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How To Unblock YouTube At School On iOS

Unblocking YouTube on iOS using a VPN

One VPN I'd like to recommend is ProtonVPN. They have a free version that might be exactly what you're looking for. It's a powerful tool because it values your privacy - no activity logs, no throttling, and it can overcome censorship without a hitch. Plus, it functions under Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust globally. The assurance of security this provides, knowing your data isn't being tracked, can be a minor yet reassuring relief amidst the tedium of school life.

Now, there's one note: you'll need to have the permission to install software on your device. If you're using a school-issued computer or tablet, this might be a challenge. 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 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 YouTube on iOS

Using Invidious

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

Users can utilize Invidious to locate videos, stream them, and even access features like comments and playlists, all while preserving a degree of anonymity and reducing the amount of data shared with Google. Since it's an open-source project, it's maintained by the community and can be modified or hosted autonomously by different individuals or organizations.

Unblocking YouTube 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 identity, not their location. You’d probably ask someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the internet 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 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 ISP or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) go through servers that either send them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

1. Different DNS Servers: By switching to a new 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 allow access to the website you want to access.

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 a lot of no-cost DNS providers. The following steps demonstrate how to use OpenDNS, but you may 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

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.

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