Snapchat is a popular social media app that allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. However, many schools block access to Snapchat and other social media platforms on school computers and networks. There are a few methods students can try to get around these restrictions and unblock Snapchat on a school computer.
Using a VPN
One of the most effective ways to unblock Snapchat on a school computer is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to route your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your browsing activity and location. This essentially tricks the network into thinking you are accessing the web from a different location, bypassing any filters or blocks.
There are many free and paid VPN services to choose from. Some popular options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and TunnelBear. The process involves downloading and installing the VPN software, logging into your account, and connecting to a server location of your choice. Once connected through the VPN, you can then open Snapchat which should now work normally.
The advantages of using a VPN include not just unblocking Snapchat but also being able to access other banned sites and content. VPNs encrypt your data, enhancing your privacy and security. The downsides are that free VPNs often have slower speeds, data limits, and less reliable connections. Paid VPNs provide faster speeds and more stable connections.
Steps to unblock Snapchat using a VPN:
- Choose and install a trusted VPN service (paid options tend to work better)
- Create an account and log into the VPN app
- Connect to a server location of your choice – try different locations if one doesn’t work
- Once connected, open your web browser and access Snapchat
- Snapchat should now work normally even if the school has blocked it
Modifying the Hosts File
The hosts file is a system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses and can be used to override blocked domains. By adding certain Snapchat domains to the hosts file, you can trick your computer into loading Snapchat instead of being blocked. This method essentially bypasses the network filters put in place by schools.
The hosts file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows and /etc/hosts on Mac/Linux. You will need admin access to edit the file. Some common Snapchat domains that can be added include:
- realm.snapchat.com
- feelinsonice.appspot.com
- app.snapchat.com
- snapchat.com
Simply add each domain on a new line preceded by the IP address 127.0.0.1 which will redirect traffic from that domain to your local computer. Save the file once done editing. This fool the school’s filters into loading Snapchat content locally rather than blocking it.
Steps to unblock Snapchat by modifying hosts file:
- Locate the hosts file on your computer (see paths above)
- Open the hosts file in an admin-level text editor
- Add Snapchat domains each on a new line preceded by 127.0.0.1
- Save the changes and exit the text editor
- Open Snapchat which should now load successfully
Using Snapchat Web
Snapchat has a web-based version that can be accessed by going to https://web.snapchat.com/ in your browser. The web version has most of the same core features as the mobile app. Since this uses your browser instead of the app, it can often bypass school network blocks on the Snapchat mobile application.
To use Snapchat web, simply open your browser, go to the link above, and log in with your Snapchat username and password. You can then access your chats, stories, create new messages, and use filters. The web version works nicely as long as the school has not also specifically blocked the Snapchat website.
Steps to use Snapchat web:
- Open your browser on the school computer
- Go to https://web.snapchat.com/
- Enter your Snapchat credentials and log in
- Start using Snapchat web just like the mobile app
Trying a Snapchat Mirror Site
A mirror site is a replica of an existing blocked website, hosted on a different domain that may not be banned. There are various Snapchat mirror sites that provide the same interface and features as the official Snapchat site. Some options to try include snapterrier.com, snapchat.en.uptodown.com, sitespy.app/snapchat.
To use a mirror site, find one that is not blocked by your school, open it in your browser, and log in with your Snapchat details. You should then be able to access Snapchat as normal. The limitation is that school IT staff can discover and block these mirror sites as well so they may not work reliably.
Steps for using a Snapchat mirror site:
- Search for Snapchat mirror sites online
- Open an unblocked mirror site in your browser
- Log into the mirror site with your Snapchat account info
- Use Snapchat features on the mirror site
Using a Snapchat Proxy Site
A Snapchat proxy site acts as an intermediary between you and Snapchat. It fetches data from Snapchat in the background and serves it to you on an accessible proxy site that is not blocked. This allows you to view and use Snapchat through the proxy site interface.
Some popular proxy sites that may work include hidenseek.org, kproxy.com, hide.me, proxysite.com and ultrasurf.us. To use them, simply open the proxy website, enter the Snapchat URL into the proxy site search bar, and you should be able to access Snapchat through the proxy interface.
Steps for accessing Snapchat via proxy site:
- Find an unblocked proxy site that supports https
- Open the proxy site in your browser
- Enter https://web.snapchat.com in the proxy site search bar
- Use Snapchat by interacting with the proxy interface
Using a Snapchat App Mirroring Service
App mirroring services like AirDroid allow you to view and control your Android device from a desktop browser. You can mirror apps in real time and interact with them through the desktop browser interface.
If the school computer blocks the Snapchat app but not the AirDroid website, you can use AirDroid to mirror Snapchat running on your Android phone onto the desktop browser. This will essentially display and let you use the Snapchat app through the desktop browser, avoiding app blocks.
Steps to use app mirroring to unblock Snapchat:
- Install AirDroid on your Android device
- Open AirDroid.com on the school computer browser
- Log into AirDroid using your phone
- Mirror your device and locate Snapchat
- Interact with the mirrored Snapchat app in the browser
Using a Free Web Proxy
Free web proxies like Hidester and ProxySite allow you to access blocked websites and apps right through your browser. To use them, simply enter the target site URL (such as Snapchat) into the proxy site search bar. The proxy server fetches data from Snapchat in the background and displays the site to you through the proxy interface.
The advantages of web proxies are that they are completely free, quick to use, and only require a browser. The downside is that they can be slow, unstable, show ads, and sometimes fail to unblock sites. But they are still worth trying as an instant solution.
Steps for using free web proxies:
- Go to a free web proxy like Hidester.com
- Enter https://web.snapchat.com into the proxy site search bar
- The proxy site will load Snapchat in the browser window
- Interact with Snapchat through the proxy browser
Trying a Snapchat Onion Address
Snapchat onion addresses or Tor onion links essentially allow accessing Snapchat through the Tor anonymity network. Tor bounces your traffic through multiple nodes, hiding your identity and bypassing blocks. Snapchat’s .onion address if often not banned even if the main site is.
To access it, you need to use the Tor browser which routes traffic through the Tor network by default. Simply download the Tor browser, open it, and enter the .onion address snapchatkbcvo3.onion. This will open Snapchat web over Tor which usually bypasses school firewall blocks.
Steps to use Snapchat’s .onion address:
- Download and install the Tor browser on a USB drive
- Open the Tor browser and load the .onion link snapchatkbcvo3.onion
- Log into Snapchat through the .onion address
- Use Snapchat over Tor without network blocks
Trying Different Browsers and Incognito Mode
Some schools block sites and apps only when accessed through certain browsers or block browser extensions that allow access to banned content. Trying different browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera, or using their incognito/private browsing modes can sometimes avoid these restrictions.
Incognito mode loads pages without extensions, cookies, or browser history that may trigger blocks. Open an incognito window in your browser of choice and access Snapchat through that. Switching browsers and toggling incognito mode are easy ways to test getting around school firewall settings.
Steps to try different browsers:
- Install alternate browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Opera etc.
- Open incognito/private mode in each browser
- Try loading Snapchat in each browser and mode
- See if any combination successfully opens Snapchat
Using Snapchat Credentials on a Less Restricted Network
If you have your Snapchat username and password handy, you can log into Snapchat on devices connected to less restricted networks to access your account. For instance, you may be able to use Snapchat on your phone’s cellular data instead of the school Wi-Fi network.
At home, Snapchat will work fine on networks that don’t block social media. You can also try public networks in places like cafes which tend to have minimal restrictions. Just make sure to avoid doing anything private over public networks.
Steps to use Snapchat on alternate networks:
- Connect to cellular data or a public Wi-Fi network
- Open Snapchat and log in using your username and password
- Access your Snapchat account normally over the less restricted connection
- Remember to log out when switching back to the school network
Requesting Unblocking by School IT Admins
If all else fails, you can put in a request to your school IT department requesting them to remove Snapchat from the list of blocked websites. Explain how Snapchat can be used productively for school projects, group communication, sharing notes/study guides etc. Build a case for why access to Snapchat is necessary.
Provide examples of other schools that don’t block social media and argue why a similar policy could work. Be polite in your request and willing to discuss potential compromises like only allowing access during certain times or with monitoring/logging enabled. The school may be unwilling to budge at all but it’s worth a shot asking them directly to unblock Snapchat.
Tips for requesting Snapchat unblocking:
- Draft a formal written request to submit
- Focus on the benefits rather than just wanting access
- Offer examples of responsible use policies at other schools
- Suggest ways access could be monitored or restricted
- Accept their decision graciously even if request is denied
Using a Snapchat School Ambassador Account
Snapchat’s school ambassador program allows students to apply for official ambassador accounts. These accounts get access to exclusive Snapchat features tailored for academia. If your school participates in the program, request to become an ambassador.
As a Snapchat ambassador, you may get unfiltered access to Snapchat on school networks for managing the official school account and hashtag while setting an example for peers. However, the program is selective so you will need to convince admins why you will be responsible in the role.
Steps to get Snapchat access as a school ambassador:
- Find out if your school has a Snapchat ambassador program
- Apply to be an ambassador highlighting your qualifications
- If selected, you will be granted unfiltered Snapchat access
- Use the privilege responsibly and lead by example on Snapchat
Conclusion
In summary, getting around Snapchat blocks on school computers involves technical methods like VPNs, hosts file edits, proxies, Tor access as well as policy-based approaches like appealing to IT directly or getting approved ambassador access. The technical options typically work better but may be deterred over time as school networks evolve.
Ideally, have an open conversation with IT administrators on why Snapchat access is important for you and suggest ways that concerns around unfiltered access may be addressed. If the school refuses to budge, use the various workaround options at your own discretion while staying within policy limits and exhibiting responsibility.
Blocking Snapchat wholesale prevents constructive use cases in academia so keeping an open mind on both sides can lead to a policy that enables learning while addressing valid monitoring and safety concerns. The key is open communication, responsible use, and applying technical and policy-based solutions creatively.