website to visit blocked websites

How to unblock blocked websites (9 easy ways)

Learn how to unblock blocked websites in a few different ways using tricks, free software, online services, and apps.

Blocked websites

When you're bored at your office, school, or at home, and have some spare time, then you might want to go online and visit your favorite site, like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo, Yahoo, Gmail, VK, Reddit, Pinterest, Google, LinkedIn, or another website to check your email, check what your friends are sharing, watch videos, play video games, chat with someone, or do other things online.

So you open your web browser and visit your favorite website but then you find out that the site is blocked.

You might get one of the following messages in your web browser: DENIED , ACCESS DENIED , This site can't be reached , Hmm. We're having trouble finding that site. We can't connect to the server at vimeo.com. or Hmmm...can't reach this page .

There are schools, companies, and even countries that block certain websites like social media, video sharing, political, news, and adult sites.

When it happens only at work or at your school, then it's probably blocked by the network administrator of the company or school.

There are also countries where governments (authorities) block certain websites.

Countries may block websites for the following areas of activity:

• Political : Views and information in opposition to those of the current government or related to human rights, freedom of expression, minority rights, and religious movements.
• Social : Views and information perceived as offensive or as socially sensitive, often related to sexuality, gambling, or illegal drugs and alcohol.
• Conflict/Security : Views and information related to armed conflicts, border disputes, separatist movements, and militant groups.
• Email services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook.com, and AOL Mail)
• Search engines (e.g., Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Baidu)
• Translation (e.g., Google Translate, WorldLingo, SDL FreeTranslation, and Bing Translator)
• Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services (e.g., Skype, Google Hangouts, and Vonage)
• Censorship or filtering circumvention methods
• Web hosting

In most cases, you can try a few different methods to unblock websites that are blocked.

Many people use a proxy site, but you can also unblock websites without proxy sites.

On this page, I will show you how to bypass and access blocked websites in a few different ways.

How to unblock a blocked website using DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

DNS over HTTPS is a protocol for performing remote Domain Name System resolution via the HTTPS protocol.

You can also use this to try to unblock blocked websites.

Below you will find steps to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11 , Google Chrome , Microsoft Edge , and Firefox

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 11

2. Click on Network & Internet in the left menu.

3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet . If your PC is connected to the Internet through Wi-Fi, then you click on Wi-Fi . If your PC is connected to the Internet through an Internet (LAN) cable, then you click on Ethernet .

4. Click on Hardware properties .

5. Find the DNS server assignment option and click on the Edit button next to it.

6. Click on the drop-down menu button and select Manual .

7. Click on the Ipv4 button to turn it to On .

8. In the Preferred DNS field, you enter the primary DNS server address of your choice (e.g., 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).

9. Click on the drop-down menu button below Preferred DNS encryption and select Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) .

10. In the Alternative DNS field, you enter the secondary DNS server address of your choice (e.g., 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1).

11. Click on the drop-down menu button below Preferred DNS encryption and select Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) .

12. Click on the Ipv6 button to turn it to On .

13. In the Preferred DNS field, you enter the primary DNS server address of your choice (e.g., 2001:4860:4860::8888 or 2606:4700:4700::1111).

14. Click on the drop-down menu button below Preferred DNS encryption and select Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) .

15. In the Alternative DNS field, you enter the secondary DNS server address of your choice (e.g., 2001:4860:4860::8844 or 2606:4700:4700::1001).

16. Click on the drop-down menu button below Preferred DNS encryption and select Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS) .

17. Click on the Save button.

All of your DNS requests will be private and secure.

18. You can close the settings window now.

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Google Chrome

Google Chrome may already have DNS over HTTPS enabled by default, but it's better to double-check and maybe make some changes in the settings, like changing the DNS service provider.

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click on the ⁝ menu button in the top right corner.

3. Click on Settings .

4. Click on Privacy and security located in the left menu.

5. Click on Security .

6. Click on the Use secure DNS option to turn it on.

7. Select the With option.

8. Select a DNS service provider.

DNS over HTTPS is now enabled.

You may need to restart your web browser before visiting the blocked website. And if the website is still blocked, try another DNS service provider.

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge may already have DNS over HTTPS enabled by default, but it's better to double-check and maybe make some changes in the settings, like changing the DNS service provider.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.

2. Click on the ⋯ menu button in the top right corner.

4. Click on Privacy, search, and services in the left menu.

5. Scroll down to the Security section.

6. Click on the Use secure DNS to specify how to lookup the network address for websites option to turn it on.

7. Select the Choose a service provider option.

How to enable DNS over HTTPS in Firefox

Firefox may already have DNS over HTTPS enabled by default, but it's better to double-check and maybe make some changes in the settings, like changing the DNS service provider.

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click on the ☰ menu button in the top-right corner.

4. Click on Privacy & Security in the left menu.

5. Scroll down to the DNS over HTTPS section.

6. Select the Max Protection option.

7. Select a DNS service provider.

How to unblock a blocked website using different DNS service

DNS (Domain Name System) is what lets users connect to websites using domain names instead of IP addresses. It's the phonebook of the Internet.

You can use Google Public DNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 public DNS resolver to try to unblock blocked websites.

Below you will find steps to enable DNS over HTTPS in Windows 10 , Windows 11 , and Android .

Change DNS settings on Windows 10

1. Open settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet .

3. Click on Network and Sharing Center located at the bottom.

4. Click on your network.

5. Click on Properties .

6. Select (highlight) Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) .

7. Click on the Properties button.

8. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses option.

9. Enter the IP addresses in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.

For Google, you enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 . For Cloudflare, you enter 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 .

10. Click on the OK button.

11. Click on the Close button.

Your DNS settings are now changed.

Change DNS settings on Windows 11

Change dns settings on android.

2. Tap on Connections or Network & internet .

3. Tap on More connection settings or Advanced .

4. Tap on Private DNS .

5. Select the Private DNS provider hostname option.

6. Enter the DNS provider hostname in the field below.

For Google, you enter dns.google . For Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), you enter one.one.one.one or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com .

7. Tap on Save .

Note: If you have a smartphone with an older version of Android, you can use an app, like Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 app.

How to unblock a blocked website using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a network technology that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet.

A VPN can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your web browsing activities on public Wi-Fi networks, and more.

There are many paid and free VPN services and applications for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iPhone (iOs).

Four examples of well-known VPN services are:

• IVPN (WireGuard support)
• Mullvad (WireGuard support)
• Cryptostorm (WireGuard support)
• Windscribe (also offers a free account with 10 GB per month)

Most VPNs are very easy to use.

Some VPNs (like Windscribe) also offer a browser extension for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.

How to unblock a blocked website using the built-in proxy in Epic web browser

Epic Privacy Browser has a built-in encrypted proxy.

You can download Epic Privacy Browser here .

1. Open Epic Privacy Browser.

2. Click on the red plugs icon located at the top right of the browser.

3. Click on the On button.

4. Select a location.

How to unblock a blocked website using Tor Browser

Tor Browser is a web browser that protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network of relays run by volunteers all around the world.

Tor Browser allows you to access blocked sites.

You can use this browser on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux computers without installing it.

This browser can also run off a USB flash drive.

You can download the Tor Browser here .

Just open Tor Browser and visit the blocked website.

How to unblock a blocked website using Tails

Tails is a live operating system that you can start on almost any computer from a USB stick or a DVD.

It allows you to use the Internet anonymously and circumvent censorship.

Tails forces all Internet connections to go through the Tor network.

You can download Tails here .

You can install Tails on a USB flash drive, then boot a computer from the USB flash drive, open the web browser and visit the blocked website.

How to unblock a blocked website using proxy sites

A proxy site is a website hosted on a server that redirects your web browsing activity. A proxy site acts as an intermediary between you and the website you want to visit.

You can use proxy sites to access blocked websites.

1. Visit any of the proxy sites listed below.

• https://www.hidemyass.com/proxy
• https://www.proxysite.com
• https://proxysite.site
• https://hide.me/en/proxy
• https://hidester.com/proxy/
• https://whoer.net/webproxy

2. Enter the URL (web address) of the website you want to unblock (e.g., www.reddit.com, www.spotify.com, etc.).

3. Press Enter .

Note: Some companies, schools, or countries block proxy sites, and they might update their list of proxy sites regularly, so you might want to make a list of proxy sites.

How to unblock a blocked website using an IP address

Sometimes only the URL of a website is blocked (e.g., www.facebook.com, www.twitter.com, etc.).

You might still be able to visit the website by its IP address (e.g., 206.189.189.27).

Note: There are websites that cannot be accessed by their IP address.

How to find a website's IP address using an online service

1. Visit any of the online services listed below.

• https://www.site24x7.com/tools/find-ip-address-of-web-site.html
• https://ipinfo.info/html/ip_checker.php
• https://www.iplocation.net
• https://tools.keycdn.com/geo
• https://whatismyipaddress.com/hostname-ip
• https://www.whatismyip.com/dns-lookup/

2. Enter the URL (web address) or domain name of the website (e.g., reddit.com, www.spotify.com, etc.).

The group of numbers is the IP address of the website (e.g., 185.60.218.35).

How to find a website's IP address using Windows Command Prompt

In this example, I'll be using Facebook.

1. Open the Windows Command Prompt.

2. Type the following command:

How to find a website's IP address using the Mac OS X Terminal

1. Open the Mac OS X Terminal.

3. Press Return (Enter).

How to find a website's IP address using the Mac OS X Network Utility

1. Open the Mac Network Utility.

2. Open the Ping tab.

3. Type the site's domain name (e.g., facebook.com, twitter.com, yahoo.com, etc.).

4. Press Return (Enter).

5. Set the number of pings to 1 .

6. Click on the Ping button.

The most advanced proxy site

BlockAway is a free proxy service that lets you access any website and keep your personal information anonymous. It overcomes various network restrictions, allowing you to watch YouTube videos and use social networks. Our goal is to make information more accessible for everyone.

Why you need a proxy server

A proxy service acts as a mediator between your device and the Internet. It's straightforward to use – just enter the web address you want to visit. Your request passes through the proxy to the website, and the web content will return to you through the same proxy. This is beneficial if you want to:

• Hide your network identity.
• Keep your browsing history private.
• Open inaccessible websites.

However, it's crucial to choose a reliable proxy service. Many on the internet are extremely slow, may disrupt websites and lack video streaming support.

BlockAway eliminates these limitations. It's a free and highly advanced proxy solution that can replace other web proxies or VPN services.

What makes a good proxy browser?

When selecting the best proxy browser, consider the following criteria:

• High-speed data transfer.
• Anonymity and the ability to visit blocked websites.
• Support for different types of websites without breaking or modifying content.
• Additional advantages, such as faster processing due to proper caching and data compression.

This is a basic list of essential features to help you make the right proxy browser choice.

Of course, you can also opt for a VPN service as an alternative to a proxy site. However, many VPN services are paid and designed for professional usage. In comparison, BlockAway is free and doesn't require any configuration.

Key features of the web proxy

BlockAway provides everything you need for a safe and secure internet presence, addressing typical issues associated with proxy services. Key features of the proxy browser include:

• Advanced technology for compatibility with popular websites.
• High security and privacy.
• Unlimited video access on YouTube and other video websites and social networks.
• Europe and USA proxy server options for connection.
• No browser or operating system configuration required.
• Ability to share a proxy link with friends.
• The basic version is free of charge.

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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10 of the Easiest Ways to Unblock Websites

Internet service providers (ISPs), government agencies, and workplaces can all restrict access to URLs they deem unsafe or otherwise problematic. However, with the right tools and tricks, you can easily unblock websites and access their blocked content. By the end of this guide, you will know how to unblock websites in numerous ways, ensuring that you can access any URL you desire.

1. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

2. mirror sites and alternate urls, 3. use google cache, 4. free web proxies, 5. the tor network, 6. switch from http to https, 7. dns settings, 8. ssh tunneling, 9. use incognito mode in your browser, 10. wayback machine.

If you want to quickly learn how to unblock websites, a virtual private network (VPN) is the only tool you need. A reliable commercial VPN with a zero logs policy is the best way to override ISP/government censorship, as it encrypts your IP traffic and routs it through a remote VPN server.

AES-256 is the current encryption standard most reliable VPNs use. They also use the hashing algorithm SHA for maximum anonymity.

If you’re new to VPNs and wish to access blocked domain names, first download its installer from its official website or App Store/Google Play, if using a phone or tablet. Choose an overseas VPN server to browse the website.

Some of our top VPN recommendations include ExpressVPN , NordVPN , SurfShark , Private Internet Access , Privado , and Ivacy .

While VPNs are very effective in accessing blocked websites, there are many other browsing options if your ISP or government decides to ban VPN services.

If some domain names are ISP-restricted, you can regain access using their mirror sites and alternate URLs. Currently, all major VPN providers maintain mirror sites in the event their official site is banned. For example, NordVPN can be downloaded from its official site nordvpn.com as well as a mirror site nord-help.com. Use a search engine to browse such mirror sites.

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 . Enter the video URL to watch the restricted content.

Tip : all major VPN providers have an Onion link in the deep/dark web .

Google used to have a cached button for search results. It’s been discontinued, but you can still type the cache: prefix before a URL on the address bar or search engine to view the caches. Make sure there are no spaces between the colon symbol and the URL.

This method won’t work with websites that disable web page caching, such as premium news sites hiding behind paywalls .

If you only want to read an article without images and videos, type the article’s URL into a search engine, and you may discover other websites with the same article content.

Tip : learn how to copy text from a blocked website on Chrome .

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

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

FYI : learn how to use Tor properly .

The Tor Network ensures user privacy through its unique onion routing, where the traffic data is encrypted and hopped through multiple intermediary nodes.

While the Tor browser can be slightly slower, it’s absolutely ban-proof. 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 multiple Tor browser links from some of the safest software sources , such as SourceForge or GitHub. Tor supports an email unblocking service, where you can send an email to [email protected], specifying your operating system (and location). For example, “Windows es” (Spain), “Windows IN” (India), and “Windows zh_CN” (China).

If you use Gmail, they respond almost immediately, listing one of their available providers, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or GitHub, and the download links.

FYI : learn how to see a password in your browser instead of dots .

While https is the default standard for most websites these days, some older sites may continue to use the http variation. In that case, change the URL on the address bar to have an “https://” prefix before the “www.”

If you want to learn how to unblock websites in school or work networks, this is the best way to go. Across these networks, many administrators continue to manually block websites. Do remember that websites starting with http are far less secure than https. It’s always better to avoid them.

Tip : in a world of changing IP addresses, these are some of the best dynamic, free DNS providers .

ISPs can use their DNS addresses to impose restrictions on websites and their IP addresses. Such a problem can be overcome by using a public DNS service. You can always find Google’s Public DNS IP addresses using Google search. You can search for other free DNS providers online. Many also function as proxy servers.

To change the DNS settings on a Windows device, visit Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change Adapter Settings . Right-click on the network you use, and select Properties -> Networking .

Select Internet Protocol Version TCP/IPv4/IPv6) from a drop-down menu. 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.” Its IPv6 addresses are “2001:4860:4860::8888” and “2001:4860:4860::8844.” Enter the details in the Use the following DNS server addresses column. Click OK to finalize the changes.

Tip : is TikTok banned in your country? Try these other short video sharing sites .

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. Try Rebex Buru SFTP Server . It’s free, easy to use, and can be quickly installed on a Windows device.

After installation, you will need to register the SSH server as a Windows service. Check Start immediately , and use your local Windows system account (your computer credentials and password) to log in to the interface. Once logged in, create a new user for web administration.

After you create credentials and log in, you’re in a position to share files and Web content with remote users worldwide.

Tip : to use SSH tunneling to unblock websites, you need access to a remote SSH pipe in another country.

If you want to know how to unblock websites that track your cookies and caches, incognito mode can be a great help. This browser mode deletes all the cookies stored in previous sessions, so you can start a new session.

The main disadvantage of incognito mode is that the website would not know who you are. Thus, it prevents you from accessing any information that requires going past a login screen. However, this method will work in your favor if you, for example, want to go incognito on sites like Reddit .

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.

Using these methods to unblock websites, you can again access them, whether the sites are unavailable due to geo-restrictions or government/ISP policies. There are also some browser extensions that claim to access the blocked sites, but in our experience, they rarely work.

Instead, check out our recommended extensions for Google Chrome that enable features such as HTTPS everywhere, cookie autodelete, and unshortening URLs. In addition, look into a few useful Chrome extensions to automate boring tasks .

Image credit: Unsplash . All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

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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 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

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 .

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.

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, we'd highly recommend Surfshark . While it doesn't deliver quite such an in-depth experience as Nord or Express, 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.

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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How-To Geek

How to bypass blocked sites.

You can get into any site from anywhere with these tools

Quick Links

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.

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. ExpressVPN is the world's #1 overall VPN 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. NordVPN - the world's most famous VPN Pushing ExpressVPN hard to our top spot is 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. Surfshark - affordable VPN for unblocking sites What Surfshark lacks in the odd feature, it really makes up for in price. It tops TechRadar's best 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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Nate Drake is a tech journalist specializing in cybersecurity and retro tech. He broke out from his cubicle at Apple 6 years ago and now spends his days sipping Earl Grey tea & writing elegant copy.

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

Whether it’s school, work, or something else preventing you from accessing websites, there are 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 help get around content blocks immediately.

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There are several ways to try to get around content blocks online. We’ve compiled a list of 13 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 one of the easiest and most reliable ways 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 you can unblock content in different global regions. And that’s just one of the benefits of a VPN — VPNs also encrypt your connection, helping to secure the data and 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 set up your VPN on Windows or get your VPN set up on Mac .

Turn on the VPN and select a server location.

You’re now browsing anonymously and securely from a virtual location!

A VPN is one of the easiest, most comprehensive tools 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. 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 websites

Some VPNs are optimized for streaming and bypassing geo-blocking

Good VPNs offer customer support

Not free (most reputable VPNs aren’t free)

Download required

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

As well as being one of the best ways to bypass content blockers, reliable VPNs like AVG Secure VPN offer a wide range of server locations, meaning you can customize your connection to access your favorite sites and services while away from home — all while masking your activity behind a virtual IP address for maximum privacy and anonymity.

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 install the Tor browser.

Open Tor and configure it according to your preferences.

Then, connect and enter the URL you want to access. 

The Tor browser offers a powerful cloak of anonymity, helping users bypass content blocks and explore the uncharted corners of the internet. But it lacks the flexibility of a VPN, is blocked by many content services, and can slow down your browsing speed considerably, meaning it’s not the ideal choice for streaming.

Secure and encrypted

Run by a non-profit, with 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

Requires downloading

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. And if you need a website unblocker for school — for Chromebooks, say, which run Android apps — and you can’t download a VPN or Tor, then try a web proxy. 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 while web proxies are usually free, they don’t provide the same privacy and security protections as a VPN or Tor. But they are easy to access and use. Simply navigate to your web proxy site of choice, enter the site you want to access, select 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 encrypt 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), 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 could work.

The following methods for unblocking sites may not be as reliable or user-friendly 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 but you need to use the social network for research or some other academic reason, creating a different (shortened) URL may help you 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 the alternative URL bypasses the content blocker’s filters, you'll be able to 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

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 unsecured

If all else fails, protocol switching may be worth a try. But as well as leaving you exposed to man-in-the-middle attacks , you can’t use it to access sites or content that are geo-blocked in your location.

Use AVG Secure VPN to help unlock URLs, encrypt your connection, and switch your virtual location.

7. Use web archive

If you encounter restrictions accessing a live website, a potential workaround is to access the blocked content by visiting the Wayback Machine , an internet archive that stores copies of countless web pages. Just input the blocked URL into the archive's search bar and click "Browse History." Unless the Wayback Machine itself is blocked, you may discover an archived version of the content you're seeking.

Using an internet archive is a nifty way to access restricted content — even on school or work computers that won’t let you access proxies or download software. But of course, it has its limitations. The archived material may not be up to date, and you won’t be able to bypass geo-blocking or access streaming services.

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 any language for the from field and English for the to field.

Paste your desired website or URL into the box.

Click the link.

You may now be able to view it as an unblocked website.

Be aware that some elements on the page may break.

In this method, Google Translate accesses the website on your behalf and presents you with a cloned image of the site on its own URL. The advantage of this technique over some others is that Google Translate itself is unlikely to be restricted, and it’s possible to interact directly with the website clone — albeit with limited functionality.

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.

Increases your online privacy                 

If done manually, it’s free

May require a subscription

Can involve some technical know-how

If you’re on Windows, you can also use Command Prompt to change your IP. Open 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 Command Prompt.

10. Use Safari Configurations

For Mac users, configuring a proxy directly within Safari is another option worth considering. While it requires slightly more effort during the initial setup compared to using browser plug-ins or extensions, it avoids the need to manually connect via a proxy service whenever you wish to unblock a specific website.

Here’s how to configure Safari proxy settings:

Launch Safari. 

Open the Safari menu and select Preferences .

Navigate to the Advanced tab.

Click the Change Settings button.

Look at the proxy protocol options.

Ensure that the right proxy is selected.

Add the proxy service endpoint address.

Finally, click OK followed by Apply .

Although configuring a proxy server directly through your Safari browser settings has some advantages over using a web proxy , their fundamental plusses and minuses as website unblockers are mostly the same. But avoiding the need to manually connect via a web proxy service isn’t just convenient — it bypasses access restrictions to web proxy sites themselves.

Easy to use                                         

No download

• Avoids the need to visit web proxy sites

No security                                             

More complex initial setup

Only possible on macOS

If you’re looking for an effective, reliable, and easy-to-set-up method to help unblock website restrictions, look no further than AVG Secure VPN . As well as securing your connection with ironclad encryption and masking your internet activity, it comes with over 50 global server locations to choose from, helping you optimize download speeds and access your favorite content.

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 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, download it to read it later, or print it.

Free and easy                                            

No installation needed

Inefficient browsing method

No on-page interaction

You can’t visit the actual site                

12. Use a private browser

Another effective way to try 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, but it can also help you access blocked websites.

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: 

Download and install AVG Secure Browser .

Open AVG Secure Browser.

Click the green shield in the top-right corner.

Open the Security & Privacy Center .

From there, you can activate multiple privacy features — including AVG Secure VPN — to help hide your presence from blocked websites and access 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

Using a top-rated private browser like AVG Secure Browser isn’t just a great way to access additional built-in features like a VPN. Built from the ground up with privacy and security in mind, its advanced suite of anti-tracking and fingerprinting technology helps you hide your identity and bypass bans and blocks — all while enjoying a seamless browsing experience.

13. Change your DNS server

Changing your Domain Name System (DNS) server — either manually or via a smart DNS proxy server — also helps you 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

What’s the best way to unblock websites?

Now let’s review the main website unblocker methods described above and get a snapshot overview by rating them across a variety of factors including ease of use, speed, security, and more.

Green dots mean the method scores highly in that category, while orange dots mean it’s less optimal, and a red dot indicates low performance or complete absence of a feature.

As you can see, although each method has its drawbacks, VPNs score highest overall, especially in the categories that are critical for effective website unblocking. But if you need a no-download option to use on a public device, a web proxy service is probably your best bet.

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 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.

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. But websites can also detect data stored in browser cookies . And 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.

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. That’s why many people traveling abroad use VPNs to unblock content that’s available in their home country.

School and work restrictions

It’s obvious why your school or workplace might not want you to access certain things such as adult content or unsafe websites . But if they’re preventing you from streaming music or accessing news sites, it’s probably because they’re worried about productivity and bandwidth consumption.

Some countries censor online content within their borders because of cultural, religious, or political concerns — in other words, to limit the flow of information. China, with its Great Firewall , is probably the most notorious example, blocking lots of sites like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). When countries censor the open web, their citizens often find ways to unblock banned 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 almost 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. Likewise, unblocking legitimate websites on an institutional device won’t get you in any trouble with the law, but could land you in hot water with your school or employer.

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 due to restrictions imposed by the network administrator, it’s likely that you won’t 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 if you need to unblock sites and access materials for a school project.

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 perhaps 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 likely your best option.

The easiest way to access blocked sites on any device

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 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 one of the best ways 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.

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 helps you access restricted content, but it also encrypts your data for airtight privacy and security.

How do I unblock sites on my laptop?

A VPN is among the best and most convenient tools for unblocking websites on a laptop. As well as helping you quickly and easily watch TV online and bypass other content blocks, you’ll also enjoy other benefits of a VPN, such as a choice of optimized server locations and encryption to help block your activity from 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 to conduct research on a school Chromebook, try a web proxy server — though you may have to search for one that the IT department hasn’t restricted yet.

Download AVG Secure VPN to help get around website blocks and stay private online.

Install AVG Secure VPN to help get around website blocks and stay private online.

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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.

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.

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• 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
• 6276 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 58% 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 85% 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 10000+ 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 58% 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:

How to Unblock Porn From Anywhere: A Complete Guide

• 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 Access Blocked Sites Without a VPN: School, Work, and Home

Last Updated: April 9, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. 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 161,961 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow will teach you how to access blocked sites without a VPN. You can use short links, like TinyURL or Bitly, to see these sites. Alternatively, you can use a restricted website's IP address instead of their URL. Finally, you can use a proxy website, like ProxFree; however, some proxy sites may be blocked by your network, so you may have to use another one.

How to Access Blocked Sites With Free Web Proxies

Go to a free web proxy, like ProxFree , and type in the URL. Select what country you’d like to search “from,” then click PROXFREE .

Using Short Links

• If that method doesn't work, try using the website's IP address.

Using an IP Address

• Since most secure websites use HTTPS, you might get a warning that your connection is not secure.

Using a Proxy Site

• There are many websites that offer free proxy services like ProxFree; if this certain site is blocked by your network, you can use another one, like Whoer, which works similarly to ProxFree. [5] X Research source

• 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.

Expert Q&A

• You can also try using a translator service, like Google Translator or Microsoft Translator. Just go to one of them, input the blocked site, and it'll translate the site for you in any language you'd like. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://bitly.com/blog/url-shortening-101-how-it-works-use-cases-and-examples/
• ↑ https://support.bitly.com/hc/en-us/articles/230897128-Creating-Bitly-links
• ↑ https://www.security.org/vpn/how-to-unblock-websites/
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-use-tracert-to-troubleshoot-tcp-ip-problems-in-windows-e643d72b-2f4f-cdd6-09a0-fd2989c7ca8e
• ↑ https://www.proxfree.com/faq.php

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How to Block Websites From Employee Use

If you plan to create restrictions, here are a few tips to follow:

1. Be transparent with employees.

If you decide to restrict websites, make sure you tell your staff. You should explain what websites and categories you’re restricting and why. Your employees will appreciate the transparency and won’t waste time contacting IT if they have problems accessing a blocked website.

Ralph Labarta, chief technology officer at Engage PEO, recommended including the information in an internet use policy. “The policy should include a protocol for accessing sites that are blocked but may need legitimate access, a warning that attempting to thwart site restrictions is a violation of the policy and a warning that all site activities are monitored.”

If you’re considering blocking social media websites, create a social media policy first and step in only if a problem arises, suggested Jonathan Prichard, founder and CEO of MattressInsider.

“Instead of restricting access, create a companywide social media policy,” he said. “This document should include guidelines for what you expect in terms of time spent on social media sites during office hours. Give them the structure, [and] allow them to make decisions for themselves.”

2. Use a browser extension.

The easiest way to block a website or category of websites on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is with BlockSite. With this browser add-on, you can block specific websites, such as Facebook, adult websites or URLs that contain specific words.

BlockSite also works on Chrome’s incognito mode. If you’re worried that your employees will access BlockSite to manage blocked websites, you can set up a password to limit access.

3. Use employee monitoring software.

For a more extreme solution, consider purchasing employee monitoring software, which can track almost every move your employees take, such as how many minutes they are inactive and even their keystrokes. If you are concerned about data breaches and network security consider reading our  Teramind review , our best pick for protecting your business and employees against security threats.

Some of  the best employee monitoring software  also offers content-filtering features that allow you to regulate websites and certain topics, such as weapons, drugs and nudity. You can also block individual websites by manually adding them to the list of prohibited websites. In addition, you can create notifications and alerts that are triggered when an employee browses restricted content.

4. Block websites from the Wi-Fi network.

If you have many employees or your employees regularly use multiple devices, it may be best to block websites from being accessed via your company’s Wi-Fi network. This way, these settings apply to all people on the network, and you don’t have to keep updating individual devices.

Bottom Line: There are multiple ways to block employees from accessing inappropriate websites during company time.

How to block a website in Google Chrome

Blocking websites in Chrome is not part of the regular installation process, but it is possible. Computer Hope gives these step-by-step instructions on how to block a website in Chrome:

• Go to the Chrome website, and visit the Block Site Extensions.
• On the top right of the page, click Add to Chrome.
• Click Add Extension to confirm the installation of the extension. Once you see the Thank You page, you know the extension has been installed.
• On the top right of the window, click the button with three dots, which is the Customize and Control Google Chrome button.
• From the menu, select More Tools. Then, select Extensions.
• The Block Site Options page opens to allow you to enter the websites you want to block. Type the website in the box, and click Add Page. That website is now blocked.

How to block a website in Firefox

There are also ways to block websites in Firefox, even though it does not come with the default installation. Computer Hope provides these step-by-step instructions on how to block a website on Firefox:

• From the list of menus at the top of the browser, select Add-ons and Themes.
• Look for a search bar in the top-right corner. Type “BlockSite” into the search bar. The top result should be the BlockSite add-on. Click on the name or description. Next, click “Add to Firefox.”
• After the program installs, you will have to restart Firefox to finish the installation.

How to block a website in Safari

Macs with parental control features can block websites on the Safari browser, which comes preinstalled on Apple devices. Here’s how to access this menu:

• Navigate to the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen.
• Select System Preferences and then Screen Time.
• Next, click on Content & Privacy. You will then be given a list of options for restricting web content. Click on “Limit Adult Websites.” If there is a particular website you wish to block, click on the “Customize” button. You can then enter the URL you wish to block.
• Finally, click the Ok button to save your settings.

You can also use a firewall or antivirus system, or block websites at the Wi-Fi network level instead of the individual device level, depending on the computer’s location and the browser you’re using.

How to block a website in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser is preinstalled on many Windows computers, and you can adjust these browser settings to block or restrict certain websites. Notably, these settings are geared toward parental controls, so the navigation refers to “adult” and “child” accounts. To block sites on Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

• Ensure you are logged in to the “adult” Microsoft account, which modifies the child’s Microsoft account.
• Visit family.microsoft.com.
• Find the account in question on the Your Family page, and select it.
• Navigate to the section labeled Web Browsing.
• Turn on “Block inappropriate websites.”
• Once you turn on this setting, you can add to the list of websites you do not want that account to visit.

In addition to using these settings, you can install an antivirus system, block sites at the Wi-Fi network level or use a firewall. The best setting for your needs depends on the control you need and the browser being used. These options may be better for establishing settings across multiple devices or accounts. You can also modify each computer to block websites through administrator settings, but this may be too complicated or advanced for some users.

How to block a website on an iPhone or iPad

You can configure an iPhone or iPad to block websites that fit your criteria. For example, you can block all adult websites or only specific keywords.

Here’s how to block websites:

• Open the Settings app.
• Scroll down to select Screen Time.
• Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Tap the button at the top of this menu to turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions if it’s not already selected.
• Go to Content Restrictions, and tap that menu item.
• Scroll down to Web Content, and tap to limit adult websites or provide a list of allowed websites.

Here’s how to block searches:

• Follow steps 1 through 5 above.
• Instead of scrolling down to the Web Content section of the menu, tap the Web Search Content and Explicit Language menus. From there, you can disallow web search content or web searches that use explicit language.

Don’t forget to set a password to ensure that the settings cannot be undone without your permission.

Bottom Line: There are tools and settings that allow you to block websites on whatever devices and browsers your employees are using. Be sure your company policy around internet use covers all devices that will be connected to the business’s network.

How to block a website on an Android device

Android devices can block undesirable websites and searches in several ways. Some of these methods are more technologically advanced than others. Because Android devices utilize the Chrome browser, you can adjust those settings on each device. There are also apps that enforce these restrictions on the device. Here are your options:

• Browser extension:  You can  download and install BlockSite  on the Google Chrome browser. Search for BlockSite in the browser extension area, and follow the instructions to install it.
• Antivirus software:  Some antivirus software that can be installed on an Android device doubles as a website blocker.
• Firewall:  One of the more technologically advanced options is to install a firewall that blocks access to unwanted content on both Wi-Fi and data networks.

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• More to explore

Block or unblock senders in Outlook

You can block messages from specific email addresses or domains from reaching your inbox. When you add an email address or domain to your blocked senders list, Outlook automatically moves messages from that sender to the Junk Email folder.

Note:  You can have up to 10,000 addresses or domains in the blocked senders and safe senders lists. If you want to add more than that, try blocking domains instead of individual email addresses.

Select a tab option below for the version of Outlook you're using.  What version of Outlook do I have?

Note:  If the steps under this  New Outlook tab don't work, you may not be using new Outlook for Windows yet. Select the Classic Outlook  tab and follow those steps instead.

Block senders from sending you email in new Outlook for Windows

If you're receiving unwanted email, you can block the email addresses and domains you don't want to receive messages from. Add any email address or domain to your blocked senders list to move these messages directly to your Junk Email folder.

Note:  Email is automatically removed from the Junk Email folder after 14 days and can't be recovered after that. For more information, see Recover deleted email messages in Outlook on the web .

If you have more than one account added to new Outlook, select the account you want to add the settings to.

If you want to block an email address, enter the email address in Blocked senders and select Add . If you want to block all email from a domain, enter the domain name in Blocked domains and select Add .

Select Save .

Unblock senders

If you want to remove someone from the blocked senders list, follow the instructions below.

Stop messages from going into your Junk Email folder

There are times when you don't want messages from a specific person or domain to end up in your Junk Email folder.

Messages from addresses or domains on the safe senders list won't get moved to your Junk Email folder.

Under Safe senders , enter the email address or domain you want to add, and select Add .

To empty your Junk Email folder, select Junk Email in the left pane. At the top of the screen, select Delete all .

Block a sender in classic Outlook for Windows

When you no longer want to see messages from someone, you can block a sender.

Right-click a message from the sender you want to block, and then click Junk > Block Sender .

The blocked person can still send you mail, but if anything from his or her email address makes it to your email account, it’s immediately moved to the Junk Email folder. Future messages from this sender will go to your Junk Email folder or  End-User Quarantine if enabled by your administrator .

It’s a good idea to periodically review email messages identified as junk to make sure you’re not missing important messages.

If you later decide you want to unblock a sender, use Junk Email Filters to change which messages you see .

Add unwanted names to the Blocked Senders List

Messages from addresses or domain names in the Blocked Senders List are always treated as junk. Outlook moves any detected incoming message from senders in the Blocked Senders List to the Junk E-mail folder, regardless of the content of the message.

Note:  The Outlook Junk Email Filter doesn’t stop junk email from being delivered, but instead diverts suspected spam to the Junk E-mail folder instead of your inbox. You can make the Junk Email Filter more strict by changing its level of protection , or some third-party solutions are available which can be more aggressive.

To add a specific sender to the Blocked Senders List, click a message from the sender. On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click Junk and then click Block Sender .

To add names to the Blocked Senders List:

On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click Junk , and then click Junk E-mail Options .

In the Enter an e-mail address or Internet domain name to be added to the list box, enter the name or address that you want to add. For example, you can add :

a specific email address, such as [email protected]

an Internet domain, such as @example.com, or example.com.

Click OK and repeat for each entry that you want to add.

If you have existing lists of safe names and addresses, you can move that information into Outlook. Click Import from File and browse for the list file that you want. To create a file that uses your current list, click Export to File and then specify where you want the new file saved.

To change a name on the list, click the name that you want to change and then click Edit . To remove a name, click the name that you want and then click Remove .

If you are using a Microsoft Exchange account, all of the names and email addresses that are in your organization's address book — also known as the Global Address List — are automatically considered safe and can’t be added to the blocked list.

Add trusted names to the Safe Senders or Safe Recipients Lists

By adding email addresses and domain names that you trust to the Safe Senders List, you instruct Outlook that messages from those sources are never to be considered as junk. If you belong to mailing lists or distribution lists, you can add these names to your Safe Recipients List.

Note:  If your mailbox is hosted on Exchange or Exchange Online, changes you make to the Safe Senders list will not be recognized by Exchange or Exchange Online. This may result in messages from domains or senders you've added to the Safe Senders list ending up in your Junk Email folder. Contact your administrator for further assistance. 

To add a person to the Safe Senders List, click a message from the sender. On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click Junk , and then click Never Block Sender .

To add a specific address or domain to the Safe Recipients List, click a message from the sender. On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click Junk , and then click Never Block the Group or Mailing List .

To manually add names or domains to these lists, do the following:

Do one of the following:

To add safe senders, on the Safe Senders tab, click Add .

If you want all Contacts to be considered safe senders, select the Also trust e-mail from my Contacts check box in the Safe Senders tab.

Some people whom you correspond to might not be listed in your Contacts. If you want all such people to be considered as safe senders, select the Automatically add people I e-mail to the Safe Senders List check box.

To change a name on either list, click the name that you want to change and then click Edit . To remove a name, click the name that you want and then click Remove .

If you are using a Microsoft Exchange Server account, all of the names and email addresses that are in your organization's address book — also known as the Global Address List — are automatically considered safe.

Block messages from particular country/region codes

You may find unwanted email messages come from particular countries/regions. Outlook lets you block messages from those areas - the Blocked Top-Level Domains List lets you block messages from email addresses that end in a particular top-level domain or country/region code. For example, selecting the CA [Canada] , US [United States] , and MX [Mexico] check boxes in the list blocks messages that come from email addresses that end in ca, us or mx. Additional country/region codes appear in the list.

On the International tab, click Blocked Top-Level Domain List .

In the list, select the check box for the country/region code that you want to block, or click Select All .

Click OK in both open dialog boxes..

Block messages in unfamiliar alphabets

You can block all email addresses in language encodings — also known as character sets , or alphabets — that you specify. Today, most junk email is sent in the US-ASCII encoding. The remainder is sent in various international encodings. By using the Blocked Encodings List, you can filter out unwanted email messages that are displayed in languages that you don't understand.

On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click the arrow next to Junk , and then click Junk E-mail Options .

On the International tab, click Blocked Encodings List .

In the list, click the language encoding that you want to block, or click Select All .

Click OK in both open dialog boxes

Unicode encodings aren’t included in the Blocked Encodings List.

Messages that have unknown or unspecified encodings are subject to filtering by the regular Junk Email Filter.

Related Topics

Mark email as junk or block senders in Outlook.com Filter junk email and spam in Outlook on the web

If you're receiving unwanted email in the web version of Outlook, you can block the email addresses and domains you don't want to receive messages from. Add any email address or domain to your blocked senders list to move these messages directly to your Junk Email folder.

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How To Unblock Websites

Published: Nov 14, 2023, 10:38am

Table of Contents

How to unblock a website 7 different ways, why are websites blocked, who blocks websites, frequently asked questions (faqs).

If you’re struggling to unblock a website, this guide is here to help you. In it, you will find seven ways to unblock a website, including using virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxies, alternative browsers, URL shorteners, public archives, device settings and new account options. We also give you step-by-step instructions on how to use each. Finally, we break down all you need to know about blocked websites, including who blocks them and why.

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There are several ways to unblock a website. Some are free while others cost a monthly fee. Some are also more effective than others. We’ve compiled a list of seven ways to unblock websites along with a price point and instructions on how to use each. Our list includes using a VPN, a proxy and Tor; using URL shorteners, changing your device settings and accessing the inaccessible website’s archived history.

Here is a closer look at each of these options:

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Price:  Free to $13 per month

VPNs, or virtual private networks, help Internet users access websites and search the web with anonymity, which is especially useful when using public Internet, for example. However, it can also be used to unblock a website due to its ability to hide your IP address and its associated location. Here’s how it works:

• When using a VPN, your data is first encrypted, or scrambled, making it unreadable.
• It is then sent to a secure server and, in the process, both the source IP address (this is your computer’s address) and the destination IP address are hidden.
• Your IP address is then replaced by the VPN server’s IP address, thereby masking your computer’s identity and location.

Finally, your data is decrypted and sent to the recipient, who still cannot derive the source IP address (your computer’s address).

When using a VPN, your location (as indicated by your IP address) is replaced by the location of the server’s IP address. By hiding your location and your IP address, you can bypass many blockers, including geo-specific blockers, for example. In addition, if your IP address is blocked from a website, the server’s IP address may not be, enabling you to access the website by hiding behind the disguise of the VPN server’s IP address.

Still, this method of accessing a blocked website is not 100% guaranteed. Many websites also block known VPN server IP addresses, which are often listed publicly. In this case, you have two options. You can either turn to another option on this list or search for a VPN with more servers. More servers can mean the VPN is less likely to have all of its server IP addresses known and blocked, meaning you are likely to have more luck accessing blocked websites.

However, be prepared to pay more for more effective VPNs. The cheapest VPNs are free while premium VPNs can cost around $13 per month. Free VPNs have their catches, such as using your data to target you with ads related to your interest or even selling your data to third parties. To learn how to select a VPN and the best VPNs available, read our guide to the  best VPNs .

2. Use a Proxy

Price:  Free

A proxy is similar to a VPN in that it allows you to access a website anonymously. However, unlike a VPN, you can only do so from one tab or device and it does not encrypt your data. Still, when using a proxy, you can choose a location from which to appear when you access a website. Just as when using a VPN, this can help you bypass some blockers, including geo-specific and even organization-specific blockers.

As an example, when you use the popular HMA blocker, you must first visit the HMA website, then input the URL of the website you wish to access into the search bar labelled “Site you want to access.”

You can specify the location of the server you wish to use or let HMA choose for you by selecting “random server.” When specifying a location, you can choose from New York or Seattle, U.S.; Frankfurt, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; London, U.K., or Prague, Czech Republic. By selecting a distant location from which to access the website, you set up the proxy to bypass location-specific blocks, including government and organizational blockers.

From there, you can select more options that offer slightly more browsing security, such as the option to disable cookies that track your web activity. You can access these extra security options from the “More options” drop-down menu. Finally, click “Agree and connect” to begin browsing the specified website anonymously and under the guise of the access location you selected.

In summary, there are disadvantages to using a proxy over a VPN. It is less secure than a VPN but a proxy does offer some advantages. Namely, most proxies are free and easily accessible. And, of course, they can help you bypass geo-specific blockers.

Tor offers free and open networks for the sole purpose of being able to surf the web in total anonymity. While you must download the Tor browser, unlike a proxy and like a VPN, it offers the advantage of being able to surf the web without having selected a specific URL beforehand. It also offers superior data encryption and thousands of servers from which you can access data. Tor’s goal is to help you get past censorship that may block web content.

To use Tor, simply visit the Tor website and click “download browser.” On the next page, you will be given a list of devices. Select the device that matches your own. You can choose to download it for Windows, macOS, Linux or Android devices.

Once you’ve specified your device, you will be given step-by-step instructions on how to add Tor browser to your device applications. Once added, simply click on the Tor icon from your device’s applications folder to begin browsing privately for free.

4. Use a URL Shortener

URL shorteners change the URL, potentially allowing you to access a website using a URL that is not recognized by blockers. For example,  https://www.forbes.com/advisor/ca  is reduced to  https://tinyurl.com/2p9hkzrs  when run through the free URL shortener TinyURL.com. Clearly, the shortened link is different from the original one. It is also uniquely made. As such, it is unlikely to be listed as a prohibited URL by website blockers. When website blockers do not recognize the URL as a restricted one, they are more likely to allow you to visit it.

5. Access the Website via Its Crawl History

Internet archive sites such as Archive.org keep a history of all content published on the Internet. In doing so, Archive.org aims to allow researchers, historians and the general public to access all knowledge ever published Internet-wide. It has 26 years of web history and often allows people to access content they would otherwise be blocked from accessing. Users type in a URL in the site’s Wayback Machine search bar to access a record of its content.

However, some governments have suffered controversies over blocking archive websites, including Archive.org. India, for example, blocked the site and, in doing so, prevented its citizens from accessing prohibited content. Other countries that have blocked the website at least for a time include Russia and Jordan.

6. Change Your Device Settings

Your device may have settings in place to prevent you from performing actions that may be harmful to your device, such as accessing risky websites that could put your device at risk for malicious malware activity, for example. Other device settings may be in place to help you be more productive or to help you make the most of your downtime, such as screen limit times. Disabling or adjusting these settings may help you access blocked websites.

For example, firewall protection can come in the form of hardware, software or via the cloud. Its purpose is to block websites based on its preset security rules. If a site is blocked via your firewall protection and you wish to access it, simply disabling the firewall can help you get around the block.

As a case in point, the Microsoft Defender Firewall can be disabled on a Microsoft 11 device by clicking Start and opening your settings. Find the “Privacy and Security” option. Look under it to find Windows Security, then Firewall and network protection. Click on Windows Security to open it. Select a network profile that applies to you. Your choices are domain network, private network or public network. Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, switch the setting to off.

7. Open a New Account

Price:  It depends on the account-based site but this option is often free

Some websites that allow users to create an account to fully access the site can block users by simply disabling their accounts. Twitter, for example, can remove people from its platform by removing the user’s Twitter account. In this case, a user can often access the website by simply creating another account.

However, this is often not the case if an account-based site is blocked due to censorship. For example, Netflix users must create and pay for an account to access Netflix content. However, the citizenry of Syria, North Korea, China, Russia and Crimea are blocked from even creating an account. Unblocking account-based sites that are blocked due to government censorship will require a different approach than opening a new account.

The reason a website is blocked often depends on the source of the block. For example, governments restrict access to websites that contain information government representatives do not wish the public to know or that would help those accessing the website to engage in criminal activity. Schools and places of employment may also prohibit students and employees from accessing sites that pose security risks or hinder productivity.

As a real-life example, Cornell University blocks websites that are known to pose a risk to the organization’s security. They include sites that are known to contain malicious software or scripts that could result in the stealing of pertinent university information, such as login credentials. The University chooses websites to block based on known cybersecurity threats and websites that have proven to be a risk in the past.

As you can see, the reasons behind the blocking of a website should help to determine the seriousness of attempting to bypass blockers. As you look to implement the information in this guide, it is important to first understand why set blockers are in place and the consequences of bypassing them before attempting to do so.

Websites are blocked by many different sources. However, the most common entities that block websites include schools, places of employment, governments and companies that provide goods or services to other businesses or consumers. Here is a closer look at the top sources of website blocks.

• Schools.  Schools block content for a number of reasons, such as to prevent students from accessing criminal or inappropriate material, to avoid security risks (such as viruses) and to ensure students and school administrators are as productive as possible during school hours.
• Employers.  Employers block content for many of the same reasons schools do. For example, many employers block social media sites to ensure employees are using their time to advance company goals while at work. They also block sites for security reasons, such as to prevent sensitive data from being leaked via malware.
• Governments.  Many governments block websites to prevent their citizenry from accessing prohibited information, to protect national security or to prevent crime.
• Companies.  Some companies only offer their products or services to certain regions or countries. Some offer different products or services based on region or country. For these reasons, some companies block customers or would-be customers from accessing websites that advertise products or services that are not available to them.

This list is by no means exhaustive. For example, public non-profits and even individual people—such as parents—block content for a myriad of reasons. Determining the source of the website block, then the source’s reason for blocking a website can often help you determine the best way to get around a website block.

Bottom Line

Clearly, you have many options to help you unblock websites. These include using VPNs, proxies, URL shorteners, your device settings and more. But, it is important to do a little digging before you start trying these options to find out who blocked the website you desire to access and why. Doing so can help you decide if it is legal to unblock the website, the consequences of doing so and, likely, the best approach to unblocking it.

Canadian specific editing and research conducted by Anna Rey.

Is it legal to unblock websites?

Unblocking a website can be illegal if you are breaking the laws of the country in which you are performing the action. For example, some countries have laws that make the use of VPNs illegal. Belarus, China, Iraq, North Korea and Russia have all made the use of VPNs illegal. Censorship laws can also render the unblocking of content that contains censored information illegal. Be sure to know the law before attempting to unblock websites.

Why is my Internet blocking websites?

There can be a number of different reasons that could be behind a blocked website. These include security protocols, organizational policies, national or local laws, regional restrictions, government censorship and more. To find out why a website is being blocked, first determine the parties responsible for the block, then inquire as to why website blocking is being implemented.

How do I stop my browser from blocking a website?

Some ways to stop a browser from blocking a website include using a VPN or proxy to appear as if you are in a region where that website is allowed to be viewed or changing your browser settings or permissions. You can also opt to use another browser, such as browsers designed to allow access to websites that are often blocked due to regional restrictions or censorship, including the Tor Browser.

How do I unblock a website on a school Chromebook?

Because you are unlikely to be allowed to download a VPN or the Tor Browser on your school Chromebook, use unblocking methods that don’t require downloaded tools to be effective. Some examples include using a proxy or a URL shortener.

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