Is Google Chrome blocking the sites you want to visit? We’ve all been there, and it’s not fun. While this can be due to Chrome’s protection system, which is designed to keep you safe, it can also prevent you from accessing legitimate sites and valuable information.
Whether it’s network restrictions, regional rules, or content filters behind the block, there’s a way to get around it and unblock the sites you want to access.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective methods to access blocked sites in Chrome, legally and safely - on both desktop and mobile.
Identify the type of block
The first step to unblocking sites in Google Chrome is to find out the reason behind it. The problem can come from Chrome’s own settings, network restrictions, geo-restrictions, or the target site itself.
Here are a few simple checks to find out:
- Try opening the site in Incognito Mode. If it works there, the block is probably caused by one of your extensions or cached settings.
- Disable extensions temporarily. Turn them off one by one to see if any of your extensions is causing the problem.
- Try a different network connection or browser. If it works elsewhere, it’s not the site but either your network or Chrome settings.
- Check if the blocked website is region-restricted. If Google says your target website is not available in your country, it’s not Chrome but geo-restrictions.
Chrome-specific fixes
Here are six methods that can help you unblock a website in Google Chrome.
1. Change your DNS
Web browsers like Google Chrome interact through IP addresses, which are unique identifiers for every device and server online. DNS, or Domain Name System, translates domain names to IPs.
In other words, when you search for a particular website in Chrome, DNS translates it to a machine-friendly IP address so your browser can locate and load the target webpage.
Sometimes, your ISP or network can block certain websites by changing its DNS server settings for those websites. To get around this, try changing your DNS server. You can change it on your OS, within your browser, or via your router.
Switch to Google Public DNS, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, or any other reliable public DNS to see if this helps you unblock the websites you want.
2. Try the IP address directly
Aside from domain names, websites also have their own IP addresses. So instead of searching for its usual URL, you can try to access it by entering the site’s IP address into Google Chrome’s address bar.
Here’s how to find a website’s IP on different OS:
- On Windows - open Command Prompt and type:
nslookup example.com
or
ping example.com
- On macOS/Linux - open Terminal and run:
dig +short example.com
or
nslookup example.com
You can also use online tools to find a site’s IP with a click of a button. Just search for “Website IP lookup” or “Domain IP Lookup” and you’ll find many options, such as NsLookup.io or DNS Checker. Enter your target website’s URL in the designated field, hit ‘Find IP’, and you’ll see the site’s IP instantly.
However, this method doesn’t work for all websites. These can be sites that hide their IPs, share one IP for many domain names, or are behind CDNs or security services.
3. Use cached or archived pages
If you can’t reach a website, you can use the Wayback Machine. This internet archive lets you reach a copy of your target webpage. Just enter the blocked URL in its search bar, hit ‘Browse History’, and you may access an archived version of the blocked content you need.
4. Use a proxy server
Proxy servers have their own IP addresses, so when using one, you’re actually routing your web requests through its own IP instead of yours. This allows you to get around any blocking rules set for your real IP, whether due to geo-blocking, network restrictions, or content filtering.
While you can use proxy sites that fetch blocked content for you, they are often slow, unsafe, and loaded with ads.
Proxies from premium providers are a much faster, safer, and more reliable way to unblock the content you need. They usually offer private, ethically sourced IPs for smooth connections, an ad-free experience, and minimal risk of blocks.
You can configure them directly in Google Chrome to route all your browser traffic through their IPs. And with residential proxies, which have rotating IPs, you can basically get a new IP for each request and stay undetected.
Here’s how to configure their settings in Chrome on Windows:
- Launch Chrome and click the three-dot menu icon
- Click on ‘Settings’
- Select ‘System’ from the menu on the left
- Click ‘Open your computer’s proxy settings’
The remaining configuration is OS-specific. Here’s how to configure your proxy manually on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux.
MarsProxies is a great example of a premium service offering reliable IPs at budget-friendly prices. You can order a single IP or GB, or as much as you need, and enjoy advanced features like global coverage, precise geo-targeting, non-expiring traffic, and unlimited bandwidth.
Join the MarsProxies Discord channel to stay up-to-date with the latest updates and discover more unblocking tips from the community.
5. Use a VPN
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, can also route your web requests through a remote server using its own IP. This way, they can help you unblock your target website if the problem is tied to your original IP or internet connection.
However, VPNs encrypt your traffic and assign a single shared IP per connection. The encryption means strong protection, but it also reduces connection speeds.
You can choose between Chrome VPN extensions and full system VPNs.
With a VPN extension, only your Chrome traffic goes through the VPN connection. On the other hand, a full-system VPN routes all your device’s online activity through the same VPN connection or IP address.
Keep in mind that while free VPNs can help you unblock some websites, they also come with restricted server locations, speed limits, and privacy risks. Also, some platforms block traffic from popular VPN IP ranges, making paid or less popular VPNs a better choice.
6. Install a Chrome extension
Both VPN and proxy browser extensions can help you unblock restricted websites, as long as they come from reliable providers. This method can help you avoid any restrictions imposed by your network administrator, ISP, or even regional content filters, without changing system-wide settings.
Here’s how to find and install an extension on Google Chrome safely:
- Search for “VPN” or “proxy” in the Chrome Web Store
- Check the developer name and make sure it matches the official provider’s website
- Read user reviews and ratings to ensure it’s reliable and efficient
- Review requested permissions before installing and avoid options asking for full data access unless absolutely necessary
- Click ‘Add to Chrome’ to install and enable it from the puzzle icon in your toolbar
Always avoid unknown or poorly rated options, as some free tools may log data, inject ads, or compromise your privacy.
Is it legal and safe to unblock sites in Chrome?
Whether or not it’s legal to access blocked websites depends on your location and intent. For example, countries like China and Russia block certain sites, so unblocking them in those regions may be considered illegal.
But even if you’re somewhere else, bypassing restrictions set by your workplace, school, or government may also get you in trouble, so you should be careful.
Also, free tools are often unsafe. They can come with hidden risks like logging your browser activity, injecting ads, or even leaking your personal data.
Therefore, always use premium, trusted services and make sure you’re using these unblocking methods responsibly. And most importantly, don’t use the unblocked content for any malicious or illegal purposes to stay safe.
Quick tips for mobile vs desktop users
Most of these unblocking tools and methods work for both desktop and mobile users, no matter the OS. However, the mobile version of Chrome doesn’t support extensions.
Instead, you can use a VPN app, a browser with built-in VPN like Opera or Brave, or configure proxy settings directly in your mobile OS.
Whether you’re on a desktop, iOS device, or Android, site permissions or corrupt cookies can be another reason why you can no longer access your favorite website on Chrome. So you can also try deleting all locally stored on-device data for the blocked website to start fresh.
Conclusion
Unblocking websites can be easy with the right tools and methods. You can start with simple fixes like changing your DNS or accessing a site via its IP address, and move on to premium proxies or VPNs if needed.
Choose the method that works best for your device, location, and target website, and always use unblocking tools legally and responsibly. For reliable access and seamless connection, use MarsProxies’ trusted IP addresses from anywhere in the world.
Can I unblock a specific site just for myself?
Yes. You can unblock a certain website while still being restricted to others, whether due to network restrictions or geo-blocking. You can do that by using any of the methods and tools covered in this guide, such as changing your DNS settings or using a proxy server.
What if Chrome or my network blocks proxies?
You can reset Chrome’s settings to their defaults, check for malware or browser extensions that may be causing the problem, and troubleshoot your network connection. If none of this works, contact your network administrator for help, use a different IP, or try another unblocking method.
Can Chrome policies block VPNs or proxies from working?
Yes. On work or school devices, administrators can enforce Chrome policies that restrict the use of these tools. These policies can prevent the installation of certain extensions, block proxy configurations, or even detect and restrict VPN traffic.
Do VPNs or proxies slow down browsing in Chrome?
Both of these tools route your traffic through a remote server, which can affect your browsing speed. However, VPNs encrypt your traffic, so they usually slow down your connection even more.
On the other hand, proxies skip encryption, making them a faster option, especially when sourced from a reliable, premium provider.
How can I check if my VPN or proxy hides my IP and DNS?
You can use an IP checking website like WhatIsMyIP to see if your IP address and location have changed. To check for DNS leaks, visit a site like BrowserLeaks or IPleak.
