With the internet being such a vital tool for staying connected and informed, it can be frustrating when we can’t access certain websites.If you’ve ever felt the frustration of encountering a dreaded “This site is blocked” message, fear not! We’re here to let you in on the secret of how to get around those virtual barriers to regain your internet freedom. So, let’s chip away at the barriers that stand between you and the internet!
Why are websites blocked?
Websites are blocked for plenty of reasons, the most common being to regulate or control access to specific online information. Striking a balance between safety, security, and open access remains a complex challenge in the digital age. Let’s address each reason why websites are really blocked!
School and work restrictions
Many educational institutions and workplaces enforce website restrictions to maintain a conducive environment for learning or productive work. They try to minimize distractions and discourage non-work-related activities by blocking certain websites. Sites frequently blocked include social media platforms, gaming platforms, and entertainment websites.
Geo-restrictions
Have you ever tried to access a website and met with a message saying, “This content is not available in your region?” That’s geo-restrictions in action. This is often done to comply with regional laws and licensing agreements or to provide localized content. For instance, streaming services may limit content availability to specific countries due to copyright regulations. Users attempting to access content from a blocked region will be denied access. It can be a bummer when you can’t watch your favorite shows or access certain services just because of your location.
Censorship
Governments or authorities may engage in website censorship to control the information people can access. It’s often used to control narratives, or block content considered harmful or politically sensitive. Censorship tactics can range from restricting specific websites or keywords to outright banning entire platforms. Also, it raises concerns about access to unbiased information.
7 ways to unblock websites
If you find yourself facing digital barriers, worry not! We have seven effective methods to circumvent website blocks and gain uninterrupted access!
Use a VPN
A VPN is by far the most effective and secure method for unblocking websites. PureVPN provides a seamless browsing experience by encrypting your web connection, giving unrestricted access to blocked websites while protecting your privacy:
- Subscribe to PureVPN.
- Now, download the PureVPN app.
- Open the PureVPN app and log in or sign up.
- Now, select a server location from the list and click Connect. Your IP address will be changed by the PureVPN server’s IP address, disguising your computer’s identity and location.
- After establishing the VPN connection, open your web browser and try accessing the blocked website. The website should now be unblocked, as your internet traffic appears to originate from the server location instead of your actual location.
Use Tor
Tor is short for “The onion router,” and it is a free, open-source network ensuring online anonymity. It unblocks websites by routing your traffic through its massive relay network while safeguarding your anonymity. To unblock websites using Tor, follow the step guide:
- Download and install the Tor Browser for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Once downloaded, open the Tor Browser.
- Now, in the address section, type the URL of the blocked website you want to unblock.
- At times, the Tor Browser may ask you to prove yourself as a human. Complete the captcha.
- And that’s it, you’ll now be taken to the unblocked website.
Use a Proxy
Unlike VPNs, proxies reroute traffic but without encryption, posing security risks and offering fewer servers than VPNs. Although they’re free, quick, and useful for unblocking websites and preserving anonymity.
Try the Google Cache
In order to load a website quicker, Google saves local copies of the website, which is known as caching. If you’re blocked from the original website, take these steps to view the cached version:
- Go to Google’s homepage and type in the website you want to unblock.
- Click the three vertical dots or the down arrow to the right of the site’s URL.
- Click cached, and you can go through the blocked website in seconds.
Try a URL Shortener
URL shorteners alter URLs, granting access using unblocked links, evading recognition by blockers, and facilitating access to websites. Read and follow these steps to shorten and unblock a URL:
- Go to Google and enter the website you want to unblock. Now, copy the URL of the webpage.
- Then, go to Bitly or TinyURL and enter the copied URL into the “Shorten your Link” section.
- Once the URL has been shortened, copy the shortened URL.
- Finally, paste the shortened URL into the web browser’s address bar, and you have successfully unblocked the website!
Try the IP address
There’s always the possibility that many websites do not block IPs. If this is the case, you can unblock a website using its IP address. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Find the IP address of the website you want to visit.
- Open your web browser.
- Instead of typing the website’s URL, enter its IP address. For example, “https://IP address” in the address bar and press enter; you now have complete access to the website.
Try switching between HTTP and HTTPS
Similar to typing IP address, you can also switch HTTP to HTTPS to unblock a website. Here’s all you have to do:
- Open the web browser.
- Type the URL of the blocked website in the address bar and press Enter to try accessing it.
- Manually update the URL of the website from “http://” to “https://”. For example, if the website’s address is “http://www.example.com,” change it to “https://www.example.com” and hit Enter.
- Refresh the page after setting the URL to HTTPS.
- If you’re lucky, the website will be unblocked, and you’ll be able to use it without limits.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unblock a website on Google Chrome?
To unblock a website on Google Chrome, you have a few options. You can use a VPN or proxy service to circumvent restrictions and gain access to the blocked website.
What sites can unblock websites?
There are a few sites and services out there that can help you unblock blocked websites. Sites such as proxy websites, VPN services, and even URL shorteners can help.
How do I unblock a website at school?
Unblocking websites on a school computer can be challenging, but a VPN is the best and most effective tool to get past the blocked websites on a school computer; just install PureVPN and change your IP address, and you are good to scour through the blocked website.
Final word
With the tricks up your sleeve—VPNs, proxies, URL shorteners, and more—it won’t be a hassle for you to bypass blocked websites. Although other speedy alternatives exist, VPNs provide unmatched freedom and security, outweighing software download hassles, nothing matches VPN’s robust protection. With PureVPN, you can unblock sites, access content globally, and safeguard your privacy, making it the ultimate choice!
Hunain Muhammad
January 1, 2024
4 months ago
