How to Access Blocked Websites on Mac: 6 Proven Methods

Learn how to unblock websites on your Mac using VPNs, proxies, Tor, and built-in macOS features. Complete guide to bypass censorship and access restricted content safely.

6 Methods
VPN Recommended
Mac-Specific
2025 Updated

Important Legal Notice

Always respect local laws and institutional policies when accessing blocked websites. This guide is for educational purposes and legitimate use cases such as accessing information, bypassing overly restrictive filters, or protecting your privacy.

Method 1: Use a VPN (Most Effective)

Most reliable and secure method for all types of blocks

VPN for Website Unblocking

Best for: All types of blocks, workplace restrictions, geo-blocking

A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through servers in different locations, making it appear you're browsing from elsewhere.

  • • Bypasses most types of blocking
  • • Encrypts your internet traffic
  • • Works with all apps and browsers
  • • Fast and reliable connections

Best VPN for Mac

NordVPN is our top recommendation: 5,500+ servers in 59 countries, native macOS app, obfuscated servers for tough blocks.

VPN Setup Process

Time required: 5-10 minutes
  1. 1. Choose a VPN service (we recommend NordVPN)
  2. 2. Sign up and download the macOS app
  3. 3. Install and log in with your credentials
  4. 4. Choose a server where the website isn't blocked
  5. 5. Connect and access the previously blocked website

Method 2: Use Proxy Servers

Free but less secure option for basic unblocking

Web Proxies

Best for: Quick access, no installation required

Access through your browser with no software installation. Examples include HideMyAss Web Proxy and ProxySite.

Proxy Limitations

Limited security and privacy, may not work with all websites, and can be slow.

macOS Proxy Configuration

Path: System Settings → Network → Advanced → Proxies

Configure proxy servers directly in macOS network settings for system-wide proxy usage.


Method 3: Use Tor Browser

Maximum anonymity but slower speeds

Tor Browser Setup

Best for: Maximum anonymity, censorship circumvention

Tor routes traffic through multiple encrypted relays, providing strong anonymity but with significantly slower browsing speeds.

  • • Download from official Tor Project website
  • • Routes through multiple encrypted nodes
  • • Bypasses most censorship systems
  • • Very slow browsing speeds

Method 4: Change DNS Servers

Simple method for DNS-based blocking

Public DNS Configuration

Path: System Settings → Network → Details → DNS

Popular public DNS servers that may bypass DNS blocking:

  • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
  • Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
  • Quad9: 9.9.9.9, 149.112.112.112
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220

Method 5: Browser Extensions

Quick browser-specific solutions

Proxy Extensions

Available for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

Install proxy extensions for quick access toggles. Be cautious with free extensions as they may compromise privacy.

  • • Easy to toggle on/off
  • • Browser-specific protection only
  • • Examples: Hola, ZenMate, TouchVPN
  • • Research privacy policies carefully

Method 6: Alternative URLs and Mirror Sites

Simple workarounds for basic blocking

URL Variations

Quick methods to try first
  • • Try HTTPS instead of HTTP
  • • Use IP address instead of domain name
  • • Try different subdomains (m.website.com, mobile.website.com)
  • • Look for official mirror sites
  • • Use cached versions (Google Cache, Wayback Machine)

Method Comparison

Choose the right unblocking method

MethodEffectivenessSecuritySpeedEase of Use
VPNVery HighExcellentGoodEasy
ProxyMediumLimitedVariableEasy
TorVery HighExcellentSlowMedium
DNS ChangeLow-MediumBasicGoodMedium
ExtensionsMediumVariableGoodVery Easy
Alt URLsLowNoneExcellentVery Easy

Website Unblocking Checklist

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