Unblock Social Media
How to Unblock Websites & Access Restricted Content – AVG
Whatever your reason for needing to unblock websites, there are several ways to get the job done. We’ll examine the most common methods across a variety of factors — ease of use, speed, security, and more — before discussing a few additional tricks.
If you’re interested in learning the reasons that websites restrict content, or the legality of getting around content blocks, skip down below to our sections on why websites get blocked and whether it’s legal to unblock them.
Comparing ways to unblock websites and access content. Green dots indicate strong performance, while red dots mean more obstacles.
1. Unblock websites using a VPN
Using a VPN is the easiest and most reliable way to get around content blocks and unlock the URLs you want. A VPN (virtual private network) routes your internet traffic through a remote server, letting you choose your virtual location.
When you connect to a website with a VPN, the website thinks that the virtual location shown by your VPN is your actual location, which means your real location is masked and you can unblock content. And that’s just one of the benefits of a VPN — VPNs also encrypt your connection, securing your data and protecting any personal information like credit card details you enter when shopping online.
Setting up and using a VPN is pretty straightforward, if you use a reputable and well-designed app. Here’s how to unblock websites with a VPN on both desktop and mobile:
First, Download and install your VPN — get a free trial of AVG Secure VPN right here:
Then, turn on the VPN and select a server location to browse from. If the content you want to access is location-specific, select a location where that content is available. If you just want to secure your traffic and hide your IP address, select Optimal location (or a similar setting) for the fastest speeds.
A VPN lets you access blocked sites on mobile too.
Now you’re browsing anonymously and securely from a hidden location.
VPNs let you unblock websites, protect your online privacy, and stay safe on public Wi-Fi.
A VPN is the easiest, most comprehensive tool to bypass content blocks. But if you’re using a public computer at school or at a library, a VPN may not be the best option, because you need to download one.
And some content providers have started blocking known VPN IP addresses, so your VPN might not work all the time with all the sites or services you want to use. Thankfully, when VPN providers realize that one of their IPs has been blocked, they usually open new addresses to provide more options.
Pros:
Highly secure
Encrypts your data and connection
Can unblock most websites
Some VPNs are optimized for streaming and bypassing geo-blocking
Good VPNs offer customer support
Cons:
Not free (we don’t recommend using free VPNs)
Requires downloading
2. Unblock websites using Tor
Tor is another option for getting around content blocks and bypassing geo-restrictions. Tor, or The Onion Router, routes your online traffic through many layers of encryption, hence its name. Tor lets you access the web anonymously and get around most content restrictions.
While Tor offers strong online privacy, its downside is slow speeds. That’s because the Tor network and browser are an open-source project maintained mostly by volunteers. You also may not be allowed to install the Tor browser on a school, work, or public computer.
Here’s how to unblock websites using Tor:
Go to the Tor website and follow the directions to install the Tor browser. Then, launch Tor and configure it (if necessary).
After that, you can connect and enter the onion to get anonymous access to whatever sites you need.
Tor is a good website unblocker, but you might not be able to download it at school or work.
Secure and encrypted
Free
Run by a non-profit, so no data mining
Lets you access the dark web
Works well to unblock many sites
Can’t bypass some specific blocks against Tor nodes, including Netflix
Slow speeds
No customer service to help you configure Tor properly
3. Unblock websites using a web proxy
A web proxy works well for quickly unblocking content on public computers, or if you’re on a work or school computer that won’t let you download a VPN or Tor. You’ll connect to a proxy server first, and then on to your desired website — hiding your actual location in the process.
Learning how to unblock websites on a school computer is easy when you use a web proxy. To use a proxy server, simply go to a particular website (called a proxy website), enter the URL of the actual website you want to visit, and press a button to access it.
The downside is that before visiting the site you want, you need to navigate to the web proxy first — every time, in every tab. So it can be a little annoying and generally isn’t great for streaming content online. Also, though web proxies are usually free, they don’t provide the same privacy and security protections as a VPN or Tor.
The HMA web proxy is a nice URL unblocker. Simply navigate to the HMA web proxy site, enter the site you want to access, choose your server, and go.
A web proxy is a quick and easy unblocker for school or work.
No installation required
Works on public computers
Often free
Can bypass basic content blocks
May break some website functionality
Doesn’t safeguard your private personal data
Not optimized for speed
Not guaranteed to unblock all sites
You have to open the web proxy every time you visit a new site
4. Unblock websites using a proxy extension
A proxy extension is like a web proxy, only more convenient, and it’ll get you around content blocks on a school computer very quickly. A proxy extension sits right in your browser, so you won’t waste time constantly navigating to the proxy — it’s ready anytime you want to access blocked content.
There are many good proxy extensions out there. Here’s how to use the HMA proxy for Chrome:
First, download the HMA browser extension for free from the Chrome store and install it.
Select the donkey hat icon in the top-right corner and the proxy will open. Then click Turn On to activate the proxy. The Disguised as button lets you choose among several virtual locations.
Now you appear to be coming from your selected location, not your actual location, letting you unblock most blocked websites online.
Proxy extensions listed in the Chrome Web Store are vetted by Google for security
Usually encrypts your browser connection
Can choose your server location
Usually free
May show ads
May not be optimized for streaming content
If you can’t download a VPN or Tor (perhaps because your school or business forbids it), don’t want to use a proxy, but still need to unblock something quickly, there are some quick methods to access blocked websites that might work.
The following methods for unblocking sites aren’t as reliable as the options outlined above, but they can be effective site unblockers that can help you in a pinch.
5. Use a URL shortener
If your school or work network is using a very basic blocking method, using a URL shortener might help. Services like TinyURL shorten a website’s URL, which will help you unblock websites without a proxy, VPN, or Tor. For example, if your school blocks Facebook, you can create a different (shortened) URL to access it. Here’s how that works:
Go to a URL shortening site like, TinyURL, or Bitly.
Enter the website you want to unblock into the URL field and click the button to shorten it.
URL shortening sites, like, can help you bypass very basic content blocks.
Then copy your new, shorter URL and paste it into your browser. If you’re lucky, you’ll successfully bypass the restriction and get to the site you want.
Using a URL shortener may help unblock sites.
No downloading required
Quick and easy
May or may not work
No security
6. Try switching protocols
If your school or work network uses a very basic blocking method that filters out a simple list of URLs, you might be able to get around it by switching from HTTPS to HTTP (or vice versa). For example, if is blocked, might still work.
But it’s important to note that HTTP is an unsecured protocol and should be avoided whenever possible. And never enter any personal information or passwords into a site using just HTTP, because of potential security vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
No security; HTTP protocol is unsecure
7. Use the Google cache
Caching is when a service like Google or your browser keeps a local copy of a commonly visited site so that it loads faster when you visit it again. That means you might be able to access the cached version of a website if the live version of that same site is blocked.
To get to a cached version of a site, just type in cache: before the site address in the Google search bar. Click the down arrow and then click on Cached. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to bypass the content block by visiting the cached version of the site.
Viewing the cached version of a site may help you get around content blocks.
May display outdated content
8. Use Google translate
Another Google-based workaround is to use Google translate to unblock websites. This quick-and-dirty method might not show the page you want to view perfectly, but it may be enough to let you read the content you’re looking for.
Here’s how to use Google translate to unblock websites:
Go to Google Translate, choose a random language for the from field and English for the to field, and paste your desired website or URL into the box.
Click the link, and ta-da — you can view it as an unblocked website. But be aware that some elements on the page may break.
Using Google Translate may give you access to unblocked sites.
Why do websites get blocked?
Websites get blocked when they detect an IP address from a region that isn’t supposed to access the websites’ content. Your IP (Internet Protocol) address identifies your device on the internet, while also revealing your physical location. That’s what lets websites find your IP and block (or allow) your device.
Content providers, schools and companies, and government authorities block websites for a variety of reasons, from commercial considerations to limiting the free flow of information. If you use a VPN it’s easy to hide your IP address so that it appears you’re coming from a different physical location, which lets you access blocked websites.
Geo-restricted content
Streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify, have licensing agreements for the content they provide. Those agreements specify the films and tv shows they can deliver in each region they serve.
If you use Netflix in the US, you’ll see a different collection of content than you would see in another country. That’s why many people traveling abroad use VPNs to unblock websites that are otherwise available in their home country.
School and work restrictions
Your school or workplace might not want you to access certain content. If they’re blocking “adult” content or unsafe websites, they may have a point. But if they’re preventing you from streaming music or getting your daily dose of cat videos, that’s another story. Generally, your school or work is worried about productivity and bandwidth, and streaming and videos may consume valuable resources.
We showed you how to bypass blocked websites at school above, so hop up there for more details.
Censorship
Some countries censor online content within their borders, because of cultural, religious, or political concerns — in other words, to limit the flow of information or muffle dissent. China, with their Great Firewall, is probably the most notorious example, blocking lots of sites like Facebook and Twitter. When countries are this focused on censoring the open web, their citizens often look for ways to unblock censored websites.
Is it legal to unblock websites?
The legality of unblocking websites varies depending on location. Many countries (even China, to some degree) allow VPNs. For more details about specific countries, research what local laws say about VPNs. If you’re torrenting copyrighted media, that’s always illegal, whether you’re using a VPN or not.
Bypassing content restrictions to access specific shows on platforms like HBO GO or Netflix isn’t illegal — but it may be against their terms of use.
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure about the best way to access restricted websites in a given context, or uncertain if a VPN or proxy is best? Let’s go over some best practices.
Will any of these methods allow me to access blocked websites at school?
Yes, some of the above methods to unblock websites will work at school. But, you may not be able to download a VPN or Tor. That means a proxy or one of the quick methods outlined above will be your best bet to unblock sites if you’re at school.
How about at work?
If you have a fixed workstation or are able to download any software you want on a laptop, a VPN is your best option to unblock websites at work.
If that’s not the case — if you have a hot-desking setup or your employer restricts what you can download on your laptop — then neither a VPN nor Tor will work. In that case, a web proxy or browser proxy is your best option.
Can I unblock websites on my phone, too?
Yes, you can definitely unblock websites on your phone. Most of the methods we’ve described work on mobile as well. The only problem is speed. Fiddling around with a web proxy or Tor might not work well due to their decreased speeds. Setting up a VPN on mobile is the best way to unblock sites on your phone. VPNs are easy to set up, easy to use, and protect you on unsecured Wi-Fi networks such as those in coffee shops.
Whether you use Android or iOS, AVG has you covered with a top-of-the-line mobile VPN app. Give it a try today.
How can I unblock a website on Chrome?
Luckily, it’s not hard to learn how to unblock a website on Chrome. Most of the methods above will help you get around content blocks on Chrome immediately. Tor is a separate browser, but it also has an extension you can add to Chrome. Both VPNs and web proxies work well on Chrome, as does the HMA proxy extension designed specifically for Chrome.
The easiest way to access blocked sites on any device
A VPN is the most reliable way to unblock content and stay anonymous online. VPNs offer online privacy to keep your browsing activity hidden from hackers, internet service providers, and even governments.
AVG Secure VPN offers over 50 virtual locations to choose from, with dedicated streaming services to help you view your favorite content on the go. AVG Secure VPN also protects your internet traffic with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, the same standard used by banks. So you’ll be fully hidden and free to bypass content blocks on your way to whatever sites you need to access.
Five ways to bypass social media bans – The Mail & Guardian
Ghana, regarded as one of Africa’s stellar examples for best democratic practice, shocked civil society groups when the country’s police chief announced the government intends to shut down social media on voting day in November.
The blackout will take place from 5 am to 7 pm “to ensure social media are not used to send misleading information that could destabilise the country”.
Deji Olukotun of Internet freedom advocacy group Access Now, notes Ghana may be following the example of Ethiopia, Congo, Chad, Uganda whose citizens have experienced social media blackouts during elections.
On May 12 2016, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was inaugurated as Uganda’s president for his fifth term since taking power in January of 1986.
The election candidates included incumbent Museveni and Kizza Besigye, who complained of rigging and violence at polling stations. The elections were marred by claims of rampant fraud, voting irregularities, the repeated arrest of opposition politicians, and a climate of voter intimidation. The New York Times reported that at least two people had been killed and 20 injured in riots during the week of the election.
Much of the debate and allegations concerning the Ugandan government’s conduct before, during and after the February election surfaced on social media platforms, mainly Facebook and Twitter. During the election, authorities blocked all access to social media, messaging platform Whatsapp and mobile money transfer services for three days, citing security concerns.
African governments, much like their global counterparts, are beginning to see the power, appeal and reach of social media. Blocking and restricting social media, messaging and mobile phone communications around the elections to some degree was reported in Chad, Burundi and the Republic of Congo. Election monitors and civil society organisations are increasingly concerned by these censorship attempts by governments to control the flow of information. From the early 2000s journalists, opposition parties and civil society organisations in various countries have used technology to curb poll rigging, report violence and intimidation, and share election results.
African governments are hardly the first to come down heavily on social unrest or anti-government sentiment by going after social networks. North Korea, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Vietnam, China and Eritrea are currently blocking Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter in some capacity, and many more have instituted temporary blocks in recent years for a variety of reasons including threats to national security or the possibility of civil unrest. China’s notorious “The Great Firewall” has restricted access to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube since 2009, when protests from China’s Muslim minority turned into riots.
According to the Institute for Security Studies only a handful of African countries have legislation protecting the right to access to information, so citizens do not generally have recourse to the law to prohibit governments from controlling the communications networks.
To remedy this here are some ways you can get around social media blockades.
Use proxy servers. A proxy server acts as stand-in (proxy) computer that routes the request from you, the client, to the blocked server. The server sees the proxy as you and effectively this makes you invisible as the server does not know you sent the request. There are free and paid proxy services online. One can also use proxy-enabled servers like Google Chrome, ZenMate and TunnelBear.
Use a VPN A VPN (virtual private network) provides encrypted links directly to private networks in other countries allowing your computer to behave as though it logged in from a different country. Try Hotspot Shield.
Use UltraSurf/UltraReach Developed by Chinese dissidents, this executable file allows access to blocked websites.
Bypass using a translation service Online translation services like BabelFish and Google Translate allow users to translate a website from one language to another and display the translated results on their own page. To bypass a blockade enter the URL of website you’d like to access, translate it even if you don’t need to and let the translation service fetch the content for you.
Use the Wayback Machine The Wayback Machine is a digital archive of the World Wide Web and other information on the Internet created by the Internet Archive, a non-profit organisation, based in the United States. The Internet Archive launched the Wayback Machine in October 2001. Wayback Machine is a internet service that occasionally keeps a copy of almost all websites on the internet all the way back from the date they werelaunched. The latest copy of what Wayback Machine has should be somewhat similar to the real site.
Later this year South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Tunisia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cape Verde, Guinea and the Seychelles head to the polls. As new communication platforms and technology becomes accessible it’ll be harder to keep citizens unaware or uninformed.
To check where social networks are banned and why use The World Social Networking Ban Race.
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Kiri RupiahKiri Rupiah is the online editor at the Mail & Guardian.
How to Use a VPN If Social Networks Are Blocked in Your Country
About the AuthorAdam HelwehAdam is CEO of Secret Sushi Creative Inc, a strategic design, digital and social media marketing agency. He specializes in the convergence of design and technology to provide businesses with more intelligent and interactive ways to connect with customers and grow. His clients have included Edelman, Broadcom, Stanford Federal Credit Union, the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, Bunchball and others. He’s also the co-host of the “SoLoMo Show”, a weekly digital marketing podcast, and he has shared the stage with professionals from companies including Facebook, Virgin Airlines, Paypal, Dell and 24 Hour Fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions about unblock social media
How do I unblock social media sites?
To remedy this here are some ways you can get around social media blockades.Use proxy servers. A proxy server acts as stand-in (proxy) computer that routes the request from you, the client, to the blocked server. … Use a VPN. … Use UltraSurf/UltraReach. … Bypass using a translation service. … Use the Wayback Machine.Jun 2, 2016
How do you use social media when it’s blocked?
There’s a shining star for those living in the midst of blocked internet access known as a virtual private network (VPN). Anyone can use a VPN for less restricted internet access, including entry to blocked social sites. A good VPN offers enhanced privacy and security for your everyday internet browsing.Oct 19, 2018
Should I unblock people on social media?
Is it appropriate to block other people on social media? On this, social media experts agree: The answer is yes. … In particular, social media users should not feel uncomfortable about blocking anyone who is abusive, toxic or otherwise inappropriate on social media.May 24, 2018
