How to Access a Blocked or Censored Website
Fact-checked on
In this article
Ever tried to open a website or app and got nothing? Sometimes it is your office or school network blocking it. Sometimes it is bigger: in Kenya, Telegram was blocked on several networks during the KCSE exams in 2023 and 2024. Here is how website blocking works and the main tools people use to get around it, plus the risks you should know first.
How websites get blocked
Networks block sites in different ways: blocking the site’s IP address, filtering web addresses (URLs), tampering with DNS (the “phone book” that turns a name like example.com into an address), or inspecting your traffic directly (deep packet inspection). The simple tricks only beat the simple blocks.
Option 1: Change your DNS
If a site is blocked through DNS, switching to a public DNS service can be enough. On Android 9 and later, go to Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS and enter a provider’s hostname (the exact menu name differs by phone brand). Well-known public DNS services include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8).
Option 2: Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in another place, so the local network cannot see which sites you visit. Choose a reputable paid VPN, or a free one from a trusted organisation. Be careful with unknown free VPN apps: some sell your data or contain malware.
Option 3: Use Tor Browser
Tor Browser is a free browser from the Tor Project. It bounces your connection through several volunteer-run servers around the world, which hides the sites you visit from your network and hides your location from the sites. Download it only from the official Tor Project website. On Android, the official app is “Tor Browser” on Google Play. If Tor itself is blocked, use its built-in “bridges” option to connect.
What about proxy websites?
A web proxy loads the page for you and shows it to you. Proxies are easy, but network admins block them quickly, and many free proxies are full of adverts, do not encrypt your data and can see everything you type. Never log in to email, banking or M-PESA services through a free proxy.
Tips and warnings
- VPNs, proxies and Tor slow your browsing down a little.
- Bypassing your employer’s or school’s network rules can get you disciplined, fired or expelled. Read your organisation’s IT policy first.
- Using these tools does not make illegal activity legal. Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act still applies.
- Keep your phone and computer updated and use strong passwords. For more on staying safe, read how to avoid being scammed online.
