Have you ever experienced a restriction by a certain website from accessing its content and could not do anything about it? If yes, then that’s about to come to an end. This guide will provide you with different ways to successfully unblock a website.
Hold on a bit, though. Don’t you think that it’s a cyberattack to go around and over, trying to unblock a website that clearly wants its content to be inaccessible? Well, off the record, I think it is cyberbullying to restrict users from accessing a website.
Again, what if there was a reason for the restriction? Let’s find out.
Why are Websites Restricted?
The source of the restriction typically determines why a website is blocked. Governments, for instance, impose restrictions on access to websites that either contain material that their representatives would want the public not to know or that could incite users to commit crimes.
Schools and workplaces may also forbid students and staff from visiting websites that compromise security or reduce efficiency.
Determining the seriousness of trying to get around blockers should be made easier by looking at the reasons behind the blocking of a website. In other words, before attempting to use the advice in this guide, it’s critical to comprehend the rationale for established blockers and ensure that your intentions are good.
How to Unblock a Website
As promised, here are several methods for unblocking websites, together with their usage guidelines.
#1. VPN (virtual private network)
Virtual private networks, otherwise known as VPNs, enable anonymous website access and web searches for users. This is particularly helpful while utilizing the public internet. But because it can conceal your IP address and its related location, it can also be used to unblock a website.
Your data is first encrypted, or jumbled, so that it cannot be read when utilizing a VPN. The IP address of your computer is the source IP address, and it is concealed during the process of sending it to a secure server.
How VPNs Work
The IP address of the VPN server then takes yours, hiding the identity and location of your machine. When your data is finally encrypted and delivered to the recipient, the source IP address—that is, the address of your computer—is still hidden from them.
When using a VPN, the server’s IP address replaces your IP address as the source of your location information. You can get around a lot of blockers, including geo-specific ones, by disguising your IP address and location.
Furthermore, even if a website blocks your IP address, the server’s IP address might not be, allowing you to access the website by disguising your IP address as the VPN server’s.
Regrettably, there is no guarantee that using this method will always allow you to visit a restricted website. This is because a lot of websites restrict well-known VPN server IP addresses, which are frequently made public. However, having additional servers can increase the likelihood that the VPN’s IP addresses are not all recognized and blocked, which increases your chances of being able to unblock a website that is blocked.
#2. Make use of Tor
For the sole aim of enabling complete anonymity when browsing the web, Tor provides free and open networks. Although it requires downloading the Tor browser, it has the benefit of allowing you to access the web without needing to choose a specific URL in advance, unlike VPNs.
It also provides thousands of servers from which you may access data, as well as excellent data encryption. Getting beyond restrictions that might be blocking web material is the aim of Tor.
All you have to do to utilize Tor is go to the Tor website and select “download browser.” There will be a list of devices on the next page. Choose the gadget that corresponds to your own. You have the option to download for Android, Linux, macOS, or Windows computers.
You will receive detailed instructions on how to add the Tor browser to your device shortly after you have specified your device. To start browsing privately and for free, just click the Tor icon from the programs folder on your device after it has been added.
#3. Make use of a proxy
In that they permit you to visit a website anonymously, a proxy and a VPN are comparable. It does not secure your data, though, and you can only use it from a single tab or device, unlike a VPN.
Nevertheless, you can select the location from which to see when you visit a website when you use a proxy. This can assist you in getting around some blocks, such as those that are organization- or geo-specific, much like when utilizing a VPN.
For instance, in order to use the well-known HMA blocker, you have to go to the HMA website first, then type the URL of the website you want to unblock into the “site you want to access” search window.
By choosing “random server,” you can let HMA select the server for you, or you can specify the server’s location. You can designate New York or Seattle (US); Frankfurt (Germany); Amsterdam (Netherlands); London (UK); or Prague (Czech Republic) as your location.
You can get around region-specific restrictions imposed by businesses and the government by using a proxy to access the website from a distance.
From there, you may choose other choices, including disabling cookies that monitor your online behavior and that provide a little bit more browsing security.
Read: Top Most Common Cyber Security Threats to Take Note Of in 2024
These additional security settings are available through the “More Options” drop-down menu.
In order to start anonymously viewing the designated website while using the chosen access location, click “Agree and Connect” at the end.
Keep in mind that there are drawbacks to using a proxy instead of a VPN. A proxy has several benefits over a VPN, although it is less secure overall. For one thing, the majority of proxies are freely available. Naturally, they can also assist you in getting around geo-specific blocks.
#4. Create account
Certain websites that require users to register in order to access all areas of the site have the ability to restrict people by simply deactivating their accounts. In this situation, a user can frequently access the website by creating a new account.
This is frequently not the case, though, if censorship blocks access to an account-based website. For instance, in order to access Netflix material, customers must first create and pay for an account.
Nevertheless, it is forbidden for residents of Syria, North Korea, China, Russia, and Crimea to even register for an account. Opening a new account is not the same as unblocking account-based websites that are prohibited by government censorship.
#5. Make use of a free URL shortener
By altering the link, URL shorteners can allow you to bypass blockers and visit a website via a URL that is not recognized by them.
The shortened link will most likely not be the same as the original. It is also crafted differently. Therefore, it is improbable that website blockers will identify it as a restricted URL. Website blockers are more likely to let you access a restricted URL if they do not identify it as such.
#6. Modify the device’s settings
It’s possible that your device has settings designed to keep you from doing things that could damage it, such as visiting dubious websites that could expose your device to viruses.
Other settings on your smartphone, such as screen limit hours, can be in place to encourage productivity or help you make the most of your downtime. You might be able to access banned websites by changing or disabling these settings.
For instance, firewall defense might be provided by software, hardware, or the cloud. Its goal is to prevent access to websites by using pre-established security criteria. If your firewall is preventing you from accessing a website, you can bypass the barrier by simply turning off the firewall.
Is it Legal to Unblock a Website?
Utilizing tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or proxies is acceptable in Western nations as long as the user does not engage in unlawful activities.
If all you want to do at work is access Facebook without being blocked, you are not breaking any laws by doing so, except the one of your workplace, of course. Unblocking content that is geographically limited on streaming websites such as Netflix or YouTube follows the same pattern. It is not against the law; however, it is against the terms of service for using the website.
What VPNs Are Best for Unblocking Websites?
#1. Surfhark
Surfhark is a safe VPN service for unblocking websites. It is an excellent choice if you wish to freely browse the web. Despite being one of the newest VPN providers, it can be a helpful tool for expanding the range of information available to you.
With so many servers, you should have no trouble finding one that works for you. Surfshark can even unblock websites that are generally difficult to unblock, such as Netflix.
The app limits do not apply; you can configure their SmartDNS to work with any device.
Read the Surfshark VPN review for more information.
#2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN for unblocking websites. If a page is available online, you will be able to access it even if your government has restricted it. This also applies to streaming services that are not yet accessible in your area.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers SmartDNS capability. It can be configured even on devices that do not allow VPN apps.
See the NordVPN review.
#3. Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a freemium VPN service for unblocking websites. It is a simple but effective VPN for circumventing geo-blocks. The server fleet isn’t as outstanding as in other VPNs, but the ease of use and low pricing make this VPN a market favorite.
Atlas VPN features obfuscated servers that hide your VPN connection for individuals who live in heavily censored countries with VPN blocks. But the main thing is that it unblocks almost all major streaming sites, such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, and allows you to watch them in full HD!
The program allows for an infinite number of simultaneous connections per account, which means you and your family members can bypass those content limits on any device. The Atlas VPN review will teach you more.
What is the best way to unblock websites at school?
Using a proxy website is the quickest and easiest option to unblock websites at school. It will not only unblock the website you require, but it will also make tracking your online activity difficult.
Which browser is best for accessing restricted websites?
Tor is a web browser. Although other browsers, such as Chrome, let you add extensions that unblock websites, Tor does it without the use of add-ons.
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Bottom Line
Determining the seriousness of trying to get around blockers should be made easier by looking at the reasons behind the blocking of a website. In other words, before attempting to use the advice in this guide, it’s critical to comprehend the rationale for established blockers and ensure that your intentions are good.
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