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 iOS

Unblocking Websites on iOS using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to suggest 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 logs of your activity, no throttling, 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 drudgery of school life.

Now, there's one catch: 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 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 iOS

Schools restrict websites for reasons that often seem as overbearing as they are nonsensical. They want to impose sameness, keep interferences at bay, and maintain a semblance of order. In the process, they suppress curiosity and creativity, making us into mere recipients of their agenda.

The websites that might offer a bit of relief, a moment of reprieve, or even a ray of understanding, are often blocked. These aren't just minor interruptions; they're sometimes the only sources of solace and connection for those of us feeling alienated 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 iOS using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Think of you want to find a friend's home, but you just know their name, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who knows where they reside, right?

In the online 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 browser, DNS servers convert 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 restricted by your internet service provider or your school's authorities. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) go through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

1. Different DNS Servers: By changing to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might bypass these restrictions. These alternative servers might not have the same restrictions or might allow access to Websites on iOS.

2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can help you circumvent the restrictions imposed by your school.

You can find several no-cost DNS providers. This guide show how to configure OpenDNS, though you are able to swap 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 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)

• 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 on again or by turning your device’s Wi-Fi off and then on.

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.

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