How to Unblock Websites From Anywhere (7 Best Methods for 2024)

Have you ever been in the middle of researching something important, but you stopped by a message saying, "This site can't be reached" or "This content is not available in your country"? It's like being on a thrilling treasure hunt, only to find that the treasure chest is locked tight. Quite frustrating, isn't it?

This is the reality of blocked websites, a hurdle that I, and many others, encounter frequently. It could be a video that's restricted in your region, a useful resource blocked by your school or workplace, or a news outlet censored by your government. These blocks can feel like unnecessary roadblocks in our journey of exploration and learning on the internet.

The internet was designed to be a free space for the exchange of information. but you should consider that there is a reason behind it, which I will discuss later. So, if you're seeing that "content not available" message, there is a way you can unblock any website anywhere in the world. In this guide, I'm going to show you how to unblock websites on your browser. Let's get into it.

Why Websites Get Blocked in the First Place?

Let me be clear about why these websites get blocked in the first place. It's not just a random act of internet cruelty, there are actually several reasons behind it, and they're worth understanding.

1. Geographic Restrictions or Geo-blocking

One of the most common culprits is geographic restrictions, often known as geo-blocking. Some websites or content providers limit access to their content based on where you're located in the world. This could be due to a variety of reasons, like licensing agreements (you'll find this a lot with streaming services like Netflix or Hulu), legal issues, or even government censorship.

2. Government Censorship

Speaking of government censorship, that's another biggie on the list of reasons. Some governments, for reasons of their own, decide to control the information their citizens can access by blocking certain websites. This could include anything from social media platforms and news outlets to other sites that the government decides are inappropriate or a threat to national security or public morality.

3. Network Rules

Finally, there's the good old network rules. This is especially common in places like workplaces, schools, or public Wi-Fi networks where the administrators decide to block access to certain websites. The reasons for this can vary - maybe they want to maintain productivity, ensure network security, or stick to ethical guidelines.

4. Parental Control Apps

Last but not least, parental control apps . If you're a minor or using a device controlled by a parent or guardian, they might have set up a parental control app. These apps can block access to certain websites to ensure safe and age-appropriate internet use.

So, whether it's a favorite show you can't watch because of your location, a crucial article you can't read because your school's network has it blocked, a social media platform you can't access due to government censorship, or a website you can't visit because of parental controls, these blocks can really put a damper on your online experience. But don't worry, I've got your back. In the next sections, I'll guide you through how to bypass these blocks and surf the web freely. So, let's get to it!

7 Easy Methods to Unblock a Website

1. Unblock with a VPN
2. Using a Proxy
3. Switching Networks
4. Using Tor Browser
5. Using Smart DNS
6. Through Wayback Machine
7. Using Private Browsers

Now that we've understood why websites get blocked, let's explore how to get around these blocks. There are several methods to unblock a website but one of the most effective and popular ways is by using VPN.

1. Unblock Websites Using a VPN

A VPN is like a secret tunnel that allows you to browse the internet without restrictions. It hides your IP address, which is essentially your online identity, and replaces it with one from a different location. This can make it appear as if you're browsing from a different country, allowing you to bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked content.

Here's how to use a VPN to unblock websites:

1. Choose a VPN service: There are many VPN services out there, each with its own features and benefits. I use NordVPN , it's the VPN that can do everything a VPN should do. Pick one and subscribe to a plan.
2. Download and install the VPN app: Once you've subscribed to a VPN service, download the VPN app from their official website. They usually have versions for different operating systems, so make sure to choose the one that matches your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server: Open the VPN app and sign in. Set up the VPN as it suits your device. Then you'll see a list of server locations you can connect to. Choose a location that isn't blocked by the website you're trying to access.
4. Start browsing: Okay, you're ready to start browsing the internet as usual. Reload the website you were trying to access, it should now be unblocked.

Top 3 VPN Services for Unblocking Websites

There are many VPN services out there, but not all are created equal. When choosing a VPN service, you should consider factors like speed, security, ease of use, and of course, their ability to unblock websites. Here's a quick comparison of three top VPN services:

NordVPN - The Most Secure VPN

NordVPN is a titan in the VPN industry, and for good reason. It's earned a reputation for its robust security features, including military-grade encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. But what truly sets NordVPN apart is its strong commitment to user privacy. With a strict no-logs policy and features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, it ensures your online activities stay private. Plus, with a vast network of over 5700 servers spread across 60 countries, you can virtually travel the globe and access content from any country, making it a top choice for unblocking websites.

Surfshark - The Cheapest VPN

Don't let the price tag fool you. Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs out there, but it packs a punch when it comes to features. It offers robust security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. It also boasts good speeds, making it suitable for streaming and browsing. But the real cherry on top is its ability to unblock websites from various locations. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, you can bypass geo-restrictions with ease. So, if you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on internet freedom, Surfshark is a great choice.

ExpressVPN - The Speedy VPN

If speed is what you're after, ExpressVPN is the way to go. Known for its blazing-fast speeds, it's perfect for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks. But speed isn't all it offers. ExpressVPN also boasts robust security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, with a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it's a powerhouse for unblocking content. Whether you're looking to bypass geo-restrictions or just want a smooth browsing experience, ExpressVPN has got you covered.

2. Using a Proxy Site

If a VPN seems like too much, or you're looking for a simpler solution, using a proxy server might be the way to go. But what exactly is a proxy?

A proxy server is a computer on the internet that acts as an intermediary between your computer and the website you're trying to access. When you use a proxy, your internet traffic is routed through this intermediary server. This means that to the website you're trying to access, it looks like the traffic is coming from the proxy server, not your computer. This can help you bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked websites.

Here's the step-by-step guide on how to use a proxy to unblock websites:

1. Choose a Proxy Service: There are many free proxy services available. Remember, free proxies can be tempting, they often come with limitations and security risks.
2. Configure Your Browser: Once you've chosen a proxy service, you'll need to configure your browser to use it. This usually involves going into your browser's settings, finding the network or proxy settings, and entering the proxy server's IP address and port number. The exact steps can vary depending on the browser and proxy service you're using.
3. Start Browsing: Once your browser is configured, you can start browsing the internet as usual. The website you were trying to access should now be unblocked.

Remember, while using a proxy can help you access blocked websites, it doesn't offer the same level of security or privacy as a VPN. So, if security is a concern, a VPN might be a better option.

3. Using Tor Browser

Another effective method to unblock websites is by using Tor, which stands for The Onion Router. But what is Tor and how does it work?

Tor is a network of servers that helps protect your privacy by routing your internet traffic through several (usually three) servers before it reaches your destination. Each server only knows the IP address of the previous server and the next one in the line, but not the complete path of the data, making it extremely difficult for anyone to trace your internet activity back to you. This can help you bypass censorship and access blocked websites while maintaining your privacy.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to use Tor to unblock websites:

1. Download and Install Tor Browser: Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that's configured to connect to the Tor network. You can download it for free from the Tor Project website .
2. Start Tor Browser: Once you've installed Tor Browser, you can start it just like any other browser. The first time you start it, you'll be asked to configure your connection. Most users can simply click "Connect".
3. Start Browsing: Once you're connected to the Tor network, you can start browsing the internet as usual. The website you were trying to access should now be unblocked.

4. Switch the Networks

Sometimes, the simplest solution can be the most effective. If you're dealing with network restrictions, such as those imposed by a school or workplace, one of the easiest ways to unblock websites can be to switch networks.

Switching networks essentially means changing the internet connection you're using. For example, if a website is blocked on your school or workplace network, you might be able to access it by switching to a different network, like your home network or a mobile data network.

Here's how switching networks can help unblock websites and some tips on when and how to do it effectively:

• Understanding Network Restrictions: Network restrictions are usually based on the IP address of the network. When you switch networks, you're also switching IP addresses, which can help you bypass these restrictions and access blocked websites.
• When to Switch Networks: The best time to switch networks is when you're dealing with network-level restrictions. For example, if a website is blocked on your school or workplace network, but not on other networks, switching networks can be an effective solution.
• How to Switch Networks: Switching networks can be as simple as disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network you're currently on and connecting to a different one. If you're using a device with mobile data, you can also switch to your mobile data network. Just remember that using mobile data can consume your data allowance, so be mindful of how much data you're using.

Remember, while switching networks can be an easy way to unblock websites, it's not always possible or practical. For example, if you're dealing with government censorship or geographic restrictions, switching networks might not be enough. In these cases, you might need to use other methods, like a VPN or Proxy site.

5. Using Smart DNS

Another method to unblock websites is by using a Smart DNS. But what is a Smart DNS and how does it work?

A Smart DNS is a technology that enables you to spoof your location to bypass geographic restrictions. Unlike a VPN, which routes all your internet traffic through a server in a different location, a Smart DNS only routes the traffic needed to determine your location. This means it can be faster than a VPN, making it a good option for streaming geo-restricted content.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to use a Smart DNS to unblock websites:

1. Choose a Smart DNS Service: There are many Smart DNS services available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some popular ones include ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer, NordVPN's SmartPlay, and Unlocator. When choosing a service, consider factors like the number of locations it offers, its speed, and its ability to unblock the websites you're interested in.
2. Configure Your Device: Once you've chosen a Smart DNS service, you'll need to configure your device to use it. This usually involves changing the DNS settings on your device to the ones provided by the Smart DNS service. The exact steps can vary depending on the device and Smart DNS service you're using.
3. Start Browsing: Once your device is configured, you can start browsing the internet as usual. Go to the website again and reload the page, it should now be unblocked.

Note, while a Smart DNS can help you access blocked websites, it doesn't offer the same level of security or privacy as a VPN. It doesn't encrypt your internet traffic, so your online activities can still be seen by your ISP or anyone else who might be snooping. So, if privacy is a concern, you might want to use a VPN instead.

6. Through Wayback Machine

The Wayback Machine is another interesting tool you can use to access blocked content. But what is the Wayback Machine, and how can it help unblock websites?

The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web, maintained by the Internet Archive, a non-profit organization. It allows you to see how a website looked in the past by taking "snapshots" of web pages at different points in time. This can be useful for accessing content on websites that are currently blocked, as the archived versions of the pages are usually not blocked.

Here's how to use the Wayback Machine to unblock websites:

1. Go to the Wayback Machine: Open your web browser and go to the Wayback Machine website, which is located at archive.org/web/.
2. Enter the Website URL: In the search box, enter the URL of the website you're trying to access and click "Browse History."
3. Choose a Snapshot: You'll see a calendar view showing the snapshots of the website on different dates. Click on a year, then a date, and finally a time to view a snapshot from that moment.
4. Start Browsing: You can now browse the website as it appeared at that point in time. While not all elements of the website may work in the snapshot, you should be able to access the main content.

7. Using Private Browsers

Private browsers, also known as secure browsers or anonymous browsers, can be another effective tool for bypassing restrictions and unblocking websites. But how do they work?

Private browsers are designed to enhance your privacy and security when browsing the internet. They do this by blocking tracking cookies, encrypting your data, hiding your IP address, and sometimes even routing your traffic through a network of servers, similar to a VPN. This can help you bypass geographic restrictions, network rules, and other types of censorship.

Here's a comparison of some top private browsers for unblocking websites:

1. Tor Browser

As mentioned earlier, Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox that connects to the Tor network. It routes your traffic through several servers, making it difficult to trace your online activities. This can help you bypass censorship and access blocked websites. However, because your data is being routed through several servers, it can be slower than regular browsing.

2. Epic Privacy Browser

Epic Privacy Browser is a privacy-focused browser that blocks tracking cookies, ads, and other web elements that can compromise your privacy. It also includes a built-in proxy that can hide your IP address, helping you bypass geographic restrictions and access blocked websites.

3. Brave Browser

Brave Browser is a privacy-focused browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. While it doesn't hide your IP address or encrypt your traffic like a VPN, it can still help you bypass some network restrictions and access blocked websites. Plus, it's built on Chromium, so it's compatible with most Chrome extensions.

4. Firefox Focus

Firefox Focus is a privacy-focused browser for mobile devices. It blocks a wide range of online trackers, wipes your browsing history after each session, and doesn't save cookies, helping you maintain your privacy. While it doesn't offer the same level of censorship circumvention as Tor or a VPN, it can still help you bypass some restrictions and access blocked websites.

Specific Methods for Unblock Websites on Google Chrome

If you're a Google Chrome user, there are several specific methods you can use to unblock websites. Here are some of the most effective ones:

1. Removing the Website from the Restricted Sites List

Sometimes, a website might be blocked because it's on Chrome's Restricted sites list. Here's how to remove a website from this list:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
2. Go to "Settings" > "Privacy and security" > "Site Settings".
3. Under "Content restrictions", click on "Additional content settings" then "Restricted sites".
4. Find the website you want to unblock, click on the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Remove".

2. Resetting the Hosts File

The hosts file is a system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. If a website is blocked by modifying the hosts file, you can unblock it by resetting this file. Here's how:

1. Open the Start menu, search for "Notepad", right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator".
2. In Notepad, click on "File" > "Open", navigate to "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc", and open the "hosts" file.
3. If you see the website you want to unblock listed in this file, delete its corresponding line, then save and close the file.

3. Using Google Chrome Extensions to Unblock Websites

There are several Chrome extensions that can help you unblock websites. Some popular ones include ExpressVPN, ZenMate VPN, and TunnelBear VPN. To use these extensions:

1. Go to the Chrome Web Store, search for the extension you want to use, and click "Add to Chrome".
2. Once the extension is installed, click on its icon in the Chrome toolbar and follow the instructions to set it up and unblock websites.

4. Changing Settings for a Specific Site

You can also unblock a website by changing the settings for that specific site in Chrome:

1. Go to the website you want to unblock.
2. Click on the lock icon to the left of the website's address, then click on "Site settings".
3. In the site settings, you can change the permissions for the website. For example, if the website is blocked because it's not secure, you can change the "Insecure content" setting to "Allow".

Remember, while these methods can help you unblock websites in Chrome, they might not work for all types of blocks. If a website is blocked due to government censorship or geographic restrictions, you might need to use a more robust method, like a VPN.

Specific Methods for Unblocking Websites on Safari

If you're a Safari user, whether on an iPhone or a Mac, there are several specific methods you can use to unblock websites. Here's how:

1. How to Unblock Websites on iPhone's Safari

On an iPhone, website restrictions are usually set through the Screen Time feature. Here's how to check and remove these restrictions:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time".
3. Tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions".
4. If the toggle is turned on, tap on "Content Restrictions".
5. Under "Web Content", tap on "Limit Adult Websites".
6. If the website you want to unblock is listed under "NEVER ALLOW", swipe left on it and tap "Delete".

2. How to Unblock Websites on Mac's Safari

On a Mac, website restrictions can be set through the Parental Controls feature. Here's how to check and remove these restrictions:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences or System Settings".
2. Click on "Screen Time".
3. Click on the "Content and Privacy" tab and then " Content Restrictions"
4. If the website you want to unblock is listed under "Never allow these websites", select it and click the "Done" button.

3. Changing Settings for a Specific Site in Safari

You can also unblock a website by changing the settings for that specific site in Safari:

1. Go to the website you want to unblock.
2. Click on "Safari" in the menu bar, then select "Settings for This Website".
3. In the pop-up window, you can change the permissions for the website. For example, if the website is blocked because it's not secure, you can change the "When visiting this website" setting to "Always Allow".

People Also Asked About Website Blocking

Is unblocking websites legal?

The legality of unblocking websites depends on your location and the specific laws in your country. In some countries, bypassing internet censorship or accessing blocked content is considered illegal. However, in many places, it's perfectly legal. Always make sure to understand and comply with the laws in your jurisdiction.

Can unblocking websites give me a virus?

The act of unblocking a website itself won't give you a virus. However, the website you're accessing might contain malware or other harmful content, especially if it's been blocked for security reasons. Always ensure your device has up-to-date antivirus software and be careful when accessing unfamiliar websites.

Can my ISP see what I'm doing if I unblock a website?

If you're using a method that doesn't encrypt your internet traffic, like a proxy or a Smart DNS, your ISP can still see what you're doing. However, if you're using a method that does encrypt your traffic, like a VPN or Tor, your ISP won't be able to see what websites you're visiting.

Can I unblock websites on all my devices?

Yes, you can unblock websites on any device that can connect to the internet, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. The exact method might vary depending on the device and operating system.

Does private browsing unblock websites?

Private browsing modes can help you bypass certain types of blocks, like those based on cookies or browsing history. However, they won't help with all types of blocks, like those based on your IP address or network restrictions.