How to unblock websites on a school Chromebook without a VPN

July 1, 2025
Scott Wu

For students looking to access blocked websites on a school Chromebook without using a VPN, there are a few common methods that can sometimes work. These techniques generally involve using web-based services to act as a middleman, masking the final destination from the school’s network filter. The most popular methods include using a web proxy, leveraging a translation service like Google Translate, or in some rare cases, accessing the website’s direct IP address.

Below, we’ll explore these methods in greater detail, outlining how each one works and its potential limitations.

Method 1: The Web Proxy

A web proxy is one of the most common ways people attempt to get around network restrictions. Think of a web proxy as an intermediary. Instead of your Chromebook connecting directly to the blocked website, it connects to the proxy website. You then tell the proxy which site you want to visit, and it fetches the page for you, displaying it within its own browser window. Because your school’s network only sees you connecting to the allowed proxy site, the blocked content can sometimes slip through.

How to Use a Web Proxy:

  1. Find a Proxy Site: The first step is to find a working web proxy. A simple search for “free web proxy” or “proxy site” will yield many results. Be aware that schools often block the most popular proxy sites, so it might take some trial and error to find one that works.
  2. Enter the URL: Once on the proxy website, you will see a search bar, much like a search engine. Instead of a search term, you enter the full URL of the website you want to unblock (e.g., https://www.example.com).
  3. Browse: Hit “Go” or “Enter,” and the proxy will attempt to load the website for you.

Limitations:

  • Speed and Ads: Free proxy sites are often slow and cluttered with advertisements.
  • Security: Using an untrusted proxy can be a security risk. The proxy can see all the information you send and receive, including passwords or personal data. It’s best to avoid logging into any sensitive accounts while using one.
  • Broken Functionality: Many complex websites, especially those with streaming video or interactive elements, may not work correctly through a proxy.

Method 2: The Google Translate Trick

This clever method uses a trusted service—Google Translate—to act as an unofficial proxy. School networks almost never block Google’s services, which is what makes this technique potentially effective. The idea is to have Google Translate “translate” the blocked website for you. In doing so, Google’s servers fetch the website’s content and then display it on their own domain.

How to Use Google Translate:

  1. Navigate to Google Translate: Open your browser and go to translate.google.com.
  2. Enter the URL: In the text box on the left, paste the full URL of the website you wish to access.
  3. Select Languages: Set the original language to one that is not English (like Spanish or German) and set the target language to English.
  4. Click the Link: In the translated text box on the right, a clickable link of the URL will appear. Click on this link.

Google Translate will now load the website within its translation frame. To the school’s network, it just looks like you are using Google Translate.

Limitations:

  • Functionality Issues: This method can break the layout and functionality of many modern websites. It is best suited for simple, text-based pages.
  • Not Foolproof: Some advanced network filters can detect this type of activity, so it is not a guaranteed solution.

Method 3: Using the IP Address

Sometimes, network filters block websites based on their domain name (e.g., www.blockedwebsite.com) but not their numerical IP address. An IP address is the unique string of numbers that identifies a device on the internet. By finding a website’s IP address, you may be able to bypass a simple domain-based block.

How to Find and Use an IP Address:

  1. Find the IP: On a different device with unrestricted internet (like your phone), use an online “Website IP Finder” tool. Enter the blocked URL, and the tool will tell you its IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1).
  2. Enter the IP in the Browser: On the school Chromebook, type the IP address directly into the address bar and press Enter.

Limitations:

  • Often Ineffective: This is the least likely method to work. Most modern school filters also block IP addresses, and many websites are configured not to load properly when accessed directly via their IP.

Important Considerations

Before trying any of these methods, it’s important to understand why these restrictions are in place. Schools implement web filters to ensure students stay on task, to protect them from inappropriate content, and to maintain network security. Attempting to bypass these filters may be against your school’s acceptable use policy and could lead to disciplinary action. Always be mindful of the rules and potential consequences. Furthermore, security is a real concern with public proxies, so be cautious about the information you share.

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