How to Unblock Websites URL & Access Restricted Content

Struggling to access blocked websites or geo-restricted content that others seem to browse freely? Whether censorship, workplace filters, or regional firewalls stand in your way, knowing how to unblock URLs can restore your digital freedom. I created this guide to help users safely and efficiently bypass restrictions while keeping privacy intact. Trends show a growing demand for secure, anonymous browsing across all devices.

Gaining access to blocked websites is no longer optional—it is essential for users seeking open information flow. After spending over 100 hours comparing 30+ methods and tools, I curated this comprehensive and unbiased guide to help readers identify safe, effective techniques. From encrypted tunneling to DNS solutions, every method is tested thoroughly to ensure reliability. Expect up-to-date recommendations and professional insights that deliver credible results. Read more…

Method 1: Unblock Websites URL using a VPN

Here are the steps to access restricted sites like Netflix using ExpressVPN:

Step 1) Go to ExpressVPN’s Website. Press “Try ExpressVPN Risk Free” Button, which takes you to the subscription page.

Step 2) ExpreeVPN offers three plans: a) 1 month, b) 6 months, and c) 12 months. Chose a plan and pay

Note: Initially, a charge will be made, but you will be able to claim a refund within 30 days with their 30-day money-back guarantee. You can reduce your risk by choosing the 1 Month Plan only. To reduce the risk further, you can enter a one-time-use virtual credit card. Chose to pay via Bitcoin for maximized anonymity.

Step 3) The ExpressVPN Free Trial has begun.

Copy the Activation Code

Step 4) Download ExpressVPN on your computer.

Open the app, and you’ll enter the activation code you had just copied. That’s it! Now the ExpressVPN trial will be working on your computer, and you will be able to connect and use it for gaming, streaming, protecting your identity, and more.

Get ExpressVPN Now

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

Method 2: Unblock websites using Tor

Tor is IP blocker software that uses the onion routing method to encapsulate in encryption layers. It is a special kind of IP blocker software that provides individuals the ability to surf the Internet anonymously.

Tor browser can easily run on your computer, which helps to keep you safe on the Internet. It also protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network. It stops other people from accessing your Internet connection and prevents people from knowing about your physical location.

Tor directs Internet traffic consisting of more than seven thousand relays. This tool helps you to change IP address location and also stops anyone from conducting traffic analysis or network surveillance. Therefore, you can easily bypass blocked sites.

Features:

• No-logging policy: Yes
• Split tunneling: No
• Torrenting: Yes
• IP Addresses: Static
• Free Trial: Unlimited
• Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS X, Linux, Android

Link: https://www.torproject.org/download/

Method 3: Using a Proxy

Proxy is a server application that bypasses blocked sites using a different IP address. A proxy acts as an intermediary between clients sending requests and servers responding. The primary use of a proxy is to maintain privacy and encapsulation between multiple interactive systems. However, it may slow down your connection, and it does not encrypt your activity.

Here are the three types of proxy servers.

• SOCKS proxy: SOCKS is an Internet protocol that routes your Internet traffic through a third-party server via TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). It assigns you a new IP address so that the web host cannot find your physical location.
• HTTP/S proxy: HTTP/S proxy comes with extensions for browsers like Chrome or Firefox. It helps you to hide your IP address when using a browser, but other programs can still use a direct connection. This proxy can hide your IP but does not encrypt your connection.
• SSH proxy: SSH proxy or SSH tunnel routes your Internet connection through a server using a secure shell protocol. It is not fast. Therefore, some websites do not work in a proper way. This proxy allows you to transmit data through a secure SSH protocol between multiple devices over the Internet.

Method 4: Using VPN browser extensions

If you want to use blocked websites in companies and colleges like Twitter, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, etc., the website-based proxy might not be enough. You need to try VPN browser extensions to connect web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari to a server. Virtual Private Networks encrypt all of your data going from your browser and routes through a server. These plugins help you to hide your IP address and location.

Here are the steps to use NordVPN browser extension to use blocked sites:

Step 1) Open the Chrome browser, go to the web store and find: NordVPN extension

Step 2) Add the extension and sign in to NordVPN.

Click on the “Log In with Nord Account” button.

Step 3) Perform the following steps:

1. Enter email address
2. Click on the “Continue” button

Step 4) Perform the following steps:

1. Enter password
2. Click on the “Log In” button

Step 5) Connecting to the United States:

Click on “Search for a specific country”

Step 6) Write United States as country and press enter.

You are now connected to one of the servers available in US.

Step 7) Login to your Netflix account, and you will be able to watch TV shows and movies available in USA.

Method 5: Using Smart DNS

A smart DNS is a tool that provides access to restricted sites. It requires you to change the address of the Internet either manually or with the help of third-party programs. This way, the DNS service will think that it has access to restricted online content you like to view.

Method 6: Change your DNS Server

Cloudflare and Google both give you free DNS service. It offers a custom Domain Name System server that helps you bypass restrictions set by your ISP, company, college, etc. DNS servers are also faster compared to your Iocal Internet Service Provider.

Method 7: Use Google Translate

Google Translate is the last option that enables you to watch blocked websites like YouTube. All you need to do is to search for the videos you like in a different language. If you do not speak any other languages, you can simply utilize Google Translate to get the explanation of the search query in German, Portuguese, French, etc.

The search engine here will show you the foreign language results. You have to choose to view the site in your language by clicking on “Translate this page”. This way, your computer will load links only from Google Translate. Therefore, you will be able to bypass the restrictions of YouTube imposed by your employer or school.

Method 8: Use an IP address instead of a URL

There are chances that your institution blocks a particular URL instead of IPs. In this case, you can unblock the site by using its IP address.

Here is a method that helps you to find IP address in a Windows computer:

Step 1) Type “cmd” into the start menu and press enter. This will open the command prompt.

Step 2) Write “ping” and the name of the website, for example, reddit.com.

Step 3) Press enter and you will see the IP address of the website.

You need to keep in mind that these steps may differ according to the type of operating system. For Linux OS, you need to type the command dig reddit.com into the command line. While for Mac, you have to use Traceroute option. Once you got the IP address, simply copy and paste the IP address in your browser, and you will be able to access that particular site.

Method 9: Use a URL Shortener

URL shortner is another method to get around blocked sites. You can use services like is.gd, TinyURL, and Bitly to short the URL of a website. It helps you to unblock websites without using proxy, Tor, or VPN.

Here are steps to short URLs using Bitly:

Step 1) Visit https://bitly.com/ in your web browser.

Step 2) Click on the “Log in” button to sign in.

Step 3) Log in to Bitly:

1. Enter email address
2. Enter password
3. Click on the “Log in” button

Step 4) Click on the “CREATE” button to make your URL shorter.

Step 5) Enter the long URL, and then Bitly will automatically shorten the website name.

Step 6) The following screen will be displayed with a short URL.

Step 7) Copy the shortened URL and paste it into a web browser to access the blocked website.

Method 10: Use the Google cache

Google cache keeps a local copy of your commonly visited websites to load the page faster when you visit it. If your live version of a website is blocked, then you can easily access the cached version of the website.

To do this, perform the following steps:

Step 1) Go to Google and type the website you want to access

Step 2) Click on the arrow available on the right side of the website.

Step 3) Select “cached” and you will be able to view the website without any hassle.

Method 11: Use online screenshot generating applications

Screenshot generating applications can capture full page snapshots of web pages you want to access. Some useful websites to get screenshots of restricted sites are Screen Guru, and Screenshot Guru.

Method 12: Use web page to PDF generating tools

There are numerous services that can be used to generate PDF files for any web page. It is also preferable that you use any good applications like HTML to PDF, PDFCrowd, or PDFmyURL to generate the PDF of a restricted web page. It enables you to copy text or extract images from PDFs.

Is It Legal to Unblock Websites?

Whether unblocking a website is legal or not depends on where you live and why you’re doing it. Different countries have different rules. In some places, using a VPN or proxy to access restricted content is fully legal. In others, it could be considered a violation of local laws or terms of service.

For example, in the US or many parts of Europe, accessing content via a VPN is usually legal as long as you’re not doing anything illegal, like piracy or hacking. But in countries with strict internet regulations like China, Iran, or North Korea, unblocking content could be risky and may lead to penalties.

It’s also important to consider the type of website. Unblocking social media or news sites for personal use is seen differently from trying to access copyrighted or sensitive government data.

Here’s what I recommend checking:

• Local laws about VPNs or proxy use
• The website’s terms of service
• Employer or school policies if you’re on a restricted network
• Whether the content itself is illegal to access

How To Set Up A VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the most reliable ways to unblock websites and protect your online activity. It works by hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. This makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location.

Setting up a VPN is simple. Even if you’re new to tech, you can get started in just a few minutes. I have helped many people do this without needing advanced skills.

Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose a trusted VPN provider: Go for one with a no-log policy and strong encryption. Look for reviews and privacy standards.
2. Download and install the VPN app: Most services support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
3. Create an account and sign in: Some VPNs are free, but paid ones offer better speed and privacy.
4. Connect to a server: Pick a country where the website isn’t blocked.
5. Browse freely: Your internet connection is now private and open to global content.

Using a VPN also adds security on public Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Just remember, some websites still detect and block VPN traffic. In such cases, switching servers often helps.

How to Unblock a Website with a VPN

Using a VPN is one of the most effective ways to access restricted websites. A VPN hides your real location and routes your internet through a secure server in another country. This makes the website think you’re browsing from a different region.

I have used VPNs for years to bypass regional restrictions and protect my privacy. It’s simple, fast, and works on most devices.

Here’s how to unblock a website with a VPN:

1. Choose a reliable VPN provider: Look for good speed, strong security, and a wide choice of servers.
2. Download and install the VPN app: Most services support all major devices—PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
3. Log in to your account: Some VPNs offer free versions, but paid ones are more secure and stable.
4. Connect to a server in a location where the site is accessible: For example, connect to the US if the site is only available there.
5. Visit the blocked website: It should now load without restrictions.

Using a VPN is not just about unblocking websites. It also protects your online activity from tracking and data theft, especially on public Wi-Fi. Just make sure your VPN is trustworthy and doesn’t log user activity.

Conclusion

I believe accessing information freely defines a true digital experience. After reviewing various tools, I find ExpressVPN stands out for its strong encryption and global reliability. It keeps my browsing private while bypassing regional blocks effectively. Other options like Tor or proxies have merit, but ExpressVPN delivers unmatched consistency and speed. The guide’s practical structure ensures users understand each method clearly. I recommend keeping content fresh and accurate since online restrictions evolve fast. For anyone valuing privacy, this solution remains dependable and relevant.

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