Lately, you often have to face a situation where you are trying to access a site blocked by a filter in accordance with the policy of your office, educational institution, ISP or government. Of course, there can be many legitimate reasons for blocking, but even the best web filters sometimes go wrong and prevent you from accessing trusted content.
If you have become a victim of an unfair filter or just want to access blocked content from a mobile device, then several of the presented ways to bypass the blocking will come in handy.
We have recently introduced simple methods for gaining access to prohibited content from a computer. Many of them work with iOS and Android mobile devices as well.
Browsers
This is one of the simplest and most popular ways to gain access to blocked resources, but it only applies to the browser session. Some mobile browsers have a built-in traffic saving feature, and as a result, your traffic first goes through the browser service servers located in other countries where access to the site is allowed. The smartphone then receives the already compressed data from the server.
VPNs / Proxies
Many VPNs that allow access to blocked content on a computer also work effectively on mobile devices. Some services can be accessed using the built-in VPN setup feature in Android and iOS, and some VPN services have their own apps.
A VPN on a smartphone works the same as a VPN on a computer. Connect to a VPN and the service will send all your network traffic through VPN servers, which are used as a connecting link. If the site is available in any country, then connecting to a server in this country will allow you to unblock access to this resource.
DNS services
There are several ways to enable DNS tunneling on a smartphone:
- Change settings on your home router. By default, an iOS or Android mobile device obtains DNS server information from your router. Thus, if alternate DNS servers are configured on the router, then you will be able to access blocked content from all devices on your home network.
- Change settings on an Android or iOS device. In this case, you will have to manually change the settings for each wireless network to which you connect.
Using the Tor network
Tor Anonymizer ensures your online privacy by multi-layered encryption and routing of your network traffic over a distributed network run by volunteers around the world. The service can be used absolutely free. However, a serious disadvantage of using Tor is the slowdown in connection speed.
Having legalized internet censorship two years ago, Russia has joined a long list of countries that somehow restrict their citizens' access to information on the global network. By the way, even developed, prosperous countries like the United States and members of the European Union do not disdain this. And as is usually the case, the law is nowhere perfect.
In our country, in particular, he sins with excessive cruelty and promiscuity: as they say, a child is often thrown out with water. Roskomnadzor, which is instructed to maintain a "black list", because of several "bad" pages, can block access to the entire site containing these pages. This was the case when Russians were denied access to the (now allowed) Internet Archive (www.archive.org), a highly useful non-profit resource that stores a copy of almost every site on the Web. The same is with the (still blocked) "Rutracker" (rutracker.org), where, in addition to obvious pirated copies, the musicians also publish quite legal copies of their own works.
And it also happens that Internet providers are too lazy to remove the block, although the site has already been removed from the Roskomnadzor list (you can check the address on the page blocklist.rkn.gov.ru). So, for example, my ISP (MTS) still won't let me go to archive.org.
However, do not think that Internet censorship only occurs on a national scale. On the contrary, the lion's share of bans exist only within individual organizations and companies - they are set by employers who do not want employees to have fun on Facebook, YouTube and other similar resources during working hours. Bypassing such a prohibition, you certainly will not break any laws.
In short, there are situations when you need to get information that is not prohibited by law from a site that for some reason is not available on your computer. What to do? Use legal tools that will bypass the blocking and get the necessary information. Blocks are very simple (both at enterprises and at the "border"). The server through which you access the Internet checks which address you are accessing, and if it is on the list of prohibited addresses, it returns you a standard "stub": they say, access to the resource is limited.
This means that you need to make sure that the server cannot see what exactly you are requesting. Below is a list of tools that allow you to solve this problem, with increasing complexity.
Search engine cache
The idea is ridiculously simple and boils down to getting the "forbidden" page from the memory of the search engines that once visited it. For example, for Google it looks like this: click the little green arrow next to the site address and select the "Backed up" option. Both Yandex and Bing have a similar option (called a "cached page").
Turbo mode in the browser
Some browsers - first of all Opera and Yandex.Browser - offer the so-called "turbocharged mode". The idea is to send a stream of data from the site to you through a server owned by the browser developers, where this data will be compressed. This way you will spend less traffic, and sites will load faster on average. However, in addition to speed and economy, this mode has a pleasant side effect: your ISP does not know what you are viewing. Even if you access a prohibited site, say, rutracker.org, from the provider's point of view, your browser communicates with the Opera or Yandex server. Therefore, they will not block you.
You can enable turbo mode in the main browser menu (Opera), or in its settings.
Proxy
A proxy server or, in common usage, a "proxy" (from the English proxy - a trusted person) is a server that acts as an intermediary: you trust him to receive the information you need for you. Since, from the point of view of your provider, when requesting a forbidden resource X through a proxy, you are accessing the proxy server, and not X itself, they will not block your request again.
In the simplest case, the proxy server is made in the form of an ordinary site, where you need to enter the address of the resource you need. These are, for example, Proxfree.com and Stealthy.co. Both are free.
A more complex option, but also more convenient: register the IP address of the proxy server in your browser settings. So in the Firefox browser, for this, you need to go to "Settings -> Additional -> Network -> Connection", enable the "Manual proxy service configuration" option and enter the IP address of the proxy server (taken from one of the lists of which many walks on the Internet , for example from proxylist.hidemyass.com). Now all your browser traffic will be redirected through the proxy server.
Finally, some proxy services have their own browser plugins / extensions. For example, in the list of Chrome extensions, you can find "Stealthy" from the aforementioned Stealthy.co site. Install it, and you will get the same result as in the previous case: all browser traffic will now go through the "proxy".
Imagine that you managed to run your own cable to some foreign Internet provider, for example, to Germany. Now, connecting to the Internet, you will look like a client of this German provider for the whole world. And no blockages installed at your enterprise or in Russia, of course, will interfere with you. This is exactly how VPN works - with the only difference that the cable is not real, but virtual, created by software.
VPN itself stands for virtual private network - virtual private network. Here, an encrypted channel is organized between you and the VPN provider for exchanging data that an outsider cannot read. This service can be both paid and free, differing in speed and set of functions. But it's better to start with the free ones: VPNbook.com, CyberGhostVPN.com.
The setup instructions are usually included and are quite standard: "Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center -> Setting up a new connection or network -> Connecting to a workplace -> Connecting via the Internet using a VPN". The VPN server address, username and password can be found in the instructions for a specific service.
It will be easier, however, not to delve into the settings of the operating system, but to install a VPN extension for the browser. Such, for example, as pictured here Hola. It will independently perform all the necessary settings, and you will only have to control its operation with a button in the browser toolbar.
TOR and the like
A mediator will help you here too. But if in previous cases some company acted in its capacity (browser developer, proxy server owner, VPN server owner), now you will be dealing with ordinary users like yourself.
P.P.S. This article uses graphic work by Thierry Ehrmann.
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In the event that you have no access to blocked sites on the Internet, you can try to bypass this restriction using various methods. Reality forces users to look for ways to combat website blocking, because it has become widespread.
Some time ago, Roskomnadzor and other departments already closed access for various times to the following popular sites: GitHub, Wikipedia, YouTube, etc. The authorities are constantly threatening to shut down the social networks Twitter and Facebook on far-fetched grounds. Now Roskomnadzor has taken up the popular torrent trackers, which should be subjected to "eternal" blocking.
Therefore, the user will have to look for workarounds to access the desired sites, since at the moment, there are many ways to bypass site blocking.
In this article, we will look at some of the ways to gain access to blocked sites. You can use the following tools:
- browser extensions
- proxy servers
- using VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- using special modes of individual browsers
- specially crafted browsers
- online translators
It turns out that there are not so few different ways to enter a blocked site. Therefore, you can try to use different methods and methods to bypass the blocking: if the site page does not open in one case, you can try another method that will help you get to a previously inaccessible resource on the Internet.
If you managed to unblock the blocked site, then you will no longer see on the monitor screen, instead of the desired site, the next page, which says that access to the site is restricted.
You can learn more about how to use different methods from the articles on my website, which are posted in the "Anonymity" section. The articles explain in more detail different ways to bypass blocking: using extensions for browsers, using services and programs.
The simplest ways to bypass the blocking of sites: online translators, special modes of some browsers: Opera and Yandex Browser (there is a detailed article on this on my website). When using these methods, you will not need to install anything on your computer, or add extensions to the browser.
Online translators
You can use the online translation services of the Yandex and Google search engines. The principle of using the translator is as follows: you insert into the field for the original test the address of the main page of the site, or a separate web page, and then click on the "translate" button, after which the page of the blocked site will be opened in a new tab.
To enter inaccessible sites, you can use not only Yandex Translator and Google Translate, but also other online translation services: Translate.Ru, Microsoft Translator (Bing Translator), etc.
Turbo mode in Opera and Yandex browsers
The developers of the Opera browser have developed Turbo technology to save Internet traffic. When using the Turbo mode, the transmitted data is compressed, the traffic does not pass directly, but through the Opera servers, so using this mode it will also be possible to bypass the blocking of sites.
In order to use this method, you need to enable Opera Turbo mode in the Opera browser, or Turbo mode in the Yandex Browser browser.
When using proxy servers, the connection between the computer and the site does not occur directly, but through an intermediary: a proxy server through which requests are redirected and traffic is compressed.
A similar function is performed by the Data Saver extension for the Google Chrome browser.
Proxy servers, anonymizers
The connection to the proxy server can be configured manually in the browser, or you can use ready-made online services, the so-called anonymizers (anonymous proxy servers).
You enter a special site (service) that performs the function of an anonymous proxy server, enter the address of the web page in the appropriate field, then click on the button that performs the action to go to the site. Next, the blocked site page will open.
In the case of using a proxy server, there may be a different degree of anonymity (more or less), which depends on the capabilities of a particular server.
After entering the search query "anonymizer", the search engine will offer you a large number of services to choose from. Try several services, follow the links to the sites, so you can choose the more suitable options for yourself.
Here is a list of some of the anonymizers:
- http://hideme.ru/
- https://www.hidemyass.com/proxy
- https://www.proxfree.com/
- http://www.vpnbook.com/webproxy
- http://cameleo.xyz/
Please note that in the Chameleon anonymizer (the last link), there are even special links for entering social networks, which are often blocked by system administrators in enterprises, in order to prevent their employees from using social networks during working hours.
When using some free anonymizers, advertisements may be displayed on open pages.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPN (Virtual Private Network) - a virtual private network provides a higher degree of anonymity than a proxy server, because in this case, all traffic on the Internet is encrypted. Most VPN providers are paid, but there are also free versions of programs, for example, (free version), TunnelBear (free version), ProstoVPN.AntiBan, Hotstpot Shield, etc.
To use a VPN service, you will need to install the appropriate application on your computer.
Browser extensions
Extensions (add-ons, plugins) for browsers help to bypass restrictions for visiting sites on the Internet. To ensure anonymity, extensions route traffic through proxy servers located in other countries.
Most extensions work in Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. Users of other browsers based on Chromium: Opera (there are separate special versions of extensions for this browser), Yandex Browser, Amigo and others, can also install extensions created for Google Chrome into their browsers.
Users of browsers based on Firefox can also install extensions built for the Mozilla Firefox browser into their browsers.
You can use the following browser extensions (this is not a complete list, only some of the extensions are included).
Extensions for Google Chrome:
- ZenMate, Browsec, Hola, Stealthy, friGate, AnonymoX, Hide My Ass! Web Proxy, FoxyProxy, Data Compression Proxy
Extensions for Mozilla Firefox:
- ZenMate, Browsec, Hola, Stealthy, friGate, AnonymoX, Hide My Ass! Web Proxy, FoxyProxy
Opera extensions (you can additionally install other extensions for Google Chrome):
- ZenMate, Browsec, Hide My Ass! Web Proxy
Extensions for Yandex.Browser:
- The browser can use extensions for Opera and Google Chrome
Ultrasurf program
We should also mention the Ultrasurf program, which was created to combat censorship on the Internet. The creators of UltraSurf managed to develop a program that can bypass the restrictions, allowing users to visit sites that are not available in their countries. At the moment, this program is used by millions of users in the world.
The advantage of the application is its portability; the program does not need to be installed on a computer. Ultrasurf can be run from a USB flash drive on any computer. After you disconnect the USB flash drive from the computer, there will be no traces of the program on this computer.
I have a detailed article on the Ultrasurf program on my site.
Special versions of browsers
To enter blocked sites, you can use specialized browsers: Tor Browser (Tor Browser), PirateBrowser (Pirate browser), which were created on the basis of the Mozilla Firefox browser. These are special portable versions of Firefox, with the necessary components and extensions already installed in the browser to ensure anonymity, security and privacy on the Internet.
When using Tor Browser, the speed of opening sites on the Internet will be slightly reduced, in order to ensure security, alas, you will have to put up with this.
Anonymous operating system
Talking about the various methods that are used to gain access to blocked pages on the Internet, one cannot fail to mention a special Linux distribution: the TAILS operating system, which provides maximum anonymity and security. The necessary tools are already built into TAILS.
Turbo browsers
Turbo was originally designed for Opera browsers to speed up page loading on slow connections. Subsequently, it turned out that this technology helps to circumvent some of the limitations. After you enter the website address in such a browser, the information from it is not sent to you, but is transmitted to intermediary servers, where the data is compressed and from there goes to your computer. Therefore, the provider believes that at the moment you are on the servers of the browser developer, and not reading an article about five-leafed smoking plants or logged into Rutracker. The Turbo function is available in the Opera and Yandex Browser browsers. By the way, you can install Yandex Browser even on a work computer, since you do not need administrator rights for this. This method allows you to view portals entered in the Roskomnadzor register and sites blocked at work (but not always, depending on blocking methods). Tor technology was developed not by anyone, but by the research laboratory of the US Navy, so as not to leave traces in enemy logs and to safely transmit military secrets over networks. In 2002, it was officially declassified, and independent developers adapted it for ordinary users and released it for free use. When you launch the Tor browser, an anonymous network connection is created based on "onion routing". The military still uses Tor to obtain information from open sources. In addition, it has become one of the most popular ways to break through the Great Chinese Firewall. Chinese dissidents know a lot about anonymity! In addition to the Tor system, the Hotspot Shield program is very popular among the Chinese. When you start it, an encrypted connection is created, and your computer is assigned a temporary IP-address of some civilized country. This opens access to sites closed to Russia, such as http://www.netflix.com or http://www.zappos.com.
Anonymizers
This is the easiest way to view a blocked site. To do this, just enter his address on the anonymizing website. The method has a number of disadvantages: slow speed, payment for disabling ads, inability to log in "inside" the opened site (it is unlikely that you will be able to watch the VK video). In fact, the method is well suited only for visiting simple static pages. But it's worth remembering it: you may need it in the near future to read Lolita or download Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Some popular anonymizer sites: http://www.hidemyass.com http://anonymouse.org/anonwww.html http://www.guardster.com/free/ http://www.anonymizer.ru Note to the user : Google translator can also act as an anonymizer. Paste the URL into it, and along with the translation of the page, its original will be available to you.
In this life hack we will tell you how to get around the ban Odnoklassniki, blocking bypass methods, not as difficult as it might seem at first.
I don’t know where the government and the president of Ukraine are looking, but for the most part he simply deprived the majority of citizens of one of the main methods of communication and many more earnings. Experts have already calculated that such a move undermined the country's economy by one billion dollars. Certainly blocking Odnoklassniki (bypass programs which we will consider a little later) will affect the incomes of Russian companies, but to a greater extent on the profits of their own citizens. In general, let's not talk about the sad, but move on to the main thing.
How to go to your page on Odnoklassniki bypassing blocking
There are many ways to do this, from hard to super easy. Here we will tell just about the simplest ones, because most of the users of the social network have average PC skills, so we will not complicate life.
How to bypass Odnoklassniki blocking in Mozila
For this we use the plugin Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy. Let's move on to the steps:
1. Go to the settings and click on the "Add-ons" icon (similar to a piece of mosaic).
2. Select the extensions on the left, then in the search bar on the right, enter "Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy" and install it.
3. To activate, click on the plug-in icon that appears in the upper right corner of the browser and click the slider to activate.
Now you can go to many sites closed in Ukraine to the country.
How to bypass Odnoklassniki blocking in Yandex browser
There is also nothing complicated and a similar story, but it is best to use a plugin called Hola VPN. Let's describe the principle of installation and launch:
1. Click on the settings, select the "Add-ons" item.
2. Scroll down and click on the "Directory of extensions for Yandex Browser".
3. In the search, we drive in Hola VPN and click on the first position.
4. Presses the install button, wait and confirm.
5. Now click on the app icon that appears and select any country.
Thus, we will enter through the IP of the selected country.
How to bypass Odnoklassniki blocking in Chrome
The most popular browser in the world, too, in which you can also unblock Odnoklassniki Ukraine in a similar way. For this you need:
1. Go to the settings.
2. Select the menu item "Extensions", scroll down and click "More extensions".
3. In the search, enter Toutch VPN and install the first plugin.
4. Now click on the plugin icon to the right of the address bar and click "Click to Connect".
If necessary, you can select the country manually.
How to bypass Odnoklassniki blocking in Opera
For the users of this browser, it is still easier and solved. The developers thought about this and implemented the VPN system directly into the web browser. In order to bypass the Odnoklassniki blocking in Opera, you must:
1. Go to settings Alt + P.
2. Go to the "Security" tab and put a tick in front of "Enable VPN".
And that's it, we enjoy unlimited surfing on the Internet.
How to bypass Odnoklassniki blocking on Android and iPhone
For this there is a very useful application called Opera VPN. All you need to do is find it in the Play Market or iTunes and install it. Then go into it and click "Connect". Now any application or browser on the phone will use the selected (automatically or manually) region, which will bypass local locks.
Now you know browsers that bypass Odnoklassniki blocking and how to enter the site in just a few steps.
