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How To Unblock Websites At School On Android
Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School
Unblocking Websites on Android 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 covert tunnel through the internet. It encrypts your online activity and makes it look like you're accessing the web from a different location. This way, it can overcome the restrictions set by your school and provide you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be restricted from.One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They provide a free version that might be perfect for you. It's a powerful tool because it respects your privacy - no activity logs, no throttling, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The feeling of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a modest but welcome 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 get 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 Websites on Android
Schools restrict websites for reasons that often seem as oppressive as they are nonsensical. They want to impose sameness, keep distractions at bay, and preserve a semblance of order. In the process, they quash curiosity and creativity, turning us into passive recipients of their agenda.
The sites that might offer a bit of escape, a moment of comfort, or even a spark of understanding, are often blocked. These aren't just minor interruptions; they're sometimes the only sources of comfort and interaction for those of us feeling alone and out of touch. Here is a list of commonly blocked sites and our instructions to unblock them:
[Facebook] [Spotify] [Pinterest] [YouTube] [Google] [TikTok] [Instagram] [Reddit] [Discord] [Telegram] [WhatsApp] [Snapchat] [LinkedIn] [Twitter]
Unblocking Websites On Android using Free DNS Servers
What Are DNS Servers?
Imagine you want 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 internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those knowledgeable friends. When you type a website's name (like www.example.com) into your browser, DNS servers convert that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) that your computer can recognize and employ to find Websites on Android.
How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship
Sometimes, some websites might be restricted by your ISP or your school's authorities. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) go through servers that either block or send them.
Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:
Different DNS Servers: By switching to a different 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 allow access to the website you want to access.
Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can help you get around the restrictions put in place by your school.
There exist several complimentary DNS providers. These instructions demonstrate how to configure OpenDNS, but you are able to substitute the IP addresses using any of the others 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 Android
Step 1: Open Settings
- 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
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).
Select Wi-Fi:
- In the Network & Internet section, tap on "Wi-Fi" to view available wireless networks.
Step 3: Modify Wi-Fi Network Settings
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Save Your Changes:
- Tap "Save" or "Apply" to save your new DNS settings.
Step 5: Restart Your Connection (Optional)
- To ensure the new DNS settings take effect, you might need to disconnect and then reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. You can do this by toggling the Wi-Fi switch off and then on again or by turning your device’s Wi-Fi off and then on.
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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