Website Blocked? Your Ultimate 2026 Guide to Bypassing ISP Restrictions

Last updated on February 21, 2026

Why Can’t I Access Certain Websites in the US?

If you’re here, you’ve probably hit the dreaded “access denied” message when trying to visit a website. In 2026, ISP-level blocking by major providers like Comcast (Xfinity), Verizon, AT&T, and Spectrum is more aggressive than ever. Due to court orders, copyright enforcement, or even internal filtering policies, these companies are often required to block access to domains related to P2P downloads, certain streaming services, or IPTV. And that list of blocked sites is always growing.

The problem? These blocks are often automated and overly broad, meaning they can accidentally sweep up and block perfectly legitimate websites. In this definitive guide, as a senior tech editor and network specialist, I’ll walk you through the most effective techniques to unblock websites and take back control of your internet connection.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not develop, distribute, or endorse any of the software or services mentioned. We are staunchly against copyright infringement. The end-user is solely responsible for their actions and for complying with all applicable laws.

Quick Diagnosis: Is My ISP Actually Blocking This Site?

Before you start changing settings, it’s crucial to confirm that you’re dealing with an ISP block. The fastest and most reliable method I recommend is what I call the “Cellular Data Test”:

1. Disconnect from Wi-Fi on your phone, PC, or TV Box.
2. If you’re on a PC or TV Box, enable the mobile hotspot feature on your smartphone to share its cellular data connection.
3. Using only your mobile data (ideally from a different carrier than your home internet), try to access the website or service that was failing.
4. Does it work now? If the answer is YES, that’s your proof: your home internet provider is filtering your connection and blocking access.

DNS vs. VPN: Which Tool Should You Use to Unblock Websites?

To bypass a block, we have two main tools: changing your DNS or using a VPN. Each has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick comparison chart to help you pick the right one for the job:

Method 1: Change Your DNS (The Quick & Free Fix)

The most common type of block is DNS-based. When you type “example.com” into your browser, your device asks your ISP’s DNS servers, “Hey, where is this site?” To block it, your ISP’s server simply replies, “I don’t know,” or sends you to a warning page. By changing your DNS to a public, neutral provider, your device asks a different, unrestricted directory that will give you the correct address.

Top Recommended Public DNS Servers for 2026

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (Primary) and 1.0.0.1 (Secondary). Known for its top-tier speed and privacy focus.
• Google: 8.8.8.8 (Primary) and 8.8.4.4 (Secondary). A reliable and robust classic.
• Quad9: 9.9.9.9 (Primary) and 149.112.112.112 (Secondary). Adds a layer of security by blocking known malicious domains.

How to Change DNS on Any Device

On Windows 11 & 10

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.
2. Click on your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and then select “Hardware properties”.
3. Next to “DNS server assignment,” click “Edit”.
4. Choose “Manual” from the dropdown and turn on IPv4.
5. Enter your preferred DNS addresses. For example:
   • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
   • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
6. Click “Save” and you’re done.

On macOS

1. Open System Settings > Network.
2. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and click “Details…”.
3. Go to the “DNS” tab in the sidebar.
4. Click the “+” button under “DNS Servers” and add 1.1.1.1. Click it again and add 1.0.0.1.
5. Click “OK” to save.

On Android, Google TV, and Fire TV

Most of these devices don’t make manual DNS changes easy. The simplest solution is to use an app that creates a “local VPN” (it’s not a real VPN, it just routes your DNS requests).

1. Go to the Play Store (or Amazon Appstore) and search for Cloudflare’s “1.1.1.1 + WARP” app or “DNS Changer – Lilly”.
2. Install and open the app.
3. Select the DNS provider you want (Cloudflare, Google, etc.).
4. Tap the “Connect” or “Start” button. Accept the VPN connection request from the operating system.
5. That’s it! The change applies to every app on your device, including browsers and media centers like Kodi.

On iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the info icon (the ‘i’ in a circle) next to your current Wi-Fi network.
3. Scroll down to “Configure DNS” and tap it.
4. Change it from “Automatic” to “Manual”.
5. Delete any existing addresses and add the new ones by tapping “Add Server”. For example, add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
6. Tap “Save”.

On Your Router (The Whole-Home Solution)

This is the most convenient option. By changing the DNS settings on your router, every device connected to your Wi-Fi will automatically use the new DNS. The process varies by manufacturer, but the general steps are:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Look for a section called “LAN,” “DHCP Server,” or “Internet.”
3. Find the DNS server fields and replace the existing addresses with your chosen ones. If your ISP’s gateway sucks, you might need to put it in bridge mode first.
4. Save the changes and reboot your router.

Method 2: Use a VPN (The Bulletproof Privacy Solution)

Sometimes, a DNS change isn’t enough. ISPs, especially during major live sports events, use more sophisticated techniques. IP blocking (which blocks the direct connection to the server) or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI, which analyzes the type of traffic) renders a simple DNS change useless.

This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from your device to a server in another location. To your ISP, all your traffic looks like unintelligible gibberish going to a single destination (the VPN server). The VPN server then accesses the website for you and sends it back through the secure tunnel, bypassing any local blocks completely.

Key Advantages of Using a VPN in 2026

• 🛡️ Absolute Privacy: Your ISP can’t see which sites you visit, what you download, or if you’re using streaming services with addons for Kodi. It’s a cornerstone of protecting your digital life and mitigating the risks to your home network.
• 🚀 Eliminate Throttling: Some ISPs slow down your connection when they detect heavy video consumption (streaming, P2P). With a VPN, they can’t distinguish your traffic types, so they can’t penalize you.
• 🌍 Access Geo-Restricted Content: A VPN lets you access different Netflix libraries or streaming services that are only available in other countries.

Recommended VPNs for Streaming & Privacy in 2026

Free VPNs are a non-starter for video. They’re slow, unreliable, and often sell your data. For a smooth, buffer-free 4K streaming experience, you need to invest in a quality service. In my testing, these are the three most solid options on the market:

Note: Prices are estimates based on long-term plans and are subject to change.

Method 3: Use a Browser with a Built-in VPN for Occasional Use

If you just want to unblock a single website on your computer or phone without installing extra software, some browsers offer an integrated solution.

1. Download and install the Opera Browser.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy & security.
3. Toggle the “Enable VPN” switch.
4. A “VPN” icon will appear in your address bar. Click it to turn it on, and you’ll be able to browse without blocks.

Heads-up: This “VPN” only protects traffic within the Opera browser itself, not other applications on your system.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

I changed my DNS, but the site is still blocked.

If that happens, your ISP is likely using a more advanced blocking method. The most common culprits are:

• DNS Hijacking: Some ISPs intercept all DNS requests (on port 53) and force them through their own servers, ignoring your custom settings.
• IP Address Blocking: The ISP is blocking the server’s IP address directly. In this case, DNS changes won’t do anything.

In both scenarios, the only effective solution is to move on to Method 2 and use a VPN.

My internet is super slow with the VPN on.

A minor speed drop is normal, but if it’s significant, try these fixes:

• Switch Servers: Connect to a VPN server that is geographically closer to you (e.g., another US city instead of one in Europe).
• Use the WireGuard Protocol: In your VPN app’s settings, make sure you’ve selected the “WireGuard” protocol. It’s far more modern, faster, and lighter than OpenVPN, especially on lower-powered devices like a Fire TV Stick.
• Reboot Everything: Sometimes, a simple restart of your router and your device can resolve network performance issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)