Why is it that sometimes when using a VPN, you are unable to access websites and apps that are blocked in your country?
Using a VPN may be required to access a geo-restricted platform. This could be a website, app, or other resource. It might not be available in your country, and you might need to use such software to simulate being located elsewhere. However, sometimes this doesn't solve the problem. Why does this happen?
We'll explain the possible reasons behind this problem. If you find that you can't access a blocked website despite using a VPN, you might need something else, or you might be using a service that isn't working correctly. Sometimes, making small changes can help you avoid these issues.
What a VPN does is encrypt your connection and route your traffic through an intermediary server. This can make it seem as if you are in a different location, such as another country, even if you are thousands of miles away. It is used to trick an application or website into allowing you access, for example. However, things don't always work perfectly. Below are some examples where access to a website I want to visit is still blocked even when using a VPN:
- Connect to a server in your country
One reason is that you're connecting to a server in your country. For example, if you're in Morocco and need to access a website that's only available in Germany, there's no point in using a VPN with servers in Morocco, as you won't be able to access that website and will still face restrictions.
It might also happen that you're connecting to a different server, in a different country, in which case that page or application won't work either. You'll be in the same situation and will still see that there's a blockage.
- The VPN network is not of good quality.
Another reason is that you're using a low-quality VPN. The website you're trying to access might detect that you're using this type of VPN and block the connection. Using a secure application like NordVPN, CyberGhost, or Surfshark will mitigate this issue.
By using a VPN that isn't good enough, you'll also be limited in your choice of server to bypass the restrictions. You'll have fewer connection options available.
- The website or application uses the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Another factor to consider is that websites and apps can use not only your IP address to determine your location but also your GPS. Some programs, such as sports betting, have geo-restrictions and require you to enable GPS to determine your location.
In these cases, even using a VPN won't unblock you. You'll also need to spoof your GPS location to connect.
You should check something else.
On the other hand, you might need to check something else online. For example, when you sign up for a streaming service on a platform to watch TV shows or movies, they might block your payment if they detect that your card is from a foreign country. Even if you're using a VPN and connecting to that country, they might still detect that you're outside of it.
If you need to verify something else, no matter how good your VPN is, you won't be able to bypass this block unless you get this additional verification.
Ultimately, using a VPN might help you bypass internet censorship. However, this won't always be enough. It's important to avoid mistakes and consider some additional factors you should review.