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

One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They offer a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a strong tool because it protects your privacy - no recording of your activity, unlimited speed, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are considered top-notch worldwide. The sense 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 caveat: 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 challenge. In such cases, check if you have the necessary permissions or if there's a way to get them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much more straightforward.

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 need to find a friend's house, but you only know their name, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who knows where they reside, right?

In the online world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those knowledgeable friends. When you type a website's name (like www.example.com) into your web browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can recognize and employ to access Google on iOS.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your ISP or your school. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to find a website) go through servers that either send 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 other servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block the website you wish 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 imposed by your school.

There exist many free DNS providers. The following steps demonstrate how to use OpenDNS, though you may swap the IP addresses for other providers if you prefer.

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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