There are several methods you can try to access blocked websites. I will provide a detailed explanation of each method, including personal experiences and situations whenever applicable.
1. Use a proxy: A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the website you want to access. It can help bypass restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you’re accessing the website from a different location. To use a proxy, you can search for free proxy websites or use a proxy browser extension. However, keep in mind that some proxies may be slow or unreliable.
2. Use the Google cache: Google caches the content of websites, meaning it stores a copy of the webpage. You can access a blocked site by searching for it on Google and clicking on the “Cached” link next to the search result. This allows you to view the cached version of the webpage, even if the original site is blocked.
3. Try a URL shortener: URL shortening services like bit.ly or goo.gl can sometimes help you access blocked websites. Simply copy the URL of the blocked site and paste it into a URL shortener. The shortened link may bypass the restriction and allow you to access the site.
4. Try the IP address: If the website you want to access is blocked by its domain name, you can try accessing it using its IP address. To find the IP address, you can use the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and use the “ping” command followed by the website’s URL. Once you have the IP address, type it into the browser’s address bar and see if you can access the site.
5. Unblock websites in Chrome and Safari: Both Chrome and Safari browsers offer built-in features to unblock websites. In Chrome, you can go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security > Restricted sites and remove any blocked sites from the list. In Safari, you can go to Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Windows/Notifications/Plug-ins and adjust the settings to allow access to blocked sites.
6. Switch between HTTP and HTTPS: Sometimes, a website may be blocked on one protocol but accessible on the other. For example, if a site is blocked on HTTP, try accessing it using HTTPS. Simply replace “http://” with “https://” in the URL and see if it works.
7. Use Tor Browser: Tor is a free and open-source browser that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It uses a network of volunteer-operated servers to encrypt your traffic and bypass censorship. By using Tor, you can access blocked sites as it routes your connection through multiple layers of encryption.
8. Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It masks your IP address and allows you to access blocked websites by connecting to servers in different locations. There are both free and paid VPN services available, but be cautious and choose a reputable provider to ensure your privacy and security.
Remember that accessing blocked websites may violate your organization’s policies or local laws, so proceed with caution and consider the potential consequences. Additionally, some methods may not work in certain situations or against advanced blocking techniques.