Introduction
Accessing certain websites on the internet can be restricted for various reasons. When you face website blocks, it can be frustrating and restrict your activities such as accessing online content, academic resources, or censored information. In this article, we aim to provide you tips and tricks to unblock websites so that you can fully access the internet.
Different Methods to Access a Website
Virtual Private Network (VPN), Proxy Servers, and Tor are the most popular methods used to bypass website blocks and access restricted content. VPN establishes a secure connection between the end-users and the internet, encrypting all the traffic. Proxy servers act as intermediaries between users’ requests and the internet, while the Tor browser is a free open-source browser that routes traffic through multiple servers and encrypts the traffic each time it passes through a new relay.
While these methods may be helpful in unblocking websites, each of them has its own pros and cons. VPNs provide higher security and privacy levels, but they might slightly slow down your internet speed due to the encryption. Proxy servers are faster than VPNs but provide less security, and some are not reliable. Tor provides the highest level of privacy but may be slower than regular browsers, and some websites might restrict Tor traffic.
How to Unblock Websites in Different Web Browsers
Website blocks are implemented in web browsers due to various reasons; it could be due to filters, extensions, or security features. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to unblock websites in popular web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This includes adjusting settings or installing extensions that allow access to blocked websites. For example, in Chrome, you can use the ‘Chrome Proxy Extension’ to bypass the website blocks.
How to Use DNS Servers to Bypass Website Blocks
Domain Name System (DNS) servers are responsible for translating domain names to IP addresses so that our devices can recognize and connect to them. Changing the DNS settings on a device or router can bypass website blocks implemented through filters or blacklists. We will explain how to configure DNS settings in different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Google DNS, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare are popular DNS servers that you can use to access blocked websites.
Ways to Unblock Websites on Mobile Devices
Website blocks may also affect mobile devices. However, there are ways to mitigate this issue. Using a VPN application is one of the most common ways to access blocked content on mobile devices. It encrypts all traffic via a secure connection. Additionally, you can use the ‘Airplane Mode’ feature to restrict other connections, allowing you to access the website you want to browse securely.
Tips for Avoiding Website Blocks
There are simple tips and tricks you can use to avoid website blocks. These include using HTTPS-enabled websites, avoiding suspicious websites, or disabling filters. One recommended option is to use a reputable ad-blocker to block pop-ups and unwanted ads that can feature malware and block your access to websites.
Legally Bypassing Website Blocks
Some websites might be blocked legally, for instance, those hosting copyrighted materials or adult content. However, for academic research or accessing sensitive information, there might be ways to bypass website blocks legally. For example, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access academic resources while travelling, or accessing censored information from reputable NGOs or media organizations. We will provide some examples of how to legally bypass website blocks.
Conclusion
Accessing blocked websites can be frustrating when you need the information urgently. This article has shown you different ways to access blocked websites, including VPNs, Proxy servers, Tor, DNS Servers, disabling filters, and legally bypassing blocks. However, it would be best to note that some of these methods have varying performance and security features. We recommend that you use trusted and secure sets of tools to access blocked websites.