How To Unblock a Website? Easy and Simple Methods You Can Try

A blocked website can be quite frustrating, especially if you don’t know why it has been blocked and how to resolve it. In this article, we will discuss the different methods you can use to unblock a website and explore some reasons why it might be inaccessible in the first place. 

You don’t need to be a website designer and developer though! Follow these simple steps to learn how to unblock a website.

Why would a website be blocked? 

Websites can be blocked from access for various reasons, including:

• Government censorship
• Workplace or educational restrictions
• Copyright infringement
• Malware or phishing concerns
• Regional restrictions
• Network or server issues

Depending on the reason why the website is blocked, the method for unblocking it will differ. We have listed some ways in which you can attempt to unblock a website, but before you get into the world of VPNs and Proxy servers, check out these quick fixes first.

Clear your browser cache.

Sometimes, cached files can prevent you from accessing a website. Clearing your browser’s cache can help resolve this issue. Go to your browser’s settings and find the option to clear browsing data or cache. Select the appropriate options and clear the cache.

Use a different browser.

If a website is blocked on one browser, try accessing it using a different browser. It might be a temporary issue with the specific browser you are using.

Check your antivirus or firewall settings.

Your antivirus software or firewall settings could be blocking the website. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall and try accessing the website again. Remember to re-enable them afterwards for security purposes.

How to unblock a website? 

Some of these methods for unblocking a website will involve the use of coding, however, you don’t need to be professional in coding in order to resolve the issue. Check out these different methods below for unblocking a website: 

Unblocking a Website Using VPN

The most popular method for accessing blocked websites throughout the world is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works by hiding the location via introducing a fake IP Address to your Network. By using the VPN, you can access the websites at places where those websites are restricted. 

You can access geo-restricted content using a VPN, it is quite popular on streaming websites such as HBO and Netflix. Some of the most popular VPNs include:

• Nord VPN
• Surfshark
• Private Internet Access.

Lance Gross from VPNBrains offers some advice on choosing a VPN: “Selecting the right VPN goes beyond just unblocking websites. It’s about ensuring your online privacy and security are not compromised. Look for a VPN that offers strong encryption and a no-log policy, particularly if you are accessing content in highly restricted areas.”

Follow the steps below to unblock a website with a VPN:

1. Select the best VPN as per your requirements and the type of website you are trying to unblock as well as the location and IP.
2. Download the selected VPN in your device to encrypt the web traffic in the device that you are using to access the blocked content. Paid and free both types of VPNs are available depending on the usage of the user.
3. Gain access to the VPN by creating an account.
4. Connect to the VPN server by pressing the Connect Button and it will automatically start looking for the locations and IP near you and connect to that dynamic IP. 
5. The VPN that uses dynamic IP Addresses every time is the best.

After you have installed the VPN, check if you can access the blocked website or not. If you can access it, you are good to go otherwise you change the VPN and try again.

Unblock a Website Using Proxy

You can also try to use a Proxy Server for accessing blocked websites. Residential proxies work in the same way as a VPN by hiding the IP Address of your device but it is used at times when you have to access the specified single web page and does not encrypt the whole device for access.

Proxy servers are usually used in public servers or with public devices where you need to access the website on a temporary basis for just a small period of time. Proxy servers are also mostly free of cost!

Some may utilize paid proxy services from providers they research, with the choice ultimately up to individual discretion. However, one should thoroughly vet any proxy-store first, as quality, security, and legitimacy vary greatly across services. Free proxies usually involve more risks than paid options that outline their operational compliance. When configured properly, proxies allow temporarily rerouting connections through an intermediary server.

Unblock a Website Using a VPN or Proxy Browser Extensions

You can also use VPN or Proxy Browser Extensions to access blocked websites. They work on specific browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Bing etc. They are commonly used to unblock dynamic websites like YouTube, Twitter, Amazon, etc. 

All you need to do is;

• Add the specific VPN extension to your device from the settings.
• Set up the extensions in the browser. 
• Click on that icon to start the VPN access to the restricted websites.

Unblock a Website Using IP Instead of a URL

Another method to unblock a website is using the IP in the address where the URL is not working. For this method, you need to have a little knowledge in the field of coding, but you can do it yourself for free. 

This is a restricted method for websites where the URL is blocked; you can paste the IP in the address bar and attempt to access that website using that specified IP instead of the URL.

Unblock a Website Using Tor Browser

Another common and free method of unblocking a website is using a certain browser known as Tor Browser. Tor Browser can bypass the firewall of certain websites by hiding the user’s location. 

The best part of the Tor browser is that it is an open-sourced web browser available worldwide. You only need to download it to access the browser on your device, but it doesn’t always work if restrictions are in place that prevent the downloading of Tor Browser.

Unblock a Website Using URL Shortener

One of the less common methods for unblocking a website is the shortening of the URL to access the content easily. It is used on a small scale, and the most used software for URL shortening is known as Bitly. 

All you have to do is copy the complete URL and paste it into the Bitly shortening box, and it will shorten the URL for you. You can also do it yourself if you have good coding knowledge.

However, this method is only useful for making a website easier and uncomplicated to access, it doesn’t really do much if the website is completely blocked from access.

Enhancing Your Cybersecurity with a Premier Firewall Service

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the security of network infrastructure has never been more paramount. A robust firewall service is not just a necessity; it’s the cornerstone of comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) offers an innovative approach, merging the traditional firewall’s protective capabilities with the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based services. This seamless integration ensures businesses can safeguard their assets against an increasingly complex array of cyber threats.

Why Choose a Firewall Service?

Opting for a firewall service over traditional hardware-based solutions presents numerous advantages, including but not limited to:

• Simplified Management: With FWaaS, the complexity of managing firewall infrastructure is significantly reduced. Businesses can configure and monitor their network security policies through a user-friendly dashboard, ensuring that their defenses are always up-to-date with the latest security protocols.
• Cost-Effectiveness: A firewall service eliminates the need for upfront hardware investment and reduces the ongoing costs associated with maintenance and updates. This subscription-based model allows for predictable budgeting and the flexibility to scale services according to business needs.
• Enhanced Security: Firewall services are continuously updated to defend against the latest cyber threats. Leveraging cloud intelligence, FWaaS provides real-time threat detection and mitigation, offering superior protection compared to traditional firewalls.
• Global Accessibility: As businesses embrace remote work, the need for secure access to corporate resources from anywhere becomes critical. FWaaS enables secure connections from any location, facilitating productivity without compromising on security.

Integrating Firewall Service into Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Incorporating a firewall service into your cybersecurity strategy enhances your network’s defense mechanisms, ensuring that your business remains resilient in the face of cyber adversaries. By choosing a leading FWaaS provider, you benefit from advanced threat protection, streamlined management, and the flexibility to adapt to changing security requirements.

As the threat landscape evolves, so must our approach to cybersecurity. A firewall service offers an agile, effective, and cost-efficient solution, ensuring businesses can protect their digital assets while focusing on growth and innovation. Let FWaaS be the shield that guards your enterprise in the digital age, providing peace of mind and security in an interconnected world.

Latest Trends in FWaaS:

The evolution of FWaaS is accelerating, driven by several key trends:

• AI-powered security: FWaaS providers are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive threat analysis and real-time anomaly detection. This allows them to automatically identify and block sophisticated attacks before they can cause damage. For example, Fortinet’s FortiGuard AI analyzes vast amounts of threat intelligence and automatically adapts firewall policies to proactively combat evolving threats.
• Zero-trust network architectures: FWaaS seamlessly integrates with zero-trust network architectures (ZTNA), which verify every user and device before granting access to resources. This reduces the attack surface and enhances security for remote work environments. For instance, Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma Cloud offers FWaaS solutions built on a zero-trust foundation, ensuring secure access for remote users and applications.
• Cloud-native security: FWaaS providers are increasingly integrating with cloud platforms and containerization technologies. This simplifies security for cloud-native applications and micro-services architectures. For example, Zscaler Cloud Firewall offers native integrations with major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, providing consistent security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

These trends make FWaaS an even more attractive option for organizations looking to secure their networks and data in the face of evolving threats and complex IT environments.

FAQs on FWaaS Implementation:

Q: How does FWaaS comply with data privacy regulations?

A: Reputable FWaaS providers prioritize data privacy and offer features that help you comply with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. These include:

• Data encryption: Data in transit and at rest is encrypted using industry-standard protocols.
• Access controls: Granular access controls ensure only authorized users can access data.
• Logging and auditing: Comprehensive logging and auditing capabilities help track user activity and identify potential security breaches.
• Compliance certifications: Look for providers with relevant compliance certifications like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

For more details, consult your chosen FWaaS provider’s documentation and compliance reports.

FWaaS vs. Traditional Firewalls:

Beyond scalability, cost-efficiency, and ease of management, FWaaS offers additional advantages over traditional firewalls:

• Automatic updates and patching: No need for manual updates, ensuring your security is always up-to-date.
• Centralized management: Manage firewalls for all your locations from a single console, simplifying administration.
• DDoS protection: Many FWaaS solutions offer built-in DDoS protection, eliminating the need for separate solutions.
• Global reach: FWaaS providers have distributed networks, ensuring low latency and high availability.

While traditional firewalls may be suitable for simple networks, FWaaS offers a more comprehensive and scalable solution for today’s complex security challenges.

Keep in mind!

Please note that while these methods can help unblock websites in some cases, accessing blocked content may be against the policies or laws in your region or organization. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions and follow applicable laws and regulations before attempting to unblock a website. 

Check out these articles for more tips and tricks: How to clear cookies | What makes a good website | SQL | How to find a publisher of a website.