Internet Censorship is a big problem in some countries around the world. But if you know how, you can always bypass those barriers.
To access a blocked website on your Android device, you would have to install special apps like “Orbot” and bypass restrictions by Internet Service Providers and governments.
The app Orbot is a product from “Tor Project“. Tor is
“a network of virtual tunnels that allows people and groups to improve their privacy and security on the Internet. It also enables software developers to create new communication tools with built-in privacy features. Tor provides the foundation for a range of applications that allow organizations and individuals to share information over public networks without compromising their privacy.” – https://www.torproject.org/about/overview.html.en
With their Android app Orbot, they’re offering the said privacy options to users of Android devices.
Please note that your Android device must be rooted in order to install Orbot.
To install, you can find Orbot in https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.android.
Once you install the app, you’ll be able to see an app icon like the following in your app drawer. Touch it to open Orbot.
Once you open the app, you will get the option to choose the language which you wish to use it with. Then you’re directed to a wizard which lets you quickly configure Orbot as you need it.
In the next step, they give a warning that to completely anonymize your traffic, you have to properly configure the app.
Then you have to allow Orbot to have superuser access.
To do that, touch the button “Request Superuser Access”, and the root access management app you installed while you were rooting your device – probably “Superuser” or “SuperSu” – will open and give you the option to provide the requested access rights to Orbot.
Do provide super user access, and then you’ll be presented with following screen. It allows you to set how you want Orbot to work. If you want it to work with every app, select “Proxy All Apps Through Tor” – if you choose this, every app will have access to blocked websites. If you choose “Select Individual Apps for Tor”, only selected apps will be able to access blocked websites.
In next screen, Orbot recommends some more apps to install, just ignore it and touch Next.
Next screen just says everything is ready.
Touch “Finish” and you’ll be presented with the following screen. This is the one you’ll see when you start the app next time as well.
To activate Orbot, you can either long press the huge power button in the middle or play button at the top. You’ll see following message when it starts.
Once it’s running, you’ll see the screen as following.
To check whether Orbot is actually working, click the globe icon and it’ll open a webpage to verify your connection to Tor network, on your web browser.
That’s it. You have now successfully connected to Internet anonymously through the Tor network. Censorship from ISPs or governments will no longer work, and country limited content will now be yours to browse and enjoy. When you need to disable Orbot, just go to the app and either long press the huge power button or just press the play button at the top of the app.
Did you face any trouble trying to install or activate Orbot? Do you use another app for the purpose? What do you think about Orbot? Please share in the comments section below.
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Image from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.torproject.android
31 responses to “How to Access Blocked Websites on Android with “Orbot””
This is great information. I know a few android users who I will pass it on to.
Thanks a lot. I’m sure it’ll be very helpful for them. 🙂
Nice idea to can access block websites with this extension, i will try, thanks.
Thanks EmpireWorks! 🙂
Good one! I will try this out! Cheers!
Thanks Shakthi! 🙂
This is great information! Thanks for sharing!
Welcome Ransae. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!Is it for pros. only?
Of course not Asigurai, it can be used by anyone who have a smartphone. Not just pros. 🙂
so.. this is how to access a blocked website with my android.. thanks for the share, appreciated it so much..
Yes Ricky, this will help you to access blocked websites.
Nice Android trick!
🙂
Thank you very much for the information. I’m planning to get a new Android device soon, and these tips will come in handy. Much appreciated!
It’s a pleasure for me if you find this useful Marcus. 🙂
hey this is good info!
Got a few sites blocked by UK ISPs….may have to try this.
very useful – privacy becomes more and more important – so also on my mobile/smartphone as well –
Well it will be very useful for me thank you for your sharing.
Can you tell how to access protected wifi
What browser do you recommend i think I might go with Firefox don’t know if beta or original
Be sure to check Chrome. It’s from Google after all. 😀
Thanks for the great info!
Hotspot Shield is the best ….. to open blocked sites.
A rooted device is not required to install Orbot, nor is it required to run it. However, Orbot is easier to use on a rooted phone, but not a requirement.
Is this app can download songs and video es
Yes Khushi, I believe so. Using this app, you can access any type of blocked content.
sir what about the unrooted androids…??
No need to call me “sir” Vinay. I am not a knight. 😉
Anyway, try Hotspot Shield ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hotspotshield.android.vpn ). I guess it doesn’t require root access. I haven’t tried it though.
hi sinister surfers… can someone explain where my mistake in installing orbot is cozit isn’t even accepting the power button it does However turn to a yellow colour but I don’t know what Ihavdone wrong I followed the method detailed at the top of this page instinctively before eventually stumbling onto this site and the irony is my 2nd device nonrooted I did the same way works lmao typical any help appreciated cybernetically yours Davedroid – Andy’s brother