In this article, you will get the step by step guide about how to unblock websites and access restricted content.
The number of blocked websites is increasing every year due to various reasons. Some sites are blocked due to piracy, while others are banned because of censorship issues.
No matter, what the reason is, it is surely an annoying thing to experience. But you can unblock websites using different ways.
There are multiple ways through which you can access blocked websites and content. Whether you are at the home, office, or at school, you can try these tricks anywhere you need.
In this post, we have included eight of the most effective ways to bypass the website’s ban.
How to Unblock Websites and Access Restricted Content
1. Take the help of a VPN
Using a Virtual Private Network or VPN is probably the easiest way to unblock blocked websites online. It can be used in various places like offices, homes, schools, or abroad. Below are some best cheap VPNs you can use.
By taking the help of a VPN, you can easily bypass security protocols and access blocked content online.
The primary advantage of using a VPN is that it helps you to mask your IP address by assigning a new one.
In case, a website is banned or blocked in your country, you can use a VPN to spoof your location to a country where the site is accessible.
Reputable VPN services have servers located in all major countries. All you need to do is select a country that you want to use as your location.
Furthermore, a VPN also protects your online identity from cybercriminals. You will also find VPNs that protect against viruses, spyware, and malware.
Security Level: High
Pros
- Unblocks geo-restricted content
- Hides online identity
- Location spoofing
Cons
- Not free
- Requires installation
2. Use an open proxy
This method will come in handy when trying to unblock a website on a public computer. Let’s say, you are wondering how to unblock school websites. You can use this method. Using a proxy site is considered the best way to unblock a site because of various reasons.
A proxy site not only hides your IP address, but also masks the site’s IP from your government, university, or workplace.
With the help of a proxy website, you can also access content that is geographically restricted. But unfortunately, this trick doesn’t work with major streaming platforms like Netflix.
Even though proxies are helpful, they do have certain drawbacks. Like some proxy sites will leak your IP or monitor your online activities.
There’s a possibility that your workplace or school will block proxies themselves. But due to the existence of a large number of proxy sites, you are likely to find an unblocked one.
Security Level: Medium
Pros
- Usually free
- Good for unblocking websites on public computers
- No installation
Cons
- Slow
- Might leak your data
3. Unblock sites with Google Translate
Google Translate is not exactly a website unblocker, but it can still serve your purpose. It can translate content on any given link.
All you need to do is copy and paste the website URL that you want to unblock in the text translation box. Then click the translated link and it should give you access.
However, it can affect the quality of the content. Instead of the complete layout, it might show you only text.
In some cases, the links present on the site is not clickable. This is why you should use this method only when you want to unblock a website for its information.
Security Level: Low
Pros
- Free to use
- User-friendly
- No installation needed
Cons
- Doesn’t work on a mobile phone
- Disturbs the layout
4. Install a proxy or VPN browser extension
You can use this method to unblock sites like Amazon, YouTube, Twitter, etc. A proxy site alone may not be enough. This is why you should consider installing a proxy extension.
A proxy extension can be easily installed in your web browsers such as Firefox, Google Chrome, or Edge.
It allows you to select different servers and access blocked websites any time you want. The good thing about a proxy extension is that it is installed in your browser. So you don’t need to navigate to the proxy site.
You can also try using a VPN extension. This will be a more convenient option than installing the software on your PC.
Major VPN services provide add-ons that can be used with your desired web browser.
Security Level: High
Pros
- Can unblock most sites
- Allows you to access geo-restricted pages
- Encrypts your online identity
Cons
- Requires installation
- Usually not free
5. Use the Tor browser
This is another effective way to unblock a web browsers. Tor, which is also known as The Onion Router, directs your traffic through multiple layers of encryption to hide your identity.
With the help of the Tor browser, you can browse the internet anonymously. It can be used to unblock most websites and online content.
It also provides complete online privacy, which makes it a reliable choice for users. The only drawback is that it has slow speeds.
This is because Tor is an open-source browser that is maintained by volunteers.
Many schools and universities don’t allow you to install it on their computers. Therefore, using it for unblocked websites for school is not a good idea.
However, you can download it on your home computer and give it a shot. Just remember that it might slow down your connection speeds.
Security Level: High
Pros
- Encrypts traffic
- Online Privacy
- Free to use
Cons
- Slow network speed
- Tor nodes are blocked by some sites
6. Take advantage of dynamic IP
This method is best for accessing websites that block your IP address. But you can use this method only if you have a dynamic IP address from your ISP.
Sometimes, we are unable to access a website. The first thought that comes to our mind is to restart the router.
After restarting the router if you are still unable to access the website, it’s because you have a static IP address.
You can find out the type of IP address you have by comparing it with the IP that you get after restarting your router.
Security Level: Low
Pros
- Easy method
- No installation needed
- Free
Cons
- Works only with dynamic IP
- Only helpful when a site blocks your IP address
7. Use IP address, not URL
Some of you may not be aware of the fact that website URLs also have an IP address. In some cases, authorities block sites by just using the URL, not the IP address.
This means you can access the website using its IP address. All you need to do is enter the IP in the address bar and open the website.
Now the question is how do you find the IP address of a website? Follow the steps below.
- Go to your start menu and type “cmd.” This will launch the Command Prompt program.
- Enter the word “ping” along with the name of the site that you want to unblock.
- Now hit the Enter button and you should be able to see the IP address of the website.
- Copy the IP address and paste it into the search bar of your browser. This will give you access to the blocked site.
For those wondering how to unblock websites on a school computers, you already have your answer.
Security Level: Low
Pros
- Completely free
- Gives access to blocked sites
- No installation required
Cons
- No encryption
- Not very effective
8. Use HTML to PDF converter
If you want to know how to unblock websites at school, you should use this method. You should try this method to access restricted sites when you only want the information.
The HTML to PDF converter is a free tool that can be used to convert website URLs into PDF files. It will display the content along with both pictures and text.
The advantage of using this method is that you can download the file after conversion. If not, you can just preview it online.
Security Level: Low
Recommended: Best Free PDF Editor Software
Pros
- Easy to use
- Allows you to download the converted file
- Display pictures and text as it appears on the site
Cons
- Doesn’t allow you to interact with the content
- Doesn’t allow you to open the actual site
Best VPNs to Unblock Websites
When it comes to unblocking websites, VPN is the best option to go for. It is safe and easy to use.
Luckily, there are plenty of VPNs available. But you must choose the best one for yourself.
To help you out, we have listed below five of the top VPNs in the market.
#1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a hugely popular VPN service. It is mainly used for accessing websites that are banned by the government.
Besides that, you can also use it for accessing streaming websites and blocked content. It is easy to use and provides strong security features.
The most notable feature is the SmartDNS option. Using this feature you can set up NordVPN on devices that are not compatible with VPNs.
With NordVPN, you can enjoy faster speeds. It also comes with a free trial, so you can try the app before paying for it.
#2. Surfshark
This is another great VPN service to go for. With the help of Surfshark, you can browse the internet without any restrictions.
Compared to other VPN apps, Surfshark is new. But it has already proved its worth in terms of unblocking websites.
It has a large number of servers, which makes it a more convenient option for users. Using this VPN, you can easily access banned sites.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark also uses SmartDNS. It provides a 7-days free trial for new customers.
#3. VyprVPN
Next in line, we have VyprVPN, which is mainly popular for its security features. It is currently, one of the best VPNs to unblock websites.
Unlike many other VPNs, VyprVPN has its server. Not just that, but they also have a DNS relay system. This feature is useful in hiding the fact that you are using a VPN.
With the help of VyprVPN, you can unlock almost all blocked sites. It can even help you access geo-restricted content.
If you want an affordable VPN service, you should consider using VyprVPN. In case, you are not satisfied, they provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.
#4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN was founded in 2009 and is based in British Virgin Island. This VPN app is popular for its solid encryption feature.
It also provides the highest browsing speed and is compatible with all the major platforms. This includes Windows, Mac, Android, Xbox, Linux, and more.
It comes with a helpful manual guide, so you can complete the setup without any confusion.
It provides a premium quality service to give you the best experience. You can use this VPN to access blocked websites with ease.
#5. CyberGhost VPN
Lastly, we have CyberGhost VPN, which is a free VPN app. If you are unable to spend after a paid VPN, you should opt for CyberGhost.
It is mainly used for accessing blocked content. Even though it is free to use, it works just fine.
The good thing is you can use it on various platforms like iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows.
With CyberGhost, you can browse the internet anonymously. It provides you with the complete protection that you expect from a VPN app.
It is not only fast but also hides your IP address efficiently. In short, it is built to provide you with complete privacy online.
How to access blocked websites at work or school?
Not just schools and colleges, but offices also block certain websites that are considered inappropriate.
But sometimes, you feel the need to unblock the sites to communicate and explore the outside world.
If you are wondering how to unblock websites in schools and offices, the answer is VPN. In places like this using a VPN is the safest option.
However, you shouldn’t install a VPN on your school’s or office’s computer. This might invite additional trouble in your way.
If you don’t have a personal computer to work with, you should consider using proxies. Like VPNs, it doesn’t require any installation.
Other than that you can also use the IP address method or convert the content of the site into a PDF document.
Why are websites banned?
If you are unable to access a website, it’s because it is blocked in your region or country. There could be various reasons why some sites are banned in certain countries.
Geo-blocking
Most streaming websites are geographically restricted. This is because they provide different content in different countries. This is done based on a copyright agreement.
But you can access these streaming sites with the help of proxy sites and VPNs.
Censorship
Not just in China, but online censorship is a big thing in other countries as well. The government of your country might block websites that clash with their religious or political views.
However, you can access those sites with the use of a reliable VPN. Just make sure that you don’t get caught.
Work policy
Many universities and schools block websites because they are illegal, unethical, or inappropriate.
But sometimes, safe websites also get blocked. This mainly happens due to limited bandwidth.
Is it legal to access blocked websites?
In most western countries, it is completely legal to use proxy sites and VPNs. You just have to make sure that you don’t get involved in unlawful activities like copyrighted content and torrenting.
If you are trying to unblock sites like YouTube or Facebook, you are not going against the law. Similarly, you can also access geo-restricted content and websites without getting into trouble.
But this is not the same in every country. For example, countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and North Korea, have extreme laws for using VPNs. If you get caught using a VPN, you will get into grave trouble.
Before you think of using proxies or VPNs, you should research the laws in your country. You must check whether the law of your country permits it or not.
Whether it is for information or work, sometimes, you feel the need to access certain blocked websites.
You can fulfill your demands with the help of a VPN, proxy, or other methods that are mentioned in this post.
As long as you are keeping yourself away from illegal activities, you are good to go. But before trying any of these methods, you should check out the laws in your country.
After all, you wouldn’t want to get into trouble for simply accessing a banned website.
FAQs
Can VPN be used to unblock sites?
VPNs are extremely efficient in bypassing most online restrictions. It cannot only give you access to blocked websites but also allow you to open geo-restricted content.
Which browser should you use to access blocked sites?
Tor Browser can be used to access most blocked sites. Unlike other browsers, it doesn’t require any add-ons.
How to access blocked websites in school?
The easiest way to open blocked sites in school is through unblocking sites proxy. It will also mask your online activities to keep you safe.
