You may have run into issues with blocked websites at some point. This can be really annoying, whether it’s because of geo-restrictions, school networks, or firewalls. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to overcome these obstacles.
A VPN can help you change your online location, making it look like you‘re browsing from another country or city. These tools are flexible and can be used on devices like computers, smartphones, TVs, and even smartwatches.
Governments often block websites, which may require you to find ways to access platforms like TikTok. Streaming services, like Netflix, might only show specific content in certain locations, while sites like Hulu may be limited to just one country.
Though using a VPN is the simplest solution for overcoming restrictions, this article will discuss various methods to unblock websites.
How to access blocked websites: 8 straightforward methods
Here are several strategies to consider if you find yourself unable to access certain websites due to blocks.
1. Use a VPN to access any site you desire
Possibly, the most effective way to unblock websites is by using a VPN, especially if you frequently need to access restricted content.
In essence, a VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and allows you to mask your IP address, preventing others from determining your actual location. It enables you to visit geo-blocked sites, such as US Netflix or certain adult websites that are unavailable in various states.
Currently, this is also the most widely used option to combat online censorship. Instead of going directly to a website, you connect through a VPN server, ensuring your internet service provider (ISP) cannot monitor your activities or block your access. For instance, you can use a TikTok VPN to reach TikTok in nations where it’s not allowed.
The great advantage of VPNs is that they can protect your online activity from your ISP. This means your ISP cannot track your attempts to access blocked sites in your region or workplace.
Additionally, many leading VPN providers offer apps compatible with various platforms. For example, NordVPN provides applications for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing you to unblock websites whenever you need, regardless of your device.
2. Access sites using an open proxy
If you need quick access or must unblock a website on a public computer, a proxy server is a useful option.
Similar to VPNs, proxies conceal your real IP address from websites and shield the website’s IP from your government, workplace, or college. Using an open proxy is cost-free and requires no setup. While proxies can bypass some geo-restricted pages, they may not work with major streaming services like Netflix, as these open proxies are often blacklisted.
3. Add a VPN or a proxy extension to your browser
To access dynamic websites such as YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), or Amazon, a proxy website might not suffice. A better alternative is to install a proxy browser extension, like Decodo, on your Chrome, Edge, or Firefox browser.
This type of tool enables smooth browsing and allows you to select various servers based on your requirements.
Alternatively, you could consider using a VPN extension for your browser rather than installing a separate program on your computer. Many well–known VPN providers offer browser add-ons compatible with your preferred browser. However, remember that these extensions typically lack some features available in dedicated desktop applications.
4. Use an IP address instead of a website link
Sometimes, your institution might block certain website links rather than IP addresses. If you encounter this situation, you can access a site using its IP address instead.
A URL is the address shown in your browser’s address bar (e.g., https://facebook.com or https://reddit.com), whereas an IP address is a unique sequence of numbers assigned to the server hosting that website. You can enter the IP address directly into your search bar to gain access.
Finding an IP address for a website is easy with online lookup services, but make sure to use reliable tools, as some could be fraudulent.
For a safer approach on Windows, follow these steps to locate a website’s IP address:
– Type ‘cmd‘ in the start menu
– Launch the Command Prompt
– Type ‘ping‘ followed by the website name you want to unblock (for example, reddit.com), then press Enter. This will display the IP address you need. You can then paste this number into your search bar to access the restricted site.
Note that different operating systems use various methods to find IP addresses. Linux users can type ‘dig websitename.com‘ in the command line, while Mac users can perform a ‘traceroute‘ using the terminal.
5. Use the Tor Browser to access restricted sites
The Tor Browser is a free and open-source tool designed to provide online privacy in response to censorship.
It works by routing your data through a series of volunteer-operated servers, effectively hiding your IP address from the site you’re trying to reach and your internet service provider. Therefore, the Tor Browser is an effective option for unblocking websites. If you‘re interested, you can download Tor and use it as your regular browser, but be aware that your internet speed may slow down, and some sites might still remain inaccessible.
6. Access blocked sites through Google Translate
Though it might seem surprising, you can use Google Translate to reach restricted websites.
Just copy and paste the URL of the site you want to access into the field meant for translation text.