School Survival

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How To Unblock Websites At School On Android 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 others 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 some workplaces or schools. Or, your device might have security measures or limits that prevent new apps from being installed.

Luckily there are other ways to unblock Websites on Android!

Schools restrict websites for reasons that often seem as restrictive as they are absurd. They want to enforce conformity, keep distractions at bay, and preserve a semblance of order. In the process, they stifle curiosity and creativity, turning us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The sites that might offer a bit of respite, a moment of comfort, or even a ray of understanding, are often blocked. These aren't just trivial distractions; they're sometimes the only sources of solace and engagement for those of us feeling alone and separated. 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 need to find a person's home, but you only know their name, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who knows where they live, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those helpful friends. When you enter a website's name (like www.example.com) into your web browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a numeric address) that your computer can understand and employ to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, certain websites might be blocked by your ISP or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) pass through servers that either send 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 alternative 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 allowing access to certain websites, using that server can assist you get around the restrictions put in place by your school.

There exist several free DNS providers. These instructions show how to configure OpenDNS, however you may substitute the IP addresses with any of the others 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 Android

Step 1: Open Settings

  1. 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

  1. 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).

  2. Select Wi-Fi:

    • In the Network & Internet section, tap on "Wi-Fi" to view available wireless networks.

Step 3: Modify Wi-Fi Network Settings

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Save Your Changes:

    • Tap "Save" or "Apply" to save your new DNS settings.

Step 5: Restart Your Connection (Optional)

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.

Unblocking Websites On Android using Free Proxy Servers

What Are Proxy Servers?

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

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

  1. Your Request: When you want to access a book, instead of going directly to the librarian (which is like your internet connection), you request your friend (the proxy server) to help 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 realizes it’s actually you making the request.

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

In basic terms, a proxy server acts as a go-between that helps you access information without the restrictions you would face directly. By using different proxies, you can get around internet censorship, which is like getting around the librarian's barriers.

How to Change Proxy Settings on Android

Here’s how to add a proxy server on an Android device:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Find and tap the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. It usually looks like a gear icon.

  2. Go to Network & Internet:

    • Tap Network & Internet (or it might be labeled Connections on some devices).

  3. Select Wi-Fi:

    • Tap Wi-Fi to view your available networks. Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure the proxy for.

  4. Access Network Settings:

    • Find your current Wi-Fi network in the list and tap on it. You might need to long-press the network name or tap the gear icon next to it, depending on your device.

  5. Modify Network:

    • Tap Modify network or Advanced (this might vary depending on your device).

  6. Configure the Proxy:

    • Scroll down to find Proxy. It’s often set to None by default.
    • Tap on Proxy and select Manual from the options.

  7. Enter Proxy Information:

    • Enter the Proxy hostname (the address of the proxy server) and Proxy port (the port number for the proxy server).
    • If needed, you can enter Proxy username and Proxy password if your proxy requires authentication.

  8. Save Your Settings:

    • Tap Save or Apply to confirm your settings.

  9. Close Settings:

    • You can now exit the Settings app.

Your Android device will now use the proxy server for internet connections over the Wi-Fi network you configured. To stop using the proxy, go back to these settings and set the Proxy option back to None.

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

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