School Survival


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How To Unblock Google At School On iOS

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

Unblocking Google on iOS using a VPN

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

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They offer a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a powerful tool because it respects your privacy - no recording of your activity, no speed limits, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are considered top-notch worldwide. The feeling of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a minor yet reassuring relief amidst the monotony of school life.

Now, there's one caveat: you'll need to have the capability to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a barrier. 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 smoother.

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 iOS

Unblocking Google On iOS using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you want to locate a friend's home, but you only know their identity, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who is aware of where they live, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those helpful people. When you enter a website's name (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can recognize and use to access the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, some websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to access a website) go through servers that either block or redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can assist:

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

  2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for not blocking certain websites, using that server can help you get around the restrictions put in place by your school.

You can find many complimentary DNS providers. These instructions demonstrate how to use OpenDNS, however you can swap the IP addresses using alternative options if you would like to.

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 iOS

Step 1: Open Settings

  1. Access the Settings App:
    • Locate the "Settings" app on your iOS device. It usually looks like a gray gear icon.
    • Tap the "Settings" app to open it.

Step 2: Navigate to Wi-Fi Settings

  1. Select Wi-Fi:
    • In the Settings menu, tap on "Wi-Fi". This will display a list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Step 3: Access Network Details

  1. Find Your Network:

    • Locate the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to. Your connected network should have a checkmark next to it.
  2. Open Network Information:

    • Tap the information icon (i) next to your connected Wi-Fi network. This icon is usually a small circle with the letter “i” inside.

Step 4: Change DNS Settings

  1. Configure DNS Settings:

    • Scroll down to the "DNS" section within the network details.
  2. Edit DNS Configuration:

    • Tap on "Configure DNS". By default, this is set to "Automatic".
    • Change it to "Manual" to enter your custom DNS settings.
  3. Add DNS Addresses:

    • Tap "Add Server" to input DNS addresses.
    • Enter 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 into the list. You can add multiple DNS addresses if needed.
  4. Save Changes:

    • Once you have entered the DNS addresses, tap "Save" or simply go back to apply the changes.

Step 5: Restart Your Connection (Optional)

Your iOS device is now configured to use the custom DNS settings for the selected Wi-Fi network. If you connect 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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