How to Bypass School Wi-Fi Restrictions and Firewalls
Schools and workplaces usually have computers that restrict you from visiting irrelevant sites. You may also find entertainment sites blocked on the school Wi-Fi. The purpose of these limitations is to help students focus on their studies and not get distracted.
Admins implement the network restrictions through web filtering software. When someone tries to open a website, the software checks the provided list and allows or denies access. On the other hand, Firewall is a system-based restriction that can block certain types of traffic or specific IP addresses.
These barriers are there for your benefit, but sometimes, taking a break from the daily routine is mind-refreshing. The tutorial teaches you how to bypass school firewalls and unblock Wi-Fi.
VPN apps are available that ensure privacy while avoiding all barriers. Unblock websites and bypass school firewalls without a VPN by surfing the Internet through the Tor Browser. You may use the Local Proxy or install proxy on Chrome, Safari & Firefox.
Add the Alternate DNS Server or search website with an IP address to trick the firewall. Remotely accessing another computer or creating an SSH tunnel can also let you overcome the hurdles. Google Translate, URL Shortener, Web Proxy, and Google Cache are quick solutions to get past Wi-Fi restrictions.
How to Bypass School Firewall and Wi-Fi Restrictions
Check out some of the best ways to bypass school Wi-Fi restrictions and firewalls with or without a VPN:
Method 1: Unblock Websites With ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best services that lets you browse the internet while maintaining complete secrecy. It establishes a secure connection where traffic goes through a secret tunnel, hiding you from your internet service provider.
Neither the firewall nor the Wi-Fi restriction can stop you from using the internet freely. Besides anonymity, ExpressVPN also prevents potential threats. It has over 3,000 servers in almost 105 countries, which ensures a fast, stable, and private connection.
Features:
- Streaming Platforms: ExpressVPN lets you access streaming sites, including Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more.
- Unlimited Bandwidth: You may download and upload files without data limitations.
- No-logs Policy: The Virtual private network does not record your online activity and personal information.
- Chat Support: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support through live chat.
- Platforms: Enjoy its premium VPN services across all platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, and MacOS.
- Money Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN allows you to get a refund within 30 days of purchase.
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Here are steps to bypass school restrictions with a VPN:
Step 1) Go to ExpressVPN’s website and subscribe to any premium package. Log in and choose the device OS to set up. You can download its mobile VPN app.
Step 2) Hit Download and copy the Activation Code. After installation, Paste the code and hit Continue.
Step 3) You can change the VPN server. Click on the current server location and choose one from the list.
Step 4) Click on the large power button to connect.
Note: ExpressVPN lets you control your internet traffic. You can block unwanted sites, ads, trackers, and more. Review the options and set the preferences according to your requirements.
Now, you can access blocked websites on the school Wi-Fi and Chromebook provided by the office.
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Method 2: Achieve Anonymity With Tor Browser
Tor browser is the best alternative to a VPN as it also offers anonymous browsing. It protects you from ISP tracking and restrictions. You may find several options claiming the same service. However, the Tor browser is the most dependable tool.
Tor stands for “The Onion Router. ” It is a network of volunteer servers spread across the planet that helps transmit the traffic. The multiple-layered encryption and data transfer through a series of nodes leaves no trace.
Here are steps to bypass firewalls without a VPN:
Step 1) Download the Tor browser according to your device’s operating system.
Step 2) Install it and run it on your computer.
Step 3) Select Connect to set it up on the system.
Step 4) Make sure you turn on the Onionize toggle.
Step 5) Now, you can type and search for whatever you want on the internet.
Method 3: Add Proxy to Hide From School Management
Proxy is similar to VPN, as it adds an intermediary server that retrieves the data on the internet on your behalf. Bright Data offers the most reliable service with the help of the largest number of proxies in the market. Its Internet Protocol (IP) address collection includes residential and mobile proxies.
You can use Bright Data proxy to research or simply access the geo-restricted content. Proxy servers allow you to browse websites as a local user. Before signing up, you should review the Bright Data website and check out its features to get a better understanding.
Features:
- Global Reach: Proxy service provider has more than 72 million IPs in over 195 countries.
- Diverse Networks: Bright Data provides a range of IP options, including mobile, residential, and data centers.
- User-Friendly: Bright data proxy servers are straightforward to set up and manage.
- Reliability: It delivers optimal performance with a success rate of 99.9%.
- Round-the-Clock Assistance: You can benefit from its 24/7 worldwide customer support.
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Here are steps to bypass the school firewall with Bright Data proxy:
Step 1) In Windows Settings, go to Network & internet.
Step 2) Locate Proxy settings from the list and tap on it.
Step 3) Hit the Set up button of the Use setup script for Automatic proxy setup.
Step 4) Paste the Script address and hit Save.
Note: You can get the script from the Bright Data dashboard. It will look something like this: my_proxy_server.com:9367
Method 4: Use an Alternate DNS Server
DNS servers translate the domain name you enter in the browser to an IP address. It makes communication between the device and the web server possible. By default, your ISP or Network administrator sets the DNS address, which allows them to block certain websites.
Changing the DNS settings can help you bypass internet restrictions and unblock websites. You can get the free DNS addresses of tech giants like Google and Cloudshare. However, it is unclear whether it can let you access blocked websites. In that case, you can rely on premium Smart DNS services, a combination of DNS and proxy.
Here are a few Free DNS Servers:
DNS Provider | Primary Address | Secondary Address |
---|---|---|
8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 |
OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
Control D | 76.76.2.0 | 76.76.10.0 |
Alternate DNS On Windows:
Step 1) Open the Control Panel app from the Start Menu.
Step 2) Locate the “View by” and set it to the Large icons. Then click on Network and Sharing Centre.
Step 3) On the left side, find Change adapter settings and open it.
Step 4) Another window will open. Right-click the connected network and choose Properties.
Step 5) On the new window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and hit the Properties button.
Step 6) Check the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option.
Step 7) Enter both the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server addresses. Then click OK.
Alternate DNS On Android:
Step 1) Navigate to the Connection & sharing section in phone settings.
Step 2) Tap on the Private DNS option.
Step 3) You can choose Auto or go for Private DNS provider hostname for manual entry.
Step 4) Enter the name in the manual setup and hit Save.
Alternate DNS On iOS:
Step 1) Configure DNS on iOS devices by going to Wi-Fi in iPhone settings.
Step 2) Tap the ‘i’ symbol next to the current network’s name.
Step 3) Scroll and hit on the Configure DNS section.
Step 4) Choose Manual and tap on Add Server.
Step 5) Enter the Server address and click Save.
Method 5: Access Blocked Site With Remote Access
Remote access to a computer is a perfect Wi-Fi bypasser to open anything on your school computer. Windows computers have the remote desktop connection app, allowing you to access one PC or server on another. There are also third-party apps available on the internet. You can use Google Chrome to use your desktop at home on the School Chromebook.
Here are steps to use Chrome Remote Desktop:
Step 1) Setup Chrome remote access on your home desktop.
Note: You must log in with your Google account, which you can use on your school computer. Additionally, download the extension of this Chrome feature.
Step 2) Login and click the available desktop on the School Chromebook.
Step 3) Enter the set pin for remote access and start using it.
Method 6: Type the Website’s IP Address
Whenever you enter a website name in the search, the web server reads its IP address to answer your query. Instead of entering human-readable domain names, try the website’s IP address. This technique will trick the website blocker used by the network admin. It may also bypass firewall restrictions.
Here are steps to retrieve the website’s IP address:
Step 1) Enter the website domain in the online IP address lookup tool.
Step 2) Copy and paste it into your browser’s address bar.
Method 7: How to Bypass Wi-Fi Restrictions Using Web Proxy Server
A Web proxy server enables you to unblock websites without a local proxy setup. Use it as a web tool; you only need to open their site and enter the blocked link. Public web proxies may not be fast and secure enough, but they could help you bypass a school’s firewall without a VPN.
Although it is better to acquire the premium service, you can find the free web proxy server. Mywebproxy offers dependable service. It is better because it has proxy types, including Residential, Mobile, and US ISPs with worldwide coverage.
Here are steps to access blocked sites through Mywebproxy:
Step 1) Copy the website link not opening on school Wi-Fi.
Step 2) Paste the link on the Mywebproxy site, and hit GO.
Link: https://www.mywebproxy.in/
Method 8: Try Google Translate For Blocked Sites
Other than translation, Google Translate has another important role to play. You can use it to access a blocked site on any computer. Entering the link on Google Translate will make it load the website.
Moreover, you can use it to translate the website content into any language. With these benefits, Google Translate becomes the best way to unblock school Wi-Fi without a VPN.
Here are steps to load blocked websites on Google Translate:
Step 1) Go to translate.google.com on your PC browser.
Step 2) Paste the link to a blocked site in the left box.
Step 3) Choose the language in which you wish to read the content.
Step 4) Click the link in the box on the right side.
A new tab will open with the web page. You can also interact with the website.
Method 9: Bypass the School Firewall With a URL Shortener
A URL shortener is one of the top picks to fix the restrictions imposed by schools. The blocking apps typically identify the website from its URL, but if you change it, you can bypass them. Several URL shorteners are available in the market; the most commonly used service is Bitly.com.
When you provide the website link, it will turn it into an unrecognizable URL. Type it in the address bar of your browser and hit Enter. If everything goes well, the site will load without any issues.
Method 10: Use the Saved Google Cache
You must be familiar with the cache saved on your mobile or computer. Google also keeps the temporary data of websites you visit to load them quickly when requested again. If you have visited a site in the past, you may use this technique. With Google Cache, you can only see the same old version.
Here are steps to load blocked websites using Google Cache:
Step 1) Google search the website you wish to visit.
Step 2) Click on the Options icon next to the URL.
Step 3) Hit the down arrow to reveal all options and click on Cached.
Step 4) The Website will load inside the Google page. You can also interact with it.
Method 11: Setup SSH Tunnel
The SSH Tunnel method is similar to proxy and VPN. You are required to have a little technical knowledge to execute this technique. In this method, you need to create an SSH server and control it remotely. All the internet traffic of your School computer will go through this server. Moreover, encryption is also essential to bypass school Wi-Fi restrictions without a VPN.
Method 12: How to Bypass School Wi-Fi using Chrome, Safari & Firefox
Browsers also allow tricks to avoid restrictions from the ISP, Network admin, and government agencies. Proxy is a great way to pretend to be someone else and not risk your privacy. You may manually add the proxy or use extensions on popular browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Follow the instructions given below for each of these browsers. Also, you should review the available proxies on the internet and use the one with good feedback. Bright Data could be your go-to solution in this case.
Google Chrome
Although Google Chrome also works with the system proxy, you may want to use it only for the browser.
Step 1) On the Chrome browser, click the three dots and navigate to Extensions > Visit Chrome Web Store.
Step 2) Search and download a proxy or proxy server extension.
Note: You will find free proxy servers as well. Choose the one that you find reliable.
Step 3) After the setup, you can browse the internet without worry.
Mozilla Firefox
Step 1) Launch Firefox on your computer.
Step 2) Go to Settings from the browser menu.
Step 3) Under General, scroll to Network Settings and click the Settings button.
Step 4) Check the Manual proxy configuration option. Enter all IP addresses and port numbers.
You can also choose the automatic configuration. Once done, click OK and start browsing.
Safari
Step 1) Access the Safari browser on your iOS or MacOS device.
Step 2) Go to Settings from the Safari tab.
Step 3) Under Advanced, select Change Settings next to the Proxies option.
Step 4) Check the proxy you want to edit.
Step 5) Add the server address in the required field. Then hit OK and Apply.