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This article guides you on accessing blocked websites and content on your web browser. Since each program or method used has its own limitations, there's no guaranteed way to bypass restrictions; however, you can always use proxy sites or mobile browsers like Tor to break through barriers, and even apply simple tricks for low-security connections.
Steps
Try Common Solutions
Identify the source of web restrictions. Depending on the origin of the website restrictions (such as school networks or parental controls), the severity of the limitations will vary:
- Public web restrictions applied at cafes or on computers with parental controls can sometimes be bypassed using most common solutions in this section.
- Regional web restrictions applied to certain content on YouTube often require a proxy or VPN for access.
- School, government, and workplace web restrictions are often so robust that you'll need to use a proxy or mobile browser. However, you can still try using mobile data to share a network with your computer.
Try accessing an alternative version of the website. Some web restrictions block specific addresses (such as www.facebook.com) without blocking other versions of that address. You can bypass a blocked domain by using one of the following alternatives:
- IP Address - If you can find the website's IP address, try entering it into the address bar to bypass web restrictions.
- Mobile Version - By adding m. between "www." and the rest of the website address (e.g., www.m.facebook.com), you can access the mobile version of the site. Mobile versions often have separate blocking settings, leaving some web restrictions vulnerable.
- Google Translate - In rare cases, you can visit https://translate.google.com/, enter the website address in the left box, select a new language for the right box, and click the link in the right box to open the site in a different language.
Use mobile data connection. If you have an iPhone or Android, you can use the "hotspot" feature to share your phone's mobile data as a Wi-Fi network. This method is relatively reliable, as long as your computer allows you to select a network connection.
- Note that hotspot usage consumes a significant amount of mobile data, especially when downloading files or streaming videos.
- Although the referenced article in this section focuses on laptops, you can perform similar steps on a desktop computer.
Connect directly to the modem. If you can connect your computer to the network modem via Ethernet, you can bypass most network restrictions. Of course, you should not attempt this without permission to access the modem.
- Modems are typically different from routers. If your internet connection uses a combined router/modem, this method won't work for you.
- This method is more effective for home internet connections than for school, workplace, or public networks.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). If you can modify your computer's network settings (e.g., select a Wi-Fi network), you can also configure your computer to use a VPN. However, remember that you must choose and pay for a VPN service before using it.
- VPNs are compatible with most mobile platforms (e.g., smartphones or tablets) and computers.
- One free VPN option is Hotspot Shield. If you can download and install Hotspot Shield on your computer, you can simply enable the program without changing your computer's settings.
Use a free Proxy service
Learn about proxies. A proxy is essentially a scaled-down version of a VPN, applicable only to the browser tab you're using. When you enter a request (such as a website address) into a proxy site's search bar, the request is routed through various servers (not your regular internet connection servers) to bypass current restrictions.
- However, like other websites, proxies can also be blocked. Additionally, finding a proxy can be challenging if searches containing "proxy" or "proxies" are blocked.
- If you can't use a proxy on your computer, your only option is to use a mobile browser.
Choose a proxy service by visiting one of the following proxy sites:
- HideMe - https://hide.me/en/proxy
- ProxySite - https://www.proxysite.com/
- ProxFree - https://www.proxfree.com/
- Whoer - https://whoer.net/webproxy
- Hidester - https://hidester.com/proxy/
- You may need to try multiple proxy sites, as some may be blocked by your network administrator.
- If none of the above proxies work, search for another by typing best online proxy 2023 or similar terms into a search engine.
Click on the proxy site's search bar. This input field is usually centered on the page, but its location may vary depending on the proxy service you choose.
- The proxy search bar functions similarly to a browser's address bar, though some proxy services don't integrate search tools into their search bars.
Enter the address of the blocked website. Type the address of the blocked site (e.g., www.facebook.com) into the search bar.
- Ensure you include the ".com" (or ".org," etc.) part of the web address.
Click the Go button. This button varies depending on the proxy service (e.g., you might click Browse anonymously), but it's typically located below or to the right of the input field.
- If using ProxFree, click the blue PROXFREE button.
- You can also press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return on your keyboard.
Browse the website as usual. The site you want to access will appear normally on the restricted computer, though it may take longer to load due to the proxy server's location.
- Note that while the proxy hides your activity from the network administrator, the proxy owner can still see the information you enter. Therefore, avoid entering sensitive data while using a proxy.
Use a mobile browser
Ensure you can use a mobile browser on the computer. To use Tor—a browser with built-in proxy—you'll need to install it on a USB drive and connect it to the restricted computer. This method only works if the following conditions are met:
- The restricted computer must have at least one USB port.
- The restricted computer must allow you to open files from the USB.
- Your mobile browser must be installed on the USB, not just have data saved on it.
Connect the USB to the restricted computer. Plug the device into one of the computer's USB ports.
Open the Tor download page. Visit https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en from your browser.
Click the DOWNLOAD button in the middle of the page to download the Tor installation file.
- If prompted to choose a download location, select the USB drive and skip the next step.
Move the Tor installation file to the USB. Access the folder where the installation file was downloaded, then follow these steps:
- Click the file to select it.
- Press Ctrl+X (Windows) or ⌘ Command+X (Mac) to cut the file and remove it from the current folder.
- Click the USB drive name on the left side of the window.
- Click an empty area in the USB drive's window.
- Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘ Command+V (Mac) to paste the file into the USB.
Install Tor on the USB. Do this by selecting the USB as the installation location:
- On Windows - Double-click the Tor EXE file, choose a language and click OK, click Browse..., select the USB drive and click OK, choose Install, and uncheck the two displayed boxes before clicking Finish when prompted.
- On Mac - Double-click the Tor DMG file, verify the download if necessary, and follow the on-screen instructions, ensuring the USB folder is selected as the installation location.
Disconnect the USB. After installing Tor, you can safely remove the USB from the computer.
Connect the USB to the restricted computer. This is the computer where you want to access the blocked website.
Open Tor. Access the USB folder, double-click the "Tor Browser" directory, and double-click the blue and purple "Start Tor Browser" icon. This will open the Tor welcome window.
Click the Connect button at the bottom of the welcome window. The Tor window will open after a few seconds.
- Tor functions similarly to an older version of Firefox.
Access the blocked website. Use the input field in the middle of Tor's welcome page to do this. Since Tor has a built-in proxy, you can access any website.
- The input field in the middle of the page uses the DuckDuckGo search engine.
- Note that page loading times may be longer due to traffic being routed through multiple servers.
Tips
- Many schools and workplaces use software that allows administrators to monitor what's displayed on your screen. In such cases, bypassing web restrictions won't solve the issue, as you're still being monitored in another way.
Warnings
- Bypassing school network restrictions could lead to disciplinary action or even expulsion.
- Network administrators at large companies may impose disciplinary measures if they detect you circumventing workplace network restrictions.
