There’s a badly kept secret to accessing sports, music-streaming services, and TV shows that are unavailable in your region…and it’s called a virtual private network or VPN. Whether you’re trying gain access to content in more locations, or simply want to enjoy your favorite boxed set from a hotel room abroad, unblocking digital content can be surprisingly easy. Find out how with this detailed guide and be sure to start your journey to greater online freedom with Avira Phantom VPN.
Why are some websites blocked?
Are you sick of seeing: “This content is not available in your country”? While it may feel like your right as an adult to view all the online content you want to, there are legitimate reasons why some restrictions are in place. They’re not simply designed for our ongoing misery and frustration (or to boost VPN sales). Internet service providers can block websites for a range of legitimate reasons—and usually it’s URLs known to contain illegal or pirated content or websites that run into safety, legal, and licensing issues.
Here are some common reasons why you’re seeing that annoying “This content is unavailable” message:
- You’re at work or school. Videos, gaming, and streaming services can chew through huge volumes of data, so it’s understandable that many places don’t want their bandwidth used up like this—plus, students and employees are less productive if they’re playing Minecraft or posting on Facebook, for example. Porn and gambling are blocked for obvious safeguarding (and productivity) reasons.
- You’re abroad or attempting to watch foreign content at home. Entertainment services have different content available in different countries. Children in the US, for example, will be delighted to hear they’re currently (at the time of writing) the only ones able to watch Pokemon Journeys: The Series on Netflix.
Keen to keep up with your favorite shows while you’re on holiday? Fan of foreign movies not available in your country? Whatever your reasons for wanting to unblock websites and online services, you’ll need to be proactive in gaining greater digital freedom because the internet knows where you are: Your computer’s IP address is a sequence of numbers that serve as a unique identifier for your device. It can be easily tracked and, annoyingly, gives away your location. If you’re in the United Kingdom, for example, you can only access the content available in that region.
How do I unblock blocked content?
Here are our top ten: A selection of tried-and-tested methods to help you establish yourself as a truly global digital citizen with a greater array of content at their fingertips.
1. TOP TIP: Use a VPN: A VPN is possibly the most secure way to expand the buffet of digital material and services at your disposal—and there’s more good news: It helps preserve your privacy as well as online freedom. No, that’s not a contradiction: A VPN can encrypt your data and route it via a secure virtual tunnel, helping hide your IP address and helping keep you safer from online snoops, advertisers, and other third parties who may try and intercept your internet traffic. See this detailed explanation on what a VPN is and how it works, or leap on down to our FAQs on virtual private networks:
- How does a VPN work?
- Are VPNs safe?
- Are VPNs legal?
- Will a VPN slow down my streaming?
Avira Phantom VPN lets you change your virtual location with a few clicks and grants you access to around 150 server locations in multiple countries scattered around the globe. By replacing your device’s real IP address (the unique combination of numbers that make you identifiable online) with a new one, you can virtually globetrot to locations where VPN service is available, and appear to be far, far away from your actual location. Do remember that free VPNs almost always come with data caps, so subscribing to services like Avira Phantom VPN Pro are a must for avid gamers and anyone planning on streaming movies, live sports games, music via on-demand, and catch-up services.
Here is a quick snapshot of some of the content that can be available via a VPN:
✔ Movies and TV series: HBO Now, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime
✔ World news: ITV Player, All 4, Channel 5, STV Player, CBS
✔ Sports: NBC Sports, ESPN, PGA Live Tour, FOX Sports, Eurosport
✔ Music: Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Google Play Music
Avira Phantom VPN is available for all major operating systems, including VPN for Windows, VPN for Mac, VPN for iOS and VPN for Android. Whether it’s a mobile phone, laptop, or desktop computer, there’s no excuse to leave a device to face the wilds of the internet alone.
2. Use a proxy server
If you’re using a proxy, all internet traffic goes through this server before it reaches you, so it acts as an alternative gateway to the internet. Proxy servers are situated somewhere else and therefore have a different IP address—thereby masking your real IP address and location. That’s why they can help you say “hello” (or hola!) to foreign or other restricted content. Although proxy servers help add another level of privacy and security to your browsing, they don’t encrypt or route your data through a secure tunnel, so they’re not considered as safe as VPNs. If you still want one, subscriptions to proxies can help simplify the set-up process.
3. Consider a privacy-focused browser
Private browsers were never designed to be web unblockers, but the extra layer of online anonymity and security they provide makes them helpful assistants. They help mask your digital identity and help block web tracking—leaving you with greater online freedom. Here are two well-known options: DuckDuckGo is available for Android, iOS, Windows, and as an extension for Chrome. Ghostery Private Browser is based on the Firefox open source and modified to include the Ghostery tracker-blocking extension.
4. Use a web archive tool
You might be able to view blocked content by accessing an archived version of that web page on Wayback Machine. This is an internet archive where copies of hundreds of billions of web pages are saved. Simply type the blocked URL into the archive search bar and click Browse History. If Wayback Machine is blocked, you’ll be out of luck though.
5. Use the Google cache
Google stores local copies of websites so they load more quickly when you visit them. This technique is called caching, and it can helpfully let you overcome geo-blocking! If you’re blocked from the original version of a site, you may be able to access the cached version. It’s worth a try: Click the three vertical dots next to a search result in Google Chrome. Then select “Cached,” or type “cached:” before the URL in the address bar.
6. Try a URL shortener
Less sophisticated website blockers might be fooled if you use a URL shortener service like Bitly, TinyURL, or ls.gd. As the names implies, they replace a website’s URL with a shorter domain name. So, if you find that Facebook is blocked, for example, you might still gain access to the Bitly shortened version of your favorite cat video.
7. Convert HTML to PDF
If you only want to read or view the contents of a website, and don’t need to access its services or engage with content by (for example) playing videos, then creating a PDF file of the webpage could be enough. An HTML to PDF converter will create a downloadable PDF document that contains the text and images as they appear on the site. You can find free HTML to PDF converters online—then simply enter the URL you’re trying to access and click Get PDF.
8. Use web browser extensions
Browser extensions can be a convenient option for unblocking websites as they plug directly into your browser with minimal effort, and you’ll find a wide range available for the most popular browsers. Extensions like the free Avira Secure Browser help block ads, trackers, and browser fingerprinting—and can also help remember passwords and may even find you shopping discounts.
9. Switch between HTTP and HTTPS
Many websites now offer both HTTPS (secure) and HTTP (unsecured) access. It’s usually not a good idea to use an HTTP web connection because it’s unencrypted, and data transfers can be intercepted. Never use HTTP to log into a bank account or other site that handles sensitive data! But if you’re feeling safe (and brave) enough, it’s possible to trick a firewall into unblocking a site if it doesn’t recognize the HTTP version of a web address.
10. Try the Tor browser
Also known as The Onion Router, Tor encrypts and transmits data through multiple nodes and layers of security, keeping data more private and making it so difficult to trace that it makes regulators’ eyes water. All this complex privacy means that Tor usually slows down your connection so it can be frustrating to use. Also, ISPs and many authorities are highly suspicious of Tor. They’ll suspect you’re diving into the potentially illegal depths of the dark web instead of watching the BBC in Bratislava.
How to help unblock websites with Google Chrome and Windows
In addition to a VPN and the other methods described above, it’s also worth tinkering with your Google Chrome settings if that’s your browser of choice—and don’t forget your Windows settings either. If the website you want to access is on any restricted sites list on your computer, that will explain your problem!
Open the Chrome app. Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings > Privacy and Security (in the left menu) > Site Settings. View and change your permissions here.
You can also allow or block permissions for a specific site and any changes you make will be saved: Launch Chrome and type in the website you want to check. To the left of the web address, click Site settings and change your permission settings.
Now head to Windows. Look for Internet options in the search bar and select the Security tab. You should see a dedicated icon for restricted sites. Click on the Sites button to review and amend the list of blocked URLs.
Is it legal to unblock websites?
Regulations vary depending on your location so always check local laws. If you’re torrenting (i.e.: downloading torrented files of copyrighted material), you may be in violation of specific copyright laws. Bypassing geo-restrictions to access specific shows on platforms like Netflix isn’t illegal, but it could go against their terms of use. Use your good judgment, do your research, and play it fair!
Where are you now? Pick your location (or device) for specific unblocking tips!
The best method to access certain content depends on your current circumstances. Remember to try and keep your surfing safe and legal though, wherever you are, and whatever device you’re using.
- I’m at school or university.
Education institutions have a duty to safeguard children and are expected to exert some internet control. Most school computers don’t allow you to install VPNs and schools usually ban the Tor browser too. That’s understandable—they don’t want young learners accessing the dark and possibly dangerous depths of the dark web.
Use: A proxy server, browser extension, or URL shortener.
- I’m at work.
If you’re using a company-owned machine and have no admin rights, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to install a VPN. Most companies don’t want their staff using Tor either, so don’t be tempted. If your workplace uses a proxy server to filter online content, you could try to circumvent this with a public or shared proxy, but is this worth the effort and, possibly, your employer’s wrath? If you’re determined to access a restricted website, it’s probably best to use your personal computer or smart phone.
Use: Your own device.
- I’m travelling.
If you really need to watch that British boxed set while you’re in Europe, it’s best to try a VPN service and remember never to surf on public Wi-Fi without it! Movies and games can chew through vast amounts of data, so consider upgrading from a free service to a paid subscription like Avira Phantom VPN Pro. If you’re in a country where VPNs are blocked, you could try Tor, but this is banned in China too.
Use: A VPN (or Tor if you’re very serious about your online freedom and anonymity).
- I’m using my mobile phone or tablet.
VPNs are ideal for greater online privacy and freedom on mobile devices. If you enjoy streaming videos or music on the go, a VPN for your mobile device is a must. In addition to helping you gain access to more online content, you’ll also benefit from a more secure and private connection. VPNs use end-to-end encryption to help keep your data and communications safer on a range of devices and operating systems. Avira Phantom VPN can be installed on your iOS or Android tablet or smartphone.
All about VPNs: Common questions answered
If you’re as convinced as we are that a VPN service is the safest, easiest way to unblock blocked websites, but still want more information, see the answers to key questions below.
Q: How does a VPN work?
A: In very simple terms, a VPN connects your device (PC, smartphone, or tablet) to a remote server and allows you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection with a different IP. If the server is in Iceland, for example, it will appear as if you are in Iceland too. A VPN enables you to access online content that may be unavailable in your country.
Q: Are VPNs safe?
A: All your internet traffic passes through the VPN connection, which acts as a secure, private tunnel that helps shield your data and communications from third parties, and even your ISP. It also uses virtual locations across the world to hide your real IP address, so hackers and snoops won’t know your real identity and location. You’re automatically more anonymous—like an online ghost.
Q: Are VPNs legal?
A: Using a VPN is legal in most countries but please remember: Anything that is illegal without a VPN remains illegal when using a VPN! Remember that VPNs can also breach the terms of service of some companies. It’s not illegal to use a VPN to access Netflix, but it does breach their terms of use. Some video-streaming services can even detect and block the use of VPN.
Q: Will a VPN slow down my streaming?
A: Some VPNs do impact internet speed so this may decline slightly—but you’ll probably find that’s a price worth paying for content that would be unavailable to you otherwise! And did you know that sometimes a VPN is more hare than tortoise? If your internet service provider (ISP) throttles your traffic, it’s possible that a VPN will help boost your speed.
Beyond unblocking websites…explore the many other advantages of a VPN
There are a range of good reasons to have a VPN and to keep it switched on regardless of whether you’re working from home or watching the BBC from an airport lounge in Budapest. With a VPN, you can:
- More safely use public Wi-Fi: Using public Wi-Fi is convenient, but inherently unsafe. Other people using the network can intercept your communication and access your data. VPNs provide end-to-end encryption, so your online activities remain private.
- Help avoid tracking: From advertisers to internet service providers, there are many parties interested in collecting data about your activity online. A VPN assigns you a different IP address with every connection, and none of them can be traced back to you. Find out more about how to use a VPN to browse anonymously.
- Be less hackable: Help protect yourself from hackers when shopping online or using online banking. Thanks to its advanced security protocols and encryption, a VPN helps keep your financial data, passwords, and private files more secure.
For safer (online) travels: Choose a trusted VPN
If you want to virtually globe trot and access your favorite sites and services wherever you are, a VPN is arguably the best and most popular choice. Few other options can beat the speed, ease of use, and security of a virtual private network. Choosing a service from a reputable provider is essential though! Avira Phantom VPN is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and offers a range of server locations across the globe, ultra-secure AES-256 encryption. You can also rest assured that it has a strict no-log policy when it comes to customer data. It’s a free VPN—but consider upgrading to the premium version if you want to wave goodbye to data allowances, pick your precise server location and for the added safety of a kill switch (which can automatically block data transfer if your VPN connection is lost). We wish you safe travels, both online and otherwise.