you should soon be offered a list of VPNs to connect to
• Pick the country you want your computer to change to (so somewhere that the site is not blocked) and click the appropriate button
• Head to the blocked site. As your device now thinks it's somewhere that the service is allowed, you'll now discover that it is an unblocked website

Unblock websites: which sites and services can I unlock?

The short answer here is: pretty much any. In our experience, the best VPN providers out there have a very impressive hit rates when it comes to how they unblock websites.

Below is a far from exhaustive list of websites that are banned around the world or carry geo-restrictions.

When it comes to TV, films and sport, it's certainly a very common practice that coverage is blocked to specific regions - little wonder that Netflix VPNs and streaming VPNs have grown in popularity in recent years.. But some of the more surprising additions to the list are the kind of sites that the most censor-happy countries in the world ban or have banned.

• Amazon Prime Video
• BBC iPlayer
• Facebook (and Messenger)
• Google Apps (e.g. Calendar, Docs, Hangouts, Maps, etc)
• New York Times
• Wall Street Journal

Where am I most likely to want to unblock websites?

As we say, governments in some countries are less fond of internet freedoms than others. It's no great surprise that people using VPNs for China has grown massively, as its Communist ruling party have put bans in place on pretty much every site on the above list.

But China isn't alone in this, and if you're visiting any of the following countries any time soon, then we'd advise you to grab a VPN before you go:

- Best UAE/Dubai VPN

- Best Turkey VPN

- Best India VPN

- Best Cuba VPN

What else can VPNs do aside from unblocking websites?

Rather a lot - they are really versatile pieces of kit and there are many VPN uses available

Their primary function really is as an extra layer of security for your online life. When turned on, all of your internet activity is encrypted and you're effectively completely anonymous. So if you don't like the idea of being tracked online, then they're probably a better fit than more traditional antivirus software. We think they're especially useful when you use public, insecure Wi-Fi.

It's a similar theme if you're somebody who uses a VPN for torrenting . A virtual private network is an essential piece of kit these days to ensure that your internet service provider - or anybody else for that matter - can't see if or what you're torrenting.

Some uses are a bit more niche. More and more people turn their VPNs on when shopping for flights and such. By not giving the site any clues as to your true IP address, you circumvent any targeted price increases.

Keeping VPNs on the DL 

While a VPN remains an excellent way to unblock sites, bad actors like rogue governments know this too and take steps to try to restrict VPN use or block it altogether.

This is where obfuscation technology comes in. This works by giving you all the privacy benefits of a VPN but tries to disguise your traffic so those with access to your connection records will find it very difficult to detect you’re connected to a VPN in the first place.

If you’re worried about others using a VPN, you’ll be pleased to know that major providers have heard you. 

ProtonVPN is one of the many services that has developed its very own stealth protocol , which is designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS. VyprVPN also has developed the “Chameleon Protocol”, which not only disguises your traffic but uses “Smart IP” to cycle your connection between different servers, making it harder for bad actors to practise DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) of your data. In both cases these protocols are available at no extra charge to users. 

Keep your SOCKS on 

Although it’s only good news that VPN providers are taking steps to disguise your traffic, for people living in regimes which restrict or ban VPNs these may not be an option. The websites to download the VPN client themselves might be blocked. Users in less economically developed countries might also be unable to afford VPN subscription fees.

Free VPNs are also problematic, as it’s hard to trust they aren’t selling your data in order to keep the lights on. We’ve reviewed some of the best free VPN providers this year but use them at your own risk. 

This is where SOCKS5 can be useful. It's a much more secure version of the SOCKS protocol, which allows you to connect more securely to a proxy server .

You can read more about the differences between a proxy and VPNs in our guide but for now it’s enough to know that when you connect to a SOCKS5 proxy , your IP address is disguised from the Internet in general. If the proxy server is located in another country, this is a great way to evade censorship, as you can access online services like the Wall Street Journal even if they’re banned in your home country.

This is usually a lot faster and cheaper to set up than a VPN, although it comes at a price. The SOCKS5 protocol doesn’t have any built-in way to encrypt your data, so anyone would access to your connection records could detect what you’ve been up to.

Mindful of this, Chinese developer codename “clowwindy” created the free and open source “Shadowsocks” protocol in 2012. It encrypts connections over SOCKS5 proxies as well as disguising your data to appear like regular SSL/TLS traffic. As this type of data is so common this makes it very difficult to detect that you’re concealing any data in the first place. This may have been the reason that the Chinese government “asked” clowwindy to remove the Shadowsocks code from Github in 2015, though others have carried on his work. 

Whilst Shadowsocks remains very easy to set up and provides an excellent way to disguise your traffic, you have to configure each application you want to use with it e.g. your web browser and P2P software. VPNs on the other hand will connect securely to a server and protect all your traffic by default, so are a better choice for keeping your data safe. 

Onto Tor 

If you want to access restricted content quickly, easily and free of charge you can do worse than use Tor . This  establishes an encrypted connection over a number of servers or ‘relays’ within its network. This conceals your IP address and encrypts your traffic, so it’s virtually impossible for anyone connected to the Tor network to know where you are or what you’re accessing.

Volunteers around the world also run ‘exit nodes’ which you can use to access the regular internet. As these are based in other countries you can usually access content such as Instagram in the same way as anyone else in that country.

Tor data packets are quite distinctive, so some countries like China have made efforts to block people using the software. You can reduce the chance of this happening by using a Tor Bridge. These are run by volunteers and help you connect to the Tor network without revealing to your ISP that you’re doing so. 

If you do use the Tor Browser , remember that anonymity comes at a price. Routing data through multiple servers can seriously slow down your connection. 

Some exit nodes are also run by bad actors who’ll try to harvest your personal information.

You can avoid this problem altogether by using only Tor ‘hidden services’, which use the .onion suffix. Many western news outlets can be accessed this way by the dark web such as BBC News ( https://www.bbcnewsd73hkzno2ini43t4gblxvycyac5aw4gnv7t2rccijh7745uqd.onion/ ) and the New York Times ( https://www.nytimesn7cgmftshazwhfgzm37qxb44r64ytbb2dj3x62d2lljsciiyd.onion/ )

If you have to access the regular internet via Tor exit nodes, you can also stay safe by encrypting your traffic. This can be as simple as using sites that support SSL and TLS (look for the padlock icon in your address bar). 

Some VPN providers also host “Onion over VPN” servers, so you can use the Tor network whilst encrypting your traffic via a VPN. This not only shields the fact you’re using Tor but hides your IP address when you first connect to the dark net.

Unblocking overall 

There are various ways to unblock restricted websites and apps around the world. Which one is best is entirely a matter for you. 

VPNs offer some powerful privacy features but some websites and governments try to block them. 

Proxy servers like those used via Shadowsocks make your activity almost impossible to detect but don't do much to encrypt it. 

Tor will both encrypt your traffic and conceal your location but can be very slow, plus you need to be careful about ‘poisoned’ exit nodes. 

Make sure to thoroughly research whatever provider you use so you fully understand pros and cons. 

• Best business VPNs : Keep employees secure when connected

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How to Access Blocked Websites

Last Updated: February 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls . Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,090,923 times. Learn more...

Are you trying to access a website that's blocked at school or work? If your network administrator (or your parents) restricted your access to a website, getting around the block might seem tricky. Fortunately, you have several options for unblocking banned websites . This wikiHow article will teach you tricks for bypassing website restrictions using a VPN, Tor, free proxies, and more!

Using General Tricks

• VPNs can be difficult to install on monitored or controlled computers (e.g., library, school, or work machines); however, if you use a personal computer for work, you should be able to install the VPN while on your own wireless network.

• For example, you would access the mobile version of Facebook by going to "https://www.m.facebook.com/" in your browser.
• If the website reroutes you to the desktop version of the site, try minimizing your web browser and viewing it in a small window the size of a smartphone screen.

• This won't work for all websites; some services hide their IP addresses, and others use multiple IP addresses which aren't always reliable.
• If you don't have access to Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) on the computer on which sites are blocked, you can use a personal computer on an unrestricted network to find the IP address and then just use the address on your restricted computer.
• Enter the website address in the address bar at the top.

• Go to https://www.torproject.org/download/ in a web browser.
• Click the download link for your operating system.
• Open the installation file in your web browser or Downloads.
• Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
• Open the Tor browser.
• Click Connect .
• Enter the web address you want to visit in the address bar at the top.

• Go to https://translate.google.com/ in your browser. [1] X Research source
• Type your website's address into the left text box.
• Select any language other than the website's original language for the right-most box.
• Click the website's link in the right-most box.
• Click the "Go to [Website]" link on the left side of the page if the website doesn't immediately load.
• Click the Translate option if prompted. [2] X Research source
• Browse your site.

• Go to https://archive.org/web/ in your computer's browser.
• Enter a website's address into the text field that's near the top of the page.
• Click BROWSE HISTORY
• Select a calendar day.
• Review the results.

Using a VPN

• While some VPNs are free to use, paid VPN services tend to be more trustworthy. Free VPNs may use adware and/or collect and sell your personal data to maintain the cost of their servers. If you are looking for a temporary solution, many paid VPNs offer a free trial.
• If you are concerned about your privacy, make sure you use a VPN service that doesn't keep logs. If a VPN service keeps logs, they have a record of the websites that you have visited.
• Paid VPN services include Express VPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost. [3] X Research source Free VPN services include: ProtonVPN, Windscribe Free, TunnelBear, and Speedify. [4] X Research source

Brandon Phipps

Use a VPN to access location-based websites that are limited in your current region. Just disconnect from your current location and select another location compatible with the website you want to access. Your VPN will allow you to browse the internet as if you were physically present in the chosen location provided by your VPN client.

• If you want to route your entire home network or wireless network through a VPN, you'll either need to purchase a special router, or you'll need to consult with your VPN service provider to learn how to configure your current router to work with the VPN.

Using the ProxFree Proxy

• If this site is blocked on your computer, there are other free proxy websites you can use. Try one of the other ones listed here, or use Google to search "Proxy servers" to find a list of proxy websites you can use. You are bound to find one that works.

• You can select a different country to use by clicking the "Server Location" drop-down box and then clicking a different country's name.

• If you selected a country significantly outside of your own for your IP address' location, the search results may take several seconds to a minute to display.

Using the HideMe Proxy

• If this site is blocked on your computer, there are other free proxy websites you can use. Try one of the other ones listed here, or use Google to search "Proxy servers" to find a list of proxy websites you can use.

• If you want, you can use the drop-down menu below the field where you enter the web address to select which country you want to route your traffic through.
• The drop-down menu that says More options to select more options. You can encrypt the web address, the entire web page, allow or disallow cookies , scripts, and objects.

• When visiting a website through a proxy website, load times may be significantly slower than normal.

Using the ProxySite Proxy

• You can also select a different country as your server location by clicking the "US Server" drop-down box and then clicking a different country's name in the resulting menu.

Using a Portable Browser

• You'll likely need to use a personal computer on an unrestricted network to install the portable browser onto your flash drive . [6] X Research source
• If the computer on which you're attempting to use the portable browser doesn't allow for USB connections, you won't be able to use a portable browser on it. [7] X Research source

• Again, you'll most likely need to do this from a personal computer on an unrestricted network (e.g., your home computer).

• Click the file to select it.
• Press Ctrl + X (Windows) or ⌘ Command + X (Mac) to copy the file and remove it from its current location.
• Click your flash drive's name on the left side of the window.
• Click a blank space in the flash drive's window.
• Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or ⌘ Command + V (Mac) to paste the file into your flash drive.

• Windows - Double-click the Tor EXE file, select a language and click OK , click Browse... , select your flash drive's name and click OK , and click Install . Uncheck both boxes and click Finish when prompted.
• Mac - Double-click the Tor DMG file, verify the download if necessary, and follow any additional instructions on-screen.

• Open your flash drive if it didn't already open.
• Double-click the "Tor Browser" folder.
• Double-click the "Start Tor Browser" icon.

• Keep in mind that site load times will increase due to your browser traffic being routed through different servers.

Community Q&A

• Portable browsers are perhaps the most secure way to bypass websites outside of using your own VPN. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Using TOR can be dangerous to you and everyone else on your network. Please use this only if you know what you're doing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If you get caught bypassing blocked websites, you will likely be punished. This could result in suspension/expulsion from school or termination of your job. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://thenextweb.com/news/office-school-or-government-block-a-website-you-want-to-read-head-to-google-translate
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fTxngACslQ
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrHsdp4jpmw
• ↑ https://kipkis.com/Bypass_Web_Restrictions

About This Article

To access a blocked website, try accessing the mobile version of the site, which you can do by typing m between the www part and the site’s name. Alternatively, go to translate.google.com and enter the web address into the text box on the left-hand side. Choose another language and click “Translate” to access the site. You can also visit archive.org/web, where you can enter a URL and view passed versions of the site without actually visiting the site. If none of these approaches work for you, try visiting proxfree.com, entering the URL in the search bar, and clicking the ProxFree button. You’ll then be able to browse the site. For tips on how to use the hybrid proxy, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Open Blocked Websites Without Paying for VPN

Like it or not, certain regions may have different rules on what websites you can access while in there. Some are reasonable, others are subject to debate. Fortunately, Google Chrome PC now offers free native support for private DNS, allowing you to bypass restrictions without the need for a VPN.

In the following guide, you will learn how to enable private DNS on Chrome and have access to visit blocked websites. In short, we are going to use the fast, secure, and reliable 1.1.1.1 DNS from Cloudflare that I highly recommend to bypass website restrictions. But before we can start, make sure your Chrome version is updated .

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Pros and cons of a custom DNS

How to enable dns on chrome to access blocked websites, how to use custom dns on other devices, pros and cons of a web proxy, popular free proxy services, pros and cons of tor browser, how to use the tor browser, how do i access blocked websites without vpn, how do i unblock a blocked website, how to bypass blocked sites on wifi without vpn, how do i open blocked sites in safari without vpn, method one: accessing blocked websites using custom dns.

A simple technique is changing your DNS settings to use a public DNS server instead of the default DNS provided by your ISP or network.

DNS (Domain Name System) is what takes a web address you type like  www.example.com  and resolves it to the actual IP address of the server hosting that domain. By default, your device uses your ISP’s DNS servers to perform this lookup.

Many ISPs block websites by restricting domain name resolutions – so  www.example.com  won’t successfully resolve to the website’s IP address. However, using a public third-party DNS service like Google or Cloudflare bypasses this blocking.

While changing your DNS can evade censorship for many sites, it does not provide the full functionality or security of a VPN.

1. Open the Google Chrome menu and then select Settings .

2. On the left side menu, click Privacy and security .

3. Then, navigate to Security .

4. Enable Use secure DNS . After that, determine the DNS to be Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) . You may choose other providers, but this is what I recommend.

5. Voila! Blocked websites can be accessed now. In case you are wondering, Reddit is a mainstream website but it’s blocked in Indonesia for a rather silly reason .

By the way, other Chromium-based browsers like Edge and Brave should have this option as well. Go to their settings to enable the DNS.

Up until now, there are four different DNS options in Chrome. I personally choose Cloudflare since it’s considered to be the fastest and safest service. But feel free to choose other DNS as you wish.

To start using public DNS:

• On your computer  – Change your network adapter settings to use the new DNS servers. For Google, set the DNS to  8.8.8.8  and  8.8.4.4 .
• On your router  – Log into your router admin page and update the DNS server settings. All devices will now use the new DNS automatically.
• On your smartphone  – Install the 1.1.1.1 app from Cloudflare and enable the VPN connection. This will route all traffic through Cloudflare’s DNS.

Method two: Accessing blocked websites using web proxies

One of the easiest free options is using a web proxy. A proxy acts as an intermediary between you and the site you are trying to access. When you connect to a website through a proxy, the website sees the proxy’s IP address instead of your own. This allows you to bypass IP blocking and filtering.

While proxies provide quick, hassle-free access to blocked sites, they do not offer the full privacy, security, and speed of a premium VPN.

Some popular free proxy sites include:

• KPROXY – Offers servers in different countries to evade geoblocks. No registration is required.
• CroxyProxy – Simple to use with no ads or popups. Just select a proxy server and enter the URL to visit.
• ProxySite  – Features proxy servers in the US and UK. No software to install.

There are many more proxy services out there, but they may not be available in your region due to blocking. I recommend you to check what’s available in your country

Method three: Accessing blocked websites using the Tor Browser

The Tor browser offers a high level of online privacy by routing your traffic through a distributed network of volunteer servers. This makes it very difficult to trace traffic back to your original IP address.

Tor also has the ability to access .onion sites – special sites on the Tor network that are not part of the traditional internet DNS. These sites are often blocked by ISPs.

The Tor browser provides a high level of privacy and censorship circumvention, but the tradeoff is very slow speeds. For most users, it may not provide a seamless browsing experience.

To get started with Tor:

• Download the Tor Browser from  https://www.torproject.org/
• Open the browser and connect to the Tor network. This will randomize your IP address.
• Access blocked websites normally using the Tor browser. Traffic will be encrypted and routed through the Tor network.

To access blocked websites without VPN, there are several methods you can try. One of the easiest ways is to use a public web proxy. Another option is to use a DNS proxy which I already explained how to enable it in this article.

To unblock a website, you have a few options. You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions, employ a proxy server, change DNS settings to use public DNS servers, or try the Tor Browser for anonymity. If your ISP is the culprit, contacting them to inquire about the blockage or request unblocking might help.

One way to bypass blocked sites on WiFi without using a VPN is by using a web proxy. Go to a proxy website like proxysite.co, enter the website URL that you want to unblock, and then click Go .

You can try using a proxy website or a proxy server to access blocked sites in Safari without using a VPN. Here’s how to do it:

1. Search for a reliable proxy website or server. Some popular options are ProxySite , Hide.me , and KProxy . 2. Open Safari and visit the proxy website or server you selected. 3. Enter the URL of the blocked site you want to access in the provided field on the proxy website. 4. Click on the “Go” or “Enter” button to navigate to the blocked site through the proxy. 5. The proxy server will fetch the content of the blocked site and display it in your Safari browser.

Please note that using a proxy may not always be secure, so exercise caution and avoid entering sensitive information while using proxies.

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How to unblock sites and access banned pages wherever you are

VPN is essential for unblocking sites anywhere

Let’s face it, we’ve all come across sites that are blocked. Whether that’s because your country has restricted internet access or you just want to watch YouTube at school, it makes no difference – all you want to do is unblock sites and use the web like everyone else.

The quickest and easiest way to unblock sites at home or abroad is to use one of the best VPN services. With a VPN, your activity is encrypted and made anonymous. This means that who or whatever is blocking sites on your network can’t see what you’re looking at or searching for. In turn, that means they can’t make the decision to block what you’re viewing.

• More: Here's how to watch CNN anywhere

Which VPNs are best for unblocking sites?

It’s important to think about privacy, how many servers the VPN has, and whether it’s any good for streaming. Free VPN services can be useful, but for getting around Internet restrictions, none are truly good enough. So, unblocking sites is something we’d only entrust to a paid VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN .

<a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Fwhat-is-vpn%2Funblock-websites%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> We rate ExpressVPN as the #1 VPN on the market , and it’s our first choice for unblocking websites. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries worldwide, meaning wherever you are you’ll get a strong, fast connection. It's great for streaming, and in countries with strict VPN policies like China it also uses special obfuscated servers to help get around those restrictions.

You’ll get apps for all your devices, and just about every server delivers speeds which are fast enough to stream HD content from Netflix, or any other service. The best bit? Tom’s Guide readers can claim three free months on any 12-month plan – and you’ll also have a 30-day money-back guarantee to make up your mind before you commit.

<a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> NordVPN is another great choice as a website unblocker VPN. With 5,000+ servers in 59 countries you’ll have plenty to choose from, and its powerful encryption will keep you safe. Speeds are good, it’s great for streaming, and also works in anti-VPN countries like China. At $3.71 a month , it’s pretty good value too, so it’s a decent alternative to ExpressVPN.

If you're looking for a cheap way to unblock sites on the web, <a href="https://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> we'd highly recommend Surfshark . While it doesn't deliver quite such an in-depth experience as Nord or Express, <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/surfshark-vpn-review" data-link-merchant="tomsguide.com"" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"">Surfshark is incredibly affordable at just $2.49 a month . Plus, you'll also be able to use it on as many devices as you want, and you'll have a 30-day money-back guarantee to test-drive it.

Why are certain sites blocked?

Certain sites are blocked for any number of reasons. Many countries, including China, the UAE, Cuba, Russia and Turkey, censor what can be accessed online. While this isn’t ideal for residents, it can come as a surprise to holidaymakers or those traveling for business that this will affect them too.

However, even in countries that don't censor content online, website unblockers can still be useful if your internet is restricted – for example, at work or at school. These restrictions are usually put in place for productivity, but in reality they can affect how you learn or do your job, so bypassing them with a VPN can have great benefits beyond just watching gaming vids on YouTube.

Finally, if you enjoy watching TV online, you’ll know that there’s tons of content that’s not available where you are. Netflix shows different content in different countries, and services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu are only available in one country. Using a streaming VPN is the only way to get more content out of your paid services, and access geo-blocked free ones, too.

How to unblock Netflix and other streaming sites

One of the most popular reasons to get a VPN is to access blocked content on Netflix, and get access to region-restricted streaming services in different countries. For example, if you’re from the UK but on a trip to Spain, you won’t be able to watch iPlayer until you get home.

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However, a good VPN can get you access to any streaming content wherever you are – just as long as you pay for it, in the case of Netflix, Hulu, and other premium providers.

So, if you’re in America and want to watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Netflix – it’s exclusive to Hulu in the US – you can connect your VPN to a UK server. Then you can head to Netflix and get watching. That’ll save you having to get a Hulu subscription just for one show.

Note : Using a VPN to circumvent streaming site blocks is typically against their Ts&Cs, so proceed with caution and make sure you know the risks before you do so.

• Check out the best Netflix VPN for accessing blocked content

How to unblock banned sites

Beyond streaming, a VPN is hugely useful for unblocking your daily sites when overseas. A great example is China – if you’ve travelled there for business or pleasure, you’ll notice sites and apps like Twitter, Facebook, Google, Gmail , Wikipedia and quite literally thousands more are blocked. If you think you’d like to access them, even once, you’ll need a VPN.

You need to choose a VPN that’s proven to work in the country of your choice – both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are reliable as a China VPN , Turkey VPN , UAE VPN , and in other restrictive states thanks to their obfuscated server tech. Then, you can connect to a server in a nearby country that doesn’t restrict internet use, and get browsing as usual.

Note: If you know you’re traveling to a country like China that restricts VPN use, make sure to sign up before you travel – downloading once you’re there can be difficult or even impossible.

• You need an Android VPN or an iPhone VPN if you're on the move

How to unblock sites that are banned at work or school

If social media sites are blocked on your school or work Wi-Fi, or perhaps you live in rented accommodation which has restricted Internet, a VPN can help you unblock sites here, too.

All you need to do is switch on your VPN, connect to your chosen server, and head over to the blocked website. Your traffic will then be anonymized, and your ISP won’t be able to choose what you can and can’t access.

<a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fexpressvpn.com%2Fwhat-is-vpn%2Funblock-websites%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> ExpressVPN will get you access to just about every blocked site on the web , wherever you are – and it's the service we'd choose to use if we were heading to China or anywhere else that restricts the web. Tom's Guide readers can claim three months absolutely free on any 12-month plan, and you also get a 20-day money-back guarantee so you can try before you commit.

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN , privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.

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VPNoverview.com Unblock Censorship How to Unblock Websites From Anywhere

How to Unblock Websites From Anywhere

Can’t access a site? Websites can be blocked for various reasons. Some countries impose restrictions on specific sites . For example, India and Somalia have banned TikTok, and the BBC is banned in Russia.

Your employer or school administrators may also restrict access to certain websites (like social media platforms). And some streaming services are not available worldwide . For example, you can’t access Netflix from Russia or China, and you can’t access Hulu outside the U.S.

Being blocked from accessing a website can be frustrating. Thankfully, there’s a workaround — use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to bypass restrictions and access any blocked site. Here’s how to unblock websites from anywhere with a VPN:

• Sign up for a VPN . We recommend NordVPN : its unblocking capabilities and vast server network allow you to access blocked sites from anywhere.
• Download and install NordVPN on your device.
• Log in to the NordVPN app with the account details you used in Step 1.
• Connect to a VPN server in a country where the website you want to access isn’t blocked.
• Now, you can freely access previously blocked websites .

After testing different VPN services extensively, we found that NordVPN is the best choice for unblocking websites from anywhere. Besides its super-fast speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities, NordVPN’s obfuscation technology makes it impossible for anyone to detect you’re using a VPN to access restricted sites.

Continue reading for more detailed instructions on how to unblock websites from anywhere.

Do you find some sites blocked when you try to access them? Your employer or school administrators may be restricting access to sites (like social media, gambling, or porn sites) that can distract you or affect your productivity. Also, some websites — like online banking platforms or streaming services — may be inaccessible in countries where they don’t operate. Your internet service provider (ISP) may also be blocking some sites.

The easiest way to access a blocked website is by using a VPN . A VPN spoofs your location, making it appear like you’re in another city or country. This allows you to access previously blocked sites.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs can bypass restrictions and unblock websites. We’ve tested different VPNs to determine the best options for unblocking websites. And NordVPN emerged on top. Its fast speeds , vast server network , and unrivaled unblocking capabilities allow you to access any blocked site, regardless of your location. With NordVPN, you can unblock news sites, streaming sites, gaming sites, and virtually any type of online content — even if you’re in a country with strict internet censorship.

Below, we provide step-by-step instructions for unblocking websites from anywhere.

It’s not uncommon to stumble on inaccessible sites. For example, if you try to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, you will be greeted with an error message explaining that the service is only available in the UK.

There are many reasons a website may be inaccessible to you. But, regardless of the reason, there are three main ways to unblock websites.

1. Unblock websites from anywhere with a VPN

Using a virtual private network to unblock a site is easy, and it’s the most secure method . When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure third-party server. This gives you a new IP address, and, as a result, you’ll appear to be in a different location. When you connect to a VPN server in Paris, for example, any website you visit will assume you’re in France. This makes it possible to access blocked websites.

A VPN also encrypts your internet traffic, masking your private information and allowing you to bypass censorship and geo-restriction . Here’s how to unblock websites on any device.

Save big with up to 69% off a two-year subscription!

• Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
• Perfect for privacy and streaming
• Trusted by many, with over 14 million users

• Head to the website you’re trying to unblock . You should be able to access it now.

NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can use it to unblock websites for an entire month, risk-free.

2. Unblock websites from anywhere with a proxy

Another way to unblock websites and access content is via a web proxy site or by using a proxy server. Think of a proxy service as a “lite” version of a VPN . It routes your connection through a third-party server and changes your IP address. As a result, you will appear to be accessing the website from a different location. This allows you to browse previously blocked websites.

Compared to VPNs, proxies usually have smaller server networks . As a result, they may be unable to unblock sites that are restricted to particular countries. Also, network administrators in schools and workplaces can implement security policies and configurations that will limit your ability to use proxy servers .

Proxies can also slow down your internet connection more than VPNs since they tend to have limited bandwidth . A proxy doesn’t encrypt your traffic and is generally less secure than a VPN.

3. Unblock websites from anywhere with Smart DNS

Smart DNS tricks websites into believing you’re in a different location . It does this by masking the origin of your DNS queries. While Smart DNS does not change your IP address , it blocks any traffic that could reveal your location. Ultimately, this allows you to unblock websites from anywhere.

Smart DNS doesn’t provide extra security through encryption . It also doesn’t anonymize your connection or safeguard your privacy online, like a VPN.

The 3 Best VPNs for Accessing Blocked Websites From Anywhere

We conducted extensive tests to find the best VPNs for unblocking websites from anywhere. The three VPN providers below can unblock websites regardless of the reason they’re blocked. They also come with solid security and privacy features.

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for accessing blocked sites from anywhere

• Excellent unblocking capabilities
• 6200+ servers in 111 countries, so you can unblock geographically restricted content from different parts of the world
• Strong security features
• Obfuscated servers hide your VPN traffic and allow you to access blocked sites undetected
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Based on our tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking websites from anywhere. It can bypass all kinds of restrictions, like geographical blocks on websites such as Netflix or barriers put up by your government on news sites. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers allow you to access blocked sites freely without being detected by your network admin.

Besides providing access to blocked websites and services, NordVPN boasts fast speeds . You can stream TV shows or movies and play games online without lags or delays. NordVPN has apps for different devices, allowing you to access blocked sites on desktop or mobile. You can even install this VPN on your router, and access blocked sites on any device of your choice.

NordVPN is quite affordable , too. And, if you act now, you can get a massive limited-time 69% discount and drive the price further down to just $ 3.09 per month.

Interested in learning more about NordVPN and its features? Check out our in-depth NordVPN review .

2. Surfshark: Budget VPN for unblocking websites from anywhere

• One of the most affordable VPNs for unblocking websites
• Offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with a single subscription
• Superb unblocking capabilities
• Camouflage mode allows you to use a VPN without being detected

Surfshark gives you the most bang for your buck among all the VPNs we tested. It can easily unblock websites such as Disney+ , thanks to its wide network of 3200+ servers. Surfshark’s servers are fast and reliable — we didn’t experience any connectivity issues during our tests.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark uses strong AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data and offers obfuscation via its Camouflage mode . In Camouflage mode, Surfshark makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic, ensuring your ISP or network admins can’t see that you’re accessing a blocked site. Surfshark allows you to unblock websites even in countries, schools, or workplaces that crack down on VPN use.

You can even share your Surfshark account with family and friends , as this VPN supports unlimited connections.

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs available today , but you can get a 84% discount on it by clicking the orange button below.

For more information about this VPN service, including details of how it performed in our tests, read our full Surfshark review .

3. CyberGhost: Large server network for unblocking websites in various locations

• Servers are optimized for particular purposes, such as gaming and streaming
• Allows five simultaneous connections
• Offers quality service at a great price

CyberGhost has an extensive server network — a whopping 11700+ servers in 100+ countries . This makes it an excellent option for accessing blocked websites. It also has dedicated servers for high-bandwidth activities. So, you can unblock streaming or gaming sites and enjoy a smooth, lag-free experience.

This VPN performed impressively well in our speed tests . Although there are faster VPNs out there, CyberGhost is no slouch. While CyberGhost can provide access to blocked sites, it doesn’t have obfuscated servers like NordVPN and Surfshark. This means you may be spotted using this VPN to unblock restricted sites. As a result, we don’t recommend this VPN if you’re in a country, school, or workplace with strict rules barring you from accessing particular sites.

One of the reasons we love CyberGhost is its 45-day money-back guarantee — it’s longer than the money-back guarantee period of any other VPN. You have nearly six weeks to test this VPN and decide if it’s what you need. Plus, CyberGhost is super affordable, just like Surfshark. Get CyberGhost at 84% off today and only pay $ 2.03 per month.

Read our comprehensive CyberGhost review to find out what our VPN experts think of this VPN and how they rate its performance.

How to Unblock Websites at School or Work

Schools and workplaces may block particular websites to ensure productivity or to conserve bandwidth. However, you may need to access these websites for legitimate reasons such as school/product research. Here’s how to unblock websites on a school or work computer:

• Get a NordVPN subscription .
• Download the NordVPN app on your device.
• Sign in to your NordVPN account.
• Connect to a VPN server . Since the site is blocked by your workplace or school admin, connecting to a server in your city (or a nearby city) should unblock it.
• Now, you can access content online without restrictions.

Can I Unblock Websites With a Free VPN?

If you want to cut costs, you may consider using a free VPN to access blocked websites. While some top-rated free VPNs are great for everyday browsing, we don’t recommend using one to unblock websites. Free VPNs usually have several limitations. For example, their weak security may leave you exposed if your school, employer, ISP, or government is monitoring the IP addresses of anyone trying to access blocked sites. They’re not ideal for anonymous activities, like getting Pornhub unblocked.

And, even when free VPNs work, there’s a limited number of websites you can block as they usually have significantly smaller server networks. Free VPNs are also more likely to have data caps and bandwidth limits, which can make it impossible to stream or download content online.

There’s also a privacy risk to free VPNs. Many free VPN services have been accused of logging and selling users’ data to advertisers for profit. It’s not worth putting your privacy at risk. Grab NordVPN now for $ 3.09 — less than a cup of coffee — and access restricted content safely.

Why Are Websites Blocked?

Websites can be restricted for a few reasons.

• Workplaces and schools may block particular websites to prevent unproductive activities such as streaming or gaming. They may also do this to restrict the amount of bandwidth being used.
• Oppressive governments may block websites, like news portals or social media, to curb dissent — as it could expose citizens to ideas that are contrary to the official narrative. For example, China’s “ Great Firewall ” blocks websites that go against the country’s censorship guidelines.
• ISPs sometimes block access to sites that violate local laws . For example, they may block access to free streaming, torrenting, or porn sites.

Final Thoughts: Unblocking Websites From Anywhere

Regardless of the reason a website is blocked, the easiest way to access it is by using a VPN. NordVPN is our top choice for unblocking websites. Its unblocking capabilities are remarkable, plus it’s fast and has an extensive network of servers, which allows you to access geo-restricted content in various countries. Take advantage of NordVPN’s massive 69% discount and unblock any website of your choice now.

If you would like to find out more about unblocking websites with a VPN, check out the articles below:

• Best VPNs for Streaming: Unblock Movies and Shows for Free
• This Video Is Unavailable: How to Unblock YouTube Videos
• How to Unblock YouTube at School or Anywhere: A Quick Guide

Do you have questions about how to unblock websites from anywhere? Check out the FAQ below for quick answers.

Yes, you can unblock websites that may be blocked for various reasons with a VPN. Here is how:

• Get NordVPN .
• Install the VPN app  on your device and log in to your NordVPN account.
• Connect to a VPN server in a city or country where the site you’re trying to visit isn’t blocked.
• Visit the website . It should be unblocked now.

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. However, there are a few exceptions. VPNs are illegal in the following countries:

• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• North Korea

Both VPNs and proxy servers route your internet connection through third-party servers. However, a VPN also encrypts your traffic to protect your privacy. A premium VPN, like NordVPN , has an extensive network of servers spread out globally, letting you access content from many different locations. On the other hand, proxy servers tend to have small server networks, limiting your ability to access blocked sites.

A VPN gives you a different IP address and allows you to access VPN servers from across the globe. VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic and generally improve your online safety. Smart DNS, on the other hand, tricks websites and services into thinking that your DNS queries are coming from a different location. They don’t offer the added security and privacy benefits of a VPN.

You can unblock a website in Chrome by following these steps:

• Get a NordVPN subscription.
• Install the NordVPN Chrome browser extension .
• Sign in to your NordVPN account on the Chrome browser extension.
• Connect to a VPN server  in a city or country where the website you want to visit isn’t blocked.
• The website  should be unblocked now .

We recommend using a premium VPN with excellent unblocking capabilities, like NordVPN. While many VPNs are great for everyday use, they’re ineffective at bypassing restrictions and unblocking websites. During our tests, NordVPN allowed us to browse different blocked sites successfully.

A VPN is the best way to unblock a website, whether you’re using a work or school computer. Here’s how to unblock websites on a school Chromebook.

• Download and install the NordVPN app on your device.
• Connect to a server in a nearby city or country where the site you want to access isn’t blocked.
• Enjoy unrestricted access to any website of your choice.

William Elcock Author

Tech journalist.

William has been fiddling with tech and helping friends with their tech problems for as long as he remembers, so it’s no surprise he ended up becoming a true cybersecurity aficionado. For years now, he has been writing useful how-to guides and trustworthy online privacy advice read and appreciated by people all over the globe.

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How to Unblock a Website: Step-by-Step Instructions

Whether you want to unblock sites at school, work, or home

How To Set Up A VPN

• Why They're Banned

It can be frustrating when you’re on a particular network — like at your school or work — and the administrators have decided certain websites are off limits. How are you supposed to see what your favorite content creator is having for dinner if you can’t get on Instagram? How are you going to know how many people liked that fire selfie you took at the beach this past weekend?

Simple — use a VPN.

VPNs, or virtual private networks, allow you to spoof your digital location and cut through the proverbial red tape that blocks you from certain websites. And this goes for desktops, laptops and mobile devices too. You can change your iPhone location with a VPN just as easily as you can using your home computer.

There are a lot of reasons you might want to do this. For one, changing your YouTube location with a VPN can help you access content that isn’t available in your geographic area. Say you’re traveling internationally for work and don’t really want to watch Italian Netflix, a VPN can make the network think your device is located in the U.S.

Handy, right?

There are a few considerations to think through before you use a VPN, though, and a few steps you need to take to perform this little maneuver successfully. Don’t worry though, we have all of the information right here.

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to unblock websites.

Pro Tip: Any good VPN can help you unblock websites, but some do it better than others. With strong encryption and affordable prices , Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs for unblocking websites. Learn about its unique features in our Private Internet Access review .

How to Unblock Websites at School, Work, or Home

School’s network blocking YouTube? Work won’t let you check social media? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered whether you’re on a phone, computer, or tablet. By hiding your IP address , VPNs can help you bypass site-blockers and internet censorship. Setting up a VPN is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here are some of our highest-rated VPNs that we've tested:

A Step-by-Step List for Setting Up a VPN

• Choose a VPN. Our VPN buying guide is a good place to start. Or, if you’re a student, check out the best VPNs for school .
• Download either the VPN app . Once enabled, you’ll be able to alter your device’s IP address and get around any website blockers. Note that if you’re on a school computer, browser extensions will probably be a better option.
• Sign in with your username and password.
• Connect to a VPN server. Look for server locations near you for optimal speeds.

Now that your IP address has changed , you should be able to get around internet censorship , even in countries like China, which has some of the most strict internet censorship on the planet. Speaking of — if you’re in Hong Kong, read about the best Hong Kong VPNs . There are a few considerations you’ll need to make to get around the Great Firewall.

The best VPNs to unblock websites are those with dynamic IP addresses, meaning that you get a new IP address every time you connect to the internet. We recommend reading our ExpressVPN review or our IPVanish review to learn more.

That said, VPNs aren’t the only way to access blocked sites.

What Are Proxy Servers?

If you’re looking to encrypt the IP address of a single web page only, you can use a free proxy instead of a VPN . The major advantage of proxies versus VPNs is that proxies are free, usually, and cover only a single website or apps. VPNs, on the other hand, encrypt all web traffic across your entire device, not just your IP address.

For students using school-owned devices, proxies may be a better option. Employees trying to bypass workplace restrictions should look for a public web proxy. Keep in mind, though, that your workplace might have blocked these sites as well.

Pro Tip: We don’t recommend using these tactics to violate the terms of your employment. If you use proxy servers or a VPN to access materials you shouldn’t on work devices, your IT department might end up wanting to have a word with you.

Sometimes, though, unblocking a particular website is as simple as fiddling with your device settings.

Change Device Permissions

If you have the administrative privileges to do so, sometimes you can unblock a particular website by adjusting the settings on your computer.

To disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall:

• Click the Windows button.
• Click Settings.
• Click Privacy & Security.
• Click Windows Security.
• Click Firewall & Network Protection.
• Select your profile.
• Scroll to Microsoft Defender Firewall.
• Switch the settings to off. 1

Additionally, you may be able to unblock sites on Chrome.

On a computer:

• Open Chrome.
• Open Settings.
• Scroll down to Privacy and Security.
• Click Site Settings.
• Change the setting of your choice.

On an Android device:

• Go to a website you want to unblock.
• Click More.
• Click Info.
• Click Permissions.
• Click Reset Permissions.

Alternatively, on some devices, you can reset permissions for sites via these steps:

• Open the Chrome app.
• Tap the three dots in the right-hand corner.
• Select Settings.
• Under Advanced, select Site settings.
• Find a site under one of the Permissions categories (such as Location) > Blocked. Tap to see a list of sites and change the permission setting.

Finally, on an iPhone or iPad:

• Click Content Settings.
• Click the permission you want to change.

So let’s say none of the above worked. You’re not sunk yet. You still have the nuclear option.

Tor Browser

The Tor browser is an open-sourced web browser that hides both a user’s location and their internet activity, a boon for online anonymity . By hiding your location, you might be able to bypass firewalls, although you may not be able to download Tor on school- or work-owned computers, or in countries like China.

Before you put on your Black Hat and start poking around on the Dark Web, though, you might want to check and make sure your screen time limits aren’t your problem.

NOTE: Do you spend most of your time on a Mac? We recommend using an iOS VPN and learning how to set up a VPN on an iPhone .

Turn Off Screen Time Limits

Perhaps you can’t access a website, not because the website is blocked, but because of screen time limits. If you’re able to, disabling these limits could let you onto the sites of your dreams.

On an iPhone:

• Open your Settings.
• Click Screen Time.
• Click Continue.
• Choose either This Is My Device or This Is My Child’s Device.
• Enter your passcode if asked.
• Click Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Turn Content and Privacy off. 3

On an Android:

• Go to g.co/YourFamily.
• Select the child you set screen time limits for.
• Select More.
• Click Disable. 4

With all of this in mind, there are a handful of other ways to bypass web blockers — particularly if they aren’t set up well.

Other Methods for Unsophisticated Blockers

Those are all the best ways to unblock websites, but if you’re dealing with a very basic blocker, a few other methods could work as well.

• Use an IP address : Some software blocks domain names only and not the IP addresses behind websites, so if you type the IP address into the URL bar, you could access the website. Use Whois to find out sites’ URLs. 5
• Switch from HTTP to HTTPS : Another method is typing in the URL with either HTTP or HTTPS. Perhaps the software blocks only one or the other, so switching could get you access. However, proceed with caution, as websites whose URLs begin with HTTP are less secure than websites whose URLs begin with HTTPS.
• Go on Google.
• Search for the website you want to visit.
• To the right of the URL, click the downward arrow.
• Click Cached.
• Copy the URL you want to visit.
• Go to the Bitly website.
• Paste the URL in the box that says Shorten Your Link.
• Copy the short URL.
• Paste the URL into your browser.

Why Are Websites Banned?

For those of us who are against internet censorship, running into blocked websites can be a frustrating experience, but there are many reasons why websites are banned, some legitimate and some not.

Schools, from elementary schools to high schools, ban websites to censor what children can see. This is a legal necessity for any school that receives discounts on internet access and connections through the federal E-Rate program. These schools must adhere to internet safety policies that block and filter internet access to harmful material.

It’s all part of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, which Congress enacted in 2000, 6 around the time the internet became widely available.

Did You Know: Certain public schools in the U.S. are legally obligated under the Children’s Internet Protection Act to block obscenity, child pornography, and other pictures that are harmful to minors.

Aside from federal obligations, schools may want to block websites to shield kids from obscene content and keep them safe from cyberbullying, which our cyberbullying research has shown affects one in five kids. To protect kids online usually means websites and search terms restrictions.

Governments

Certain governments like those in China and Russia block websites in order to silence political opposition, independent journalists, and human rights organizations. Governments also may restrict websites in order to protect national security, block child pornography, or prevent copyright or trademark infringement. 7

Employers block websites for a couple of reasons, and no, it’s not just to annoy you.

One, they want to prevent employees from using the internet for personal reasons, otherwise known as “cyberloafing” or “cyberslacking” 8 (hey, we’ve all been there). A survey from the staffing firm OfficeTeam found that, on average, employees waste 56 minutes a day online, which amounts to nearly five hours a week. 9 Time theft is real, folks, which is why you may not be able to browse social media on your work computer. Rats.

Another reason why employers block websites is to prevent employees from causing data breaches or cyberattacks. Unfortunately, human error is the cause of many data breaches . A study found some pretty shocking employee trends when it comes to digital security and password hygiene :

• A third of employees save passwords on lists on their computers or mobile devices rather than using encrypted password managers.
• One in five employees use the same password for every login.
• Eleven percent of employees who received phishing emails fell victim to them.
• Only 41 percent of organizations reported that all of their remote employees adhere to the policies strictly on how to store and dispose of confidential information. 10

By blocking certain websites, employers can regain some level of control over their digital security, beyond installing antivirus software on devices and having remote employees use VPNs.

Is It Legal to Unblock Websites?

Whether or not it’s legal to unblock websites depends on what country you’re in, among other factors. Authoritarian countries like China and Russia ban certain websites, so unblocking them is illegal. On the other hand, if you’re using a school computer that falls under the Children’s Internet Protection Act, unblocking websites is illegal as well.

Now unblocking websites at your workplace? That’s technically legal, but it’s also technically legal to fire you for circumventing your employer’s workplace policies. Do you really want to get canned for watching a 2007 Vine compilation? Think hard about that before you pull the trigger.

There you have it; everything we know about how to unblock websites, and why they’re blocked in the first place.

We’re proponents of a free and open internet, so we hope that using a VPN was enough to get you past the firewalls. But note that if you’re in a country like China, you’re unblocking websites at your own risk. While using a VPN is legal in the U.S., that’s not the case everywhere, so above all, proceed with caution.

Since internet censorship (and getting around it) is such a huge topic, we’ve answered the questions we get the most below.

You can unblock a site by connecting to a VPN. A VPN will change your IP address, which could help you get around a firewall.

To unblock a site on Chrome, assuming you have administrator privileges:

• Select More on the right (the three vertical dots).
• Click on Settings.
• Go to Privacy and Security.
• Select Site Settings.
• Unblock your desired website.

However, if you lack administrator privileges, you may need to use a VPN on your device or a VPN browser extension in order to unblock websites.

To open blocked websites without a VPN, you could try using a proxy server instead. You can also alter your device settings, if you have the administrator account, or use the Tor browser.

The easiest way to unblock an app that an administrator blocked is to connect to a VPN on your device. The VPN will hide your device’s IP address and replace it with a new one, which should let you get around firewalls.

Microsoft Support. Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off . support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/turn-microsoft-defender-firewall-on-or-off-ec0844f7-aebd-0583-67fe-601ecf5d774f

Google Chrome Help. (2021). Change site permissions. support.google.com/chrome/answer/114662?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&oco=1

Apple Support. (2021). Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. support.apple.com/en-us/HT201304#set-restrictions

Google for Families Help. (2021). Manage your child's screen time. support.google.com/families/answer/7103340?hl=en#zippy=%2Cdisable-screen-time-limits

DomainTools. (2021). Whois Lookup. whois.domaintools.com/

Federal Communications Commission. (2019). Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act

Electronic Frontier Foundation. Content Blocking. eff.org/issues/content-blocking

BBC. (2020). Cyberloafing: The line between rejuvenating and wasting time. bbc.com/worklife/article/20200206-cyberloafing-the-line-between-rejuvenating-and-wasting-time

Robert Half. (2017). Working Hard or Hardly Working? Employees Waste More Than One Day a Week on Non-Work Activities. rh-us.mediaroom.com/2017-07-19-WORKING-HARD-OR-HARDLY-WORKING-Employees-Waste-More-Than-One-Day-a-Week-on-Non-Work-Activities

Shred-it. (2020). Data Protection Report 2020. images.learn.shredit.com/Web/ShreditInternationalInc/%7Bbe75755b-977c-4d5b-8e12-55fc5c40ac47%7D_Shredit_2020-Data-Protection-Report_US.pdf?utm_campaign=SIT%20DPR%202020%20Auto%20Response%20USA&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

• Security Tips
• Social Media
• Privacy Tips
• Performance Tips

How to Unblock Websites & Access Restricted Content (13 Easy Ways)

Whether it’s school, work, the country you’re traveling in, or something else preventing you from accessing websites, there are always ways to bypass blocked content. Access your favorite sites and content with our tips on how to unblock websites, then try our blazing-fast VPN to get around content blocks immediately.

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Whatever your reason for needing to unblock websites, there are several ways to do it. We’ve compiled a list of the 13 most effective ways to bypass blocked websites.

If you want to know why sites restrict content or the legality of getting around content blocks, skip down to our sections on why websites get blocked and whether it’s legal to unblock them .

1. Unblock websites using a VPN

Using a VPN is the easiest and most reliable way to get around content blocks and unlock the URLs you want. A VPN (virtual private network) routes your internet traffic through a remote server, letting you choose your virtual location.

When you connect to a website with a VPN, the website thinks that the virtual location shown by your VPN is your actual location, which means your real location is masked and you can unblock content. And that’s just one of the benefits of a VPN — VPNs also encrypt your connection, securing your data and protecting any personal information like credit card details you enter when shopping online .

Here’s how to unblock websites with a VPN on both desktop and mobile:

First, download and install your VPN — get a free trial of AVG Secure VPN right here:

Now you need to set up your VPN on Windows or get your VPN set up on Mac — this is straightforward if you use a reputable and well-designed app.

Turn on the VPN and select a server location. If the content you want to access is location-specific, select a location where that content is available. If you just want to secure your traffic and hide your IP address, select Optimal location (or a similar setting) for the fastest speeds.

Now you’re browsing anonymously and securely from a hidden location.

A VPN is the easiest, most comprehensive tool to bypass content blocks. But if you’re using a public computer at a library or need to unblock websites at school, a VPN may not be the best option, because you need to download it.

Some content providers have also started blocking known VPN IP addresses, so your VPN might not work on the sites or services you want to use. Thankfully, when VPN providers realize one of their IPs has been blocked, they usually open new addresses to provide more options.

Highly secure

Encrypts your data and connection

Can unblock most websites

Some VPNs are optimized for streaming and bypassing geo-blocking

Good VPNs offer customer support

Not free (most reputable VPNs aren’t free)

Requires downloading

Often slow — but, there are ways to speed up your VPN connection

2. Unblock websites using Tor

Tor is another option for getting around content blocks and bypassing geo-restrictions. Tor — or The Onion Router — routes your online traffic through many layers of encryption, hence its name. Tor lets you access the web anonymously and get around most content restrictions.

While Tor offers strong online privacy, its downside is slow speeds. That’s because the Tor network and browser are an open-source project maintained by volunteers. Another downside is that you usually can’t install Tor on a school, work, or public computer.

Here’s how to unblock websites using Tor:

Go to the Tor website and follow the directions to install the Tor browser. Then, open Tor and configure it (if necessary).

After that, connect and enter the onion to get anonymous access to whatever sites you need.

Secure and encrypted

Run by a non-profit, so no data mining

Lets you access the dark web

Works well to unblock many sites

Can’t bypass some specific blocks against Tor nodes, including Netflix

Slow speeds

No customer service to help configure Tor properly

3. Unblock websites using a web proxy

A web proxy works well for quickly unblocking content on public computers, or if you need a website unblocker for school — often for Chromebooks, which run Android apps — and you can’t download a VPN or Tor. You’ll connect to a proxy server first, and then on to your desired website — hiding your actual location in the process.

Learning how to unblock websites on a school computer or Chromebook is easy when you use a web proxy. To use a proxy server, go to a proxy website, enter the URL of the actual website you want to visit, and press a button to access it.

The downside is that before visiting the site you want, you need to navigate to the web proxy first — every time, in every tab. It can be a little annoying and generally isn’t great for streaming content online . And, though web proxies are usually free, they don’t provide the same privacy and security protections as a VPN or Tor.

The HMA web proxy is a trusted website unblocker. Simply navigate to the HMA web proxy site , enter the site you want to access, choose your server, and go.

No installation required

Works on public computers and school Chromebooks

Can bypass basic content blocks

May break some website functionality

Doesn’t safeguard private personal data

Not optimized for speed

Not guaranteed to unblock all sites

You have to open the web proxy every time you visit a new site

4. Unblock websites using a browser extension

A proxy extension is like a more convenient web proxy, and it’ll get you around content blocks on a school computer very quickly. A proxy extension sits right in your browser, so you won’t waste time constantly navigating to the proxy — it’s ready whenever you want to access blocked content.

Proxy extensions in the Chrome Web Store are vetted by Google for security

Usually encrypts your browser connection

Can choose your server location

Usually free

Won’t disrupt any of your other chrome security extensions

Requires installation on your computer

May show ads

May not be optimized for streaming content

If you can’t download a VPN or Tor (maybe your school or business forbids it), and don’t want to use a proxy, but still need to unblock something quickly, there are some other quick methods to access blocked websites that might work.

The following methods for unblocking sites aren’t as reliable as the options outlined above, but they can be effective site unblockers in a pinch.

5. Use a URL shortener

If your school or work network is using a very basic blocking method, using a URL shortener might help. Services like TinyURL shorten a website’s URL, which will help you unblock websites without a proxy, VPN, or Tor . For example, if your school blocks Facebook, you can create a different (shortened) URL to access it. Here’s how it works:

Go to a URL shortening site like is.gd , TinyURL , or Bitly .

Enter the website you want to unblock into the URL field, then click the button to shorten it.

Copy your new, shorter URL and paste it into your computer browser. If you’re lucky, you’ll successfully bypass the website access restriction and get to the site you want.

No downloading required

Quick and easy

May or may not work to unblock sites

No security

6. Try switching protocols

If your school or work network uses a basic blocking method that filters out a simple list of URLs, you might be able to get around it by switching from HTTPS to HTTP (or vice versa). For example, if https ://www.somewebsite.com is blocked, http ://www.somewebsite.com might still work.

But it’s important to note that HTTP is an unsecured protocol and should be avoided whenever possible. And never enter any personal information or passwords into a site using just HTTP, because of potential security vulnerabilities that can be exploited .

No security; HTTP protocol is unsecure

7. Use the Google cache

Caching is when a service like Google or your browser keeps a local copy of a commonly visited site so that it loads faster when you visit it again. That means you might be able to access the cached version of a restricted website.

To get to a cached version of a site, just type in cache: before the site address in the Google search bar. Click the down arrow, then click Cached . If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to bypass the content block by visiting the cached version of the site.

May or may not work for all blocked content

May display outdated content

8. Use Google translate

Another Google-based workaround is to use Google translate to unblock websites. This method for accessing restricted sites might not show the page you want to view perfectly, but it may be enough to let you read the content you’re looking for.

Here’s how to use Google translate to unblock websites:

Go to Google Translate , choose a random language for the from field and English for the to field, and paste your desired website or URL into the box.

Click the link, and hopefully you can view it as an unblocked website. But be aware that some elements on the page may break.

May or may not work as a true website unblocker

9. Use a dynamic IP address

Some websites block connections from certain groups of IP addresses due to spam or cybercrime concerns. If that includes your IP address , you won't be able to visit that website.

A dynamic IP address — one that changes with each use — will let you bypass this restriction. It’s the same trick phone spoofers use to keep calling you from different phone numbers.

Most ISPs use dynamic IP addresses, so simply restarting your router may get you a new one. Otherwise, connecting to a VPN or proxy server is the easiest way to get a dynamic IP address.

If you’re on Windows, you can also use the Command Prompt to change your IP. Open your Command Prompt by simultaneously pressing the Win + R keys, then type cmd , and click OK . In the window that opens, type ipconfig /release (including spaces) and press Enter . Then type ipconfig /renew (including spaces) and press Enter , then close the Command Prompt.

Increases your online privacy

If done manually, it’s free

May require a subscription

Can involve some technical know-how

10. Use an IP address instead of a URL

Some rudimentary types of website blocking only target URLs — which means that if you enter the site’s IP address directly into your browser, you may be able to access it. You’ll just need to find the IP address first. Here’s how:

On Windows, open the Command Prompt and enter the command ping [website URL] or nslookup [website URL] , replacing the text in brackets with the actual URL you’re trying to visit.

On Mac, open the Terminal and enter either of the same commands.

Easy and fast

Not guaranteed to bypass restrictions

11. Use an HTML to PDF converter

If you just want to read the contents of a particular webpage, and you don’t need to visit the actual site, you can use a PDF converter to convert the HTML source code into a readable PDF.

HTML to PDF converter tools, like this one , will change the contents of any URL into a PDF document, including the text and pictures on the site. Then, you can either preview the PDF online or download it to read it later or print it.

Free and easy

No installation needed

May not work with every blocked website

No interaction

You can’t visit the actual site

12. Use a private browser

One of the easiest ways to unblock sites and view blocked content is to use a web browser built for privacy and security . Not only will a private browser help prevent unwanted tracking while you browse, it can also help you access blocked websites without much work.

One such browser is AVG Secure Browser , which includes built-in access to AVG Secure VPN — together, they can help you bypass website access restrictions, while also encrypting your connection and concealing your online activity.

To start accessing blocked websites, first download and install AVG Secure Browser here:

Open AVG Secure Browser and click the green shield in the top-right corner to open the Security & Privacy Center . From there, you can activate multiple privacy features — including Secure VPN — to help hide your presence from blocked websites and start accessing restricted content.

Easy access to a built-in VPN with a kill switch

Helps stop phishing attacks and online trackers

Includes a built-in private browsing mode for extra privacy

Includes a customizable, easy-to-use adblocker

Requires extra installs to access all premium features

Requires browser installation

13. Change your DNS server

Changing your Domain Name System (DNS) server — either manually or via a smart DNS proxy server — also allows you to access geo-blocked content, by tricking a website into thinking you’re in a different location.

You can change your DNS server on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone or iPad). Or, you can change the DNS server within your browser or via your router. The biggest difference between a smart DNS proxy and a VPN is that your IP address is still visible if you use a smart DNS proxy alone.

Free website unblocker

Doesn’t require installation

Doesn’t sacrifice speed

Works on all device types

Doesn’t hide your IP address or provide encryption

Setup can be intimidating

Now let’s review all the website unblocker methods described above and rate them across a variety of factors — ease of use, speed, security, and more. Green dots mean the method works well, while a red dot means things may be more difficult.

Why do websites get blocked?

Websites get blocked when they detect an IP address that isn’t supposed to access the restricted content. Your IP (Internet Protocol) address identifies your device on the internet and reveals your physical location. That’s what lets websites find your IP and block (or allow) your device.

Websites also detect data stored in browser cookies . If you’re trying to access a subscription site or paywalled content, the page will be blocked unless the site can verify that you’re logged in and have a subscription.

Content providers, schools and companies, and government authorities block websites for a variety of reasons, from commercial considerations to limiting the free flow of information. If you use a VPN, it’s easy to hide your IP address so that it appears you’re coming from a different physical location, which can let you access blocked websites.

Geo-restricted content

Geo-blocking is common for streaming services — such as Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify — that have licensing agreements for the content they provide. Those agreements specify the films and TV shows they can deliver in each region they serve.

If you use Netflix in the US, you’ll usually see a different collection of content than in another country. That’s why many people traveling abroad use VPNs to unblock websites and content that are otherwise available in their home country.

School and work restrictions

Your school or workplace might not want you to access certain content. If they’re blocking adult content or unsafe websites , they may have a point. But if they’re preventing you from streaming music or accessing news sites, that’s another story. Generally, your school or work is worried about productivity and bandwidth, and streaming may consume valuable resources.

We showed you how to bypass blocked websites at school above, so hop up there for more details.

Some countries censor online content within their borders because of cultural, religious, or political concerns — in other words, to limit the flow of information or muffle dissent. China, with their Great Firewall , is probably the most notorious example, blocking lots of sites like Facebook and Twitter. When countries censor the open web, their citizens often find ways to unblock censored websites.

Internet service providers (ISPs) typically block websites for legitimate reasons — URLs known to contain or traffic illegal or pirated content are often blocked by most ISPs. If you live in a country with strict censorship laws, ISPs may be required to block websites according to local regulations too.

Is it legal to unblock websites?

The legality of unblocking websites varies depending on location. Many countries (even China, to some degree) allow VPNs. For more details about specific countries, research what local laws say about VPNs. If you’re torrenting copyrighted media, that’s always illegal, whether you’re using a VPN or not.

Bypassing content restrictions to access specific shows on platforms like HBO Max or Netflix isn’t illegal — but it may be against their terms of use.

The easiest way to access blocked sites on any device

A VPN is the most reliable way to access blocked websites and stay anonymous online. VPNs offer online privacy to keep your browsing activity hidden from hackers, internet service providers, and even governments.

AVG Secure VPN offers an array of virtual locations to choose from, with dedicated streaming services to help you view your favorite content on the go. AVG Secure VPN also protects your internet traffic with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, the same standard used by banks. So you’ll be fully hidden and free to bypass content blocks on your way to whatever sites you need to access. Try it free today.

If you’re still unsure about the best way to unblock websites, here’s some more information you should know:

Will any of these methods allow me to access blocked websites at school?

Yes, some of the above methods to unblock websites will work at school. But, you may not be able to download a VPN or Tor. That means a proxy or one of the quick methods outlined above will be your best bet to unblock sites if you’re at school.

How about unblocking sites at work?

If you have a fixed workstation or can download any software you want on a laptop, a VPN is your best option to unblock websites at work.

If that’s not the case — if you have a hot-desking setup or your employer restricts what you can download on your laptop — then neither a VPN nor Tor will work. At that point, a web proxy or browser proxy is your best option.

Is there a free VPN?

It’s possible to get free VPNs , but their features won’t be as comprehensive as premium products. And unreputable VPNs might even monetize your browsing activity by selling it on to data brokers or other third parties. You can try AVG Secure VPN for free with a 7-day trial.

Can I unblock websites on my phone, too?

Yes, you can unblock websites on your iPhone or Android using the most common methods for unblocking websites on a computer. But, fiddling around with a web proxy or Tor might not work well due to decreased speeds.

Setting up a VPN on mobile is the best way to unblock sites on your phone. VPNs are easy to set up, easy to use, and protect you on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Whether you use Android or iOS , AVG has you covered with a top-of-the-line mobile VPN app. Give it a try today.

Get it for PC , iOS , Mac

Get it for Mac , Android , PC

How can I unblock a website on Chrome?

Here’s how to unblock sites on Chrome: Open Settings and change or reset permissions while you’re on the website you want to visit — this will help you get around content blocks on Chrome immediately. Tor is a separate browser, but it also has an extension for Chrome . Both VPNs and web proxies work well on Chrome too.

How do I unblock a website without a VPN?

It is possible to unblock websites using alternative methods such as the Tor browser or proxies , but there are downsides to both. Using a VPN not only lets you quickly and easily access restricted content, but it fully encrypts your data for maximum privacy and security.

How do I unblock sites on my laptop?

A VPN is the best and most convenient tool for unblocking websites on a laptop. As well as being able to quickly and easily watch TV online and bypass other content blocks, you’ll enjoy the full range of benefits of a VPN such as lightning-fast connections, a choice of optimized server locations , and full encryption that stops your activity being tracked .

How do I unblock websites on a Chromebook?

You can unblock websites on a Chromebook with a VPN, as long as the VPN has an Android-supported app. If you need a website unblocker for a school Chromebook, your best bet is through a web proxy server — though you may have to search for one that the IT department hasn’t restricted yet.

Unblock Websites With a VPN

Install AVG Secure VPN to get around website blocks, access content wherever you are, and stay private online.

Download AVG Secure VPN to get around website blocks, access content wherever you are, and stay private online.

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How to unblock websites (and apps) from anywhere

Does your employer restrict websites? Are you in a country that blocks social media services, news, or VoIP apps? Is your ISP blocking popular torrent sites? Or, do you simply want to access TV services from back home on vacation? If your answer is yes to any of these questions; you need to know how to unblock websites . The good news is that it’s easy to unblock websites using a VPN.

A VPN lets you connect to a VPN server in a remote location. As a result, any restrictions placed on a local network disappear. This lets you access the internet free of blocks at work or on public wifi. A VPN also lets you pretend to be in a different country. This lets you use web services blocked by the government or region-locked websites, such as TV streams.

VPNs also encrypt your internet connection. This prevents local network admins, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you online. As a result, you can bypass blocks at work, or access websites censored by the government with complete privacy.

In this guide, we explain how to unblock websites using a VPN. To make your life easier we recommend the best VPNs for unblocking websites -from anywhere in the world.

The best VPNs for unblocking websites

• NordVPN : The best VPN to unblock websites . Super secure servers in 59+ countries. Apps for all devices. Strong encryption. Many advanced features that make it incredible value for money. Works with Netflix and other popular streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark : The best cheap VPN to unblock websites . Allows unlimited connections with a single account. Super-fast WireGuard protocol is great for streaming and making VoIP calls. Works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services. 30-day money-back guarantee.
• ExpressVPN : A reliable VPN with strong encryption, obfuscation to conceal VPN use, and a robust kill switch. Works with popular streaming services and is fast thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol.  A bit pricey, but you can test it to unblock websites using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
• CyberGhost VPN : Fantastic for beginners. CyberGhost makes unblocking websites easy. It has a list of dedicated servers for popular streaming platforms so you can instantly unblock the one you need. Includes strong encryption and a no-logs policy. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
• IPVanish : This VPN has servers in 20 cities across the US. This makes it particularly good for unblocking websites from the US while abroad. Works with Netflix US, but not all other streaming services. Strong security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• AtlasVPN : A fast VPN that implements WireGuard by default. Can bypass blocks with ease from anywhere in the world. Has strong encryption, a kill-switch, ad blocking, and malware filtering. Works with popular streaming services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR UNBLOCKING WEBSITES RISK FREE?

How to unblock websites from anywhere with a vpn.

VPNs might seem a little intimidating but they’re actually quite easy to use. Setting up a VPN takes only a few minutes and then you will have access to apps and websites from all over the world.

Here’s how to unblock websites from anywhere:

• Start by choosing a suitable VPN. We particularly recommend NordVPN but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also fantastic alternatives.
• Download and install the VPN software, making sure to get the right version for your device.
• If you’re trying to access a region-locked service, connect to a VPN server in the required country. You’d use a British server to unblock BBC iPlayer , for instance, or a US server for Sling TV . If your chosen service is available worldwide, any server will do.
• Finally, try accessing the blocked app or website.You should be able to use it as normal, but if there are any issues, try clearing your cache and cookies before trying again.
• If problems persist, we’d recommend contacting your VPN’s customer support team for further help. It may be that there are specific servers capable of unblocking your chosen service.

How do website blocks work?

Generally speaking, you will face website blocks either because the local network you are using has blocked them, because the government has asked your ISP to block them, or because the website you’re trying it access has purposefully restricted its service in your region (geo-blocks).

Fortunately, a VPN will let you unblock websites no matter which of these is the culprit.

1. Network-level blocking

Network-level blocking is used by many establishments and workplaces to block access to particular sites. Public wifi hotspots such as coffee shops, restaurants, malls, airlines, and public transport impose often impose blocks to save on bandwidth. As a result, you may not be able to stream on YouTube.

In addition, many networks, including workplaces, schools, and public hotspots block inappropriate websites. This could be to stop employers from playing games, using social media, or watching TV at work. Or could simply be to prevent access to adult content in public spaces, for example.

Network-level website restrictions are usually enforced using a blacklist; whenever a user attempts to visit a site, the address is checked against a list of blocked addresses. If the site is on that list, access is denied.

Countries like China and the UAE use similar technology, although on a larger scale. This kind of country-wide censorship is significantly more advanced and usually includes some form of keyword-based filtering as well as proxy-detection features.

Even in countries without overreaching censorship, it is common for some websites to be blocked. For example, western countries often block torrenting websites such as The Pirate Bay for copyright reasons.

2. User-based blocking

User-based blocking is used to prevent a specific user from accessing a website or service. This usually happens when a user has broken a website’s terms of service or has broken the website’s code of conduct.

When this happens, the user will have their account blocked and may also have their IP address, GPS location, or other device-level identifiers tracked in order to prevent them from accessing the service.

3. Location-based blocking

This type of blocking is most commonly seen with online streaming services. YouTube TV and Hulu, for instance, are only available in the US and users from other countries are prevented from signing up.

Other services such as national TV platforms, bookies, online casinos, and internet banking services also impose location-based blocks, either to comply with licensing agreements, to comply with legal requirements, or for security reasons.

Location-based blocking is usually enforced by tracking the user’s IP address to determine their country or even state of origin (as is the case when US TV services enforce blackout NFL or MLB games, for instance). GPS may also be used in conjunction with cookies and other trackers to help determine the user’s location.

The good news is that it is usually easy to bypass these kinds of location blocks with a VPN. The only consideration is that you may need to clear the cookies and cache in your browser to ensure you aren’t being tracked using other means.

It is also worth noting that when you access foreign services, you could still need a local form of ID, a local phone number, or a local payment method in order to sign up for those services. So, while a VPN can easily make you appear to be in a different country, using specific services may require these things.

Can I unblock websites without a VPN?

While VPNs are the most reliable way to access geo-restricted content, there are a few other tools you can try. Note that these methods are less likely to work against stubborn location-detection systems, but they’re still worth a shot.

Proxy servers

Proxies reroute your traffic through a server somewhere else in the world, helping you beat site-blocking software and online limitations. However, these services usually don’t encrypt your data, meaning whoever owns the proxy can see your original IP address and everything you do on the site.

Tor Browser

Normally, people use the Tor Browser to access the dark web, but it’s actually capable of visiting clearweb sites as well. Further, because it sends your traffic through a series of remote nodes, it’s capable of beating location-specific restrictions. The only problem is that you can’t select a specific country like you can with a VPN, meaning this method isn’t suitable for streaming.

Smart DNS services

Let’s say you’re abroad and trying to access a service that’s only available in the US. Usually, your local DNS servers would give away your location, preventing you from watching. Smart DNS services redirect your traffic to DNS servers in other locations (most commonly the US), sidestepping this issue entirely. What’s more, because no additional software is required, you can easily take advantage on games consoles or older Smart TVs .

Obfuscate the site you’re trying to visit

If you’re trying to beat web-filtering systems like those employed by schools and offices, there are several steps you can take. First off, try typing a site’s IP address into the URL bar (there are tools designed to help you find this out). Alternatively, you can use a URL shortener to replace the website’s URL with something unrecognizable, which might prevent some blockers from realizing your true intentions.

How to unblock websites – FAQs

Will a vpn let me access blocked sites when in china.

China has some of the most advanced internet restriction technology in the world, collectively known as the Great Firewall. Additionally, the government and local ISPs have specifically targeted VPN providers, meaning the majority of services won’t work.

There are a few VPNs that still work in China , but as their websites are inaccessible from the mainland, you’ll have to install them before arriving . We’d also recommend saving manual installation instructions, just in case you run into connection problems when you’re in China.

There’s no publicly-available list of every website that’s banned in China. That said, you can use our Great Firewall tool to find out if a particular site or service is accessible or not.

Can I use region-locked services with a free VPN?

We advise against using free VPNs in general . To begin with, these services are often the first to be blacklisted by major services, meaning there’s no guarantee they’ll work. Further, they often have more users than their networks can support. As a result, even if your VPN unblocks a particular service, you’ll likely find your browsing speeds too slow to use it. This is a real problem if you’re looking to stream since slow speeds result in choppy playback and frequent buffering.

It’s also worth mentioning that free VPNs pose a real security risk. In fact, one study found that almost 40 percent of 280+ surveyed apps contained malware . As if that wasn’t bad enough, 18 percent used no encryption, so they provided no privacy whatsoever. This means that unless you’re especially lucky, there’s a real chance of you infecting your device (and possibly your employer’s whole network) with malware.

The best way to unblock services and browse anonymously is to use a reputable, privacy-conscious VPN that follows a no-logs policy.

Why isn’t my VPN unblocking a certain website or app?

Unfortunately, given the sheer variety and complexity of blocking systems, there will always be some services that your VPN cannot unblock. However, every website and app is different; for instance, a local TV station’s website will probably have less-stringent restrictions than an internationally renowned household name like Netflix.

Don’t worry if you still can’t unblock a particular service. It might be that only certain servers are able to bypass the VPN-detection on your chosen service, or perhaps you just have to change the connection protocol. Either way, a lot of the time, your VPN’s support team will be able to help . Most major VPNs now offer 24/7 support over live chat so you can start fixing the problem in seconds.

What kind of services can I access using a VPN?

With a VPN, there are very few limits on what you can access, even if you’re in a country with strict online censorship. Below, we’ve listed some of the types of content you can unblock abroad or at work using a VPN:

• Social media ( Facebook , Instagram , Twitter )
• Streaming services ( Netflix , BBC iPlayer , ESPN ),
• Messaging services ( WhatsApp , Signal, Telegram )
• Gambling and gaming sites (William Hill, Bet365 , BetNow)
• Impartial news websites (CNN, The Guardian, Washington Post)
• Dating services ( Tinder , Grindr, Bumble)
• Privacy-focused websites (Comparitech, OpenVPN, ExpressVPN )

Do I need a fast VPN to unblock websites?

If you want to watch HD streams, play games, download torrents, or make private video calls, you will need a fast VPN. Many VPNs have sluggish servers that cause lag and buffering, and, as a result, they are not good for doing data-intensive tasks.

The VPNs we have recommended to unblock websites all have fast servers and VPN protocols that make them suitable for accessing streams on vacation, and bypassing blocks that require fast connections.

Can I unblock VoIP services with a VPN?

Yes. If you are in a country that blocks VoIP services , you can easily use a VPN to regain access. A VPN will let you access a foreign app store to download and install VoIP messenger services and will let you make calls privately and without being tracked by your ISP or the government. As a result, you can use VoIP services in the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or in any other country where they are blocked.

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PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can find out who you are

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

Using a VPN will hide these details and protect your privacy.

We recommend using NordVPN - #1 of 73 VPNs in our tests. It offers outstanding privacy features and is currently available at a discounted rate.

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8 Ways to Access Any Blocked Site in India for Free Without VPN

• October 18, 2023

Whether due to government regulations or local network policies, website blocks can limit our access to valuable information, entertainment, and other resources. While virtual private networks (VPNs) can be a go-to solution to bypass such restrictions, other alternative methods allow you to access blocked websites. So, in this article, we’ll explore various ways to access any blocked site in India for free without a VPN.

How to Access Blocked Websites in India for Free Without VPN?

Table of Contents

Although a VPN is a well-known method to access restricted sites and content, there are many lesser-known ways to do the same. That is why we have compiled a list of them below.

Some allow complete access to region-blocked websites, while others give you limited access only. Still, if you have to access those blocked sites, you can try them out and see which suits you best.

Method 1 – Use Link Shorteners

Link shorteners share long web addresses in a concisely formatted link. They can help to access some region-blocked websites. This is possible because sometimes, only the website domain is marked and restricted, so using a shortened link can be beneficial as the filter might not recognize the URL. Below is a preview of a shortened link.

Sites like Bitly or TinyURL allow you to shorten the URL of the blocked website. This method might not work with every website, and even when it does, it may only give you partial access, but still, you should try it.

Method 2 – Install Tor Browser

You can also install the Tor browser to navigate blocked sites. The Tor browser utilizes the Onion Relay protocol, routing your web requests through a network of nodes to bypass restrictions and protect your online privacy. It lets you bypass region restrictions and keeps you safe on the web. This is how you can set up and use the Tor browser.

1. Visit the official Tor Project website to download the browser for your device.

2. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the browser.

3. Now open the Tor browser, and you will be asked to Connect to Tor . Click on Connect .

4. Once the connection is established, search for the restricted website.

While the Tor browser does offer full website access, loading times can be sluggish as your requests pass through three relays. Moreover, unlike VPNs, region selection is also randomized.

Method 3 – Open Blocked Sites with Mobile Data

If you are unable to open a website while being connected to a Wi-Fi network, then try switching to your mobile data. This can sometimes work as your mobile network may not have the same restrictions as the Wi-Fi network. This is best suited when visiting a particular website on public or school Wi-Fi.

You can enable Wi-Fi hotspots to share mobile data to your desktop or laptop or plug in your smartphone to the said devices using a USB cable to tether mobile data.

Method 4 – Change DNS Settings in Chrome

DNS (Domain Name System) translates website URLs into corresponding IP addresses. Typically, your device uses the DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), which might block specific websites.

However, you can overcome such restrictions by adjusting your DNS settings and using a global DNS server from Google or Cloudflare. Google Chrome now also lets you change your default DNS server. Here is how it can be done:

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner on Chrome.

2. Go to Settings .

3. Select Privacy and Security from the sidebar menu.

4. Here, click on Security .

5. Turn on the toggle for Use Secure DNS if not enabled already.

6. Select the With option with a box next to it.

7. Click on the box, and from the drop-down menu, choose Google or Cloudflare .

This will change your browser’s default DNS settings and should unblock previously unavailable websites.

Method 5 – Unblock Websites with Google Translate

You can even try to unblock websites with the help of translation services like Google Translate. This method requires you to enter the website URL in Google Translate and choose a language to translate the page from. Doing so will slightly alter the web address for the blocked website, allowing you to view them on your browser. Here is how it works.

1. Go to the Google Translate website .

2. Here, select the Websites option.

3. In the box below, enter the website URL you want to visit.

4. Now select a language to translate to.

5. Now click on the arrow icon to visit the blocked site.

This method is best suited for web pages containing articles or static elements.

Method 6 – Access Websites with IP Addresses

Oftentimes, only the domain name or the website URL may be blocked, not the IP address. Since the domain name of a website is just its IP address, you can use the IP address to access the website directly.

Now comes the question of figuring out the address for the site you wish to unblock. You can use the command prompt to figure it out by following these steps.

1. On your Windows desktop, click on the Start menu .

2. Next, look for the command prompt using the search bar.

3. Open the app and type the command “tracert” followed by the website domain name. For example:

tracert google.com

The command should return a string of numbers, which is the IP address of the website. Copy it.

4. Paste the copied IP address into your browser to open the site.

This is a hit-or-miss method, as it is not likely that the IP address of a blocked website remains unaffected. Still, it is worth giving a shot.

Method 7 – Visit the Archived Pages Using the Wayback Machine

Wayback Machine is a service that stores archived versions of several websites online. It keeps a snapshot of those websites, which you can revisit later. So, if you want to read an article on a blocked website, you can use Wayback Machine to open the archived version of the site.

This method does help to access restricted web pages but grants limited controls. It also does not work well for videos, images, and other dynamic elements. This is how you can use it.

1. Visit the Wayback Machine website on your browser.

2. Enter the website URL in the box below, then click on Browse History .

Wayback Machine will show you different archived website versions sorted by year at the top and date at the bottom.

3. Choose the desired year from the top.

4. Now click on the date and time to revisit the webpage.

This will redirect you to the archived webpage at your desired date and time.

Now, you can browse the site and even interact with it. However, those are limited and may not work properly.

Method 9 – Toggle Between HTTP and HTTPS Protocol

Some, if not all, websites also offer a secure HTTPS and an unsecured HTTP access option. You can use this trick to bypass any firewall restrictions and visit a blocked site.

So, let’s say that if https://www.youtube.com is blocked on a network, http://www,youtube.com may still be accessible. However, please note that HTTP is an insecure protocol, and it is not recommended to be used for security reasons.

Bonus: Use Opera VPN Proxy

Web browsers like Opera, Aloha, and Avast have built-in VPN services. The most reliable and easy-to-use option is the Opera browser’s secure VPN.

It is technically not a VPN, more like a proxy service that lets you browse geo-restricted content without any hustle. You can use this one if the above methods don’t work out well for you. Here is how you can use Opera VPN Proxy.

1. Download the browser from the official Opera website .

2. Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to install the browser.

3. Now open the browser and click the gear icon on the left sidebar to visit Settings .

4. Select the Features option from the sidebar menu.

5. Turn on the toggle for Enable VPN .

6. Next, click on the VPN indicator in the address bar.

7. Click the power button to change it from Unprotected to Protected mode .

This indicates that the VPN has been enabled, and you can browse blocked content.

8. You can also click on the region option, which is set to America by default.

9. Click on it to reveal the other two regions, Asia and Europe.

Wrapping Up

These are a few ways to help you bypass region or ISP restrictions and access blocked websites without spending a dime on a VPN. Yes, they are convenient, but at a hefty cost that not most of us would like to pay for, especially when you don’t have to use them as often. Do let us know which method you found the most useful, and do reach out to us if you have any queries about this article. Till then, stay tuned on GadgetsToUse for more such articles, reviews, and How-To’s.

You might be interested in the following:

• 4 Ways to Block Internet Access for Specific Apps on Android
• How Google use your WiFi connection to Access your Location?
• 4 Ways to Bypass “Ad Blockers are Not Allowed on YouTube”

You can also follow us for instant tech news at Google News or for tips and tricks, smartphones & gadgets reviews, join the GadgetsToUse Telegram Group , or subscribe to the GadgetsToUse Youtube Channel for the latest review videos.

Anshuman Jain

Hi! I am Anshuman and I write about consumer technology for Gadgets To Use and Browsers To use. I follow new trending and new developments in tech. I frequently write about these topics and cover them.

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