How to set up Brave to browse restricted content.

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Introduction

In regions where certain websites or online services are blocked or restricted, Brave browser offers multiple strategies to regain access. This article explores both built-in features and external solutions, guiding you step by step through configuring Brave to browse restricted content securely and responsibly.

Understanding Content Restrictions

Geographical Restrictions

Certain streaming platforms, news outlets or social media services limit access based on your country or region. This is often enforced by checking your IP address against a geo-database.

Network-Level Blocks

Schools, workplaces or public Wi-Fi networks may filter or block websites using firewall rules or DNS filtering. This prevents access even if you attempt using a different browser.

Censorship and Government Filters

In some countries, authorities impose strict internet censorship, blocking categories of sites such as social media, messaging apps or political news.

Built-In Brave Methods

Using Brave’s Tor Integration

Brave includes an experimental feature to open a private window routed through the Tor network. Tor anonymizes your traffic and can bypass network blocks:

  • Open Brave and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines or dots at top right).
  • Select “New Private Window with Tor”.
  • Wait for the Tor circuit to establish. You’ll see a purple browser theme indicating Tor is active.
  • Browse any site your IP will appear as one of the Tor exit nodes, effectively bypassing regional or network blocks.

Disabling Brave Shields

Some websites detect or restrict based on ad-blockers or tracking protection. Temporarily disabling Brave Shields can help:

  • Click the lion icon in the address bar.
  • Toggle off Shields for that site.
  • Refresh the page to see if access is restored.

Configuring Secure DNS (DNS-over-HTTPS)

Secure DNS can help bypass DNS filtering by network administrators:

  • Go to Brave Settings gt Privacy and Security.
  • Enable “Use secure DNS”.
  • Choose a provider or enter a custom one (for example, Cloudflare or Google Public DNS).
  • Restart the browser and test access to previously blocked domains.

Using VPN and Proxy Extensions

Installing a VPN Extension

Adding a reputable VPN extension can route Brave’s traffic through different geographic locations:

  • Open Brave and navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
  • Search for a trusted VPN (example: Windscribe, Proton VPN, or TunnelBear).
  • Click “Add to Brave” and follow installation prompts.
  • Sign in or create an account, then choose a server location to connect.
  • Once connected, your IP address will reflect the chosen country, unblocking geo-restricted content.

Recommended VPN Extensions

VPN Name Free Tier Server Locations
Windscribe Yes (10 GB/month) 10 countries
Proton VPN Yes (unlimited, limited servers) 3 countries for free
TunnelBear Yes (500 MB/month) 20 countries

Manually Configuring a Proxy Server

You can route Brave through a custom HTTP/SOCKS proxy:

  • Prepare proxy details: address, port, and (if required) username/password.
  • Open Brave Settings gt System gt Open your operating system’s proxy settings.
  • Enter the proxy server information in the appropriate fields.
  • Save settings and restart Brave.
  • Verify your IP at an IP-checking service to confirm the proxy is active.

Device-Specific Instructions

On Windows and macOS

  • Brave Settings gt System gt Open your system’s network or proxy settings.
  • Configure HTTP or SOCKS proxy as provided by your service.
  • Use “No proxy for” exceptions if certain local addresses must bypass the proxy.

On Android and iOS

  • Brave’s proxy support follows the device’s VPN or proxy setup.
  • Go to your device Settings gt VPN (or Network gt Private DNS for Android).
  • Install and configure a VPN app, or add a DNS-over-TLS host.
  • Enable the service, then open Brave to browse with the new network path.

Precautions and Legal Considerations

Use responsibly. Always respect local laws and the terms of service of websites. Avoid accessing illegal content or violating copyright.

Security tip: Only install VPN or proxy extensions from reputable sources. Unverified services may log your traffic or inject ads.

Regularly update Brave and any extensions to benefit from security patches. If you experience slow speeds, try switching servers or methods (Tor vs VPN vs proxy).

Conclusion

By combining Brave’s built-in privacy features, secure DNS, Tor mode, and reputable VPN/proxy solutions, you can effectively bypass various content restrictions. Choose the method that balances convenience, speed and security to maintain a seamless and private browsing experience.

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