1. Home
  2. VPN / Privacy
  3. Bypass vpn blocks
We are reader supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Read Disclosure

How to Bypass VPN Blocks: Guide to Unblocking Your Activity

With a little know-how, it’s relatively easy to bypass VPN blocks in most cases. In this article, we’ll show you how and why VPN blocks occur, then provide some techniques you can use to overcome these online obstacles. Finally, we’ll present four of the market’s most VPN providers with built-in unblocking tools to help you take back control of your Internet experience.

how to bypass VPN blocks guide

Why Trust AddictiveTips
Our expert team has rated and compared 30+ VPNs over a decade. As technology advances, we update our rigorous testing and scoring methodologies to match it and stay relevant.

The online world seems to get more dangerous and more complex every day. First, privacy experts reveal our internet data is being monitored, scanned, and sold to third parties. To fight against this the virtual private network industry stepped up to deliver encrypted connections and anonymous service. Websites and governments responded by blocking access to anyone using a VPN, further limiting our rights as online citizens. It’s a constant back and forth battle, and neither side can hold an indefinite victory.

The following providers have effective ways around unfair VPN blocks:

  1. NordVPNBest for VPN Blocks – NordVPN is the Swiss army knife of VPNs, with a setting, server, or configuration to bypass geoblocking, every VPN ban, or surveillance effort.
  2. Surfshark – Need to beat the Great Firewall of China or similar? Fire up Surfshark and let your app take care of the advanced config.
  3. ExpressVPN – A powerful encrypted network with modern tunneling protocols optimized for speed and security.
  4. IPVanish – Trusted by thousands of users the world over to deliver truly private connections to the free and open Internet
  5. VyprVPN – Lightweight apps and serious privacy provisions via the Chameleon protocol and a self-owned server network

Knowing how to bypass VPN blocks can be incredibly useful, and there are several proven methods to help you do it. By using the techniques below you can step over the censorship wall and use the internet without limitation.

Editor's Pick August 2026

Black Friday - 74% discount + 3 month's extra!

Why VPNs Get Blocked

VPNs are tools that help people stay private and anonymous online. They encrypt information normally transmitted in an open format, allowing everyone to surf, shop, and stream without worrying someone is stealing their data. If they protect people and add useful web browsing features, why on Earth would anyone block a VPN?

The truth is there are countless reasons why a VPN service would be blocked. Most of them are controversial in one way or another, which is why users keep looking for ways to sneak around the blockades to access the internet without hindrance. Below are some groups that commonly block VPN access.

Video streaming websites – Services like Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and others engage in what is known as geo-restricting their content. If you’re in the U.S., for example, you’ll have access to certain licensed videos. If you travel across the border to Canada or Mexico you’ll suddenly lose access to those movies. This region blocking can be bypassed using the server switching features of a VPN. For finer location targeting within the country, these US state connection steps can help, and if you specifically need access to Australia-only content, the Australian IP method can help, while Poland IP routing is useful for services limited to viewers in Poland, just as a Kuwait IP unblock guide can help with services limited to users in Kuwait. Readers looking for VPNs for Armenian users can also find similar country-specific guidance. In turn, many of these services block VPNs to maintain their hold on content. Netflix is one of the most aggressive companies that blocks VPNs.

Government censorship – Governments around the world have started censoring content within their borders, filtering out websites and services they feel are objectionable or counterproductive. Most citizens disagree with these decisions, of course, and turn to VPNs to regain their connection to an open, uncensored internet. The governments in turn block VPN services to retain their control. China has a worldwide reputation for heavily censoring its internet and actively blocking VPN services both within and without the country. Whether you need to keep TikTok unblocked, access other restricted platforms, or find a Canadian content block bypass, VPNs remain essential tools for bypassing government censorship.

Workplace filters – Corporations often block large numbers of websites in an effort to keep employees productive. It’s not uncommon to be unable to access Facebook, Google, Reddit, and a variety of social media websites from a work terminal. It’s often possible to use a VPN to bypass these blockades, which is why many companies have enabled VPN blocks. If you’re dealing with a managed office network, our GlobalProtect review guide offers useful context on one of the most common enterprise VPN systems.

School censorship – Universities frequently filter content from library and classroom computers, both to prevent students from accessing objectionable content and to protect minors from harmful materials. VPNs can bypass these restrictions with ease, which is why they’re usually blocked on school networks. If adult sites are part of what’s being filtered, these Pornhub access workarounds may help.

Other websites – Netflix isn’t the only service that blocks VPNs. A number of websites partially and fully forbid access to users who use VPNs, including Craigslist.

Comparison of the Best VPNs to Bypass VPN Blocks

VPNs
Average Speed
191.4Mbps
191.25Mbps
181.11Mbps
178.81Mbps
258Mbps
Countries
113
100
105
115
70
Servers
6800
3200
3000
2400
700
Uptime
99%
99%
99%
99%
99%
Log Policy
Logs Present
Logs Present
Logs Present
No Logs
No Logs
Live Chat Support
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
  • 24/7 Live Chat
Optimized for Torrenting
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Streaming Unblocked
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
  • Netflix,
  • Disney+,
  • Amazon Prime,
  • iPlayer,
  • YouTube,
  • Hulu
Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
7 Days Free Trial
30 Day Free Trial
No Free Trial
No Free Trial
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Connections
10
Unlimited
8
Unlimited
10 devices
Works in Your Country
Best Price
$2.99/month
$1.99/month
$6.67/month
2.99
$5.00

How to Choose a VPN That Can Bypass Blocks

Not every VPN is built to handle aggressive blocking. Before you commit to a provider, it’s worth knowing which features actually make a difference when a network is actively working to shut VPNs out. Here’s what to look for — and why each feature matters depending on your situation.

Obfuscation or stealth mode — This is the single most important feature for bypassing deep packet inspection (DPI), which is used by the Great Firewall of China, many corporate firewalls, and some streaming platforms. Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic so it looks like regular HTTPS traffic. Without it, sophisticated blockers can detect and drop your connection even if your IP isn’t blacklisted. Look for providers that offer this on all or most servers, not just a small subset.

Protocol flexibility — A VPN that only supports one protocol gives you nowhere to turn when that protocol is blocked. The best providers offer a mix of OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), WireGuard, IKEv2, and in some cases SSTP or proprietary protocols. Being able to switch between them is one of the fastest first-line fixes when a block kicks in.

Dedicated IP availability — Shared VPN IP addresses get blacklisted frequently because they’re used by thousands of people. A dedicated IP is assigned only to you, making it far less likely to appear on blocklists maintained by streaming services or corporate networks. This is particularly useful for accessing services that aggressively block known VPN IP ranges.

Large, frequently refreshed server network — A bigger network means more IP addresses in rotation, which makes it harder for blockers to keep up. Providers that regularly add new servers and retire flagged ones tend to maintain better access to geo-restricted content over time.

DNS leak protection and kill switch — These aren’t bypass tools directly, but they matter for safety. A DNS leak can expose your real location even when your VPN is active, and a kill switch ensures your traffic doesn’t revert to your unprotected connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly.

Mobile app support — If you’re bypassing blocks on a smartphone or tablet, you need a VPN with a full-featured mobile app that carries over the same obfuscation and protocol options available on desktop. Not all providers offer feature parity across platforms.

Responsive live support for restrictive regions — When you’re in a country where VPNs are heavily restricted, you may not have time to dig through documentation. A provider with 24/7 live chat staffed by people who understand censorship workarounds can make a real difference.

Which features matter most for your scenario:

  • Streaming blocks (Netflix, iPlayer, etc.): Prioritize a large server network, dedicated IP options, and a provider with a track record of staying ahead of streaming platform blocklists.
  • School or work networks: Protocol flexibility and obfuscation are most useful here, since these networks typically use port blocking or basic DPI rather than IP blacklisting.
  • Government censorship (China, Iran, UAE, etc.): Obfuscation is non-negotiable. Look for providers that specifically test and maintain access in these regions, with stealth protocols or obfuscated server modes available out of the box.

Recommended VPNs to Bypass VPN Blocks

How effectively a VPN is blocked often has more to do with the service itself rather than the government or business that’s blocking it. For example, if an agency throws a blanket over a range of IPs, a VPN service can get around this by changing the IP addresses they offer. This is especially true with things like Netflix blocks or powerful government level censorship efforts.

To keep your access to the internet as open and free as possible, use one of the VPNs below. These VPN’s are fast, reliable, easy to use, and offer the best connections and the best privacy features on the market. Each of these providers has been specifically chosen for its ability to bypass VPN blocks reliably across a wide range of scenarios. If you want to test another beginner-friendly option before committing, here’s how to get CyberGhost free trial.

1. NordVPN

Works in United States
4.5 / 5
NordVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
6800
Speed
Average of 191.4 mbps
Countries
113
Devices Supported
Up to 10
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Days Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
Standard at $2.99/month
Plus at $4.49/month
Complete at $5.49/month
Apps Available
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • SPECIAL OFFER: 2-yr plan (70% off – link below)
  • GooglePlay users rating: 4.3/5.0
  • Torrenting/P2P explicitly allowed
  • Based in Panama
  • Money back guarantee policy (30-days)
Cons
  • Some servers can be slow and unreliable
  • Apps can be a bit cumbersome to use

NordVPN has a ton of servers, and they’re all lightning fast. The network spans 7,400+ servers in over 118 countries, each finely tuned for great speeds and impressive levels of privacy. That number is constantly changing as NordVPN adjusts its operation to deliver better service.

With the incredible amount of choices at your disposal, you’ll always be able to find a fast, lag-free server that keeps your data safe and secure. If you need an extra layer of privacy, NordVPN also supports a multi-hop VPN method for routing traffic through more than one server. NordVPN also keeps you safe with DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, unmetered bandwidth, and free and anonymous access to torrent and P2P network downloads. It’s one of the most dependable options when you need to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive regions.

Some of NordVPN’s best features:

  • All-encompassing zero-logging policy covers everything from traffic to bandwidth, IP addresses, and even time stamps.
  • Obfuscated servers designed specifically to bypass deep packet inspection and defeat censorship in countries like China — enabled with a single toggle in the app.
  • Protocol flexibility including NordLynx (built on WireGuard), OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), and IKEv2, making it easy to switch when one protocol is blocked.
  • Dedicated IP option available as an add-on, reducing the risk of your IP being blacklisted by streaming services or corporate networks.
  • One of the best VPNs for reliable access to Netflix from any virtual location.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Works in United States
4.4 / 5
Surfshark
Top Features
Number of Servers
3200
Speed
Average of 191.25 mbps
Countries
100
Devices Supported
Up to Unlimited
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
24 Months at $2.69/month
1 month at $17.69/month
12 Month at $4.09/month
Apps Available
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Reliably unblocks Netflix US, UK, Japan, and more
  • Diskless server network ensures you leave no trace behind
  • Expansive anti-ad and anti-malware database constantly updated
  • Favorable BVI jurisdiction guarantees no logs kept
  • Helpful 24/7 live chat with an actual human being
Cons
  • Server network is not nearly as expansive as major competitors
  • Young VPN still has plenty of room to grow in terms of advanced functionality

Just like its mascot, Surfshark lurks beneath the surface of the internet, with myriad ways of casually bypassing even the harshest VPN blocks. First off, they employ the most effective tunneling protocols, which include OpenVPN, IKEv2, Shadowsocks, and even the cutting-edge WireGuard. And, shrouded in 256-AES-GCM cryptography, there’s very little out there capable of brute forcing its way into your VPN connection.

Of course, very little doesn’t mean nothing, as Egypt’s OpenVPN ban and the Great Firewall of China display. In cases of extreme internet censorship, Surfshark has a few aces hidden up its sleeve.

For one, every single one of their 3,200+ servers across 100 countries is capable of instantaneously enabling powerful obfuscation, which confounds deep packet inspection used by the Chinese government and Netflix alike. Moreover, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode detects network restrictions and auto-configures the best settings to bypass VPN blocks automatically.

Add to that RAM-only servers and a strong logging policy, and you have one of the best providers to bypass any VPN ban on earth.

3. ExpressVPN

Works in United States
4 / 5
ExpressVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
3000
Speed
Average of 181.11 mbps
Countries
105
Devices Supported
Up to 8
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
12 Months at $6.67/month
6 Months at $9.99/month
1 Month at $12.95/month
Apps Available
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
  • SPECIAL OFFER: 3 months free (49% off – link below)
  • Reliable and fast connections
  • Very simple and easy to use
  • No logging policy well enforced
  • 24/7 Customer Service
Cons
  • Slightly pricier than competition

ExpressVPN is fast, easy to use, and offers incredible access in areas like China, Russia, and the Middle East. The service operates a network of 3,000+ servers in 105 different countries, each one delivering amazing speed test results to cities around the world.

Your activities are protected by 256-bit AES encryption, zero traffic logs, and built-in protection against DNS leaks. ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is optimized for both speed and reliability, and the service includes obfuscation that activates automatically when it detects a restrictive network. No matter where you live or where you travel, ExpressVPN gives you a fast and secure connection you can depend on to bypass VPN blocks wherever they appear.

A few things that we love about their service:

  • Reliable access to Netflix, both the website and Netflix apps, despite the service’s constant attempts to block VPNs.
  • Extremely easy to use apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.
  • Unlimited bandwidth and no restriction on P2P or torrent downloads.
  • Superb 24/7 customer support via chat or e-mail.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. IPVanish

Works in United States
3.9 / 5
IPVanish
Top Features
Number of Servers
2400
Speed
Average of 178.81 mbps
Countries
115
Devices Supported
Up to Unlimited
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
2-Year Plan at $2.99/month
1-Year Plan at $3.49/month
Monthly at $12.99/month
Apps Available

Bypassing censorship blocks is what IPVanish does best, and it does it with incredible speed. IPVanish operates a network of over 2,400 servers in 90+ different locations. This makes it easy to find a lag-free, low populated server close to your physical location. All traffic is encrypted with 256-bit AES protocols to ensure third parties can never get a peek at your data. There’s also DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and a great zero traffic logging policy. The service supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP, giving you meaningful protocol flexibility when one option gets blocked.

IPVanish also includes the following features:

  • Intuitive custom software for all devices, including smartphones, Chromebooks, and tablets.
  • Unlimited and anonymous Kodi streaming and torrent downloads.
  • Extremely fast servers located around the world.

Read our full IPVanish review.

5. VyprVPN

Works in United States
3.8 / 5
VyprVPN
Top Features
Number of Servers
700
Speed
Average of 258 mbps
Countries
70
Devices Supported
Up to 10 devices
24/7 Live Support
Yes
Money Back Guarantee
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Streaming Sites Unblocked
Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
Torrenting
Yes
Exclusive Deals
Best Deal
12 Month Plan at $5.00/month
1 Month Plan at $9/month
Apps Available

Privacy is the key operating factor of VyprVPN. The company owns and operates its entire network of servers across 70+ different locations. This gives them an incredible amount of control over hardware configurations and custom software. It also keeps third parties out of the picture, which is perfect for any business with an eye on security.

VyprVPN also makes headlines with an incredible protocol known as Chameleon. This unique feature scrambles the meta data in each packet of information, a process that prevents deep packet inspection to defeat even the toughest VPN-blocking firewalls. Chameleon is VyprVPN’s proprietary obfuscation solution, specifically developed to maintain access in restrictive environments like China and the Middle East where standard VPN traffic is actively detected and blocked. With Chameleon in place you’ll be able to securely bypass VPN blocks and access the internet no matter where you travel, even in areas with tight censorship laws like China or the Middle East.

VyprVPN includes the following features:

  • Support for a wide variety of operating systems, including desktops, Android, and iOS smartphones.
  • Defeat ISP throttling to maintain a fast connection at home, work, or abroad.
  • Zero logging policy covers both traffic and DNS requests.

Read our full VyprVPN review.

How VPN Blocks Work

There are dozens of ways to block access from users on a VPN, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Many times these methods are layered on top of each other to build an even stronger wall against VPNs. All have workarounds that either you or your VPN provider can enact. For more detailed information on specific VPN services and their blocking mechanisms, check out our Urban VPN blocking guide.

Blocking VPN websites – If you can’t access the VPN’s website, you can’t download the VPN. This is a basic form of VPN blocking that is surprisingly common and fairly easy to circumvent.

IP blocks – VPNs assign their own IP addresses to your devices whenever you connect. These aren’t associated with your name or account in any way, which helps keep you anonymous. They can, however, be used to block your access. All a network administrator or ISP has to do is forbid the range of IPs operated by your VPN and you’ll be effectively locked out. This is one of the most common methods of blocking VPNs, but it’s also one of the easiest to work around.

Deep packet inspection – One of the more technically advanced forms of VPN blocking. Deep packet inspection takes a close look at the encrypted packets of information sent from each source. By analyzing the encryption methods an ISP can determine if the data was encrypted by a VPN, making it easy to block. DPI doesn’t break the encryption or read your data, it just looks at the meta information, kind of like scanning the address on an envelope someone dropped in the mail.

Port blocking – The internet works by sending data through a variety of ports, just like cars driving through a tunnel. The standard for web traffic is port 80, so if an ISP or network administrator blocked this port, no internet traffic could get through. The protocol most often used by VPN providers is OpenVPN, which travels through port 1194. A common way to block VPNs is to stop all traffic from this and a few other related ports. Good VPN software allows you to adjust ports and protocols, making this a pretty easy VPN blocking method to work around.

How to Bypass VPN Blocks

Most VPN blocking methods explicitly tell their users that their activity has been stopped. It’s easy to see when your VPN has been blocked, but it’s not so easy to find the methods used to achieve this. Learning how to bypass VPN blocks will take a bit of trial and error. The most effective approach is to work through the methods below in order — start simple, and only move to the more advanced techniques if the easier fixes don’t work.

1. Switch to a Different Server or Location

Helps with: IP blacklisting

This is always the first thing to try, and it takes less than a minute. If your current VPN server’s IP address has been blacklisted — which happens frequently with streaming services and some workplace filters — connecting to a different server in the same country or a nearby one will often restore access immediately. Most VPN apps let you do this with a single tap or click.

If you’re dealing with government-level censorship, switching to a server in a less-restricted neighboring country may also help. The key point is that IP blacklisting targets specific addresses, not your VPN software itself, so a fresh IP is often all you need.

2. Switch VPN Protocols

Helps with: Port blocking, DPI

Different VPN protocols travel over different ports and behave differently on the network. If one protocol is being actively blocked or throttled, switching to another can make an immediate difference. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available and when to use it:

  • OpenVPN TCP over port 443 — A strong first alternative when your default protocol is blocked. Because port 443 handles standard HTTPS traffic, blocking it entirely would break most of the web for everyone on the network, making it a less likely target.
  • WireGuard — Extremely fast and increasingly well-supported, but it uses UDP by default, which some firewalls block more aggressively. If WireGuard isn’t working, try switching to OpenVPN TCP.
  • IKEv2 — A solid choice for mobile users, as it handles network switching well. Available in most premium VPN apps.
  • SSTP — Uses port 443 natively and is designed to pass through firewalls, though fewer VPN providers support it.

Most VPN apps include a protocol selector in their settings menu. If your VPN is set to “auto,” try manually selecting a protocol to test each one.

3. Enable Obfuscation or Stealth Mode

Helps with: DPI, government censorship, school/work firewalls

If switching servers and protocols doesn’t work, the block is likely using deep packet inspection to identify your traffic as VPN traffic regardless of what port or protocol you use. This is common in China, Iran, and on enterprise-managed networks.

The solution is obfuscation — a feature that disguises your VPN traffic so it looks like ordinary HTTPS browsing to any system inspecting it. Different providers name this feature differently:

  • NordVPN calls them Obfuscated Servers, available as a toggle in the settings menu.
  • Surfshark uses NoBorders mode, which activates automatically when the app detects a restrictive network.
  • VyprVPN calls its solution the Chameleon protocol, which scrambles packet metadata to defeat DPI.
  • ExpressVPN applies obfuscation automatically via its Lightway protocol on networks where it’s needed.

Check your VPN app’s settings for an obfuscation, stealth, or camouflage option. This is one of the most effective fixes for deep packet inspection and is worth enabling before moving to more complex solutions.

4. Try a Dedicated IP

Helps with: IP blacklisting

Shared VPN IP addresses are used by many people simultaneously, which makes them easy to identify and block — streaming services and corporate network admins maintain constantly updated blocklists of known VPN IP ranges. A dedicated IP is assigned exclusively to your account, meaning it behaves more like a regular residential or business IP address and is far less likely to appear on those lists.

Many premium VPN providers offer dedicated IPs as an optional add-on. If you’re regularly hitting blocks on a specific service like Netflix or a work system, a dedicated IP is often one of the most reliable long-term fixes.

5. Change VPN Traffic Ports

Helps with: Port blocking

In the case of VPN blocks preventing traffic through certain ports, you can often restore access by simply switching the port your software uses. The method for doing this will vary depending on your provider’s configuration, but it only takes a few moments to try. If your VPN doesn’t offer a preconfigured list of ports, try the ones below.

  • TCP port 443 — The port commonly used by HTTPS traffic, which is employed by online shopping websites, e-mail providers, banking websites, and more. This is generally the better first test because blocking it would disrupt normal encrypted web traffic for everyone on the network — though it is not guaranteed to work in all cases.
  • TCP port 80 — The common port used by standard HTTP traffic. It can still be blocked, redirected, or deprioritized by restrictive networks, and most deep packet inspection systems quickly identify VPN traffic passing through it. It’s worth testing, but don’t rely on it as a guaranteed fix.

The practical approach is to test both port and protocol combinations rather than assuming any single option will always work. A port that functions on one network may be blocked on another, so be prepared to try a few variations.

6. Use SSH or SSL/TLS Tunneling, Shadowsocks, or Tor

Helps with: DPI, government censorship

If the simpler fixes above haven’t resolved the issue, these more advanced methods add extra layers of disguise or routing to your traffic. They’re more complex to set up but highly effective in heavily restricted environments.

Can’t Access a VPN’s Website

If you’re traveling to a country that blocks VPNs, the best solution is to download and install your VPN before you leave. If you simply can’t do this, look for alternate locations for downloading the VPN’s software, such as app marketplaces and the like. Failing that, use one of the following methods to access the VPN website and start your download:

  • Use Google Translate as a makeshift proxy. Type the URL in the box, select any source language, then click the link that appears on the right.
  • Use a service like QuickProx, which allows you to access a website through an anonymizing proxy.
  • Use the Tor Browser to access the site and download the software (see below for more information).
  • Use a proxy web browser to anonymously access blocked VPN websites and download the necessary software.

Create an SSH Tunnel

SSH tunnels (Secure SHell tunnels) are a clever method of wrapping data packets in an extra layer of encryption so they can slip through VPN blockades undetected. SSH is widely used to transfer files securely from one computer to another, but the technology can easily be repurposed for regular online traffic. It’s a little slower than other methods, but it’s extremely effective when you need to bypass VPN blocks in heavily restricted environments.

To get started with SSH tunnels you’ll need to do a bit of research. It’s easy to make an SSH tunnel on Linux as well as Mac, but Windows users will have to do some extra configuration. Learn everything you need to create an SSH tunnel to hide your VPN traffic on any operating system.

Use an SSL/TLS Tunnel

Somewhat similar to the method above, SSL tunnels (Secure Socket Layer tunnels) utilize the secure port 443 and wrap data in an extra layer of encryption provided by the SSL protocol. This is in addition to the VPN’s encryption, but because SSL encryption is “on top”, it’s difficult to determine that the packets are VPN traffic, which lets you bypass VPN blocks without any issues.

To take advantage of an SSL tunnel you’ll need to download and use the stunnel software. It’s not easy or quick to set up, and you’ll need a fair amount of technical knowledge and command line skill to pull it off. Some VPNs offer SSL tunneling through their custom apps, though this is extremely rare.

Use Shadowsocks (SOCKS5 Proxy)

Shadowsocks is an open source proxy application widely used in China, Russia, Iran, and throughout the Middle East to circumvent government level censorship. The tool is essentially a proxy that uses SOCKS5, a method of sending data through a private tunnel protected by a firewall. It’s surprisingly effective at helping users bypass VPN blocks, and it’s completely free to use.

Bypass VPN Blocks on Smartphones

Most of the methods above either work better on desktop computers or are exclusive to Windows, Mac, and Linux environments. If you need to bypass VPN blocks through your Android or iOS connection, your options are somewhat limited.

In the case of VPN blocking at school or work, you can easily circumvent the issue by activating mobile data to maintain mobile VPN connectivity. If you’re setting up a VPN on Apple hardware for the first time, this iPhone VPN install guide can help. Severing your connection to the local Wi-Fi network makes it extraordinarily easy to access the sites you want, all without having to fuss with bypassing the VPN blockade.

If mobile data isn’t possible, which is the case with government level censorship, try the following solutions to bypass VPN blocks on your mobile device.

  • Use the mobile version of the Tor Browser (more information below). Use these instructions on how to install Tor for Android and how to install Tor for iOS to get started.
  • Switch ports through your VPN software. The method varies depending on your provider, so check their support page for details on how to do this.
  • Use a Shadowsocks client, available for both iOS and Android.

RELATED READING: How to pretend you’re in a different country with a VPN

Using Tor to Bypass VPN Blocks

The Tor Browser is an incredibly powerful anonymizing service that leverages the Tor network and onion routing to turn your traffic into heavily encrypted untraceable data. Tor works by sending information through a network of servers, each of which blindly passes packets across nodes until it reaches its final destination. The end result is a connection to the internet that bypasses most VPN blocks and provides access to data that can’t be tracked to yourself or your location.

To utilize the Tor network, all you have to do is download the Tor Browser, open it up, and start surfing. The downside to this is you’ll have an incredibly slow connection due to all the encryption and traffic re-routing. You also won’t be able to download large files, stream videos, or download torrents. Tor itself is even blocked in some areas, so the solution isn’t 100% reliable.

Learn more about how to download and use the Tor Browser.

Is it Legal to Bypass VPN Blocks?

This is a broad question that doesn’t have a simple answer. Generally speaking, using various encryption methods to bypass VPN blocks isn’t illegal in most countries. What you do after bypassing a VPN block can be another story, though. When choosing a VPN provider, it’s important to consider factors like Avast SecureLine privacy features and how they handle your data.

Some countries have laws in place that allow governments to take special action if someone sneaks through a VPN block and commits an objectionable act. For example, if a social media site is banned and a user accesses it anyway, legal action could be taken. Countries like China, Iran, United Arab Emirates, and other places in the Middle East frequently toy with laws of this nature, so be sure you check the local regulations thoroughly before using the methods listed above.

Bypassing VPN blocks in schools, universities, and workplaces usually doesn’t have any negative legal consequences. You can, however, violate their own regulations and end up losing your job or getting expelled. This isn’t all that likely to happen, but it does mean you should be extra cautious when you bypass website restrictions and purposeful VPN blockades.

How to get a FREE VPN for 30 days

If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.