Unblocking Websites: The Complete Guide up to 2022

Apr 6, 2022
Small figures learning how to unblock websites

Blocking websites is a common occurrence in the world of online communication and is so prevalent that virtually everyone will encounter blockages at some time or other. Thankfully, there are tons of helpful tools and strategies for bypassing blocks and accessing restricted websites.

If you're experiencing difficulty accessing the website you prefer, you're far from being the sole one. More than 75 percent of Internet users reside in countries that have restrictions on the internet. And, even if aren't in a country with censorship, you've probably faced blocks at your work place, schoolor other places.

In this post, we'll take a examine the various tools and methods accessible to block websites from any device. In order to do that you'll need to find out why (and how) your favorite websites are being blocked. Learn more about this and then begin to unblock it.

Why have been blocked from accessing the website?

A screenshot of a blocked website
An investigation into blocked websites

Most blockages fall in one of three main categories The restriction is imposed by the internet provider that you're connected to (such as the WiFi at work or your college) or being restricted by the website itself. Then the Internet service provider (ISP) or the government might even block you.

Any block is a problem the block is, you can usually find a solution. It's based upon the type of block used as well as the block type that you're trying to gain access to. Learn more about the different kinds of blocks, and the various techniques you'll need to employ to get around these blocks.

Your work is being blocked by in School.

A majority of people have had content blocked by their schools or work. However, why were these blocks placed in the first at all? How do they function?

It's quite simple to grasp. the reason for this is because employers and schools have an interest in ensuring the efficiency of both students and employees. This is why they place strict restrictions on specific types of websites, such as social networking sites as well as online games.

A simple way to get around the blockages is to redirect your internet browsing to a third party like a proxy or the VPN. (VPN).

It's blocked by the government

It was mentioned at the start of this piece, that nearly all of the planet's people are subject to the blockade imposed by government. Why is this?

The precise answer could differ depending on the situation, but all of it is a general pattern: government agencies have an obligation to maintain their reputation among their citizens. As a result, many authorities restrict access to sites that offer the most scandalous or damaging details about the past.

The most well-known examples of a blockade by the government is that of the "Great Firewall" of China, which was quickly implemented after the Internet was first introduced to China in the late 1990s. The purpose behind the firewall blocking the access of internet-based sites from abroad and services that go against China's constitution as well as the censorship goals.

Due to the Great Firewall, China's population that is close to 1.5 billion can't connect to popular websites such as Google and Facebook. However, this does not stop people from using VPNs: 29 percent of Internet users in China are able to circumvent the firewall using VPNs. VPN.

Of course, China isn't the only nation that blocks its users' Internet access. Whatever the nation however it is, generally the rules apply to all countries by permitting governments-run networks to block website traffic on the basis of URLs as well as host IP addresses.

This is blocked by your ISP

Although not as widespread as the other types of block we've talked about until now, a lot of users are confronted with blockages due to their Internet services provider (ISP).

The majority of Internet users do not realize that they are being constrained by their Internet service provider. Most often, it is that the block could be an important extra feature that is designed to protect the user's experience when browsing. But, certain ISPs may also block access in order to protect their customers' interests.

What can you do to determine if your ISP blocks you? It's sometimes difficult to tell but you're able to generally be able to conclude that a block is caused by an ISP in the event that you're unable to connect to the website on an internet connection that's not restricted. Also, if you're in a region that doesn't have censorship, as long as you're using the network at school or work or school network, any blocked sites you encounter are most likely directly from your ISP.

It's Geo-Restricted

Many websites block traffic from entire countries or regions. Sometimes, they refer to it by the name "geo-restriction," this type of blockage is typical for streaming providers like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and many more.

YouTube video unavailable due to geo-restrictions
YouTube video unavailable due to geo-restrictions

Why do we need to block the flow of international traffic? Streaming services, in particular have to adhere to distribution laws that dictate what countries and regions are allowed to access specific streaming services. The laws that govern the Netflix experience could change once you move to a different country and even with an account that is the same.

Perhaps you've realized that the way to bypass geo-restrictions involves connecting to the site through an "approved" place. Although it may be difficult without traveling, VPNs as well as proxies can help by redirecting your internet traffic through distant foreign servers.

Another reason for other sites is that excessive foreign web traffic could overburden servers with resources.

You're banned

Sometimes, the blockages originate directly from the site itself. Popular websites such as Omegle and Twitter are able to ban users who break their terms of service or promote unlawful activities.

It's fairly easy to know if you're banned. But, how can you be capable of avoiding the prohibition?

It is a matter of the site and method of the ban. Sites that have their roots in accounts like Twitter will simply ban accounts, meaning you'll not be able to bypass it by simply using the VPN. To get around it, you'll need to create with a brand new account.

Can You Unblock a Website?

Yes, but it depends on the restrictions. VPNs and proxy service providers typically override most restrictions, however they're never 100% certain.

In the next section. Blocking ability can be different across different service providers and apps. To make the process even harder, numerous internet services are continuously searching for VPN or proxy server IP addresses that leads to a constant fight to secure a vast amount of operational addresses.

There's a good chance that, if you are able to determine that the VPN or proxy isn't working on a specific service there are plenty of options to get around blockages. Discover more about VPNs and proxy services, and some effective alternatives to bypassing blocked websites.

The 4 Best Strategies for Getting Rid of websites

1. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPNs are by far the most well-known tool for unlocking blocked websites. But, their ability to bypass blocks can be a consequence of their role.

It is as the name implies. an online private network can redirect the data of its users to its set of secure servers, effectively spreading the private network of your home, school, or work onto a virtual public network. In other words, when the traffic of your computer typically goes directly to the website however, the VPN acts as a "middleman" who receives your information and then reroutes your information to a different server.

A diagram of how a VPN works
How do VPN work? ( Source: Yellowstone Computing)

The process may sound like it's a bit complex, but the process is actually quite simple.

  1. The VPN client can encrypt the inbound data. It is dependent on the provider that you choose, but it's possible to capable of specifying which applications you would like to connect with VPN (this choice is known as "split tunneling").
  2. The encrypted information is then sent through the VPN's network of secured servers. Like any other type of connection, the traffic you send is split in "packets," each of consisting of source and destination IP addresses. In this case, the origin IP address is the private network that you have at home, office or school network.
  3. The VPN server displaces your origin IP address from each packet to replace it with their own. If it does then the receiver will assume that the data originated from the VPN server, not your own device.
  4. Your traffic is decrypted and then is received by the receiver who doesn't even know its origin.

It's okay, perhaps not exactly simple. But, it's likely that you won't be concerned about what exactly the procedure involves. Once it's up and running then you'll be able move around as normal since the VPN is encrypting and redirecting your traffic behind the scenes.

All well and good, but how does that process unblock websites?

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It's all in your IP. Because a large number of restrictions and blockages are IP-based (websites use it to identify the exact location of your PC) changing your IP address in rerouting can usually allow you to pass by the restrictions. Since the vast majority of the major sites seek to restrict access to well-known VPN servers, the providers must to maintain large networks of distributed servers to guarantee access.

The number of servers and their capacities are different in VPN businesses, however. Just a simple lookup for the word VPN can provide a variety of options with every provider offering various numbers and types of servers.

The cost also varies with efficiency, with many of the most popular businesses charging $10 or more per month to use VPNs with thousands of safe VPN servers. Although there are some no-cost VPNs, they usually don't have the required features and a large number of users use proxies to get unblocking.

2. Proxy

Like the VPN is that it redirects your internet traffic through its servers but with some key differentiators.

The biggest difference is the fact that proxy providers don't use encryption to store data as VPNs do. This means that the information you provide is available to anyone else that may pose additional security risk if you're using an unreputable service. It is important to be mindful when you enter passwords and other sensitive information when using proxy services.

Diagram of how a proxy works
What exactly is a proxy? how it works ( Source: Medium)

Many proxies have less servers than your typical VPN provider. Even though you'll be able to unlock websites, they're not likely to have the same capabilities as a VPN.

3. VPN/Proxy Browser Extension

NordVPN browser extension
Using this extension, you can use the NordVPN browser extension

These are a great option to allow access to blocked websites. The traditional VPN can redirect the entire internet connection instead of data sent by individual applications. While certain VPN companies allow their users to select which apps utilize their VPN connection, you could have to pay fees to access the service.

The issue isn't so important for proxy services However. Since most proxies are usually utilized for no cost, and frequently used over and above the limit, there is no variation in speed of connection in the event that the browser extension gives access to premium proxy servers.

4. Tor

The acronym stands of "The Onion Router."" Tor is a free open-source platform committed to protecting the privacy of internet users. While its primary goal is concealing your identity it also provides the benefits of rerouting the flow of traffic through its massive system of relays.

The Tor browser home page
The Tor homepage for the browser

While it might appear similar to VPN or proxy, it's different. While VPNs and proxies have dedicated servers, Tor is a different situation. Tor network is based upon an immense overlay network, which is entirely run by volunteers.

If you're connected to Tor the internet the data you provide are routed through at least three volunteers until there's no identifiable information left. The year 2022 is 2022 in 2022, the Tor network has more than 6000relays.

Using the Tor network is simple and free. It's possible to join through installing Tor or it's Tor browser and simply choosing the connection. Though some countries block Tor its own network, you're in a position to bypass these restrictions by making Tor to connect to its own network in the downloading process. After installing, you'll be good to go.

Tor does not come without its disadvantages, it does have some disadvantages. In order to keep your private information private it is possible to use the Tor browser will often stop the use of media plugins (such as Flash) that could be used to reveal identifying data. Additionally, it deletes any scripts that are installed, which results in a dull browsing experience.

Alternatives to Blocking Websites

While VPNs and proxies and also using the Tor network are great ways to bypass websites, they're certainly not the only choicein fact, they might be unnecessary in certain instances.

Before you purchase the most expensive VPN and also changing the browser you use most by Tor have a look at these alternatives to find a simpler solution.

The transition from HTTP to HTTPS is a simple one.

Using HTTPS in an address bar
HTTPS is a part of address bars.

Nowadays, it's not the only solution available, since HTTPS is now the norm for many websites. It can nevertheless be efficient in avoiding restrictions at schools or on a work 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. Sometimes, administrators forget to add the HTTPS option, which offers users the option of addressing their issue.

Utilize the IP address listed on the site.

Similar to changing to HTTPS Try using the website's IP address instead of the URL.

To determine the URL of a site, use any method that are listed here. Enter the IP address into your browser and then you'll be able browse the site unless your network administrator has performed the appropriate diligence to block the IP.

For instance an example, one of the IP addresses for the Google Homepage can be found at 172.217.204.102. Try entering this address in your browser, instead of google.com The result will be exactly the same place.

URL Shorteners

URL shorteners such as TinyURL are a way to bypass certain limitations.

The services will utilize an existing URL in order to offer an alternative version that automatically redirects users to the original website. In doing so you're connecting just to the short URL, and not to the actual URL, which could be restricted by your administrator. That's why URL shorteners may be the trick of blocking lists or blocks based on URLs dependent on the way they're implemented.

Edit Your DNS Server

Moving to a brand new Domain Name System (DNS) server is a great method to remove websites blocked when you've been IP blocked.

Switching to Google’s public DNS
Converting to Google's public DNS

You can switch to a different DNS server just by entering an IP address in the network settings of your personal computer. Some of the more known (and easily remembered) options is Google's public DNS server. It's located within the United States and has an IP address of 8.8.8.8.

Online Translators

It is possible to submit a URL using online translators such as Google Translate provides an alternative URL that could evade many blocking filters. Just enter the URL in the translation field, choose your language, and then let the translator work to make magic.

Caches and archives of websites

To access an archived copy of a website webpage, Google search the URL to be able to access the cache by navigating through the results, or use for the Wayback Machine.

Opera Browser

The Opera browser comes with an integrated VPN which makes it a simple and fast method to block websites without purchasing an expensive subscription. Be aware that, according to some opinions, it's not the best option for protecting your privacy or accessing streaming services such as Netflix.

Summary

There are plenty of ways to access sites that are blocked, VPNs proved to be most efficient and well-known method. With top providers offering many servers that are spread over the globe VPNs are the best alternative. VPNs are a wonderful option to get access to content that is restricted and ensure your privacy.

Yet, proxies, Tor, and the different methods have also done great work for a wide range of scenarios. Whichever method you decide to employ, make sure you know that the most important step to unblocking websites is to change your IP address or trying a different URL.

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