ISP blocking websites is a common challenge many internet users face today. Clicking a link and getting an error message or a slow-loading page can be annoying. Your internet service provider (ISP) can stop you from visiting certain websites. This practice, also known as ISP blocking, affects many people.
At TurisVPN, everyone should have free internet access. We want to help you understand what ISP blocking entails, why it happens, and how to bypass these blocks safely.
What Does ISP Website Blocking Mean?
So, what is ISP blocking? At its core, an ISP blocks websites when your internet provider blocks sites or services you try to load. It’s not that the website is broken; it’s your ISP’s choice to stop your connection. This can be a whole block (the site doesn’t load) or a partial restriction (like slower connections on streaming apps).
There are different forms of blocking:
- DNS filtering, where domains don’t resolve
- IP blocking, where access to specific servers is denied
- App-level restrictions, like streaming platforms being slowed down
For instance, you might be trying to access a social media platform, but a sudden block prevents you from doing so. You might even find your internet service provider is blocking the Samsung TV app from accessing certain streaming services.
These show how blocks can vary by device or content type. Understanding this helps you learn how to check if a website is blocked.
Why Do ISPs Block Websites?
ISPs block websites for many reasons, including:
- Legal or Government Orders: In several countries, governments require ISPs to block sites containing illegal content, such as pirated movies or information deemed a security risk.
- Enforcing ISP Rules: ISPs may have policies where wifi blocking websites is used to control what users can access, especially in shared or public networks.
- Network Management: To manage network traffic, ISPs sometimes slow down your connection on high-bandwidth services like video streaming, which feels like being blocked by the ISP.
- Protecting Users: ISPs block sites known for malware or phishing to keep users safe.
- Copyright Enforcement: Sites hosting pirated content are often blocked due to copyright laws.
- Business Interests: Some ISPs throttle or block services to favour their offerings or partners.
Common Signs Your ISP Is Restricting Access
Knowing whether the ISP blocks you is crucial before taking action. Here are common signs of ISP restrictions:
1. Inconsistent or Slow Internet Speeds
At times, your internet connection may slow down, and the speed may appear to fluctuate even when using specific sites. This delay may be an indication of throttling, where ISPs intentionally slow down the speed for specific services.
2. Buffering When Streaming Videos or Music
It is possible for streaming services to potentially load videos or songs slowly, or, if not, provide plays with buffering delays or automatically downgrade the quality. In this case, your ISP is likely directing the available bandwidth to other services.
3. Reduced Performance on Specific Services or Apps
Some apps or websites may perform poorly or fail to load while others work fine. For instance, streaming apps on smart TVs or gaming platforms might be adversely affected. This can also happen when you try to learn how to block ads in Android games; the game itself is fine, but the ad-blocking is being restricted.
4. Differences in Speed Tests With and Without VPN
This is a good way to check for throttling. If your speed test is much faster when you use a VPN, it suggests your ISP could limit traffic to specific services. This is a telltale sign of ISP blocking websites.
5. Frequent Network Interruptions or Disconnections
Unexpected disconnections, frequent lagging, or internet outages can sometimes result from strict ISP filtering or aggressive network management tools. These technical interventions interrupt your continuous access.
6. Exceeding a Data Cap
Many ISPs enforce data limits. If you use too much data in a billing cycle, your ISP may slow down your speed. This practice is a common, and often contractual, type of connection restriction.
7. Diagnosis Through Speed Tests at Different Times
To check for throttling, run speed tests at various times of the day. If your connection is notably slower during peak hours (like evenings), it suggests your ISP is throttling traffic to reduce network congestion.
8. Error Messages or Blocked Access
When trying to open blocked sites, you might see explicit error messages stating the site cannot be reached or access is denied. Another example could be when you’re trying to figure out how to block a person on TikTok, and the function fails.
How to test if your ISP is restricting access
If you suspect your internet provider is blocking websites, follow these simple steps to find out what’s happening:
Run a Standard Speed Test
Step 1: Visit a site like Speedtest.net.
Step 2: Perform a speed test to record your current download and upload speeds.
Step 3: Note the speeds to compare later.
Step 4: If you observe sudden drops specifically on some websites, your ISP might be blocking or throttling those.
Test Your Speed with a VPN
Step 1: Open your TurisVPN app and connect to a server.
Step 2: Repeat the speed test while connected to the VPN.
Step 3: If your speeds improve significantly with the VPN on, it’s a strong sign your ISP is throttling your traffic or that you are a victim of ISP blocking websites.
Compare Speeds on Different Services
Step 1: Use different online services like streaming platforms, social media, or simple web browsing.
Step 2: If streaming services buffer or lag but websites load normally, your ISP may be targeting specific content types.
Step 3: This can correlate with why some users search for ways to block YouTube ads when connections are slowed on video platforms.
Use a Website Availability Checker
Step 1: If a particular site seems blocked, try a “website down or not” tool such as isup.me.
Step 2: Enter the blocked website’s URL to check if it’s down globally or only for you.
Step 3: If the site is reachable for others but inaccessible to you, then your ISP is likely blocking access to it.
How Do ISPs Technically Block Websites?
Knowing how ISPs block sites helps you see why a VPN works so well. Internet providers use several technical mechanisms to control site access:
DNS Filtering and Hijacking
When you type a website name, your computer asks a DNS server for its IP address. An ISP can stop this process. They can block the correct IP address or send you to a different page. For example, you might try to go to a news site, but your browser is sent to a page that says “access denied.”
IP Address Blocking
The most direct way an ISP can block a site is by blocking its IP address. An ISP can set up its network to reject any data from that address. This is a very effective way to ensure the ISP blocks a website. This method can sometimes be avoided if a website has many IP addresses.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and SNI Filtering
DPI lets ISPs look at your internet traffic closely. They can see what websites you visit. This is true even if your connection is secure. SNI filtering reads the website’s name during secure sessions. This lets ISPs block those sites. This is why wifi blocking websites often happens even on private connections.
Port Blocking and Throttling
ISPs can also block specific ports that certain apps use. For example, they might block a port used for file sharing. Throttling is similar, but the ISP slows down a particular type of traffic instead of a whole block. This is often done to manage bandwidth, but it can feel as bad as an entire block.
How to Bypass ISP Restrictions with TurisVPN?
If you are a victim of ISP blocking websites, the best solution is to use a reliable VPN like TurisVPN. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, hiding your activities from ISPs. With full encryption, your ISP can’t see you visiting restricted content. It also changes your IP address, so they cannot use IP blocking on you.
This is the simplest and most effective way to remove ISP blocking and regain your online freedom. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Download the TurisVPN App: Visit your device’s app store and install the free app available for Android, iOS or Chrome Extension.
Step 2: Create Your TurisVPN Account: Sign up for a new account, or log in if you already have one. The sign-up process is quick and free, requiring an email and a password.
Step 3: Choose a Server Location: You’ll see a list of servers worldwide after logging in. Select a country or region where you want your traffic to appear from.
Step 4: Connect to the VPN: Tap the “Connect” button. Your device will ask for permission to establish a VPN connection. Approve this request, and your connection will become encrypted instantly. A VPN icon in your status bar will confirm the secure connection.
Step 5: Verify Your Connection: To ensure, open a browser and visit websites previously blocked by your ISP. You should now access all sites without restriction.
Besides unblocking, TurisVPN also protects your privacy, making online browsing safer. Additionally, check our guides on how to block someone on Telegram for more online control.
Risks and Limitations of Bypassing Website Blocks
While using a reputable VPN like TurisVPN is effective for bypassing ISP blocking websites, there are important risks and technical limitations to consider:
- Legal Consequences: Some countries have strict laws that ban or heavily limit the use of a VPN. An ISP can block a website if the government legally demands the block. Using a VPN to get around such a legal block can be against the law in these places. You must always know the laws in your country.
- Security Concerns with Free VPNs: Free VPNs often have big limits. They may cap your speed or limit your data. More sadly, some free services track what you do online. Some even sell your browsing data. This completely ruins the goal of using a VPN for privacy.
- Performance Impact: Using any VPN adds an extra step to your connection. This can sometimes make connection speeds slightly slower. Good services like TurisVPN reduce this effect. Also, if you connect to a server that is very far away, you may notice more lag or delay.
- VPN Blocking: Smart websites and services (like some streaming sites) actively detect and block VPN traffic. We work constantly to avoid this. However, there is always a chance that a service will temporarily block access from a known VPN server’s address.
Practical Alternatives to Access Information Safely
Besides using a VPN, there are other ways to get information safely. This is useful if a website is down for a short time or has been moved.
Using Legitimate Mirror Sites
Some websites have “mirror sites” that are exact original copies. A mirror site might be available if a site is blocked in your area. You can find these online or check the site’s social media.
Contacting Website Owners or ISPs
If a site is down, you can contact its support team. They might know about any blocks. You can ask your ISP why some websites are restricted. It is a good way to check if a website is blocked just for you.
This is also a good step if you are wondering how to know if your device is blocked from wifi and want to confirm if the issue is with your ISP or your own network settings.
We also share guides like how to block someone on Instagram to help users take more control of their own networks.
Bottom Line
Dealing with ISP blocking websites can be tough. Whether it’s from a government, a company policy, or network management, these blocks can affect your online life. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can get back control.
At TurisVPN, we want to give you the solution to these issues, so you can access what you want, when you want it. Our service helps you bypass these roadblocks safely and competently, keeping your privacy and freedom. This is the ultimate answer to unblock internet connection and regain your online rights.
FAQs
Q1. Can ISPs legally block websites?
Yes, governments can force ISPs to block sites for copyright problems or censor content. However, legality also depends on your country’s laws.
Q2. What’s the safest way to bypass restrictions?
The safest way to bypass ISP blocks is by using a good VPN like TurisVPN. It encrypts your internet traffic, hiding your online activity from your ISP. VPN makes it impossible for them to block or slow you down.
