websites get blocked at different levels – by your ISP, your network administrator, your government, or even your own browser or security software. the method for unblocking depends on where the block is happening.
Identify where the block is coming from
Network/ISP level: The block happens at your router or ISP. Common in schools, workplaces, and some countries. The site is inaccessible on this network but may work on mobile data.
DNS-level block: Your DNS server is configured to return nothing for certain domains. Switching DNS servers bypasses this entirely.
Browser/security software block: Your browser extension, antivirus, or parental control software is blocking the site locally on your device.
Geographic restriction: The site is accessible in general but restricts access based on your detected location (streaming services, some news sites).
Method 1: Change your DNS server
DNS-level blocks are the most common at school and workplace networks. Switching to a public DNS server bypasses them:
Windows: Control Panel > Network > your connection > Properties > IPv4 > Use following DNS:
- Primary:
1.1.1.1(Cloudflare) or8.8.8.8(Google) - Secondary:
1.0.0.1or8.8.4.4
This doesn’t work against firewall-level blocks, only DNS blocks.
Method 2: Use a VPN
A VPN routes your traffic through a server in another location, masking your IP and bypassing most network-level blocks. It’s the most versatile method and works for geographic restrictions too.
Free VPNs are generally limited in speed and data. Reputable paid options include Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and ExpressVPN. ProtonVPN has a genuinely unlimited free tier.
Note: some networks (schools, workplaces) also block known VPN endpoints. Some VPN providers offer obfuscated servers that disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS.
Method 3: Use a web proxy or Tor
Web proxies let you access sites through an intermediary server. Tor Browser routes traffic through multiple relays for stronger anonymity. Both are slower than VPNs but don’t require installing software (for web proxies).
Method 4: Check local security software
If the block only happens on your device, check browser extensions (an ad blocker or security extension may be blocking it), Windows Firewall, or your antivirus software’s web protection settings. The site may have been added to a block list incorrectly.