Has school destroyed your creativity and self-confidence? I'm working on a book called Recovering From School, to help you heal the damage caused. Join the Patreon or Newsletter to be notified about updates. Paid Patreon members will get early draft previews, as well as a free digital copy when it's done.
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 assist you in this situation is called a VPN, which stands for VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. Think of a VPN as a hidden 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 bypass the restrictions set by your school and give you access to sites like YouTube that you might otherwise be restricted from.One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They have a free version that might be just what you need. It's a effective tool because it protects your privacy - no activity logs, no speed limits, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it functions under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust globally. The assurance 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 challenge. In such cases, check if you have the necessary permissions 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 Websites on Android
Schools block websites for reasons that often seem as overbearing as they are absurd. They want to enforce conformity, keep diversions at bay, and ensure a appearance of order. In the process, they stifle curiosity and creativity, turning us into mere recipients of their agenda.
The platforms that might offer a bit of escape, a moment of comfort, or even a spark of understanding, are often unreachable. These aren't just minor interruptions; they're sometimes the only sources of comfort and interaction for those of us feeling alienated and disconnected. 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?
Think of you want to locate a person's home, but you only know their identity, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who knows where they reside, right?
In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those helpful people. When you type 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 understand and use to find the website.
How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship
Sometimes, some websites might be blocked by your ISP or your school. They do this by forcing 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 exact restrictions or might allow access to Websites on Android.
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 put in place by your school.
There are many complimentary DNS providers. The following steps show how to configure OpenDNS, however you are able to swap the IP addresses using 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 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.
If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!