A virtual private network or VPN helps you avoid restrictions online. However, organizations, governments, ISPs, and websites sometimes block VPNs. To prevent the restrictions and handle VPN blocks, you need a trustworthy and high-rated VPN service. Doing so makes the VPN connection undetectable.
This article covers all there is to know about preventing sites from blocking your VPN.
Getting Around VPN blocks
You can prevent sites from blocking your VPN in different ways. Even with internet restrictions implemented, blocked sites can be accessed. For this, you need a trustworthy and secure VPN.
Here are the things you need to do to stop VPN blocks.
Choose a Reliable and Secure VPN
If you browse the internet, many VPN options are available, but not all can handle geo-blocks. This makes choosing a VPN a critical step. Consider the following when picking a VPN:
- A vast server fleet: The more servers available, the better. If one server fails to unblock the target site, you have more to try. There are higher chances of success this way.
- An array of tunneling protocols: You should always pick a VPN that has several tunneling protocol options. Some protocols like Wire Guard give fast speeds, which is ideal.
- Obfuscated servers: This means that the use of a VPN is hidden. This way, platforms, and sites are tricked into believing you’re in a region where the content is permitted. This allows unrestricted internet access.
Switch to Another VPN or Server
To prevent sites from blocking your VPN, you can try another server available on your VPN. If your provider offers different servers in different locations, reconnecting could be an excellent way to avoid the VPN blocks. You can select another country if you don’t mind the server location. If the VPN you’re using doesn’t seem to work even when you switch locations, consider getting a better one. The best VPN providers offer free trials, which can be tested before you commit.
Use Obfuscated Servers
Consider using stealth protocol or stealth mode. Obfuscated servers help you to avoid blocks. This is a suitable option for those in regions where ISPs conduct Deep Packet Inspections to find any VPN traffic. The servers can help connect the ports used by websites, email providers, and other essential services. These aren’t blocked in most cases.
The first thing to do here is to find a good VPN offering obfuscated servers. After a VPN is downloaded and installed, connecting is relatively easy. In some VPN options, an “Obfuscated servers” option can be toggled on.
Getting a Static/Dedicated IP Address
There are times when a VPN is blocked because of IP range blocking. In this case, you should get a dedicated IP address. This IP address is unique to you, making it less suspicious. Most VPN providers have the option to buy static IP. Monthly fees may be applicable.
Use Mobile Data Instead
Switching to mobile data could be the solution you’ve been looking for. It can bypass VPN blocks where workplace or school networks don’t allow VPN connections. You may not access the free Wi-Fi offered, but you will use VPN with no restrictions.
Change Your DNS Settings
Your ISP can set up blocks to restrict VPN server access. This can be prevented by modifying the DNS settings. Google and Cloudflare are popular DNS providers. Changing the settings may mean you don’t need a VPN if the block is at that level. Working without a VPN means traffic isn’t encrypted. You will only be able to access the websites that your ISP banned.
Set up a Manual VPN Connection
If your VPN is blocked, try a manual connection. This could be the solution you need. Try to set this up manually using the built-in VPN functionality. You may also use apps such as StrongSwan or OpenVPN Connect for this.
Taking this path is a good option. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. The positive side is that there’s almost a guarantee that websites can’t detect that a VPN is in use. This is especially true when your own network and hardware are used to set things up.
FAQs
Why do websites block VPNs?
This is done for various reasons, including workplace or school policy, copyrights, fraud prevention, legal issues, and political reasons.
Can you bypass VPN blocks using a free VPN?
It depends on the VPN being used. Generally, many free VPNs can’t bypass the restrictions. Free VPNs aren’t not recommended either. They could be run on outdated software because they’re free, meaning they don’t make profits. Consider a freemium VPN instead.
Can you tell when a site detects you are using a VPN?
Most VPN blocks are due to geographical location. This means you can’t access some websites connected to a VPN, like Hulu and Netflix. You’ll also get an error message informing you that you may be attempting to bypass set geo-restrictions.
Will my ISP notice if I use VPN?
This depends. An ISP sees IP addresses but may not know if they’re connected to a VPN. If they do, the VPN server restricts them from seeing your activity online.
Is bypassing VPN blocks illegal?
This depends on your region. Most regions embrace the use of VPNs. However, some regions either regulate the use of VPNs or ban them altogether. In such regions, bypassing the VPN blocks is deemed illegal. Service like online casinos prohibits VPNs.
Can a firewall block VPN?
Firewalls can block your VPN. However, this block can be bypassed when you use obfuscated servers. Note that firewalls need to be configured to block a VPN. It’s not a default setting.
Avoid VPN blocks for a Seamless Browsing Experience
Different methods can be used to avoid VPN blocks. However, you need a trustworthy VPN to guarantee that things go well. Choose a VPN with the best features to help you browse without detection, regardless of your location.
Have you had any experiences with VPN blocks? How did you handle the matter? Let us know in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.