School Survival

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How To Unblock Google At School On iOS Without VPN

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

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, protects your online activities private by encrypting your data so that no one can see what you're doing on the internet. This is useful for safeguarding your privacy and bypassing restrictions.

But sometimes, the network you're on might prevent VPN installations or connections, like in certain offices or schools. Or, your device might have security settings or limits that stop new apps from being installed.

Luckily there are other ways to unblock Google on iOS!

Unblocking Google On iOS using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you need to locate a person's home, but you only know their name, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who knows where they live, right?

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

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your ISP or your school's authorities. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to access a website) pass through servers that either block or 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 avoid these restrictions. These other servers might not have the same exact restrictions or might allow access to Google on iOS.

  2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for not blocking certain websites, using that server can assist you circumvent the restrictions imposed by your school.

There exist several complimentary DNS providers. The following steps explain how to set up OpenDNS, but you can replace the IP addresses using alternative options 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 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.

Unblocking Google On iOS using Free Proxy Servers

What Are Proxy Servers?

Let's imagine the internet as a big, open library where you can read and access all sorts of materials and information. Now, imagine there's a special gatekeeper who controls what books you can see based on certain restrictions. If the librarian doesn't want you to see certain materials, they can restrict your access to those materials.

A proxy server is like a clever friend who can help you get around this librarian. Here's how it works:

  1. Your Request: When you want to access a website, instead of going directly to the librarian (which is like your internet connection), you request your friend (the proxy server) to assist you.

  2. The Friend (Proxy Server): Your friend goes to the librarian, asks for the book for you, and then brings it back to you. In this way, the librarian never knows it’s actually you making the request.

  3. Changing Proxies: If the librarian becomes aware of your friend and blocks their access, you can just ask a different friend (a different proxy server) to assist you. By switching proxies, you can keep accessing the books that were previously blocked.

In simpler terms, a proxy server acts as a middleman that helps you access content without the barriers you would face directly. By using different proxies, you can bypass internet censorship, which is like circumventing the librarian's barriers.

How to Change Proxy Settings on iOS

Here's how to add a proxy server on an iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Tap the Settings app on your home screen. It’s the app with a gear icon.

  2. Go to Wi-Fi Settings:

    • Tap Wi-Fi at the top of the Settings menu. Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure the proxy for.

  3. Select Your Wi-Fi Network:

    • Find your current Wi-Fi network in the list and tap on the (i) icon next to it. This will open the network’s details.

  4. Configure the Proxy:

    • Scroll down to find the HTTP Proxy section.
    • Tap on Configure Proxy.

  5. Choose Manual Setup:

    • Tap Manual to enter the proxy details manually.

  6. Enter Proxy Information:

    • In the fields provided, enter the Server (the address of the proxy server) and the Port (the port number for the proxy server).
    • If your proxy requires authentication, also enter the Username and Password in the appropriate fields.

  7. Save Your Settings:

    • Once you’ve entered the details, tap Save (or just go back to the previous screen).

  8. Close Settings:

    • You can now exit the Settings app.

Your iPhone or iPad will use the proxy server for internet connections over the Wi-Fi network you configured. If you want to stop using the proxy, just go back to the same settings and select Off under the HTTP Proxy section.

Where to find free proxies? We have a list here.

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