Buzz
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to access YouTube videos that are blocked in your region, often displaying the error message 'video is unavailable in your country'. You will learn how to use online proxy services or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask your device's IP address. However, if the content is restricted due to government censorship, using a VPN may be illegal and is not recommended.
Steps
Using ProxFree
Visit the ProxFree YouTube proxy page. Go to https://www.proxfree.com/youtube-proxy.php using your computer's browser. This site is specifically designed to unblock YouTube content, including videos restricted by regional filters.
Scroll down to the 'Server Location' section at the bottom of the page.
Click on the 'Server Location' box to view the list of available options.
Select a country. Choose one of the listed countries, ensuring it is not the country where you currently reside. For instance, if the video is blocked in the United States, try selecting a country in Europe.
Access YouTube through ProxFree. Enter youtube.com into the address bar above the 'Server Location' section, then click PROXFREE.
Search for the blocked video you wish to watch.
- Ensure you are using the search bar to the right of the 'YouTube' logo, not the address bar where you initially entered youtube.com.
Select the blocked video. Click on the title of the video you wish to watch to view it directly within the ProxFree window. If the video remains blocked, try selecting a different country in the 'IP Address Location' box. If the video is blocked in all selected countries, you will need to use a VPN.
Using a VPN
Understand the limitations of VPNs. A VPN allows you to mask your computer's IP address with another, enabling access to blocked or restricted videos. However, if the VPN's IP address is on YouTube's blocklist, you still won't be able to view region-locked content. If your VPN service allows region switching, you can change to a region where the video is available. If you don't have a VPN subscription, look for one that offers region-switching capabilities.
Install a VPN if necessary. If your computer or phone doesn't already have a VPN, purchase and install a reliable service. Some trusted VPN services include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Activate the VPN service. If your VPN has a desktop program (or mobile app), launch it and turn on the VPN. This step enables the VPN for your current internet connection. Each VPN has different activation steps, so consult the VPN's online support if you're unsure how to proceed. Depending on the VPN service, you may need to configure the VPN on your computer or phone.
Select a country or region if possible. If your VPN allows region switching, choose a country different from your current location. This ensures your IP address doesn't match the blocked region. You may need to try multiple countries before finding one that doesn't restrict the content you want to access.
Open YouTube. Visit https://www.youtube.com/ using your web browser (on a computer) or tap the YouTube app icon (on a phone).
Search for the video you want to watch. If the video is accessible in the VPN's selected region, you should have no trouble finding the video or channel. If you can't locate the desired video or channel on your computer, try changing your country settings and refreshing the page.
Play the video. Click or tap on the video you wish to watch. If the video is available in the VPN's region, it should play without issues. If you still can't view the video, try adjusting the VPN's region settings.
Tips
- Many videos blocked in the United States typically restrict only U.S.-based IP addresses, meaning most IP addresses outside the U.S. can access these videos.
- Videos may be blocked for various reasons, including but not limited to copyright issues that limit content to specific regions or government censorship.
Warnings
- Avoid entering your YouTube account information when using free VPNs or proxies.
