Home > Tech > VPN

How to unblock websites and access restricted content

Bypass online restrictions to unblock websites and browse freely.
 By 
Joseph Green
 on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Website on laptop
Credit: Pexels

TL;DR: ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking websites and accessing restricted content. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time.


Your online freedom is under threat. Schools, workplaces, and some countries ban access to certain sites, and the only way you can get around these restrictions is with a VPN.

These cybersecurity services might seem complicated, but they can be used to unblock websites and access restricted content in just a few simple steps.

How to unblock websites and access restricted content for free

VPNs can help you access blocked websites and restricted content from anywhere in the world. VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This quick and easy process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can navigate the online world freely.

Unblock websites and access restricted content by following this simple process:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location where your desired content is available

  4. Connect to blocked content from anywhere in the world

The catch is that the best VPNs are not free. However, many leading services offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By using these offers, you can unblock websites without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it can come in handy if you're travelling and frequently using unknown or unsecured networks.

What is the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions?

When it comes to bypassing content restrictions to unblock wesbites, ExpressVPN leads the way. This high-speed service offers a wide range of impressive features:

  • Servers in 94 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock wesbites and access restricted content with ExpressVPN.

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How to unblock Pornhub for free
age-restriction warning screen of the website PornHub is displayed on a digital screen

How to unblock porn for free
Lit up keyboard

How to unblock XNXX for free
In this photo illustration, the Pornographic video sharing and viewing websites Xnxx logo is seen displayed on an Android mobile device with a figure of hacker in the background

How to unblock xHamster for free
xhamster on phone

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Texas
In this photo illustration, the age-restriction warning screen of the website PornHub is displayed on a digital screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!