Buzz
Blocked websites can hinder staying connected with friends and family. Many people across the globe frequently face censorship filters imposed by governments or internet service providers. Even in schools or workplaces, browsing may be restricted. Some limitations even block popular sites like YouTube and Facebook. Luckily, there are three methods to bypass these filters and access blocked websites. Even if you're not tech-savvy, you can still apply these solutions.
Steps
Use a Proxy Server Website
Enter the URL of the blocked website you want to access into the address bar. While browsing, the menu bar will display the name of the proxy server. This indicates that you are browsing via the proxy address, not directly visiting the website.
Click Go or press Enter. The website's content will be sent to the proxy server, allowing you to view it on your current device. This might slightly slow down your browsing experience, but you will still be able to access the website you want.
Use translation services
Visit a translation website. These sites can act as proxy servers by retrieving a website's content and providing you with a translated version. This way, you can access the site's information without directly visiting it.
Enter the blocked website's URL. Input the URL into the designated field, then select the language you'd like to translate the website into (e.g., translating from English to Vietnamese).
Click Translate. You will now be able to view the content of the blocked website. This is a useful method to keep in mind when you need to access a site and don't have time to explore other solutions.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Download a VPN software. You can unblock all restricted websites by downloading and installing proxy software. Most VPN programs require a paid subscription, but some offer free versions (with ads).
- This method may not be applicable if you do not have administrator access on the computer, which is common for employees at work or students in school.
- This method is great for accessing blocked websites on your phone. All you need to do is visit the app store on your device. Many software brands that offer PC versions also distribute mobile versions.
Install the VPN software. Click on the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions on the screen. Once the software is installed, you can open your browser and start browsing the web.
Enter the URL in your browser, the VPN will unlock it for you. VPNs offer a much more secure alternative to using proxy server websites. Once you've set up a VPN, you no longer need to go through loops to access websites. Simply open your browser and browse freely.
Use URL shortening tools
Visit a URL shortening site. There are many options available, and any of these websites can help you shorten a URL for this purpose.
Enter the blocked website URL you want to access. Click the button next to the text box to generate the shortened URL version. The tool will create a shortened link that you can paste into your browser to access the website. Although it looks different, this address functions similarly to the original URL you entered.
Copy the shortened URL and paste it into your browser. By using the shortened URL, you can bypass the website's security measures. The website will redirect the shortened link to the unblocked version of the page.
Access a website through its cache
Open Google search tool in your browser. This search tool is available on Google’s homepage. If Google is your default browser, you can also use the address bar directly.
Enter “cache:” followed by the name of the website you want to visit.
- The search engine stores copies of all web pages loaded on the Internet. By accessing these cached versions, you can view the content of websites without directly visiting them.
View the cached version of the website on Google. Note: this may be an older version of the website. If you want to access the latest version, you'll need to use another method to bypass the website's restrictions.
Use a different DNS
Select a DNS server address. You can choose any address, but it should not be one provided by your internet service providers like Google, OpenDNS, Cloudflare, or Trust DNS. You can follow these steps to change the DNS address on your device.
On Windows 10, the DNS server information is in the Settings app. Open Settings -> Network & Internet -> Status -> Change connection properties -> Edit (under IP settings). Then, click on Manual instead of DHCP and enter the server you selected in step one into the IPv4 field.
On Ubuntu, you need to change the DNS server either through the Settings app or the command line. Open the terminal, type sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf to navigate to the /etc/resolv.conf directory. Then, change the 'nameserver' to the server address you selected in the first step by typing nameserver 1.1.1.1 and nameserver 1.0.0.1.
On Android devices, you can change the DNS server manually or by using an app designed for this purpose. It is recommended to download a DNS changer app for faster changes. If you prefer to do it manually, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Modify network -> Advanced options. Tap DHCP and select Static, then scroll down to update the DNS server IPs in DNS 1 and DNS 2 (the ones you selected in step 1).
Advice
- Be cautious when using proxy servers. Some proxy sites might track your personal information.
- If you cannot load a website on your phone using Wi-Fi, the quickest solution is to turn off Wi-Fi and try using mobile data to access the website.
- Some websites may contain viruses, so always be cautious.
