In this article, you'll learn how to access sites that are blocked for your region (youtube video restrictions by country, for example) or on a computer from a certain location (work or college, for example).
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using General Methods
Step 1. Understand when these “tricks” will work
If the site is blocked specifically for your computer, it is possible that you will be able to access it through the mobile version of the address, the IP address or even through Google Translator. However, when blocking them through the internet connection, you will need to use a VPN.
VPNs can be tricky to install or monitor on controlled computers (library, college, or work, for example). However, when using your own computer, you should be able to use them while connected to your own wireless network
Step 2. Try using the mobile version of the website
Many addresses, such as Facebook and YouTube, have pages for mobile devices; type "m." enter the "www." and the name of the website. Several tools for the purpose of restricting access to websites do not block mobile pages.
For example: to enter the Facebook mobile site, type "https://www.m.facebook.com/" into the browser
Step 3. Search by website IP address instead of the normal one
It is possible to find the IP address, which is fully numeric, in any popular operating system. Then simply enter the IP address into the browser's URL field, just like a normal address (like "https://www.google.com/").
- This doesn't work for all web pages; certain services hide the IP, while others use multiple addresses, which are not always trusted.
- If you don't have access to Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) on the computer where the websites are blocked, you can use your machine or an unrestricted network to find the IP address. Then insert it into the computer with the lock.
Step 4. Use Google Translate to hide the website address
This is a method that doesn't always work, but it's a simple alternative to using a proxy or portable browser:
- Access the tool's website through the browser.
- Enter the website address in the text box on the left.
- Select any language, as long as it is not the same as the website, in the field on the right.
- Click on the website link on the right.
- If the address does not load automatically, click “Go to [name of website]” on the left side of the screen.
- Choose “Translate” if the option appears.
- Browse the site.
Step 5. Use the Wayback Machine website to browse archived pages
From this address, you will be able to browse old pages of websites, without actually entering the address. This technique won't work for viewing your Facebook feed, for example, but it's useful for analyzing blocked search features, for example.
- Access Wayback Machine in your browser.
- Enter the desired website address in the text field (top of page).
- Click on “BROWSE HISTORY”.
- Select a day on the calendar.
- See the results.
Step 6. Use a VPN on your private computer.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks or Virtual Private Networks) are services that work from a user's subscription, redirecting internet traffic through several servers in different countries or regions. This way, your internet activity is hidden from any user who is monitoring it, allowing you to access websites and use services that are blocked in your area.
- Most VPNs work on a subscription basis. Still, there are some, like Hotspot Shield, that have free versions.
- In order for the VPN to remain hidden, it must be enabled whenever it is online.
Method 2 of 5: Using ProxyFree Proxy
Step 1. Access the ProxFree website in your browser
If it's blocked, try using HideMe
Step 2. Click on the search bar near the bottom of the page (to the right of a lock icon)
Step 3. Enter the address of the website you want to access
You can choose another country to use by clicking the "Server Location" drop-down menu and selecting one of the options
Step 4. Click on PROXFREE, the blue button to the right of the search bar
The service will look for the website.
If you've chosen a country that is well outside the location near your own IP address, be patient as the search results may take a few seconds to appear
Step 5. Browse the website
Once it's loaded, you can use it normally; just remember that his pages will load much slower than usual.
Method 3 of 5: Using the HideMe proxy
Step 1. Open the HideMe website in a browser
If it is blocked on your computer, try using ProxySite
Step 2. Enter the blocked website address in the “Enter web address” field in the middle of the screen
You can also choose another country by clicking the “Proxy Location” drop-down menu
Step 3. Click Anonymously Visit, which is the yellow button under the text box
The website will be loaded.
Step 4. Browse by address
Once it's loaded, you should be able to use it normally; remember that when accessing any link within it, the loading time will be much slower than normal.
Method 4 of 5: Using ProxySite
Step 1. Open ProxySite address in a web browser
If it's blocked on your computer, look for another service or try using a portable browser
Step 2. Enter the blocked website address in the text box at the top of the page
You can also choose another country for the server. Click on the "US Server" drop-down menu for options
Step 3. Click GO, the orange button to the right of the text field
The site will start loading.
Step 4. Browse the website
Once it's loaded, you should be able to use it normally; just don't forget that the load time of all its links will be slower than usual.
Method 5 of 5: Using a Portable Browser
Step 1. Understand how this method works
Some internet browsers have built-in proxies that allow the user to bypass restrictions imposed by the web. There is usually no way to download them on computers with locks, but this does not apply to their “portable” versions. Just install this version on a pendrive and run the browser from it while connected to the computer in question.
- You will probably need to use your own computer or an unrestricted network to install the mobile browser on the pendrive.
- If the machine does not allow USB connections, you will not be able to use a portable browser.
Step 2. Connect the pendrive to the computer (rectangular input)
Again, you'll need to do this on another PC, outside of a restricted network (like your home, for example)
Step 3. Open the Tor download page in a browser
Step 4. Click on the purple DOWNLOAD button in the middle of the page
Step 5. Transfer the Tor configuration file to USB
Go to the folder where it was downloaded and do the following:
- Click on the file to select it.
- Hit Ctrl+X (Windows) or ⌘ Command+X (Mac) to cut it.
- Select the USB device name on the left panel.
- Click on a blank space in the pendrive window.
- Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘ Command+V (Mac) to paste the file to the USB device.
Step 6. Follow the steps below to install Tor on your USB device:
- Windows: Double click on the.exe file, choose a language and then select “OK”, “Browse…”, your USB device, “OK”, and finish by clicking on “Install”. Uncheck both checkboxes and choose “Finish”.
- Mac: Double click the “.dmg” file, verify the download (if necessary), and follow the instructions.
Step 7. Safely disconnect the USB device.
Once you've installed Tor on it, you can run it on a crashed computer without having to worry about the browser being blocked from working.
Step 8. Connect USB to PC with access restrictions to certain websites
Step 9. Open Tor as follows:
- Access the USB device if it didn't open automatically.
- Double-click on the "Tor Browser" folder.
- Double-click the “Start Tor Browser” icon.
Step 10. Click Connect to open Tor
It is similar to older versions of Firefox.
Step 11. Enter one of the sites that were previously blocked
On the Tor welcome page, there is a text field in the middle of the screen; enter the URL there. Since Tor opens with a built-in proxy, you should be able to access any address.