Unblocking Websites: Tips and Tricks

This article will help you if you’re having problems unblocking websites. It offers advice on using various browsers, proxies, VPNs, URL shorteners, public archives and device settings adjustments. For every procedure, we also offer straightforward, step-by-step instructions. We also describe who and why censors websites.

Why Are Websites Blocked?

Prior to trying to unblock a website, it is useful to understand why it has been blocked.

School or Work Rules: Places like schools or offices block social media or streaming sites to avoid distractions.

Government Restrictions: Some countries block certain websites for political or cultural reasons.

Region Limits: Websites like streaming services might only be available in certain countries, so you can’t access everything, like some Netflix shows.

Website Restrictions: Some sites block users from specific areas because of copyright or business reasons.

Understanding why a site is blocked can help you pick the right way to unblock it can help you choose the best way to unblock it.

1. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

When it comes to unlocking websites, Virtual Private Network (VPN) is among the most often used and efficient solutions. By hiding your IP address, VPN enables you to browse from what appears to be a different location. This is how it operates:

Step 1: Choose a VPN service. There are many VPN services available for both free and paid. Some popular ones include NordVPN, ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN.

Step 2: Install the VPN software on your device (it works on phones, laptops and even some smart TVs).

Step 3: Select foreign server to connect to after opening the VPN software. For example you can select a server from a place where a website is available even if it is restricted in your country.

Step 4: Once connected, visit the blocked website. Your actual location will be hidden by a VPN, so you should have no trouble accessing the website.

Note: While VPNs are a great tool, some websites might still detect them and block access. In such cases, try connecting to a different server or using another method from this guide.

2. Use a Proxy Server

A proxy server functions as a go-between for your device and website you wish to access. When you use a proxy, website is accessed on your behalf after your request has passed via the proxy. Blocks are avoided because the website only sees the IP address of the proxy and not yours.

• Step 1: Search for a free proxy server online. Websites like Hidemyass and KProxy offer free proxy services.
• Step 2: Enter the URL of the blocked website into the proxy’s search bar.
• Step 3: The proxy server will fetch the website for you, and you’ll be able to view the content.

While proxy servers can unblock websites, they are often slower than VPNs and might not be as secure. Additionally, some websites may block certain proxy servers.

3. Use HTTPS Instead of HTTP

Website bans are sometimes only enforced to a website’s secure HTTPS version, leaving the normal HTTP version unaffected. This is an easy way that doesn’t need any extra instruments or software.

• Step 1: In your browser’s address bar, replace the “http” in the website URL with “https”. For example, if “http://blockedwebsite.com” is blocked, try accessing it through “https://blockedwebsite.com”.
• Step 2: If the HTTPS version of the website is available, it should load without any problems.

This method may not work for all websites but it’s worth a try as it’s very quick and easy.

4. Use a Different DNS (Domain Name System)

When resolving website addresses your internet service provider utilizes default DNS server. But some ISPs use DNS blocking to prevent access to specific websites. Bypassing these barriers you can change your DNS server.

Step 1: Go into network settings on your smartphone.

Step 2: Check your Wi-Fi settings for the opportunity to modify the DNS server.

Step 3: Replace your current DNS with a public one, such as 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare or 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4 for Google.

Step 4: Restart your browser after saving your modifications.

You can often get over restricted website access issues fast & easily by using alternative DNS.

5. Use the Tor Browser

It makes it extremely difficult for someone to track your position or restrict access to websites by rerouting your internet traffic through network of servers run entirely by volunteers.

• Step 1: Download & install Tor Browser from official Tor Project website.
• Step 2: Go online by opening Tor Browser. It practically makes it impossible for websites or internet service providers to prevent your access because it automatically redirects your traffic through Tor network.

While Tor is extremely effective at bypassing censorship it can be slower than regular browsers due to the multiple layers of encryption it uses. It’s a great tool for accessing restricted websites in highly censored regions.

6. Mobile Data Hotspot

If a website is blocked on your Wi-Fi network, such as in a school or office, one simple trick is to switch to a mobile data connection. If your mobile carrier doesn’t block the website, you can easily access it this way.

• Step 1: Turn on the mobile hotspot feature on your phone.
• Step 2: Connect your computer or other devices to the mobile hotspot.
• Step 3: Access the blocked website using your mobile data connection.

This is a temporary fix for network-based limitations but it won’t function if the website is prohibited at a higher level (by your mobile provider or government).

7. Google Cache or Wayback Machine

Sometimes, you just need to view the content of a blocked website and don’t necessarily need real-time updates. In such cases, Google Cache or the Wayback Machine can be handy.

• Google Cache: Google keeps a cached (saved) version of most websites. To view cached version- simply search for the website on Google and click on small green arrow next to URL in search results. Select “Cached” to view the saved version of website.
• Wayback Machine: The Wayback Machine is an internet archive that saves snapshots of websites over time. Go to the Wayback Machine website and enter the URL of the blocked site. You’ll be able to browse old versions of the website from different dates.

These methods are great for retrieving data that was previously accessible on a banned website, even if they won’t provide you with real-time updates.

8. Browser Extensions

Certain browser extensions can help you unblock websites without the need for a full VPN service. Some of these extensions act as proxy services, while others use different techniques to bypass restrictions.

• Step 1: Search for and install unblocking browser extensions like ZenMate, Hola, or TunnelBear from your browser’s extension store.
• Step 2: Activate the extension and choose a different location or let it automatically unblock the website for you.
• Step 3: Visit the blocked website, and it should now be accessible.

Although extensions are simple to use and can unblock websites fast, be aware of privacy and security risks. Use trusted extensions instead of free ones as some can gather your personal information.

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Conclusion: Unblocking Websites

Getting onto websites that are prohibited doesn’t have to be hard. Most website restrictions can be easily gotten over with the help of the techniques and tricks in this book. There are other alternatives available like using a VPN, proxy, Tor browser or just changing your DNS settings. Just keep in mind that, especially when utilizing third-party technologies, your online security and privacy should always come first.