School Survival

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How To Unblock Websites At School On iOS Without VPN

Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, keeps your online activities private by coding your data so that no one can see what you're doing on the internet. This is useful for protecting your privacy and bypassing restrictions.

But sometimes, the network you're on might block VPN installations or connections, like in certain offices or schools. Or, your device might have security measures or restrictions that prevent new apps from being installed.

Luckily there are other ways to unblock Websites on iOS!

Schools block websites for reasons that often seem as overbearing as they are nonsensical. They want to enforce conformity, keep diversions at bay, and maintain a sense of order. In the process, they stifle 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 ray of understanding, are often inaccessible. These aren't just trivial distractions; they're sometimes the only sources of solace and engagement for those of us feeling isolated 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 need to locate a friend's house, but you only know their name, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the online world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those helpful people. When you enter 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 recognize and use to find Websites on iOS.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, some websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. 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 switching to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might avoid these blocks. These other servers might not have the same exact restrictions or might allow access to Websites on iOS.

  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.

You can find several free DNS providers. These instructions explain how to configure OpenDNS, but you are able to replace 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 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)

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.

Unblocking Websites On iOS 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 librarian who controls what books you can see based on certain restrictions. If the librarian doesn't want you to see certain materials, they can block 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 website, instead of going directly to the librarian (which is like your internet connection), you ask your friend (the proxy server) to help you.

  2. The Friend (Proxy Server): Your friend goes to the librarian, requests the website for you, and then brings it back to you. In this way, the librarian never knows 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 find a different friend (a different proxy server) to help you. By changing friends, you can keep accessing the content that were previously blocked.

In simpler terms, a proxy server acts as a go-between that helps you access information without the barriers 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 iOS

Here's how to add a proxy server on an iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open Settings:

    • Tap the Settings app on your home screen. It’s the app with a gear icon.

  2. Go to Wi-Fi Settings:

    • Tap Wi-Fi at the top of the Settings menu. Make sure you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure the proxy for.

  3. Select Your Wi-Fi Network:

    • Find your current Wi-Fi network in the list and tap on the (i) icon next to it. This will open the network’s details.

  4. Configure the Proxy:

    • Scroll down to find the HTTP Proxy section.
    • Tap on Configure Proxy.

  5. Choose Manual Setup:

    • Tap Manual to enter the proxy details manually.

  6. Enter Proxy Information:

    • In the fields provided, enter the Server (the address of the proxy server) and the Port (the port number for the proxy server).
    • If your proxy requires authentication, also enter the Username and Password in the appropriate fields.

  7. Save Your Settings:

    • Once you’ve entered the details, tap Save (or just go back to the previous screen).

  8. Close Settings:

    • You can now exit the Settings app.

Your iPhone or iPad will use the proxy server for internet connections over the Wi-Fi network you configured. If you want to stop using the proxy, just go back to the same settings and select Off under the HTTP Proxy section.

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

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