How to Access Blocked Websites on a Chromebook

Is your research prematurely canceled when the site you're trying to view is blocked on the Chromebook your school lent you? Schools usually block sites to keep students from viewing mature content, prevent distractions, and limit the information students can access. Read on to learn more about unblocking sites on a Chromebook.

Note: Removing any restrictions or changing your Chromebook in any way may go against your school's policies and can result in negative consequences.

Freely Browse Websites on Your Chromebook

Use a web proxy or proxy server to access blocked websites.
Try adjusting your Chrome settings.
Use the website's IP address instead of the URL to access it.
Try accessing the site via Google Translate.

Section 1 of 8:

Will a VPN work?

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While it depends on the school, most schools have their Chromebooks set up so you can't use a VPN on them. Additionally, a VPN won't stop the school from blocking incoming traffic from certain websites, as the school's Wi-Fi will still see that someone is trying to access a blocked site on that network. VPNs are used to protect external sources (like the websites themselves, as well as hackers and middlemen) from seeing your actual IP address.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 8:

Use a Web Proxy

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Although less secure than a VPN, proxy servers can be used in your web browser. Proxy servers are online sites that offer to view other sites on your behalf, so IP addresses aren't blocked. The traffic through proxies is not encrypted, so your online activity isn't anonymous. Try a website like proxysite.com.
You might need to scroll all the way down the page to find the text field for the URL you want to visit.
Remember that your online activity isn't anonymous and can be tracked.

Section 3 of 8:

Use a Proxy Server

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1
Open Settings. To do so, click the time at the bottom of your Chromebook's screen, then select Settings.^{[2]
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Research source} You can find reputable and reliable proxy servers online, including Smartproxy; however, they aren't very reliable, nor are they private.
- You'll most likely need to pay to use a proxy server, unlike free website proxies, but you will be able to get around most website blocks this way.
- You can proceed with this section once you have all the necessary information to set up a proxy server.
This opens new options.
You'll see a list of all the available Wi-Fi networks.
This will allow you to click more options.
You'll see more drop-down options.
6
Click the toggle next to "Allow proxies for shared networks". The toggle will be colored and pointing right to indicate that it's enabled.
- After toggling this option, click Confirm.
It's the last option on the menu.
Once you enter this information, you should be able to browse freely on your Chromebook.

Section 4 of 8:

Use Chrome Settings

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1
Open Settings in Chrome. To do this, click the vertical three-dot menu on the upper right corner of the window, then select Settings.^{[3]
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- Alternatively, go to chrome://settings in Chrome.
It's in the menu on the left side of the window.
It's the last option in the "Privacy and security" section.
You'll need to scroll down to find this option under the "Content" section header.
5
Click Insecure Content. You'll see it next to a triangle with an exclamation mark inside.
- Alternatively, open Chrome and enter chrome://settings/content/insecureContent into the address bar to go directly to this page.
If you see a site listed under "Not allowed to show insecure content", click the three dots next to the site's name and click Remove. Click Add under "Allowed to show insecure content" to add sites that you want to visit.

Section 5 of 8:

Reset Chrome Permissions

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1
Go to a site that's blocked. Doing this will erase any settings that the administrator made that blocks Chrome from displaying content deemed dangerous.
2
Click the "i" button in the address bar. It's the button directly to the left of the URL, and it has an icon of an "i" in a circle.
3
Click Site settings. This will open a new page.
4
Click Reset Permissions. It's near the top of the page, to the right of the "Permissions" heading and underneath the "Usage" section. When prompted, click Reset to confirm your choice.

Section 6 of 8:

Use a Site's IP Address

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1
Press Ctrl+Alt+T. This keyboard shortcut opens Terminal so you can find the IP address of a website.
- Websites, like wikipedia.org, are easier to remember than their IP counterparts, which are a jumble of numbers and periods. Some schools block the actual name of the website instead of the IP address, which is how you'll try accessing it.
2
Type PING and the website you want to access. For example, if you want to know the IP address of Wikipedia, you'd enter PING www.wikipedia.org.
- Remember to press Enter on your keyboard to send the command!
- You'll find the website's IP address in parentheses after the website's name.
If your school didn't block the site's IP address, the site will load on your computer.

Section 7 of 8:

Use Google Translate

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Similar to a free proxy site, you might be able to use Google Translate to view the website you want to access.
You should be able to see the website you're trying to access.

Section 8 of 8:

Use a Mobile Hotspot

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Turn on your hotspot and connect your Chromebook. If you pay extra for a hotspot (more information about hotspots here), you can enable it in Settings > Connections. Then you can connect your Chromebook to it in your network settings.
- Sometimes it's the school's router that blocks you from accessing certain sites while you're on school property. Using a mobile hotspot will eliminate your school's router block and allow you to go to any site you want.

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Warnings

Your school's IT department can monitor all web traffic on the school's network. If you manage to get around your school's website restrictions, your school will still be able to see that you're accessing a blocked site. This could lead to serious consequences.

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To understand what consequences you could be facing, check your school's Chromebook, internet, and/or technology policies.

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