What to do if content is not available in your area

1. Install the VPN plug-in for the desktop browser

Perhaps this is the easiest way to bypass the blocking. It is enough to install a VPN plug-in for your browser and enable the function while working with resources unavailable in the country.

Everything is elementary: you click on a button and the extension puts the browser into a special mode in which geographic restrictions do not apply. Once you have finished working with the unblocked site, you can turn off the VPN just as easily - with one click.

Pros. In addition to its simplicity, this method is convenient in that, most likely, you do not have to change your favorite browser. After all, popular Internet browsers support VPN plugins. In addition, such extensions encrypt traffic, which provides additional protection for user data on the Web.

Minuses. While free VPN services are available, most are paid subscriptions.

Free VPN Plugins for Chrome

Free VPN plugins for Firefox

Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy by Pango Inc. The developer

Windscribe - Free VPN and Ad Blocker by Windscribe Developer

VPN Free - Betternet VPN Proxy by Pango Inc. The developer

Free VPN plugins for Opera and Yandex Browser

Browsec browsec

DotVPN - better than VPN dotvpncom

Hola Free VPN Proxy Unblocker Hola Ltd

2. Use a browser with built-in blocking bypass

Some browsers are able to solve the blocking problem without third-party programs, thanks to the integrated VPN technology. For example, in the popular Opera it can be enabled in the settings, in the "Security" section. The VPN function also works in mobile versions of the browser: you simply download the application to your tablet or smartphone and enjoy the Internet without borders.

Opera Browser: Fast & Private Opera

Other browsers work with blocked sites through Tor. This technology is based on an intricate chain of servers through which encrypted traffic is transmitted anonymously. The Tor browser allows you to bypass Internet restrictions without additional configuration.

Tor Browser: Official, Private, & Secure The Tor Project

Onion Browser Mike Tigas

Pros. Free, ease of use and increased data security.

Minuses. If you're used to Chrome, Firefox, or whatever, you probably won't want to switch entirely to Tor or VPN browsers. In this case, you will have to use several browsers for different tasks.

3. Download the VPN app

Let's say your browser doesn't support plugins and doesn't have built-in VPN functionality. But you do not want to change it to another for the sake of fighting blocking. In this case, instead of a plug-in, you need a dedicated VPN software for Windows, macOS, Android or iOS. It will work the same way as an extension, but not only for the browser, but for any application on the computer. You can download this software from the sites of VPN-services.

Pros. VPN software not only opens access to blocked sites, but also allows you to use applications that are not available in your country.

Minuses. You will need to download and install additional software on your device. And, as mentioned above, not all, but many VPN services are paid.

Popular VPN services

Betternet →
HideMy.name →
TunnelBear →
ZenMate →

4. Use a proxy service

Another popular way to view blocked sites is by using a proxy. This is the name of an intermediary server that is located in another country and redirects your traffic through itself. If the desired site is not blocked in this area, then you will also get access to it through a proxy.

To use this technology, you need to go to the proxy service website, select a server in a suitable country, copy its parameters (IP and port) and add them to the browser according to the instructions on the website (example in the screenshot).