How to bypass VPN blockers with undetectable VPN in 2024

A reliable VPN is the very thing that helps you bypass various restrictions online. Yet your ISP, the government, organizations, or even websites can use VPN blockers to block your VPN connection.

Luckily, by choosing a high-rated and trustworthy VPN, you can avoid these restrictions and bypass VPN blocks, making your VPN connection virtually undetectable.

In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about VPN blockers and the best ways to bypass them.

How to effectively bypass VPN blockers?

1. Choose a VPN that can do it all, I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF
2. Once installed and signed up, try connecting to different VPN servers
3. Try different encryption or tunneling protocol
4. Try getting a dedicated IP address
5. Bypass VPN blockers and access desired content!

5 best VPNs for unblocking content

The following top-rated VPN providers are known for being able to get around various VPN blockers. This is due to various technologies, from obfuscated servers to integrated proxies.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN that includes obfuscated servers
2. Surfshark – least expensive VPN with powerful Camouflage mode
3. IPVanish – regularly rotates IP addresses
4. ExpressVPN – dedicated network of obfuscated servers
5. CyberGhost – IP address rotation, browsing protection

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to bypass VPN blockers

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN to avoid VPN blockers overall. It’s known for its robust security and privacy features and consistent ability to bypass VPN blockers.

NordVPN offers over 6400 servers across 111 countries, ensuring a fast and reliable connection and access to restricted content around the globe. Its advanced obfuscation technology disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic, effectively circumventing VPN blockers deployed by some websites, streaming services, or governments.

I like that NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP service for an extra cost. Some sites get triggered when the same user logs in using a different IP address each time. Because of NordVPNs dedicated IP, you won’t get a different IP each time you connect to a certain website, therefore VPN blockers can’t suspect your VPN usage.

Additionally, NordVPN employs strong AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy to safeguard user privacy and data integrity. The service also includes features like Double VPN, CyberSec, and a kill switch, providing comprehensive protection against various online threats.

Its user-friendly apps are available across all major platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux), ensuring ease of use for both novice and experienced users. It’s available for as low as $3.09/month and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

2. Surfshark – an affordable VPN to avoid VPN blockers on unlimited devices

Visit Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN stands out as a cost-effective solution for bypassing VPN blockers. It offers robust security features and strong VPN-blocker-avoiding abilities for unlimited devices.

With a network encompassing over 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark ensures high-speed connections and extensive global coverage. Same as NordVPN, Surfshark offers advanced obfuscation called Camouflage Mode. It makes VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular internet traffic, enabling users to overcome restrictive firewalls and VPN detection systems.

Like NordVPN, for an extra fee Surfshark offers a dedicated IP for those who need to avoid IP rotation. Same as all of the providers on my list, Surfshark boasts strong AES-256 encryption and offers a strict no-logs policy. It also includes a kill switch, ensuring comprehensive protection of user data and privacy.

Additional features like CleanWeb which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and MultiHop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for extra security, further enhance the service.

Surfshark is available on all major devices and operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Its prices are on par with IPVanish and CyberGhost, starting at just $1.99/month. Its user-friendly interface and affordability make it an excellent choice for those seeking unrestricted internet access without sacrificing security or performance.

3. IPVanish – a reliable VPN for avoiding blockers

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish is a powerful VPN service known for its ability to bypass VPN blockers. It offers robust features that keep the VPN undetected.

IPVanish has a network of over 2400 servers in 55 countries worldwide, providing fast and stable connections, ideal for accessing geo-restricted content. Its advanced obfuscation techniques effectively disguise IPVanish’s traffic as regular internet activity, allowing users to evade VPN detection systems. However, unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, it doesn’t offer dedicated or static IP services.

IPVanish uses top-tier AES-256 encryption protocol and adheres to a strict zero-logs policy, ensuring user data remains private and secure. Features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and unlimited simultaneous device connections offer comprehensive coverage and flexibility. Additionally, IPVanish includes SugarSync encrypted storage for secure file backup and sharing.

Compatible with all major platforms and devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux), IPVanish’s intuitive apps cater to both novice and experienced users. It provides unrestricted internet access while maintaining robust online security for as little as $2.19/month.

4. ExpressVPN – a secure VPN service with strong VPN blocker bypassing abilities

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service renowned for its ability to bypass VPN blockers. It offers excellent security features for accessing restricted content and avoiding VPN blocks.

Boasting a vast network of servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN ensures high-speed, reliable connections for accessing geo-restricted content with ease. Its cutting-edge obfuscation technology masks VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, which allows users to bypass even the most stringent VPN detection systems. The only thing I don’t like is the fact that ExpressVPN does not offer a dedicated IP.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN employs industry-leading AES-256 encryption and maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user data and privacy are thoroughly protected. Its key features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling, which provides users with enhanced control over their internet traffic.

ExpressVPN offers apps for all major platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Apps are user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users. Prices start from $6.67/month, which might seem like a lot for some, but you can test its robust performance and comprehensive security features, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost – user-friendly VPN to avoid VPN blockers

Visit CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is a trusted VPN service efficient in bypassing VPN blockers. It offers excellent bypassing abilities and security features for a very affordable price.

With a wide network of servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost offers high-speed and reliable connections, perfect for accessing restricted content globally. What impressed me was that it offers a dedicated IP service. You will need to pay a little extra, but the IP you’ll get will be exclusively yours and you’ll not be flagged by streaming or other websites for connecting with a different IP each time. However, I don’t like the fact that CyberGhost does not offer obfuscation. If you think this is something crucial, you better opt for NordVPN or Surfshark.

CyberGhost utilizes strong AES-256 encryption and adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring complete user privacy and data protection. Key features include a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and dedicated streaming servers optimized for uninterrupted access to popular platforms.

Additionally, CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps for all major devices and operating systems, like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. With its user-friendly and intuitive interface, CyberGhost provides a secure browsing experience maintaining user anonymity and unrestricted internet access for a low price of $2.19/month.

What is a VPN blocker

A VPN blocker is a method used by streaming services, games, websites, or government organizations to prevent the use of VPN tunnels.

You might be experiencing VPN blocking due to existing government censorship, so you’re prevented from visiting certain sites or have to deal with geographical location restrictions. Sometimes, the use of VPN can even be banned by organizations or schools to prevent users from accessing certain sites on the business’s or school’s networks.

In addition, the most common ways to block VPN use are:

• IP blocking – when the entire list of IP addresses connected with the VPN is blocked on the network.
• Port blocking – when the firewall blocks specific ports that VPNs use.
• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – check the data packets that are moving through the connection traffic from and to the device. It’s to try and figure out if anyone’s using a VPN connection and block it. DPI identifies VPN use by analyzing data packets for patterns that often indicate encryption and tunneling protocols commonly used by VPNs.

How to bypass VPN blockers: 10 working methods

VPN blockers do get annoying, so I’ve prepared a comprehensive guide on how to use a VPN if it’s blocked. No matter how and why your internet access is restricted, you’ll be able to safely unblock almost any site you wish with a secure and trustworthy VPN.

1. Choosing a secure and trustworthy VPN

While there are lots of VPNs available on the market, not all of them can bypass geo-blocks. That’s why it’s important to know how to choose one that can. Here’s what you should look for when picking a VPN for bypassing blocks:

• A vast server fleet. When it comes to servers – the more, the merrier. That’s because if one server doesn’t unblock content, you have plenty of others to test out.
• Obfuscated servers. Traffic obfuscation means hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN. This helps trick sites and platforms into thinking that you’re physically in a country where their content is allowed, thus accessing it without restrictions.
• A selection of tunneling protocols. A VPN that can offer a few tunneling protocol options is a huge plus. Protocols, such as WireGuard, ensure super-fast speeds.
• Dedicated IP. VPNs with dedicated IP feature will make it much harder to identify your connection as going through a VPN tunnel, since you'll always connect with the same IP address, which will be encrypted.

Together with our research team, we’ve conducted comprehensive testing on a number of the most popular VPNs on the market and shortlisted only the best VPNs to bypass VPN blockers. This way you can choose the one that fits your needs the best.

2. Switching to another server or VPN

Switching server (and getting lucky!) is the easiest way to get your VPN up and running. Usually, a VPN provider offers hundreds of different servers (often having multiple in the same country), so trying to reconnect might just be the thing you need to get around the VPN blockers.

It’s especially simple with VPNs, like NordVPN, that have plenty of servers in many countries. You can also try connecting to another country if the server location is not that important to you.

However, if you can’t seem to find a server that works, you might just ditch your current VPN altogether and try a new one. The best thing about that is the fact that you can do it for free, as most major-brand VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try out service after service until you find the one that unblocks everything you need.

Try NordVPN risk-free

3. Using obfuscated servers

Sometimes, connecting to an obfuscated server (or using a "stealth mode" or "stealth protocol") will be the only way to get you out of a VPN block. This is especially relevant for people who live in places like China, where ISPs perform Deep Packet Inspection to detect VPN traffic. Such servers help because they often connect through ports that are usually used by email providers, websites, and other essential services, and thus aren’t usually blocked.

4. Changing the tunneling protocol, encryption, or port

This is yet another simple way to bypass VPN blockers. For a variety of reasons, your VPN might be blocked only when using a certain tunneling protocol, encryption, or port.

• Switching tunneling protocol can help avoid VPN blockers, as some protocols may be less likely to be blocked. A few to consider include:
  • OpenVPN is highly versatile and secure, it can run on any port, including TCP 443, which is used for HTTPS traffic and is often unblocked.
  • IKEv2/IPsec is known for its speed and stability, especially on mobile devices. It’s less commonly blocked than OpenVPN.
  • WireGuard is a newer protocol that offers high performance and security. Its increasing popularity might make it a good option.
  • L2TP/IPsec is an older but still reliable option. It might work where newer protocols are blocked.
  • SSTP uses TCP port 443, making it difficult to block without also blocking HTTPS traffic.
• Using a different encryption algorithm can help bypass VPN blockers. Some VPN applications let users select their preferred encryption type manually.
  • AES-256 is extremely secure, widely used in industry and government (e.g., by the NSA for encrypting top secret information). It’s usually a default option for many VPN providers due to its high security level
  • AES-128 is a very secure and still widely regarded as strong enough for most use cases. Often available as an option for those needing higher performance.
  • ChaCha20 uses modern cryptographic principles and is considered very secure. Typically found in newer protocols like WireGuard.
• Choosing the right port can significantly enhance the ability to bypass VPN blockers. Here are my recommended ports:
  • TCP 443 is a standard port for HTTPS traffic. It shows excellent bypassing ability – blocking this port would disrupt regular web traffic, making it less likely to be blocked.
  • TCP 80 is a standard port for HTTP traffic and shows very good bypassing abilities. Like port 443, blocking this port would disrupt web traffic.
  • UDP 53 is a standard port for DNS queries that shows good bypass ability. Less likely to be blocked as it would disrupt DNS resolution.
  • UDP 1194 – a default port for OpenVPN. Bypass ability is fair, so it’s widely recognized and often targeted, but can be effective when not heavily scrutinized.

5. Getting a dedicated IP address

If the reason behind your VPN block is plain old IP range blocking, then getting a dedicated IP address might solve the problem. That’s because you’ll be the only person using it, which means that it will draw less suspicion.

Many VPN services allow you to buy a static IP (which usually costs a couple of dollars a month), which is well worth the money when you consider its usefulness.

6. Switching to mobile data

Believe it or not, enabling mobile data on your phone can instantly help you bypass VPN blocks if VPN connections are banned by the network of your school or workplace.

Sure, you won’t be enjoying free Wi-Fi anymore, but you’ll be able to use the VPN of your choice through mobile data. Just keep an eye on your mobile data limit if you don’t have an unlimited data allowance.

7. Changing the DNS settings

You might not be able to access VPN servers due to the blocks set by your ISP. Luckily, tweaking your DNS settings has a decent chance of setting things right. You can consider some of the most popular DNS providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1), Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4), and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220).

Tweaking your DNS settings can also work instead of using a VPN (assuming a website you want to access is blocked at the DNS level). However, keep in mind that this method works differently than a VPN. Your traffic won’t be encrypted – you’ll simply unblock the websites banned by your ISP.

8. Setting up a manual VPN connection

When your VPN gets blocked, a manual VPN connection might be your best solution. You can try setting up a VPN connection manually on your device (for example, it’s possible on Windows 10) via a built-in VPN functionality or an app like OpenVPN Connect or strongSwan.

Setting up your own VPN server is also a way to go, but it can be a time-consuming, challenging, and expensive endeavor. On the bright side, it almost guarantees that websites won’t be able to detect that you’re using a VPN (especially if you use your own hardware and network to set it up).

9. Send VPN traffic through a proxy tunnel

Even though much more limited than VPNs, proxies are one of the more reliable ways to unblock the pages you need. Just keep in mind that the level of security won’t usually be the same as with a VPN. It’s also likely that you won’t be able to unblock everything you need – for example, a proxy might not let you watch geo-blocked Netflix content.

Keep in mind that it’s generally better to use a SOCKS5 proxy than an HTTP proxy. It is much more flexible in terms of types of traffic (HTTP is only for web traffic, whereas SOCKS5 can also be used on your torrent app, for example).

Shadowsocks is particularly powerful and may even get you over the Great Firewall of China.

And the best part – some VPN providers allow you to use a proxy without the need for manual configuration.

10. Use the Tor browser

Using Tor won’t unblock your VPN, but it can serve as a pretty good alternative. It is an open-source browser based on a network of volunteer servers, which protects your anonymity by hiding your real IP address and encrypting your data.

However, even though Tor will unblock a fair share of websites, it's very slow. Also, you can't choose the country you want to connect through.

Why are VPNs blocked?

There are lots of reasons why a website, your ISP, or the government might block VPN connections. Here are the most common ones:

1. School and workplace policy

It’s no secret that some schools, universities, or even offices block certain pages like Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube for productivity reasons (if that actually makes people more productive is another question). And as a VPN is one of the ways to bypass these bans, your workplace or school might block VPN connections as well.

Another reason for banning VPNs at school or at the office is the possibility to supervise Internet traffic, as VPNs make it impossible for ISPs and network admins to access your browsing history.

To prevent you from using a VPN to access blocked websites, your ISP or network admin can use firewalls or other network filtering measures.

2. Protecting copyright

Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and other streaming platforms are unintentionally responsible for a huge chunk of the world’s VPN sales. And the reason behind this drive for VPNs is geographical licensing restrictions.

For example, you might have noticed that your country’s Netflix library doesn’t include certain movies and shows available in other regions of the world. That’s because the platform didn’t buy the license to distribute these shows in your country.

As a result, streaming services have to ensure that their content can be accessed only in the regions it is licensed in. Unfortunately, this simply means blocking VPNs and proxies.

On a brighter note, you won’t get banned from a streaming site for using a VPN. That’s right – even if VPNs are against the company’s Terms of Use, all you’ll get will be a simple proxy error. Luckily, it will disappear once you disconnect from your VPN.

3. Fraud prevention

Some websites that deal with money don’t allow VPN usage in fear of money laundering. For example, you may not be able to do any transactions via PayPal if you’re connected to a VPN server.

Even worse, you might get locked out of your account when trying to do so.

4. Legal issues

Remember – using a VPN doesn’t make an illegal activity legal. A good example is playing at online casinos. As some countries deem gambling illegal, many gamblers use VPNs to be able to play real money games that would otherwise be inaccessible in their region.

However, some casinos block VPN connections and might even terminate your account (together with all the winnings) if VPN usage is detected.

5. Online censorship

Even though it’s truly unfair, there are many countries that use online censorship to limit the information that reaches their citizens. For example, China doesn’t allow any access to Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and even Pinterest or Wikipedia. For this reason, VPN usage is widespread in China among natives and tourists alike.

However, it’s rather difficult to find a VPN that works in China due to strict regulations. And even if you find one that bypasses the Great Firewall of China, you may get fined if the government finds out about that.

Also, keep in mind that some countries ban VPNs entirely. Don’t try using one in Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Turkey, or North Korea if you don’t want to risk your freedom.

Types of VPN blocking

VPN blockers are the methods and techniques used to block any means of communication through VPN tunnels. Unfortunately, there exist tons of different ways to block unwanted VPN traffic. Below, I described the most common ones and explained how you can bypass them.

1. IP blocking

One of the simplest ways of VPN blocking is blacklisting the VPN’s IP addresses. Sites like Netflix and Hulu simply find the lists of IP addresses belonging to a VPN (unfortunately, these are sometimes available publicly) and block their access to the website.

It’s also possible for a service to notice unusual traffic associated with a certain IP address. Normally, an IP address is used by a single device. However, if the same IP gets shared by thousands of people, it becomes clear that a VPN might be involved here.

Solution: connecting to a different server; buying a dedicated IP

2. Deep Packet Inspection

To enforce censorship, some countries might use a technique called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

All the data transfered online is divided into data units that are called packets. A packet consists of the header and the payload.

Regular packet filtering examines only the header (which includes things like your IP address), however, deep packet filtering can also examine the payload and allows VPN traffic detection.

Solution: using a different encryption algorithm; picking a different tunneling protocol; connecting to an obfuscated server/using stealth mode; using a proxy

3. Port blocking

Some networks may try to block VPN connections by blocking common connection ports used by VPN protocols. For example, OpenVPN uses TCP Port 1194 by default and blocking these ports will prevent a VPN from connecting to a server.

Solution: switching to a different tunneling protocol; changing the default ports used by your VPN protocol; connecting to an obfuscated server/using stealth mode

4. QoS filtering

Aside from Deep Packet Inspection, some governments might also use a technique known as QoS (Quality of Service) filtering. In short, it slows down unwanted traffic to the point where the connection times out and you’re left with a blocked VPN.

Solution: using an obfuscated server or tunneling protocol

Can a free VPN bypass VPN blockers?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN at all. A better option is getting a freemium VPN – a free VPN of providers that offer premium services. They work as introductory products, so while they’re very limited in terms of servers and data caps, they’re safe. Plus, you’re more likely to access a geo-restricted site or two.

However, the best solution for unrestricted access and unlimited VPN usage is investing in a premium VPN solution. The best ones offer complete privacy, great performance, and the ability to access virtually any content.

1. NordVPN – with servers in 111 countries and obfuscated servers, you’re guaranteed unmatched speeds and access to virtually any corner of the internet. You can try it out with a free NordVPN 7-day trial.
2. Surfshark – traffic obfuscation and servers in 100 countries will ensure unrestricted access to any geo-restricted site. You can try it out on all of your devices with a free Surfshark trial.
3. IPVanish – regular IP rotation and over 2400 servers in 55 countries will ensure an uninterrupted experience at all times. Bypass blocks and stay secure by trying IPVanish out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How do I know if a site has detected VPN use?

For a variety of reasons, a website can block your VPN, not allowing you to see its content. Usually, the reason behind such VPN blocks is a geographical one, and thus you’ll see yourself unable to access streaming giants like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer when connected to a VPN server.

And it’s really easy to know when a site blocks your VPN – you’ll see an error message stating that you seem to be trying to bypass geo-restrictions:

Luckily, disabling your VPN will turn things back to normal, as Netflix and other streaming platforms don’t ban your account for trying to trick them into showing you geo-blocked movie libraries. Further, if you want to try accessing those libraries again, simply pick a different server in the same country.

However, sometimes things can become a little more complicated. For example, online casinos and even some online wallets might terminate your account entirely if VPN usage is detected, so you have to be extremely careful and always read the Terms of Service of a particular platform.

Additionally, there are some really great undetectable VPNs on the market currently. For example, my top suggestions of NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish will surely help you bypass VPN blocks.

Further, here’s a troubleshooting guide to ensure that your VPN connection stays undetected:

• Choose a quality VPN, my top suggestion is NordVPN
• Switch servers and get a new IP address
• Try changing between possible tunneling protocols
• Enable the Obfuscation feature
• Use TCP Port 443 to evade port blocking
• If available, select Dedicated IP feature
• Use Tor over VPN feature to hide your VPN use
• Change to mobile data instead of Wi-FI

Bypass VPN detection with NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for bypassing restrictions. It has a huge server fleet, ensures phenomenal speeds, and lets you access virtually any corner of the internet.

cybernews® score

4.9 /5

• Unblocks sites and platforms
• Fast speeds
• Strong security

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Video review

If you feel like a video could explain it all better, watch our guide on how to bypass VPN blocks. You'll learn why VPNs get blocked, the best VPNs to help you with it, and more.

The bottom line

Even though there are plenty of ways to block VPN traffic, a top-rated and trustworthy VPN will be able to bypass those blocks.

My top suggestion for the safest VPN is NordVPN. This quality VPN service will mitigate the risk of getting blocked in the first place. Additionally, you’ll have a vast list of servers in geographically varied locations to pick from, and specialty servers, like obfuscated ones, to ensure your VPN connection is hidden.

And, even if you get the dreaded proxy error while streaming, you can try one of my suggested ways of how to bypass VPN blockers and set things right.

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