How to Bypass Geoblocking: Methods That Actually Work

In this article, we’ll discuss what geoblocking is and how it works. We’ll also show you the most reliable methods to bypass geo-blocking safely.

Key Takeaways

• Geoblocking restricts access to online content based on your country or location.
• Websites use IP addresses, DNS data, and browser tracking to implement geoblock.
• Websites implement geo-blocking due to licensing restrictions, regional agreements, and privacy issues.
• VPNs and proxy servers are among the most effective tools for bypassing geo-blocking.
• Due to traffic encryption, VPN users might experience slow speeds.
• Proxy servers help users bypass geoblock and access restricted websites by replacing their IP address with one from another country.
• SmartDNS services help bypass geoblocking without changing your IP.
• The Tor Browser also helps bypass geoblock or geo-blocking, providing access to certain websites.
• Some websites detect geoblock bypassing tools, so a proper method is important for a good online experience.

What Is Geoblocking?

Geoblocking is basically a technique that websites use to restrict access to content based on the geographic location (country or city) of the user. Basically, websites use the IP address to determine where a user is coming from and then allow or block access accordingly.

Streaming services, news websites, and online marketplaces usually have geoblocking in place. For example, platforms often have certain TV shows or movies only for a specific country. So, users outside of that country cannot access these movies or TV shows. 

Some websites apply geo-restriction for legal compliance or security reasons, while others use it to comply with licensing agreements or show different pricing to users in different regions. However, geo-blocking can affect millions of internet users, especially those trying to access services while traveling or living abroad. 

How Does Geoblocking Work?

Geoblocking works by detecting the location of a user and then allowing or restricting access. Websites use different techniques to detect users’ locations and implement geo-blocking. These include:

IP Address Filtering

This is one of the most common ways to implement geoblocking. Any device that is connected to the internet has an IP address. Websites analyze IP addresses to determine a user’s country and region. If the IP falls outside the allowed regions, access is restricted.

For instance, many streaming services apply IP filtering for geo-blocking. This helps them ensure movies or shows comply with licensing restrictions in different countries. Many people don’t know that even mobile hotspots and public Wi-Fi networks also reveal their IP addresses, which means they still face geo-restrictions.

GPS Location Data

Some apps also use GPS data from mobile devices to confirm the physical location of the user for geo-restrictions. So, even if you change your IP using a VPN or proxy, GPS data can show your real location. That’s why some websites and services detect VPNs and block access, even when users are bypassing geo-restrictions.

For example, some travel apps and location-based services implement geo-restrictions through GPS. This helps them provide content relevant to a specific country or region. Users trying to access content from a different location won’t be able to access it.

DNS Query Analysis

DNS requests can also tell where users are located. Some websites analyze DNS traffic to detect attempts at bypassing geo-restrictions.

DNS queries basically help translate domain names into IP addresses. Websites analyze these queries to detect where a user is connecting from. If the DNS request comes from an unapproved region, access is blocked. 

Browser Tracking and Cookies

Cookies, browser fingerprints, and account history can also show user location, which websites use to implement geoblocking. 

Basically, websites track your activity using cookies, local storage, and browser fingerprints. This way, they can detect repeated attempts to access restricted content from different locations. Even if you’re using a VPN or proxy, your browsing history can show your real region.

Many websites impose geo-restrictions using all these methods combined, which is why some users are unable to access content even while using VPNs or proxies. 

Why Geoblocking Exists: Main Reasons Behind Regional Restrictions

Websites and platforms implement geoblocking for various purposes:

Licensing and Content Distribution Agreements

Licensing restrictions are one of the most common reasons for geoblocking. Content owners usually sell the rights to movies, sports events and TV shows separately for each country or region. Because of these agreements, platforms are legally required to limit access to users in approved locations. If a service shows content outside the allowed region, it could face legal penalties.

Region-Based Pricing and Market Segmentation

Many companies have different pricing for different countries. Basically, businesses adjust pricing based on local income levels, demand, or competition. For example, a subscription might be cheaper in a certain country but more expensive in another country. Geo-blocking helps companies ensure users see the specific pricing for their location.

Content Relevance and Localized Availability

Some online content is created for certain regions and may not be suitable or interesting to users outside that region. This could be due to language differences, cultural context, or local interests. So, websites might implement geoblock to restrict content and provide a better user experience.

Government Regulations and Online Censorship

Governments in some countries require websites and platforms to block access to certain contents. These rules can be related to political policies, national security, or local laws. In such cases, platforms must apply geo-blocking.

Intellectual Property and Anti-Piracy Protection

Geoblock also helps protect intellectual property. When platforms limit access to the content, they reduce the risk of piracy and unauthorized sharing.

How To Bypass Geoblocking (Working Methods)

If you’re travelling abroad and still want access to local content, there are ways to bypass geo-blocking. Sometimes individuals and businesses also need access to restricted content for certain projects or market research. 

Here are reliable methods to bypass geoblock:

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is one of the most commonly used ways to bypass geo-restriction and access restricted content. Basically, a VPN hides your real IP and replaces it with a new one from a different country. This way, websites see you as someone from the allowed location and provide access to restricted content. 

Many users worldwide use VPNs to bypass geoblocking on streaming platforms, websites, and online services. VPNs also encrypt traffic and improve privacy. 

However, some platforms use advanced mechanisms to detect and block VPN IPs, so not all VPNs work equally well. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable VPN provider. 

Using a Proxy Server

Using a proxy server is another reliable method to bypass geoblocking. Proxy servers basically route your internet traffic through remotes server in different regions. This way, a proxy server replaces your real IP address with one from an allowed region.

While proxies work in a similar way to VPNs, there’s a difference between these two. VPNs encrypt all internet traffic from your device, while proxies generally do not encrypt traffic. While encryption improves security, making VPNs slower than proxies. 

But this doesn’t mean that using a proxy always compromises security. If you use proxy servers from reliable proxy providers like ProxyWing, you get the fastest speed and secure connections. ProxyWing has servers all around the world. Our server locations include countries like the USA, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, and many more.

With ProxyWing, you can pick from different types of proxies, such as residential proxies, ISP proxies, datacenter proxies, and enterprise proxies, depending on your needs.

Proxies are great for accessing online services and bypassing geo-restrictions on certain websites. They are also useful for users managing multiple accounts.

Using SmartDNS Services

SmartDNS services reroute DNS traffic in a way that the users appear as though they are residing in an allowed region. These services don’t change the IP address of the user to change their location. Rather, they reroute only the parts of an internet connection that check a user’s location. SmartDNS basically modifies DNS requests so websites believe the user is accessing the service from an allowed country.

SmartDNS helps users avoid slowdowns caused by VPN encryption while bypassing geo-restrictions. However, SmartDNS does not encrypt traffic, so it is less secure than VPNs. 

This method is quite effective in bypassing georestrictions implemented by streaming platforms, as it improves speed and reduces buffering. However, SmartDNS only works with certain online services.

Using the Tor Browser

The Tor Browser makes your traffic anonymous by routing it through various nodes around the world. This helps users bypass geo-blocking and access websites without revealing their real location.

Tor is useful for browsing and accessing online platforms with strict geo-restrictions. However, it has its limitations. Tor isn’t usually recommended for streaming platforms that require high speeds. Choosing a specific country is also difficult when using Tor.

Despite these limitations, Tor is still a good option. 

When Your Unblocking Tools Don’t Work

Even with VPNs, proxies, SmartDNS, or Tor, some users face issues. Many websites also implement tools to detect and block known IP addresses, DNS reroutes, and other bypassing techniques.

Common reasons for geo-restriction tools not working include:

• Blacklisted IP addresses for VPNs or proxies
• DNS leaks revealing the real location
• Cookies or browser data exposing previous regions
• Detection of unusual traffic patterns by platforms
• Strict regional restriction or government censorship
  

To solve these issues of geoblocking, you should clear cookies, switch servers, and use reliable bypassing tools. For some websites with stricter geoblocking, you may need multiple tools for uninterrupted access.

For example, a streaming platform with geoblocking might block certain VPN servers repeatedly, requiring users to try multiple server locations. Similarly, proxies for bypassing geoblocking may only work for specific websites. SmartDNS can also fail if the platform detects unusual DNS queries. Knowing this is important for bypassing geo-blocking.

FAQs

Can I bypass geoblocking using a free VPN or proxy?

Various free VPN and proxy tools are available in the market, but not all of them are reliable for bypassing geoblocking. Many of these tools have limited IP addresses, slower speeds, and are more easily blocked by streaming platforms or websites. To bypass geoblocking effectively, it’s important to use reliable proxy tools with vast IP pools.

For example, ProxyWing is a trusted proxy provider with a global network of proxy servers. ProxyWing’s proxy server locations include the USA, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Poland, Germany, Romania, Spain, and many other countries. 

At ProxyWing, you can choose between various proxy types, including residential proxies, ISP proxies, datacenter proxies, and enterprise proxies, to avoid geoblocking.

Can I bypass strict censorship systems like China’s Great Firewall?

Bypassing strict geoblocking and censorship is challenging. Using advanced VPNs, specialized proxies, and Tor can help, but success varies based on the tool’s reliability. Moreover, users in certain countries only have limited access to restricted content.

What online services can I access abroad with a VPN or proxy?

With the right tools, you can avoid geoblock and access streaming platforms, online services, social media, news websites, and other restricted contents. VPNs and proxies are helpful in bypassing geoblocking and accessing content.

Why does my VPN or proxy not work on specific websites?

Some websites with geoblocking use techniques to detect known IP ranges and block traffic from VPNs or proxies. Switching servers or using different services can help solve this issue. You can also try clearing browser cookies.

Can I choose a custom location in Tor?

Tor randomly routes traffic through multiple nodes. This means you cannot select a specific country when bypassing geoblocking. This limits control over location-based access but allows for better privacy.