How to Access Blocked Sites at School, Work, and More in 2023
It’s very frustrating when schools, offices, or governments attempt to restrict access to websites like Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook. I was determined to find a way to unblock restricted websites, no matter where I am. After a lot of trial and error, I finally found a simple method that works.
The easiest way to unblock any website is with a VPN. A VPN can hide your actual location by moving your internet traffic through its servers. This way, any website you visit can’t tell you’re on a restricted network, and you’ll have instant access.
After testing 30+ VPNs, I recommend ExpressVPN because it did the best job at unlocking any site. It has a huge network of servers to help you get around all of your network’s restrictions. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.
Access Blocked Websites From Anywhere Today!
Quick Guide: How to Unblock Any Website in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because its large server network let me access every platform or website I tried.
- Connect to any server. Pick any server on the list and connect.
- Unblock any website! That’s it, go to your chosen site, and enjoy!
Why You Need a VPN to Access Blocked Websites
Large public WiFi networks block access to certain platforms and websites, especially in schools or offices. With these restrictions in place, you can’t use sites like YouTube, social media platforms, and more.
A VPN lets you use these sites by running your traffic through its private servers, masking your true location. It makes it seem like you’re browsing on a network with zero blocks — instead of with your limited WiFi.
Just connect to a VPN to access sites restricted on your public network!
Best VPN to Unblock Websites in 2023
ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Speeds to Quickly Access Any Page
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
- Lightning-fast speeds to connect you to any website fast
- 3,000 servers to help you access your favorite sites
- Advanced security protocols to keep your connection safe
- 8 simultaneous device connections
- 8-day money-back guarantee
- Works with: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more
- Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more
ExpressVPN has superfast speeds that let me access every site I tried in seconds. I tested 19 different servers to see how quick the connection was. My average rate never fell below 48 Mbps. Even on my Chromebook, which isn’t the most high-powered device, I maintained the same rapid connection. These great results mean you’ll be able to navigate to any site without annoying load times.
It also offers a huge network of servers to help you unblock sites from anywhere. I tried out 16 locations, and every one let me log-in to Facebook, Twitter, and all the other restricted sites. With ExpressVPN’s large server list, you’ll be able to bypass WiFi restrictions and access all your accounts.
With ExpressVPN, you can instantly access blocked platforms at the office or school
Security is one of ExpressVPN’s number one priorities, so your VPN use won’t be discovered. With all of its encryption protocols, I was able to keep my VPN use concealed. I connected to all of the blocked sites without ever being flagged. You’ll have a safe connection, so you can use any website while staying anonymous.
The subscription is a bit more expensive than other services, but you can save 49% with its current discount.
You can try it out for free up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. After two weeks, I asked for a refund to see how it works. The process was fast, and the support team member approved my refund after a few quick questions. 4 days later, all of the money was back in my account.
Unblock Any Website with ExpressVPN Now!
How Else Can You Unblock Restricted Websites?
There are a few alternatives to VPNs people use, but I can’t recommend them. Most have limited functions and unsafe connections. A VPN is the most effective way to unblock websites on public networks. A reliable VPN will let you use any website or platform while keeping your connection safe and undetectable.
Google Translate
You can unlock some websites using Google Translate. Simply copy and paste the URL of the blocked website and translate it into any language. The service will give you a ‘translated’ link to the webpage you’re trying to access. When you click on it, it unblocks the restricted content. However, some downsides of this method are that it's a hit-and-miss method and doesn’t encrypt your data.
Google Translate allows you to unblock some websites
URL Shortener
Another way to unblock websites is by using a URL shortening tool like Bit.ly. Simply paste the URL of the site you want to unlock in the bar from the shortening tool and generate a shortened version. Once you have this version, paste it into your browsers address bar. This method will not always work, but it might be helpful to try. Also, this method does not give you any protection and anonymity.
Proxy Browsers
Proxy Browsers allow you to unblock websites by redirecting your internet traffic through an intermediary server. This means that the server separates you as a user from the sites you're browsing. This way, the server visits the webpage and forwards the content to you. Meaning you’re never actually visiting the website yourself since your traffic is coming from the location of the proxy.
The HMA Free Proxy browser can be used to unblock websites
Although this sounds like an ideal solution, web proxies also have some disadvantages. They are unsafe since they are not encrypted, meaning that your connection isn’t anonymous. Besides, they only work at a browser level and are known for injecting adverts and malware into your browser.
Tor Browser
Tor stands for ‘The Onion Router’ and is a browser purely designed for maximizing online anonymity. When browsing, your internet traffic flows through several different servers before accessing the website you're trying to visit. On top of that, Tor also has different layers of encryption to ensure your anonymity.
However, this also has certain cons. Due to the amount of servers and encryption, the browser is extremely slow. Besides, it is not available on iOs devices, and you cannot choose the servers by yourself.
IP Address
Another way to unblock websites is by using an IP address rather than the URL. Since sites have an associated IP, you can often use this in your browser’s address bar. When you type Google's IP 172.217.10.110, rather than http://google.com, you’ll be navigated to the same website. You can do this for any webpage that is blocked based on its URL. Simply use a tool like IP Checker to find the site’s matching IP address.
IP Checker allows you to find any IP address of a certain website
This approach is effective solely for URL-based blocks, while certain websites may still prevent direct IP access. Additionally, certain webpages are constructed with an IP that redirects users to another page. It's important to note that this method of unblocking content does not guarantee privacy and security, so exercise caution while browsing through this means.
Google Cache
Google retains older versions of webpages, which can help access websites when they’re blocked. This works best for simple, text-based websites where you don’t require any login information. However, several cons are that Google cache doesn’t store videos and images, you'll never visit the updated webpage, and not every site has a cached version.
Wayback Machine
This is a service that stores back-up (old versions) of almost any website worldwide. When you use it, you can access some restricted content. However, it won’t be up-to-date, and your traffic is still visible. It also doesn’t work with sites that require a log-in.
How to Setup A VPN to Access Blocked Sites?
- Choose a quality VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because its extensive server network easily unblocks websites from anywhere.
- Sign up for the service. Navigate to its website and create an account.
- Download your chosen VPN. Install the VPN app on the device you wish to unblock websites on.
- Sign in to your VPN. Use your chosen login details from the signup process to login to your VPN.
- Connect to a server of choice. Open the VPN app and choose a server you’d like to use.
- Unblock any website from anywhere! Simply click connect and enjoy your unlocked content!
FAQs on Unblocking Websites With a VPN
Can I unblock websites for free?
Technically no, but you can save money on a VPN. The only way to safely access restricted websites is with a reliable VPN, and all the VPNs I featured have money-back guarantees. You can use this to test them out yourself and ask for a refund if you’re not satisfied. A VPN makes it easy to unblock websites while keeping your connection anonymous.
How can I access blocked websites on WiFi?
You just need to use a VPN to get around restrictions on your WiFi network. First, download any of the VPNs I included in my list. Next, connect to any server to change your IP address and ensure your information stays hidden. If you’re using a phone, this can also protect your mobile data from anyone else on the public WiFi. Now, navigate to the website that was previously blocked, and you’ll have access!
Can I unblock websites on my iPad or laptop?
Yes, you can use your VPN on iPads and laptops. All of the VPNs I featured can be connected on these devices with built-in apps. The VPN’s website will have a program you can download for your desktop. On the iPad, you can find the application in the Apple Store. Devices like iPhones, Android phones, and Chromebooks can be set-up just as easily. You can even take advantage of the money-back guarantees to test it out on your device risk-free.
How can I unblock YouTube and Facebook on my school, work, or college network?
The best way to unblock YouTube and Facebook is with a VPN. You can quickly set-up a reliable VPN and have access to both. Netflix, Hulu, Instagram, and every other site commonly blocked on campus will be available to you too. You can even play games online on restricted networks when your traffic is run through a VPN’s private servers.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock restricted websites?
It might be possible, but I can’t recommend it. Free VPNs offer a small server network, low speeds, and often have unsafe technology. You could be putting yourself at risk for a service that continually asks you to upgrade for more features. It’s better to use the tried-and-tested VPNs on my list and take advantage of the money-back guarantees. You can access all your favorite sites with a VPN and get a full refund if it isn’t for you.
How do I access blocked websites in India, Pakistan, and anywhere else?
The best way to get around any country’s geoblocks is with a VPN. If you’re in a country like Malaysia, India, or Pakistan, websites are blocked by the government. A reliable VPN will let you access any restricted site while keeping your connection hidden, so your VPN use isn’t discovered. It’s an easy fix and is a good idea for anyone worried about the government spying on their activity. Keep in mind VPN use is illegal in certain places, like the United Arab Emirates. So, please stay informed about your country’s laws.
Can I access restricted websites with a proxy or DNS?
It might be possible, but I can’t recommend it. Proxies can unblock certain sites, but it’s unsafe because they don’t encrypt your information. A DNS can also get around some restrictions, but it’s much less safe than a VPN. Each of the VPNs I added to my list will let you access blocked sites with a secure connection.
Unblock Any Restricted Website Now!
To unblock restricted websites, all you need is a VPN. It lets you get around WiFi blocks and access any website when you’re on a public network.
I recommend ExpressVPN because its extensive server list lets me unlock any website I need. You can test it out completely risk-free. If you’re not happy with the service, then you have 30 days to claim a full refund (it’s backed by a money-back guarantee).
To summarize, the best VPNs to unblock school websites are…
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
About the Author
Matthew is a writer and editor for VPNMentor with a proven track record of providing in-depth analysis of the most highly regarded VPNs, including ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. His unparalleled expertise has enabled him to consistently deliver cutting-edge insights on the most sought-after (and newest) VPN services.