How To Unblock Websites Using Proxy: Different Methods

Different reasons may limit access to some websites, including geo-blocking, government restrictions, or even school or corporate network policies. These barriers can prevent people from accessing vital resources or services required for work, studies, or personal engagement. This guide describes methods to help overcome these barriers, how to use proxy to unblock websites included. Steps are provided for different devices and operating systems.

How to Use a Proxy to Unblock Websites: Operational Features

A proxy or intermediary server is a node that sits between the user and the access point on the internet. It does not disclose the user's IP address, but shows the address of the server which may be in another country. Such nodes are used to bypass ISP restrictions, institutional firewalls, or regional censorship.

If you wanna change the IP to a different location, precautions must be taken in choosing non-blocked geographic areas where the material may be accessed from. For example, in order to evade limitations in China, it is common practice for users to use US or European IPs.

Different Types of Proxies for Circumventing Filters

If you try to figure out how to change IP address to unblock websites, the following two types of connections are especially useful:

1. Datacenter IPs — these are reliable and fast, although they are more likely to be flagged by the security mechanisms of the online platforms.
2. ISP based IPs – offer genuine combinations of residential IPs along with the data-center structure. Thus, they are more difficult to block or blacklist while providing high speed access.

Both types are commonly provided in IPv4 form and are suitable for general use across different regions and platforms.

Which Protocols to Use

Another major point of attention is the connection protocol of the proxy:

• HTTP(S) – used for website access and modifying IP addresses; offers encryption. HTTPS adds a layer of encryption for extra security.
• SOCKS5 – more flexible as it works beyond the browser scope, including torrent and messaging applications. It doesn’t alter traffic data, which often leads to superior performance.

Using proxy to unblock websites is one of the easiest and most used approaches to bypass restrictions, especially when no additional software needs installation. Yet, other methods exist that can equally justify consideration.

Alternatives to Proxies for Unblocking Websites

A few more options grant the ability to modify an IP address, allowing for unrestricted access to various sites:

1. VPN services – establish secure connections with remote servers, effectively routing all user traffic to pass through them. This reliably alters a user's IP address and conceals their actual location, especially when constant access is required.
2. Tor browser – routes traffic through numerous nodes across the globe, making it nearly impossible to track. Ideal for privacy, although it may result in slower connection speeds.
3. Mobile networks – smartphone tethering gives you a mobile IP address that is different from the one given by your ISP. While this does not suppress local restrictions permanently, it is certainly effective.
4. Public Wi-Fi hotspots – obtaining a new IP from an available open network at a cafe or a library is possible. This method requires minimal effort, but is less secure and therefore better suited for non-confidential tasks.

When it comes to changing your IP address and unblocking websites on Chrome, an external option like VPN or proxy is needed. Proxy does give a significant advantage in speed as well as easing of geographic restriction. In the case where other browsers can be used, Tor can be the quickest option as it requires no manual configuration.

For better comprehension, we have created a table of the different methods to change one’s IP address.

*Depends on the type.

Unblock Websites on School or Restricted Networks

To alleviate distractions within a school setting, access to entertainment, social media, and video sharing platforms is usually restricted. This has been done by the use of any sort of firewalls, intermediate servers, or DNS request filtering.

In certain situations, however, students may be required to access specific websites for academic purposes. Below are some methods to overcome such restrictions on school networks — all conveniently tailored for institution computers:

• Mobile hotspot. Short sessions can be served using mobile phone data as it bypasses school network filters. Handy for short windows of time.
• Browsers with Built-in bypass tools. Options like Opera with VPN or Tor offer quick download and remove functionality. Best when there are no permissions to change system settings.

Indeed, when you change DNS it can also be an effective method, particularly for users familiar with adjusting network settings. Default gateways configured by admins may filter web requests, and in such cases, switching to alternative ones is recommended, such as:

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

When it comes to how to unblock websites on school computers, this option is also viable — but it’s important to understand how to set it up correctly. We’ll cover that in the next block.

How to Unblock Websites on Mac and IOS

The closed system architecture of Apple devices quite balances user limitations on network adjustments and offers a more stable as well as secure environment. Regardless, there are various tools to unblock websites on iPhone and Mac without requiring jailbreak access. The tools available for users include:

• built-in system features;
• VPN applications;
• manual IP address changes;
• DNS modification.

All methods mentioned above are effective for bypassing local censorship, as well as limitations set by the network or ISP.

How to Unblock Websites on iPhone

Any online platform restrictions may be bypassed by iPhone users by implementing reliable and effective solutions, these are examples:

1. Downloadable VPN applications from the App Store. These can be configured in almost no time and can swap IP addresses quickly. Moreover, they can self-connect and operate without user interactions.
2. DNS server substitution. As previously stated, the technique discussed aims to remove filters active on a DNS level.
3. Manual proxy configuration through Wi-Fi preferences – this is the most accurate and reliable method. It enables the utilizing of a proxy server to unblock sites and choose the specific country as well as type of connection. This method is useful in bypassing both simple and sophisticated restrictions. For more information, you can refer to our tutorial which covers step-by-step configurations in detail.

MacOS

With macOS, you gain access to advanced tools, which makes it simpler to configure some connections, including those for proxy servers. This is the main approach to overcome filters on Mac computers, particularly in corporate or academic environments. You can find a complete step-by-step guide in the proxy configuration guide for macOS.

VPNs, whether in the form of mobile applications, browser plugins, or standalone software, remain relevant and useful to overcome region-based limitations and to fake IP. Like smartphones, macOS devices can also have their DNS settings modified to shift access barriers of various sorts.

To verify that the such method has been implemented successfully along with the IP change, it is best to check your anonymity level through online platforms. Doing so will confirm the processes have been executed as desired.

How to Unblock Websites on Other Operating Systems

For users on Android and Windows, all previously mentioned methods in this article are applicable: VPN services, DNS modification, using the Tor browser, and connecting through public Wi-Fi or mobile phone networks. Still, the simplest method with the highest success rate is setting a proxy to unblock websites. This method works best when there are specific filters that require targeted browser or application bypass.

On Android, proxy servers can be applied through Wi-Fi and via specialized client apps. This approach helps users circumvent filters in workplaces and educational institutions. For accurate configuration, follow the comprehensive instructions in our tutorial.

On Windows, integration occurs through the system’s network settings. This is the best way to reach sites that are blocked by the ISP. It maintains connection reliability, works for all browsers and applications, and does not require any additional app installations. Step-by-step instructions are found under the provided link.

Final Remarks

From the most basic methods of using mobile networks and changing DNS servers to advanced options such as VPNs, Tor, there are countless ways to circumvent internet censorship. Each approach has its advantages based on the unique situation, restrictions, and the device in use.

Usage of proxy to unblock websites can be considered one of the most versatile options when instantaneous setup and country selection are needed. It is critical, however, to remember that alongside any policies aimed at blocking certain online platforms or internet services, matters of privacy and confidential information are equally as important.

When bypassing any web restrictions, employing a mix of these techniques will guarantee optimal traffic security, and high anonymity level.