The growing threat of VPN blocks
Imagine paying for a VPN subscription to safeguard your privacy, only to see a dreaded message: “Access denied VPN detected.” VPN blocks are becoming a major issue worldwide. Governments, streaming platforms, schools, and workplaces are cracking down harder than ever to prevent users from masking their online activity.
These blocks exist for three main reasons. First, geographical restrictions limit what content is available depending on your country. Second, government censorship targets citizens who use VPNs to access banned websites or communicate privately. Third, institutional policies in schools, universities, and offices try to control internet usage to enforce rules or maintain productivity.
Websites and internet service providers (ISPs) use two main techniques to enforce these restrictions. The first is IP address blocking, which bans known VPN server IPs. The second is deep packet inspection (DPI), a powerful method that scans data traffic patterns to detect whether you are using a VPN. Both methods are aggressive, but neither is foolproof. With the right approach, you can make your VPN traffic undetectable and reclaim your online freedom.
One VPN provider stands out for consistently bypassing these blocks: Surfshark VPN. With advanced features like Stealth Mode, NoBorders, and Nexus rotating IP technology, Surfshark provides multiple tools that help you stay invisible to detection systems.
The following five steps show you exactly how to bypass VPN blocks and keep Surfshark undetectable.
Step 1: Switch VPN servers or tunnelling protocols
The simplest way to bypass a VPN block is to change your server. VPN blocks rely on blacklisting known IP addresses, but they cannot possibly cover every server from every provider. With Surfshark, you have access to 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, giving you thousands of fresh IPs to cycle through.
Surfshark also has Nexus technology, which continuously rotates your IP address while keeping your connection stable. This feature makes it almost impossible for a website or service to lock onto you for blocking.
Equally important is switching your tunnelling protocol. Many VPNs default to OpenVPN, which is reliable but easier for DPI systems to flag. Surfshark offers WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, letting you pick the one that works best against a specific block. WireGuard, in particular, is lightweight, fast, and much harder to detect.
How to do it with Surfshark:
- Open your Surfshark app.
- Choose a new server from the list or enable Nexus rotating IP.
- Go to settings → VPN protocol → select WireGuard for stealthy performance.
This step alone often beats simple IP-based blocking systems.
Step 2: Activate Surfshark’s anti-blocking features
Some websites and ISPs go beyond IP blocks, using deep packet inspection to sniff out VPN traffic patterns. To bypass these, Surfshark offers built-in anti-blocking tools.
The most powerful is Stealth Mode, which disguises your VPN traffic so it looks like normal browsing activity. This feature is invaluable in countries with strict censorship, such as China, Russia, or the Middle East, where DPI is used heavily.
Surfshark also provides NoBorders mode, which automatically activates when you are in a restricted region. This ensures you can connect securely even when standard VPN connections are blocked.
For even greater security, Surfshark allows you to purchase a dedicated IP address. Unlike shared VPN IPs, which are easier to blacklist, a dedicated IP is unique to you. This makes IP-based blocking virtually useless.
How to use Surfshark’s anti-blocking features:
- Open Surfshark and go to settings.
- Enable Stealth Mode to hide VPN signatures.
- Activate NoBorders if Surfshark detects network restrictions.
- Consider adding a dedicated IP for guaranteed access to streaming platforms and banking sites.
With these tools, Surfshark makes VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular browsing.
Step 3: Use proxy tunnelling alternatives
Some firewalls are designed specifically to detect and block VPNs. When even advanced stealth features struggle, you can bypass DPI with proxy tunnelling. While proxies are not encrypted like VPNs, Surfshark’s Smart DNS can be used to access geo-restricted content without triggering VPN detection systems.
Smart DNS changes your DNS address so that websites believe you are in a permitted region, while your device stays connected at full speed. This is especially effective for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, which are notorious for blocking VPNs.
How to set up smart DNS with Surfshark:
- Log in to your Surfshark account on the official website.
- Navigate to the Smart DNS section.
- Activate Smart DNS and follow the setup instructions for your device (smart TV, game console, etc.).
Smart DNS sacrifices encryption for speed and invisibility, making it ideal for entertainment.
Step 4: Prevent DNS leaks
Sometimes VPN blocks are triggered not by strong firewalls but by DNS leaks. This happens when your device sends DNS requests outside of the VPN tunnel, revealing your true browsing activity.
Surfshark prevents this with built-in DNS leak protection. It also offers private DNS on every server, ensuring that all your queries stay secure within the encrypted tunnel.
If you suspect a DNS leak, you can run a quick test using online tools. If results show your ISP’s DNS server instead of Surfshark’s, you need to enable leak protection.
How to fix DNS leaks in Surfshark:
- Go to Surfshark settings → advanced.
- Enable DNS leak protection.
- Make sure split tunnelling is turned off if leaks continue.
By securing your DNS traffic, Surfshark prevents accidental exposure that could lead to VPN detection.
Step 5: Use Surfshark’s specialised apps
At the end of the day, the effectiveness of bypassing VPN blocks depends on the provider you choose. Free and low-quality VPNs often lack the tools to evade detection, leaving you frustrated and exposed.
Surfshark, however, was built for censorship resistance. Its apps include everything you need:
- Stealth Mode and NoBorders to bypass firewalls.
- Nexus rotating IPs to beat blacklists.
- Private DNS and DNS leak protection to secure traffic.
- MultiHop servers for double encryption when needed.
With Surfshark’s apps available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and smart TVs, you can bypass VPN blocks on every device.
How to get started with Surfshark:
- Download the Surfshark app for your device.
- Sign in and connect to a recommended server.
- Activate NoBorders and Stealth Mode if needed.
- Enjoy unrestricted, undetectable browsing.
Why you must act now
VPN blocks are increasing worldwide. From streaming services tightening restrictions to authoritarian governments expanding censorship, the fight for online freedom is escalating. Without the right tools, your paid VPN could become useless.
Surfshark offers a comprehensive solution with affordable pricing, unlimited device connections, and a proven record of bypassing even the toughest restrictions. Whether you are trying to watch geo-blocked content, protect your privacy under government surveillance, or simply access the open internet at work or school, Surfshark gives you the edge you need.
Final thoughts
Bypassing VPN blocks is no longer optional it is essential if you want to preserve your online freedom. IP blocking and deep packet inspection may sound intimidating, but they can be defeated with the right techniques.
Here’s a recap of the 5 steps with Surfshark VPN:
- Switch servers and tunnelling protocols (WireGuard recommended).
- Enable anti-blocking features like Stealth Mode, NoBorders, and dedicated IPs.
- Use Smart DNS for streaming and proxy tunnelling alternatives.
- Fix DNS leaks with Surfshark’s built-in protection.
- Install Surfshark’s specialised apps for complete access across all devices.
The bottom line: Surfshark equips you with everything you need to make your VPN undetectable and bypass restrictions anywhere in the world. Do not wait until censorship or streaming bans lock you out.
👉 Get Surfshark today through this exclusive link and stay ahead of the blocks.
_____________________

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