Have you ever tried to watch a video on YouTube, only to be met with the notice, "This video is not accessible in your country"? If this is the case, you have been banned due to location. Although geo-blocking mainly has a motive, it also has the potential to prevent us from enjoying the material that we appreciate. If you face this issue, we have collected and listed some relevant information and tools to learn about geo-blocking, its operation mechanism, and how to bypass geo blocking without VPN.
In this article:
Part 1: What is Geo-Blocking?
Geo-blocking restricts content present on the internet by location. International borders are frequently denied. Online media firms and streaming services like Amazon Prime utilize it to conform to license arrangements, legal systems, and other agreements.
Geo-blocking blocks websites encouraging unlawful conduct in particular regions. Internet Service Providers may employ this process to limit your internet because of their traffic-shaping approach to manage bandwidth and reduce network congestion.
However, this tool can be used maliciously. It is used by certain nations to ban websites from their population. For instance, Amazon uses this to force customers to use their local site, which may have higher costs.
Part 2: How Does Geo-Blocking Work?
It is essential to understand the mechanics of geo-blocking before learning how to bypass geo-blocking. To implement a geo-block, a tracking and geo-location system is used to determine your IP address. Your Internet service provider (ISP) assigns you a unique number known as an IP address, which includes your location.
Certain limitations may be in place because of your IP address. Geo-blocking prevents access to a website if the user's IP address is associated with an area or nation where the website's content should be prohibited or banned. However, unlike a physical address, an IP address is dynamic and can vary based on your Internet service provider and location.
Part 3: Common Geo-Blocked Websites / Software
A number of websites use geo-blocking, and it is not very easy to bypass geographic restrictions. Following are some.
- 1. YouTube: Content creators use geo-blocking by defining their regions and restricting access outside that on YouTube, a platform to stream videos.
- 2. Spotify: Using geo-restrictions, Spotify (a music steaming app) prevents users from some countries from accessing the service and its music catalog. If you want to fake location on Spotify, read on to find the answer.
- 3. Live Sports: Live Sports channels like ESPN Live geo-blocks material. Due to broadcast rights restrictions, foreign content may be geo-blocked or region-restricted.
- 4. Pandora: Pandora, a music and podcasts website, bans IP addresses outside the US due to copyright laws. You will deny access if the IP falls outside the US.
- 5. Porn websites: Governments can use geo-blocking to limit access to adult material and Porn sites.
- 6. Amazon: Amazon Prime geo-blocks its other services, including Games, e-books, audiobooks, and other digital material, as well as its streaming content. They can be licensed and copyrighted, like TV and movies.
- 7. Netflix: In over 190 countries, streaming Netflix is available, but each country's library is different—and not only because of local content. Netflix has license arrangements with TV and movie producers to broadcast in specific areas. A French Netflix show may not be accessible in Spain, change location on Netflix is necessary.
Part 4: How to Bypass Geo-blocking Without a VPN?
There are ways to get around any restrictions your nation might have on the internet. Using a VPN is the most common method, yet this article provides you with all the knowledge on how to bypass geo-blocking without using VPN.
1 Use SmartDNS
If you are looking at how to bypass geo-blocking, SmartDNS is suitable for geo-blocking without security. It redirects DNS inquiries to a remote server. It doesn't hide your IP or encrypt your traffic, similar to a VPN. SmartDNS hides your Domain Name System address and lets you access location-specific content. SmartDNS is also faster than VPNs. Many VPNs have SmartDNS. VPNs and SmartDNS conflict; hence they cannot be used together. Use a SmartDNS service without a VPN. Before joining up, check to sure your SmartDNS service is reliable.
2 Use the Tor Browser
Tor Browser may sound familiar as over two million individuals use this anonymous and secure browser daily. Tor covers the IP address as you browse the internet, hiding your location. Tor is ideal for geo-blocking and is compatible with all operating systems. Tor relays your internet traffic across three separate servers, making it extremely more challenging for trackers to access your essential data.
However, one drawback is this browser is a bit slow. Traffic passes via three servers, which slows loading and video buffering. SmartDNS may be a better option when you need to view geo-restricted material quickly and don't care about security. However, Tor is more secure and private.
3 Use a Proxy Server
Proxy servers remained the most popular way to hide IP addresses before VPNs became mainstream. Proxy servers route the internet data traffic via a distant server to hide your location from your ISP. Proxy servers allow free access to geo-restricted material. Proxies do more. Proxy servers may now operate as firewalls, protecting your online browsing.
Depending on server use, proxies might delay connection speeds. Proxy servers vary in security, so select wisely. Private proxy servers increase security and connection speed, but they cost money. Proxy servers are often intermediaries between you and the server with your desired content. Proxy servers get data for you and send it to you.
Part 5: How to Change Your GPS Location on iPhone / Android
Changing your location and web address is a standard and secure method to access websites that have geo-blocked content. The most common way to do so is using a VPN location changer; however, a GPS spoofing software, for instance, iMyFone AnyTo can come in handy if you are looking at how to change location without using VPN.This software is compatible with all operating systems.
This software also works well with location-based devices, such as Snapchat or Spotify. It is a professional tool that changes the location without VPN in an undetectable way.
Key Features:
- One-click access to GPS location customization.
- Apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Pokémon Go that rely on your location will work with no problems.
- Adds support for GPS files, so you can get going on your preferred routes.
- Joysticks make it easy to adjust course with minimal effort.
Step 1: Download iMyFone AnyTo on your iOS / Android devices.
Step 2: Back to your device's home page. Click the AnyTo icon, open AnyTo app. Follow the instructions in the software to complete the basic settings before changing the location.
Step 3: Select the location you want to change, choose the mode you need, then click the Move button .Your location will be changed within seconds.
You can select a place by long pressing/entering the place name/coordinates.
Good luck!
You can also change GPS location on PC with 1-Click!
Connect iPhone/Andoid devices to the PC. Click "Get Started".
Select Teleport Mode or Multi-spot Mode to plan a route.
Click the Move button to change location on the map to this new location!
Conclusion
Geo-blocking often appears as a component that restricts your online experience and limits your capability; nevertheless, it is possible to get around it in a snap without the need for a virtual private network (VPN).
Therefore, if you are interested in watching some of your preferred movies, cartoons, and television series and looking for how to bypass geo-blocking without VPN, you may try out one of the above strategies to unlock an entirely new realm of entertainment options.