Sometimes, when you try to watch a video on streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu, you may encounter unavailability due to geo-blocking in your country. Although it can be bothersome, there are ways to bypass this restriction. Geo-blocking is not only limited to streaming services. It can also be observed in online stores that restrict sales to specific regions or state governments blocking access to services like WhatsApp or Twitter. Is it possible to watch geo-restricted content? Yes, but to do this you need to hide the IP address and replace it with another one. You need to trick the services into thinking you are in a different location. Read more about geo-blocking below.
How Can I Unblock Geo-Blocked Content?
#1 SmartDNS
If you’re only interested in bypassing geo-blocking without any extra security measures, SmartDNS is an excellent choice. This technology diverts your DNS queries through a remote server, making it possible to access location-dependent content without encrypting all of your internet traffic or masking your IP, as a VPN would.
SmartDNS hides your DNS address and allows you to access available content, depending on your location. Additionally, SmartDNS generally provides a faster internet connection compared to a VPN.
Some VPN providers offer SmartDNS as an additional feature but keep in mind that you cannot use a VPN and SmartDNS simultaneously as the two protocols interfere with each other. Another option is to use a SmartDNS provider that does not offer a VPN on top. This may be more cost-effective, but ensure that you choose a legitimate and well-reviewed SmartDNS provider before signing up.
#2 VPN
Using a VPN is the most effective and reliable way to bypass geo blocking. This service encrypts your traffic, ensuring online anonymity. However, it is important to note that using a VPN changes your IP to another country. If we consider how to bypass YouTube TV location, then the meaning of the operation will be precisely to change the IP address to one that belongs to another country. You can use VeePN for this, which has more than 2500+ VPN servers in 60 countries.
With a VPN, you connect to a server which then routes your traffic, masking your original IP and assigning you a new one. For example, if you connect to a server in the US, you will be given a US IP address. This is particularly useful for unblocking sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. It’s worth mentioning that not every VPN can stream or unblock geo-restricted content, despite its ability to alter your IP.
#3 Tor Browser
You might be familiar with the Tor browser. It’s an internet browser that emphasizes anonymity and security, and millions of people use it daily. When you use Tor to access the internet, it hides your IP address and conceals your geographical location.
The Tor browser is ideal for bypassing geo-blocking. It’s free to download and use, and compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. Additionally, Tor directs your internet traffic through three remote servers, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your sensitive data.
However, the Tor browser can be slow due to its routing through multiple servers. This may cause loading issues and video buffering. If your main goal is accessing geo-restricted content with faster speeds and you don’t require added security, consider using SmartDNS as an alternative.
#4 Proxy
If you’re seeking a fast and cost-free solution, consider utilizing a proxy server. It’s a common practice – you hop online, type in “proxy,” and you’re presented with numerous options. Proxy servers are widely popular due to their affordability and ease of use.
While some may believe that proxies are comparable to VPNs, this assumption is misleading. A proxy server acts as a mediator between you and the website you wish to access. If you set up a Microsoft Edge VPN, you’ll also get data encryption. The proxy does not provide this. When you enter the website address in the proxy’s search bar and hit enter, the proxy will alter your IP address before connecting you to the site.
In essence, you access the desired website with a different IP address, without the additional security and encryption benefits offered by VPNs. Consequently, this can pose a significant concern.
Moreover, proxies solely function within the browser, leaving the rest of your traffic exposed through your original IP address. Free online proxies tend to offer limited features and cannot frequently select specific countries, which can be problematic when attempting to bypass geo-blocking.
Proxies typically prove useful when accessing restricted websites at educational institutions or workplaces. Many of us have resorted to using proxies for accessing platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube at school. However, network administrators have successfully implemented measures to block proxies on numerous occasions.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to limit yourself to only the content available in your region, simply use the tools listed above. They allow you to change your IP address and hide personal data so that the streaming service thinks you are in a different location. This way you can unblock content on almost any streaming resource.