Encountering a blocked website while browsing is unpleasant. Websites can be blocked for various reasons, including network restrictions in educational or work environments, government censorship, geo-blocking, and security concerns (malware, phishing, etc.).
Access to a blocked website is essential for gathering information, interacting with people online, enjoying popular streaming services, increasing productivity, and facilitating professional development. Moreover, unblocking a website allows you to bypass unjust restrictions and enable free speech.
In this post, I’ll explain why websites can get blocked and how you can bypass these restrictions.
Disclaimer: Use the methods explained here responsibly and in compliance with your region’s regulations and local laws.
Reasons Websites Are Blocked
Network restrictions, government censorship, geo-restrictions, and technical errors are the main reasons a website is blocked.
I’ve discussed these factors in detail below.
Network Restrictions
Schools, offices, and public networks often implement restrictions to control Internet usage and provide a safe and focused environment. School networks usually block social media websites, inappropriate content, streaming services, and gaming platforms to minimize distractions in the educational environment. Workplaces follow the same restrictions to maximize productivity.
However, public Wi-Fi networks available in cafes, airports, and shops limit internet access to ensure their bandwidth is available to everyone. So, these places block websites that offer large files to download.
Government Censorship
In censorship-heavy countries, access to some websites is blocked. One of the main reasons for this is political control. Their governments restrict access to news sources and social networks to control the narrative through their own news websites. So, social media websites that facilitate free speech, such as X, are banned in countries with dictatorships.
Moreover, other websites get blocked for religious reasons and social values. That’s why adult websites are blocked in many religious countries.
Geo-restrictions
Sometimes, the blocking is the website owner’s decision and has nothing to do with the user. Many websites restrict their content in some countries or make it available only in select countries.
For example, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max only offer content in regions their licensing agreements allow. For example, you can’t watch Rick and Morty on Netflix US due to streaming restrictions.
Many news and media content providers do the same, but for other reasons. One of the main reasons is compliance with regional copyright laws. Suppose a region or country is not a website’s target group. In that case, the website owners can block access in that region to avoid any future legal troubles and unnecessary costs.
Technical Errors
The most pleasant reason that your access to a website is blocked can be just an unintentional temporary technical error. This can be fixed by finding the source of the technical glitch.
One of the most common reasons is that your firewall blocks access. Firewalls usually filter harmful content but can mistakenly block a legitimate website. In other cases, when a DNS (Domain Name System) provider can’t resolve an IP address correctly, the user can’t access the website.
In addition, using outdated software can be the source of the problem. Keep your antivirus, firewall, and browser updated to the latest versions.
Popular Methods to Unblock Websites
There are multiple methods to unblock websites, and I’ve listed them in detail below.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
As a very reliable way to unblock websites, VPNs encrypt internet traffic and route it through a server in another location. This way, users appear to be requesting access to websites from a location that is not restricted.
So, VPNs are an effective way to bypass content restrictions. This method masks the user’s real IP address, enhancing the privacy and online security of users’ browsing.
However, to safely unblock websites and bypass restrictions, it’s necessary to use a reliable VPN service that is popular and well-equipped with advanced security features to protect your data and identity.
Some of the best Virtual Private Network providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Namecheap FastVPN and Surfshark.
Proxy Servers
Another robust solution for unblocking websites is a proxy server. The proxy server acts as an intermediary between the user and the website. So when a user requests to visit a website, it goes through the proxy server, and the website receives it as a request from the proxy server.
In this process, the user’s real IP address stays hidden, but unlike VPNs, the traffic doesn’t run through an encrypted tunnel.
Free proxies are widely accessible, but offer limited connection speeds—unfit for streaming and downloading. Paid proxy providers like Proxy-Seller and Smartproxy offer various proxy services, such as dedicated proxies, which are much more reliable and provide faster connections.
Browser Extensions
One of the easiest ways to unblock websites is using browser extensions. You just need to install these extensions on your browser to access blocked websites.
Some popular browser extensions include Hola, Browsec, and ZenMate. These extensions utilize VPNs to bypass content restrictions. Browser Extensions are mostly available for free, but you can opt for premium features through paid subscriptions.
Be aware of unreliable extensions that log user data and put your privacy at risk. Some may even contain malware that can lead to potential security breaches. Therefore, only download and install browser extensions from well-known and reliable sources.
Changing DNS Settings
Though not a permanent solution, changing DNS settings and switching to public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) can provide unrestricted access to certain websites.
This method won’t work for every website, and it’s only effective against ISP-level restrictions, but it’s a free solution that’s worth trying. Switching to public DNS servers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) may also increase your connection speed.
Remember that geo-restrictions from website owners and heavy censorship from governments usually require other, more advanced solutions.
Tor Browser
As a free browser designed to provide anonymity, the Tor Browser is an effective tool for bypassing limitations and safe browsing. It routes traffic through multiple layers of servers, making it challenging to track user activities.
Due to the high level of anonymity, many users use the Tor Browser to access highly restricted and censored content.
However, because it uses multiple layers of IP masking, the speed of the Tor Browser network is slower than other solutions. Therefore, it’s unsuitable for high-traffic tasks like streaming. Even though it provides a high level of anonymity, users should avoid any illegal and unsafe activities to stay away from legal trouble.
Smart DNS Services
Using smart DNS services, you can change your DNS settings to unblock your targeted website. However, this solution only works on location-based restrictions and does not encrypt data.
Nonetheless, it’s a perfect option for bypassing geo-restricted content, especially for streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Peacock, since it doesn’t have any significant impact on the speed of your internet connection.
Smart DNS services are much more effective and reliable than public DNS servers. SmartDNSProxy is a popular company specializing in bypassing streaming platforms, and Unlocator offers fast connections to unblock geo-restricted content.
Unblocking Region-restricted Content
To unblock region-restricted content, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, the best option is to use a reliable VPN service. VPNs can easily bypass geo-restrictions and let you access content with IP addresses from different server locations around the world.
One of the best VPN services is ExpressVPN, which offers servers from 105 countries. It’s especially suitable for streaming platforms like Netflix since it offers ultra-fast servers and lets you connect up to 8 devices without extra costs.
Unblocking Social Media Websites
Unblocking social media websites is easier because they are not as demanding as streaming services and don’t need extra-fast connections. Users can choose between various VPNs, proxies, or other solutions to access their desired content.
For instance, Multilogin is an anti-detect browser that’s effective against restrictions of popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and more. With Multilogin, you can manage multiple accounts without detection and stay anonymous when browsing.
Risks and Precautions
It’s important to note that unblocking restricted websites is not risk-free, and you should take the necessary precautions before attempting to bypass a blocked website using various tools and services.
Here are the main risks and precautions:
- Legal Implications: Be aware that unblocking a website can violate a region’s laws and regulations. It can also violate the terms of services of a streaming platform or, in severe cases, an illegal activity banned by the government. To avoid this, research your local laws and understand the repercussions of your activities before unblocking any website.
- Data Security: Some unreliable and free unblocking tools can expose your data to security vulnerabilities. These tools can collect and sell your sensitive data online, infect your device with malware or spyware, and slow or damage your system. To prevent these issues, utilize trusted unblocking services, protect your device with a firewall or antivirus software, and check the tool’s feedback online to see if someone reported any suspicious activities.
- Connection Speed: Most unblocking methods slow your connection speed because they involve additional layers of routing traffic and encryption. Additionally, many solutions come with limited bandwidth, leading to browsing interruptions. Therefore, when using VPNs or proxies, choose optimized servers—usually available in paid services and premium plans. Moreover, if your target website is not heavily restricted, you can utilize DNS services that have the least impact on speed.
Best Tools to Unblock Websites
No matter your method for unblocking websites, you should find the best and most secure tools to ensure safety and reliability.
I’ve listed the best tools in each category of VPN services, proxy services, anti-detect browsers, and public DNS servers below.
VPN Services
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the top choices for protecting your connection and unblocking websites.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers excellent services to bypass various kinds of restrictions. With ultra-fast servers in 105 countries and support for up to 8 devices simultaneously, the VPN can capably remove restrictions from your Internet.
Moreover, the service doesn’t record any activity or connection logs to provide maximum privacy. Here are the best features of ExpressVPN:
- Servers in 105 countries to provide broad global coverage and accessibility
- Comes with Adblocker, blocks intrusive ads, and enhances browsing speed
- Premium Password Manager offers secure storage for all your credentials
- Connection for 8 different devices supports simultaneous use across platforms
- No Activity or Connection Logs ensure complete privacy and anonymity
ExpressVPN is available for $6.25/month (when billed annually). You also get 4 extra months with the annual subscription, and the service provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users.
NordVPN
NordVPN over 111 locations worldwide and supports up to 10 devices simultaneously with each subscription. Alongside the VPN servers, NordVPN offers advanced security features to keep your browsing safe and private.
Here are the best features of NordVPN:
- Double VPN encrypts data twice for added security
- Support for up to 10 devices allows simultaneous connections on multiple devices
- Servers in 111+ locations provide global access and faster connections
- Dark Web Monitor alerts users about exposed credentials online
- No user tracking ensures complete privacy and anonymity
NordVPN provides multiple pricing plans based on your needs.
- Basic: $4.59/month
- Plus: $5.49/month
- Complete: $6.49/month
- Prime: $9.49/month
All prices are valid when billed annually. You also get 3 extra months with each annual plan, and new users benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Not sure which VPN service to pick? Check out our detailed take on NordVPN vs ExpressVPN to know which VPN fits your needs!
Proxy Services
Proxy-Seller and Smartproxy are the top proxy choices for unblocking websites.
Proxy-Seller
Proxy-Seller offers various types of proxies, including ISP, residential, mobile, and datacenter proxies. Moreover, you can access proxies from more than 220 countries.
The service’s IPs are sourced from over 400 networks and 800 subnets so that you can choose from a wide range of proxies suitable for different websites. It also offers optimized proxies for social media websites.
Here are the main features of Proxy-Seller:
- Residential, mobile, datacenter (IPv4 & IPv6), and ISP proxies provide versatile options for various use cases
- Proxies from 220+ countries ensure global coverage for users
- Optimized proxies for social media websites enhance performance on popular platforms
- 99% uptime guarantees reliable and uninterrupted proxy service
- Proxy-check and Port-scanner help users maintain security and functionality
- 24/7 support service ensures assistance is always available when needed
- No user tracking protects privacy by avoiding activity monitoring
The pricing varies depending on the type of proxy. Residential proxies start from $7/GB, mobile proxies are available for $25/IP, ISP proxies start at $1.15/IP, and datacenter proxies can be purchased for $0.08/IP.
Smartproxy
With over 65 million IPs in 195+ countries, Smartproxy is one of the most popular proxy providers in the market. It offers all kinds of proxies, from residential and mobile proxies to ISP and datacenter proxies.
Smartproxy provides a dedicated Site Unblocker service, equipped with automatic proxy pool rotation and JavaScript rendering that rarely fails to access a website.
Here are the most interesting features of Smartproxy:
- Residential, Mobile, ISP, and Datacenter Proxies offer diverse proxy types for various needs
- 65M+ IP pool in 195+ countries ensures broad coverage and reliable connections
- Dedicated site unblocker service simplifies access to restricted websites seamlessly
- Advanced browser fingerprinting enhances anonymity and bypasses detection systems
- JavaScript rendering improves compatibility with dynamic web pages
- Chrome proxy extension provides a quick and easy proxy configuration in Chrome
- Smartproxy X Browser enables secure browsing with advanced proxy settings
- Proxy-Check and Port-Scanner ensure optimal proxy performance and security
- 24/7 support service delivers round-the-clock assistance for users
- No user tracking guarantees complete privacy for all activities
The pricing depends on the service. Residential proxies are available from $2.2/GB, ISP proxies from $0.35/IP, mobile proxies from $6/GB, datacenter proxies from $0.09/IP, and the Site Unblocker is accessible from $1.6/1K requests.
If you want to know more about Smartproxy’s services, I’ve already tested the product’s offerings in my Smartproxy review!
Antidetect Browsers
For antidetect browsers, I’d recommend Multilogin and Dolphin{anty}.
Multilogin
As an antidetect browser, Multilogin is focused on offering maximum anonymity and privacy while browsing the Internet. You can avoid bans and access restricted websites with unique browser profiles.
There are more than 20 customization settings, and you can take advantage of Multilogin’s residential rotating IPs to bypass websites or utilize other proxies from different sources.
Here are the key features Multilogin provides for the customers:
- Excellent customizability based on requirements
- Support for every type of proxy for compatibility
- Chrome or Firefox interface for seamless integration with popular browsers
- Browser action automation to streamline repetitive tasks like account creation
The price starts from €15/month for the Starter plan (10 browser profiles), €40/month (100 profiles) for the Solo plan, and €80/month (300 profiles) for the Team plan.
Dolphin{anty}
Dolphin Anty offers tools to bypass restricted websites and manage multiple accounts. The browser lets you utilize proxies to access websites and social media platforms through multiple accounts.
Moreover, Dolphin{anty} is a great option for advertising or marketing on a blocked social media platform.
Here are the main features of the anti-detect browser:
- Synchronizer for automating repetitive tasks
- Support for every type of proxy for compatibility
- Tools for customizing real fingerprints to enhance user anonymity and security
- Ability to create automated browser scenarios to simplify complex workflows efficiently
The browser offers 10 free profiles, but after that, you have to pay for the Free+ plan, which is available for $10/month. The Base plan offers up to 100 profiles for $89/month, the Team plan at $159/month, and the Enterprise plan at $299 monthly.
Public DNS Servers
If you want to use public DNS servers to unblock websites, my recommendations are Cloudflare DNS and Google DNS due to their security and reliability.
Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare is known for its public DNS resolver, “1.1.1.1”. The DNS is optimized for speed and privacy and has security measures protecting user data. The server doesn’t mine and store user data and only keeps logs for 24 hours for their debugging process.
The DNS is integrated into Cloudflare’s fast network, which supports 330 global cities. Users also use this DNS to improve connection speed when visiting slow websites like the Wayback Machine (Internet Archive Website) and fix unresponsive website issues.
Cloudflare DNS is free to use, and you can easily implement it by changing the DNS settings on any device.
Google DNS
Google Public DNS is Google’s answer to make the browsing process more secure and faster. It’s the most popular public DNS in the world and handles more than a trillion queries daily.
This solution doesn’t require any additional software. You simply need to change your DNS servers in the network settings to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 IP addresses.
Like Cloudflare, Google DNS only works to unblock basic websites restricted by DNS configurations. The querying IP address is deleted after 24 to 48 hours. However, Google keeps Internet Service Provider (ISP) and location information permanently on its servers.
Comparison Table of the Best Tools to Unblock Websites
The table below compares the tools I’ve listed in this post based on their type, features, use cases, and pricing.
| Tool | Type | Key Features | Best Use Case | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | VPN | Support for 8 devices, adblocker, and servers in 105 countries | Unblocking Streaming services | $6.25/month (1-year term) |
| NordVPN | VPN | Support for 10 devices, double VPN, and servers in 111+ locations | Access to highly restricted websites | $4.59/month (1-year term) |
| Proxy-Seller | Proxy Service | Proxies from 220+ countries and optimized social media proxies | Unblocking Social Media websites | From $0.08 to $25/IP |
| Smartproxy | Proxy Service | Dedicated Site Unblocker, 65M+ IP pool, Chrome extension | Unblocking various restricted websites | From $0.09/IP to $6/GB |
| Multilogin | Antidetect Browser | Chrome or Firefox interface, support for all types of proxies | Unblocking websites and managing accounts | Starts at €15 for 10 profiles |
| Dolphin{anty} | Antidetect Browser | Automated browser scenarios and support for all types of proxies | Unblocking websites and multi-accounting | Starts at $10/month |
| Cloudflare DNS | Public DNS | Optimized for speed and privacy, security and privacy measures | Bypassing DNS-based blocking | Free |
| Google DNS | Public DNS | Focuses on faster query responses and simple setup | Bypassing DNS-based blocking | Free |
Conclusion
Overall, the best approach to unblocking websites is secure and ethical unblocking that won’t violate the website’s terms of service or the regulations of a region.
No matter what type of tool you want to use, including VPNs, proxies, antidetect browsers, or public DNS servers, I recommend using trusted and well-known tools such as ExpressVPN, Smartproxy, Multilogin, and Cloudflare DNS.
Be aware that most free and unreliable tools are ineffective against heavily blocked sites and can compromise your privacy and security.
Depending on your needs, whether it’s streaming, browsing social media, or accessing specific content, select the appropriate tool for the best experience. For example, it’s better to access streaming sites through VPNs instead of proxies due to their bandwidth and speed limitations.
It’s crucial to remember that while bypassing geo-restrictions and censorship is often necessary, doing so responsibly and ethically is key to maintaining your security online.