VPN
How to Bypass Internet Geo Restrictions alongside a Content Filter
Learn how to bypass region blocks with a VPN while still staying connected to a Content Filtering policy
If you're using a VPN to get around geo-restrictions, you might be using a VPN, like NordVPN, SurfShark, or OpenVPN. Some of our customers have noticed that this conflicts with their DNS Content Policy .
How can you use a VPN to get around internet restrictions, but still filter websites and apps?
In this guide, we'll look show you how to do this with NordVPN , which allows you to bypass region blocks while keeping your device connected to your DNS Content Policy.
Prerequisites
Currently, the recommendations mentioned in this guide only work on Windows or Mac computers. There isn't a supported method for iOS or Android yet.
You also need to use a compatible VPN. From our testing, we discovered that NordVPN was compatible, but many other providers were not.
This guide assumes that you are trying to connect to a custom filtering policy, like the Tech Lockdown DNS Content Policy, and not a generic filter that you can't customize (like Cloudflare for families or Open DNS free adult content filter).
Connect to your Content Policy with the WARP app
First, make sure you've created a Content Policy in your Tech Lockdown dashboard with rules for what content should be blocked.
Then, connect to your Content Policy using the Cloudflare WARP or Cloudflare One app. Instructions on how to do this can be found in your Tech Lockdown dashboard.
Enable DoH Mode
There are two content filtering modes provided by the Cloudflare WARP app: WARP and DoH. You need to switch to DoH filtering to be compatible.
Here's how to enable DoH only mode on your Content Policy:
On the Windows and Mac client, you should now see that a message saying DNS queries are protected and faster:
Change Location with Your VPN
Now that you've connected your device to your Content Policy using the app, you can turn on NordVPN and change your browsing location to bypass region locks.
As an example, I set up a Windows machine with NordVPN and set the location to Iceland.
Test Connectivity
Now you need to test that the location was set properly and that your content policy is still connected. The best way to do this is using dnsleaktest.com .
You should see the ISP listed as Cloudflare, and the Country list should be close to where you connected (in my case, the closest DNS servers to Iceland where in the Netherlands).
Here are the results of my test:
As a bonus, my device was connecting to Cloudflare's servers in Amsterdam instead of the United State (where I live).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't enable DNS-only mode first?
Your internet connection will break. Websites will load very slowly, if at all.
Can I switch off DNS-only mode on my device?
You can if you've enabled switching modes as an option on your Content Policy. To check this, go to Settings > App Preferences and enable Allow Switching Modes. Note that you will have to first set Filter Mode to Warp (HTTP + DNS) in order to switch between them.
How do I test my content filter while my VPN is active?
Most Content Filters have test webpages or help documents that provide these instructions. For Tech Lockdown, check out our help docs about testing your connection.
Content Policy
Check Your Device's Connection to your DNS policy
Check your device's connection to your content policy.
Which VPNs support changing DNS specifically?
It’s difficult to say.
From my testing, I was only able to find one example ( NordVPN ). Some VPNs let you change DNS servers temporarily, but once your connection is updated, it’s reset back to defaults. I didn’t include those VPNs in the list since they aren’t very useful.
Are there any blocking methods that work alongside an active VPN?
If you aren't able to set your VPN's DNS resolvers to point to a DNS filter, you can use other blocking techniques that work while a VPN is active. For example, you can using blocking techniques that don't work on the network-level of your device, so they won't be overridden by a VPN. Check out the guide below for more information.
Block Websites
How to Block Websites Even while Using a VPN
If you must use a VPN or proxy, here are some website blocking techniques that will work while a VPN is active.
