How To Unblock Websites At School On Linux Without VPN (2024)

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Part of the Mega Guide: How To Unblock Anything At School

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, protects your online activities private by encrypting your data so that no one can see what you're doing on the internet. This is useful for safeguarding your privacy and bypassing restrictions.

But sometimes, the network you're on might block VPN installations or connections, like in certain offices or schools. Or, your device might have security settings or restrictions that prevent new apps from being installed.

Luckily there are other ways to unblock Websites on Linux!

Schools restrict websites for reasons that often seem as oppressive as they are nonsensical. They want to impose sameness, keep interferences at bay, and ensure a sense of order. In the process, they quash curiosity and creativity, making us into unquestioning followers of their agenda.

The platforms that might offer a bit of relief, a moment of relief, or even a ray of understanding, are often unreachable. These aren't just insignificant diversions; they're sometimes the only sources of comfort and connection for those of us feeling isolated and separated. Here is a list of commonly blocked sites and our instructions to unblock them:
[Facebook] [Spotify] [Pinterest] [YouTube] [Google] [TikTok] [Instagram] [Reddit] [Discord] [Telegram] [WhatsApp] [Snapchat] [LinkedIn] [Twitter]

Unblocking Websites On Linux using Free DNS Servers

What Are DNS Servers?

Imagine you need to find a person's home, but you only know their identity, not their location. You’d probably consult someone who is aware of where they reside, right?

In the internet world, DNS servers (Domain Name System servers) are like those knowledgeable people. When you enter a website's address (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 recognize and use to find the website.

How Changing DNS Servers Can Help Bypass Censorship

Sometimes, some websites might be blocked by your internet service provider or your school. They do this by making your DNS queries (requests to access a website) pass through servers that either redirect them.

Here's how changing your DNS servers can help:

  1. Different DNS Servers: By switching to a different 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 visit.

  2. Accessing Restricted Sites: If a particular DNS server is known for allowing access to certain websites, using that server can assist you get around the restrictions put in place by your school.

You can find several free DNS providers. The following steps demonstrate how to configure OpenDNS, however you are able to replace the IP addresses using any of the others 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 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 8.8.8.8nameserver 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.

Unblocking Websites On Linux using Free Proxy Servers

What Are Proxy Servers?

Let's imagine the internet as a big, open library where you can explore and access all sorts of books and information. Now, imagine there's a special gatekeeper who manages what materials you can see based on certain restrictions. If the librarian doesn't want you to see certain materials, they can restrict your access to those materials.

A proxy server is like a clever friend who can help you get around this librarian. Here's how it works:

  1. Your Request: When you want to access a book, instead of going directly to the librarian (which is like your internet connection), you ask your friend (the proxy server) to help you.

  2. The Friend (Proxy Server): Your friend goes to the librarian, requests the book for you, and then brings it back to you. In this way, the librarian never knows it’s actually you making the request.

  3. Changing Proxies: If the librarian becomes aware of your friend and blocks their access, you can just ask a different friend (a different proxy server) to assist you. By switching proxies, you can continue to access the content that were previously blocked.

In simpler terms, a proxy server acts as a go-between that helps you access information without the restrictions you would face directly. By using different proxies, you can bypass internet censorship, which is like circumventing the librarian's restrictions.

How to Change Proxy Servers on macOS

Changing proxy servers on a Linux system using the command line involves configuring environment variables or editing configuration files, depending on whether you're setting a temporary proxy or a more permanent system-wide one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Temporary Proxy Configuration

For a temporary proxy setup, you can export proxy environment variables directly in your terminal session. This will affect only the current terminal session.

  1. Open your terminal.

  2. Set the proxy environment variables. You need to specify the proxy server's address and port. Here's how to do it for HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP proxies:

    export http_proxy="http://proxyserver:port"export https_proxy="https://proxyserver:port"export ftp_proxy="ftp://proxyserver:port"

    Replace proxyserver with the proxy server's address and port with the port number. If your proxy requires authentication, include your username and password:

    export http_proxy="http://username:password@proxyserver:port"export https_proxy="https://username:password@proxyserver:port"export ftp_proxy="ftp://username:password@proxyserver:port"
  3. To make sure your proxy settings are applied, you can check the environment variables:

    echo $http_proxyecho $https_proxyecho $ftp_proxy

Permanent Proxy Configuration

For a permanent setup, you’ll need to modify system configuration files or profiles so that the proxy settings persist across sessions and reboots.

For Individual User:

  1. Edit the .bashrc or .bash_profile file (or equivalent for your shell). Open the file in a text editor:

    nano ~/.bashrc
  2. Add the export commands at the end of the file:

    export http_proxy="http://proxyserver:port"export https_proxy="https://proxyserver:port"export ftp_proxy="ftp://proxyserver:port"
  3. Save and exit the text editor. For nano, press CTRL+X, then Y, and Enter.

  4. Reload the configuration:

    source ~/.bashrc

For System-Wide Configuration:

  1. Edit the /etc/environment file to set global proxy variables:

    sudo nano /etc/environment
  2. Add the proxy settings:

    http_proxy="http://proxyserver:port"https_proxy="https://proxyserver:port"ftp_proxy="ftp://proxyserver:port"
  3. Save and exit the text editor.

  4. Reload the environment settings:

    source /etc/environment

Proxy Settings for Specific Applications

Some applications or tools have their own proxy settings, such as wget, curl, or package managers like apt:

  • wget: You can configure proxies in /etc/wgetrc or ~/.wgetrc:

    use_proxy = onhttp_proxy = http://proxyserver:porthttps_proxy = https://proxyserver:port
  • curl: Use the -x or --proxy option for a specific command:

    curl -x http://proxyserver:port http://example.com
  • apt: Configure proxy settings in /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/proxy:

    Acquire::http::Proxy "http://proxyserver:port";Acquire::https::Proxy "https://proxyserver:port";

By following these steps, you can configure and manage proxy settings on your Linux system via the command line.

Where to find free proxies? We have a list here.

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How To Unblock Websites At School On Linux Without VPN (2024)

FAQs

How do I unblock blocked websites without a VPN? ›

Methods to Bypass Website Blocking
  1. Using Google Translate.
  2. Changing Your DNS Settings.
  3. Using a Web Proxy.
  4. Accessing Via IP Address.
  5. Using Tor Browser.
  6. Using URL Shorteners.
Jun 22, 2024

How do I unblock a website on Linux? ›

How do I unblock a website blocked by an administrator? You can use a VPN tool – like NordVPN – to restart your internet connection, reset your firewall, try a different browser (e.g., Tor Browser), or take advantage of a proxy server. However, a VPN is the surest way to bypass blocked or restricted websites.

How do I use a VPN if my school is blocked? ›

Send your VPN traffic through a proxy tunnel

To get around VPN blocks, you can use extra layers of security called SSL/TLS or SSH proxy tunnels. These make it easier for your VPN to dodge network barriers. SSL/TLS tunnel: Hides your VPN use, making it tough for anyone to spot and stop you.

How do I unblock a website that is blocked by an administrator? ›

You can unblock a site by connecting to a VPN. A VPN will change your IP address, which could help you get around a firewall.

How to bypass website block? ›

  1. Unblock websites using a VPN.
  2. Unblock websites using Tor.
  3. Unblock websites using a web proxy.
  4. Unblock websites using a browser extension.
  5. Use a URL shortener.
  6. Try switching protocols.
  7. Use web archive.
  8. Use Google translate.
Apr 5, 2024

How to unblock websites on school Chromebook goguardian? ›

Option 2: Using the Bypass Password
  1. Have a student navigate to the blocked site, or the site with a blocked iFrame.
  2. Have the student click the Bypass button and enter any bypass password then click Submit.

How to get past school blocks? ›

One of the easiest ways to unblock websites is with a public web proxy. It may not be as fast or secure as a VPN, but a public web proxy is a good option when you use public PCs that don't let you install a VPN. Proxies hide your IP address and route your internet traffic through different public servers.

How to bypass blocked sites on school chromebook? ›

Alternatively, simply type chrome://settings/content/insecureContent into the Google Chrome address bar. That will directly reach the page for adding or removing websites with insecure content. This way, you can reset the browser in one breath. This is also how to unblock all websites on school Chromebooks.

How to unblock a school computer? ›

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) The most reliable, safe, and effective way to unblock websites at school is to use a VPN. It can be difficult to access one if you're using a school computer, but if you're able to use a VPN at school then it is by far the best method for bypassing restrictions.

Is a VPN illegal in school? ›

It's not illegal to use a VPN at school.

Many schools also have rules that might prevent you from using a VPN while connected to the school's network. If your school allows VPNs, it's important to choose a trustworthy VPN like CyberGhost.

How to bypass blocked VPN? ›

One of the simplest ways to overcome a VPN block is by trying another server. VPN providers typically offer a wide range of servers, often with multiple options in the same country. By reconnecting to a different server, you may successfully bypass the VPN block.

How do I turn my school VPN off? ›

How To Turn Off a VPN on Windows
  1. Navigate to “Settings”
  2. Select “Network & Internet”
  3. Choose “VPN” from the menu on the left side of the screen.
  4. Identify and select the VPN connection you wish to disable.
  5. Finally, click on “Disconnect” to turn off the VPN.
Jun 4, 2024

How do I get rid of administrator block? ›

  1. Solution 1: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Program. ...
  2. Solution 2: Disable the Windows Smartscreen Feature. ...
  3. Solution 3: Unblock the File. ...
  4. Solution 4: Run the App with the Command Prompt. ...
  5. Solution 5: Make Changes to the Group Policy.
Jan 21, 2022

How to disable website blocker? ›

Turn off the ad blocker
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, select More. Settings.
  3. Select Privacy and security. Site settings.
  4. Under “Content,” select Additional content settings. Intrusive ads.
  5. Under “Default behavior,” select Any site you visit can show any ad to you.

How to remove browser restrictions? ›

Then, click on "Settings" and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Under "Restricted Mode," make sure the toggle is turned off. Go to your browser settings and clear your cache and cookies. This will erase any stored data, including cookies that may be interfering with strict mode.

How do I unblock a blocked website? ›

Top 4 Ways To Unblock Websites
  1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) VPNs are by far the most popular tool for unblocking websites. ...
  2. Use a Proxy Server. Like a VPN, a proxy also reroutes traffic through its own servers — but with a few key differences. ...
  3. Use a VPN/Proxy Browser Extension. ...
  4. Use Tor.
Apr 5, 2022

How to unblock websites on school computer without VPN or proxy? ›

If you want to unblock websites without using a VPN, here are 12 free things you can try.
  1. Navigate with the Tor browser. ...
  2. Employ a web proxy. ...
  3. Install a browser extension. ...
  4. Leverage a URL shortener. ...
  5. Try switching protocols. ...
  6. Access Google Cache. ...
  7. Utilize a dynamic IP address. ...
  8. Enter an IP address instead of a URL.
Jun 10, 2024

How do I get around blocked sites with VPN? ›

How To Unblock Websites Using a VPN
  1. Sign up for VyprVPN. ...
  2. Download VyprVPN and launch the application on your preferred device(s).
  3. Choose a server location. ...
  4. Click connect to gain access to a free and open Internet.
  5. Visit websites and social media sites, and experience the Internet without restrictions or blocks.

Is there a free VPN that unblock all websites? ›

The uVPN free browser extension uses strong encryption to protect all your traffic and hides your real IP address so you can access any blocked website, protect your data and surf the internet anonymously without any data limit. uVPN Chrome super unlimited proxy is the best way to be secure and private online.

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