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 WhatsApp At School On iOS
Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School
Unblocking WhatsApp on iOS 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 secret tunnel through the internet. It protects your online activity and makes it seem like you're accessing the web from a new 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 blocked from.One VPN I'd like to advise is ProtonVPN. They have a free version that might be just what you need. It's a powerful tool because it respects your privacy - no activity logs, no speed limits, and it can circumvent censorship without a hitch. Plus, it functions under Swiss privacy laws, which are considered top-notch worldwide. The feeling 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 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 hurdle. In such cases, check if you have the necessary permissions or if there's a way to get them. If you're using a personal device, the process is much more straightforward.
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 WhatsApp on iOS
Unblocking WhatsApp On iOS using Free DNS Servers
What Are DNS Servers?
Imagine you need to locate a person's home, but you just know their name, not their address. You’d probably ask someone who knows where they live, right?
In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those knowledgeable people. When you type a website's address (like www.example.com) into your web browser, DNS servers translate that name into an IP address (a set of numbers) 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. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to find a website) pass through servers that either block or send them.
Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:
Different DNS Servers: By changing to a different DNS server (like Google's public DNS or Cloudflare's DNS), you might avoid these restrictions. These alternative servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block WhatsApp on iOS.
Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can assist you circumvent the restrictions put in place by your school.
There exist a lot of no-cost DNS providers. The following steps explain how to use OpenDNS, though you are able to swap the IP addresses for other providers 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
- 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
- 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
Find Your Network:
- Locate the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to. Your connected network should have a checkmark next to it.
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
Configure DNS Settings:
- Scroll down to the "DNS" section within the network details.
Edit DNS Configuration:
- Tap on "Configure DNS". By default, this is set to "Automatic".
- Change it to "Manual" to enter your custom DNS settings.
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.
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!