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 Chromebook

Unblocking Websites on Chromebook using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They provide a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a strong tool because it values 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 among the most robust globally. The sense of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a modest but welcome 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 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 Chromebook

Schools block websites for reasons that often seem as oppressive as they are absurd. They want to impose sameness, keep distractions at bay, and preserve a sense of order. In the process, they quash curiosity and creativity, turning us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The platforms that might offer a bit of respite, a moment of reprieve, or even a spark of understanding, are often inaccessible. These aren't just insignificant diversions; they're sometimes the only sources of solace and connection for those of us feeling isolated 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 Chromebook using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Think of you want to locate a person's house, but you just know their name, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those helpful friends. When you enter a website's address (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 use to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, some websites might be restricted by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by forcing your DNS queries (requests to access a website) pass through servers that either send them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

1. Different DNS Servers: By changing 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 restrictions or might allow access to Websites on Chromebook.

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

There are several complimentary DNS providers. The following steps show how to configure OpenDNS, though you may replace the IP addresses with any of the others if you would like to.

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 Your DNS Settings on a Chromebook

Following these steps will help you change the DNS settings on your Chromebook to use OpenDNS.

1. Open Google Chrome:

   • Click on the Google Chrome icon in your taskbar or find it in your app drawer to open the browser.

2. Access Chrome Flags:

   • In the address bar at the top of Chrome, type chrome://flags and press Enter.
   • You’ll be taken to a special settings page called “Chrome Flags.”

3. Find and Enable the Experimental Flag:

   • On the Chrome Flags page, you’ll see a search box at the top. Click on this search box and type Experimental static ip configuration.
   • If the flag appears in the search results, click the dropdown menu next to it and select Enabled.
   • If you don’t see this flag, you can skip to the next step.

4. Open Chromebook Settings:

   • Click on the time display or your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the system menu.
   • Click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.

5. Access Network Settings:

   • In the Settings menu, look for Network or Wi-Fi. Click on this option.
   • You’ll see a list of available networks. Click on the network you are currently connected to (such as your Wi-Fi network).

6. Change DNS Settings:

   • In the network details window, click on Network or Advanced settings.
   • Scroll down to find the DNS settings. Click on the dropdown menu or link that allows you to enter custom DNS servers.
   • Enter the following DNS addresses:
     • Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222
     • Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

7. Save Your Settings:

   • After entering the DNS addresses, make sure to click Save or Apply if there is an option to do so.

8. Restart Chrome:

   • At the bottom of your Chrome window, you might see a message asking you to restart the browser for the changes to take effect. Click Relaunch or Restart. You may also need to reboot the entire Chromebook.

If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!