How to Access Blocked Websites on a Computer or Mobile Device

Do you want to know how to access blocked websites? Some websites restrict access to users if they’re accessing the site from certain countries. This may be an annoyance, but thankfully, we have a workaround. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you unblock any website with geo-restrictions. As a bonus, it protects your private data and reduces bandwidth throttling.

This guide will explain how to access restricted websites using a VPN on different devices. Additionally, we’ll share multiple methods of unblocking sites without a VPN. Read on to enjoy the desired content without limits.

How to Unblock Websites on a Windows PC

One of the best VPN providers on the market is ExpressVPN, so we’ll use it as an example in our instructions. However, you’re free to choose any other provider you find trustworthy. Follow the steps below to access the desired website with ExpressVPN:

1. Sign up for any ExpressVPN plan and register your account.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN Windows app from the official website.
   
3. Run the app installation file and follow on-screen instructions to complete it.
   
4. Select “Sign In with Email Sign-In Link” when prompted.
   
5. Find the sign-in link in your e-mail and open it. The app will be activated instantly.
   
6. Once the app is installed, expand the three horizontal dots menu on the dashboard and select a server location.
   
7. Click the large power button on the dashboard to connect to the selected server.
   
8. Visit the desired website while connected to the server.

How to Unblock Websites on a Mac

You can use any VPN provider to access restricted websites on a Mac, but we’ll use ExpressVPN in our example. Follow the instructions below:

1. Sign up for your preferred ExpressVPN plan and register when prompted.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN app installation file and run it. Follow on-screen instructions to set up the app.
   
3. Sign in to your account using an activation code or an e-mail sign-in link.
   
4. Launch the app and expand the dropdown menu on the dashboard.
5. Select a server location where the desired website is available.
   
6. Click the power button on the app’s main page to connect to the server.
   
7. Head to the restricted website and reload it. It should now be unblocked.

How to Unblock Websites on a Chromebook

ChromeOS is compatible with a wide range of VPN providers. We’ll use ExpressVPN for our example, as it’s one of the most popular VPN services available. Here’s how to access any website using a VPN:

1. Select your preferred plan on the ExpressVPN official website.
   
2. Register an account.
3. Click “Get ExpressVPN” on the app download page.
   
4. Run the installation file. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. When prompted, select your preferred sign-in method: activation code or e-mail sign-in link.
   
6. Once the app is installed, choose your preferred server location on the dashboard.
7. Connect to the server by clicking the power button on the dashboard.
8. Reload the restricted website.

How to Unblock Websites on an iPhone?

A VPN is available not solely for PCs but also for mobile devices. If you’re an iPhone user, follow the steps below to access any restricted page with ExpressVPN:

1. Purchase any ExpressVPN plan and register. The plans only differ in the app’s access duration and not in functionality.
   
2. Head to AppStore and download the official ExpressVPN iOS app.
   
3. Launch the app and tap “Sign In with Email Sign-In Link.” Check the e-mail you’ve entered when registering.
   
4. Tap the link in your e-mail. The app should be activated automatically.
5. Select a server location on the app’s main page and tap the power button to connect.
   
6. Visit the restricted website while connected to the selected server.

How to Unblock Websites on an Android Device

ExpressVPN is available both for iOS and Android devices. To access restricted websites with a VPN, follow the instructions below:

1. Head to the ExpressVPN official website and purchase a preferred plan.
   
2. Register following on-screen instructions.
3. Download the ExpressVPN Android app on your mobile device.
   
4. Sign-in with your preferred method: using an activation code or an e-mail sign-in link.
   
5. Select the preferred server location from the dropdown menu on the app’s main page.
   
6. Tap the power button. Your device will instantly connect to the selected server.
   
7. Head to the restricted website and reload it.

How to Unblock Websites on an iPad

All VPN services work alike, but ExpressVPN is among the most secure, fast, and reliable providers. Here’s how to access restricted websites from your iPad on ExpressVPN:

1. Select the preferred ExpressVPN plan and register an account.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN iOS app from the AppStore.
   
3. Launch the app and tap “Sign In with Email Sign-In Link.”
   
4. Visit the e-mail you’ve entered when registering and find the sin-in link. The app will be automatically activated after you tap the link.
5. Select a server location on the app’s main page and tap the power button.|
   
6. Reload the restricted website. If you’ve selected the server location correctly, it should now be available.

How to Access Blocked Websites in Chrome

The ExpressVPN browser extension enhances data safety and simplifies app control. You can change the server location, connect, and disconnect the VPN right from your Chrome toolbar. While it won’t provide you with access to restricted pages on its own, an extra layer of protection is always good. Here’s how to set it up and access any blocked website:

1. Purchase the preferred ExpressVPN plan and register an account.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN app for your operating system. The browser extension won’t work without the app.
   
3. Run the installation file and follow on-screen instructions to complete it.
   
4. Click “Get Extension” on the ExpressVPN extension download page.
   
5. Click “Quick Install” for an automatic set-up.
   
6. Once the extension is installed, you will see the ExpressVPN logo button appear in your toolbar. Click it to choose the server location and enable the VPN.
   
7. Visit the restricted page and reload it.

How to Unblock Websites in Firefox

ExpressVPN offers PC users a convenient way to control the app using a browser extension. It won’t help you access blocked websites on its own but will provide an extra degree of data protection while browsing. When combined with a plan, you can unblock restricted sites. Follow the steps below to install the Firefox extension:

1. Get the preferred ExpressVPN plan and register following on-screen instructions.
   
2. Download the ExpressVPN desktop app for Windows, Linux, or Mac.
   
3. Run the installation file and set up the app following on-screen instructions.
   
4. Click “Add to Firefox” on the Firefox add-ons page.
   
5. Once the extension is installed, the ExpressVPN logo button will appear in your toolbar. Click the button.
   
6. Select the preferred server location from the dropdown menu and connect.
   

How to Unblock Websites in Safari

Safari users can control the ExpressVPN desktop app conveniently using a browser extension. Follow the instructions below to access restricted websites from your computer:

1. Select any ExpressVPN plan and complete the purchase.
2. Register an account when prompted.
3. Download the ExpressVPN desktop app for your operating system. Bear in mind that the extension won’t work without the app.
4. Click “Get ExpressVPN” on the Safari extension page. The extension will be installed automatically.
5. Click the ExpressVPN logo button in your Safari toolbar to select a server location and connect to it.

How to Unblock Websites Without a VPN

The best way to access blocked websites is by using a VPN – it keeps your information secure and provides multiple additional perks. However, a VPN is a paid service, which may be a dealbreaker for some. We have three options if you’re looking for a free method to unblock websites. However, each has more serious cons, and you may find paying a more reasonable compromise.

The first way is to change “http://” in the site’s URL line to “https://” and try to load the site again. This method only works occasionally and doesn’t keep you private since you’re downgrading the website’s security protocol.

Another method is to change your IP address. This method requires some measure of tech-savviness, though, or you run the risk of damaging your internet connection.

Lastly, you could use a proxy server to access the desired website. The main issue with this method is – surprise – the lack of security. Essentially, you’re using a stranger’s server and trusting them with all your private data. Make sure you have a reliable antivirus on before attempting to connect to someone’s proxy. But if you’re skilled enough in computers, you may create your own proxy.

Final Thoughts on How to Access Blocked Websites

Hopefully, our guide has helped you bypass website geo-restrictions and access the desired content. A VPN is a highly useful service, and unblocking restricted content isn’t its only perk. Our private data is always vulnerable when browsing, and VPN helps to keep it safe. Bear in mind that unblocking restricted sites may be illegal in some countries, so make sure to check the local laws in advance.

Do you know any other tips for accessing blocked websites without a VPN for free? Share your tips in the comments section below.