School Survival


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How To Unblock Google At School On Android

Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School

Unblocking Google on Android using a VPN

The tool that can help you in this situation is called a VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network (VPN). Think of a VPN as a covert tunnel through the internet. It protects your online activity and makes it appear like you're accessing the web from a alternate location. This way, it can bypass the restrictions set by your school and give you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be unable to access.

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They provide a free version that might be perfect for you. It's a strong tool because it protects your privacy - no logs of your activity, no throttling, and it can bypass censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The assurance of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a small but comforting relief amidst the tedium of school life.

Now, there's one catch: you'll need to have the ability to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a hurdle. In such cases, check if you have administrative rights or if there's a way to request them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much easier.

To install ProtonVPN, simply go to the app store on your device and search for ProtonVPN. Download the app - it's free. Once it's installed, open the app, and follow the setup instructions. You'll be able to connect to their servers and start browsing as if you're anywhere other than the confines of your school's network.

The free version of ProtonVPN is quite generous, but if you find you need more features - such as faster speeds or access to more servers - you can consider upgrading to the paid version. If you choose to use our affiliate link, we'll earn a small commission, but more importantly, you'll get a tool that might just make those long school days a little more bearable.

Other ways to unblock Google on Android

Unblocking Google On Android using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Think of you want to locate a friend's house, but you just know their name, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who knows where they reside, right?

In the online world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those helpful friends. When you enter a website's address (like www.example.com) into your web browser, DNS servers convert that name into an IP address (a numeric address) that your computer can understand and employ to access the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to find a website) pass through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

  1. Different DNS Servers: By switching to a new DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these restrictions. These alternative servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block the website you want to access.

  2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can assist you get around the restrictions imposed by your school.

There are a lot of no-cost DNS providers. The following steps show how to configure OpenDNS, but you are able to substitute the IP addresses for other providers if you choose.

There is a big list of DNS servers here: https://public-dns.info/

Here are some of the popular ones:
Google: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

How to Change DNS Settings on Android

Step 1: Open Settings

  1. Access the Settings Menu:
    • Locate the "Settings" app on your Android device. This app typically looks like a gear icon.
    • Tap the "Settings" app to open it.

Step 2: Access Network Settings

  1. Navigate to Network & Internet:

    • In the Settings menu, find and tap on "Network & Internet" (the exact wording may vary depending on your device and Android version).
  2. Select Wi-Fi:

    • In the Network & Internet section, tap on "Wi-Fi" to view available wireless networks.

Step 3: Modify Wi-Fi Network Settings

  1. Select Your Network:

    • Find the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to and tap on it. If you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, connect to one first.
  2. Open Network Details:

    • After tapping on your connected Wi-Fi network, look for an option to modify or manage the network settings. This is usually represented by a gear icon or three-dot menu (⋮). Tap on this to access more options.
  3. Modify Network Settings:

    • Tap on "Modify network" or "Advanced" (depending on your device, this option may be located in a submenu).

Step 4: Change DNS Settings

  1. Switch to Static IP:

    • In the network settings, look for "IP settings" or a similar option. It is typically set to "DHCP" by default.
    • Change the setting from "DHCP" to "Static". This will allow you to manually enter DNS addresses.
  2. Enter DNS Addresses:

    • Scroll down to the "DNS 1" and "DNS 2" fields.
    • In the "DNS 1" field, enter 208.67.222.222.
    • In the "DNS 2" field, enter 208.67.220.220.
  3. Save Your Changes:

    • Tap "Save" or "Apply" to save your new DNS settings.

Step 5: Restart Your Connection (Optional)

Your Android device is now configured to use OpenDNS for the selected Wi-Fi network. This can help enhance your browsing security and performance. If you switch to a different Wi-Fi network, you will need to repeat these steps for each network where you want to use custom DNS settings.


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