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How To Unblock YouTube At School On Linux

Unblocking YouTube on Linux using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They offer a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a powerful tool because it respects your privacy - no activity logs, no speed limits, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it works under Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. The sense of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a minor yet reassuring relief amidst the monotony of school life.

Now, there's one catch: 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 hurdle. In such cases, check if you have admin rights or if there's a way to request 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 YouTube on Linux

Using Invidious

The various Invidious instances should work in the browser of any device.

Users can use Invidious to locate videos, view them, and even get features like comments and playlists, all while preserving a degree of anonymity and minimizing the amount of data shared with Google. Since it's an open-source project, it's community-driven and can be customized or hosted autonomously by different individuals or organizations.

Unblocking YouTube On Linux using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you want to find a friend's house, but you just know their name, not their address. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they live, right?

In the online world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are similar to those knowledgeable 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 set of numbers) that your computer can understand and employ to find YouTube on Linux.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

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

Here's how changing your DNS servers can assist:

1. 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 other servers might not have the same restrictions or might not block the website you wish to access.

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

There exist several no-cost DNS providers. These instructions show how to configure OpenDNS, though you are able to substitute the IP addresses for other providers 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 Servers on Linux

Changing DNS servers on Linux can be done via the command line by editing configuration files or using network management tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide for several methods:

Method 1: Using resolv.conf File

1. Open Terminal: Open your terminal.

2. Edit the resolv.conf File:

   • Use a text editor to open the /etc/resolv.conf file. For example:

     sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf
     

   • Add or change the nameserver lines to your desired DNS servers. For instance:

     nameserver 8.8.8.8
     nameserver 8.8.4.4
     

     These addresses are Google's public DNS servers. You can replace them with the IP addresses of your preferred DNS servers.

3. Save and Exit:

   • If you’re using nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y to confirm changes, and Enter to save.

4. Check the Changes:

   • You can verify the changes by using:

     cat /etc/resolv.conf
     

Method 2: Using NetworkManager

If you’re using a system with NetworkManager (common in many desktop distributions), you can change DNS settings via the nmcli command:

1. List Connections:

   nmcli connection show
   

2. Modify the Connection:

   • Replace <connection-name> with the name of your connection. For example, if your connection is called Wired connection 1, the command might look like:

     sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4"
     

   • You can also specify DNS servers for IPv6 if needed:

     sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 1" ipv6.dns "2001:4860:4860::8888,2001:4860:4860::8844"
     

3. Restart NetworkManager:

   sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
   

Method 3: Using systemd-resolved (if applicable)

Some distributions use systemd-resolved for DNS resolution.

1. Check the Status:

   systemctl status systemd-resolved
   

2. Edit the Resolved Configuration:

   • Open the /etc/systemd/resolved.conf file:

     sudo nano /etc/systemd/resolved.conf
     

   • Under the [Resolve] section, add or modify the DNS line. For example:

     [Resolve]
     DNS=8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4
     

   • Optionally, you can also set FallbackDNS for fallback servers.

3. Restart systemd-resolved:

   sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved
   

4. Ensure /etc/resolv.conf Points to systemd-resolved:

   sudo ln -sf /run/systemd/resolve/stub-resolv.conf /etc/resolv.conf
   

Notes

• NetworkManager and systemd-resolved might override manual changes to /etc/resolv.conf, so adjusting settings through these tools is often preferable.
• Permissions: Most of these commands require sudo or root permissions.
• Restarting Services: After making changes, restarting network services or the computer might be necessary for the changes to take effect.

Choose the method that matches your system’s configuration and network management tools.

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