How to Get ChatGPT Unblocked at School: Easy & Free (2024)

Many schools block access to AI tools like ChatGPT to prevent misuse during homework and exams. Yet, when used responsibly, ChatGPT can be an incredible resource for your research and help you gain an understanding of complex subjects. This guide will teach you several methods to get ChatGPT unblocked at school, letting you use this AI tool to boost your studies.

The most reliable method of unblocking ChatGPT at school is to use a VPN. A quality VPN allows you to access the ChatGPT app and website on any school WiFi network. The best services have easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and mobile devices.

After testing 50+ VPN services, ExpressVPN took my top spot due to its excellent unblocking capabilities (it has military-grade encryption and obfuscation on every server). Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs to Get ChatGPT Unblocked at School in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How to Get ChatGPT Unblocked at School

The simplest method to safely access ChatGPT at school is to use a top-notch VPN. The setup process is pretty straightforward — just install the VPN app and follow the on-screen instructions. Whether you're a first-timer or just need a refresher, you'll find the steps easy to follow and quick to implement.

1. Choose a VPN With a Money-Back Guarantee

Schools often use DNS filtering to block access to certain services, including ChatGPT. This means that when your device tries to access the service, the school’s network automatically blocks the request.

VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route it through their own private DNS servers, which allows you to completely bypass the DNS filters put in place by your school. The encryption also prevents network admins from monitoring where your traffic is going. This is crucial for bypassing blocks on services like ChatGPT.

I recommend ExpressVPN for its military-grade encryption and network-wide obfuscation, which allows ChatGPT to be used anywhere. Additionally, this VPN has intuitive apps for all major operating systems, and it’s also the fastest service I've tried.

2. Choose a Plan

Pick a subscription plan that suits both your needs and your wallet. If you're looking to save, longer plans usually cost less per month, making them a smart pick for budget-conscious folks.

For added privacy, consider using a burner email address and a Bitcoin

If you're a first-time user, you can snag a sweet deal. Just make sure you apply any discount coupons and check that the money-back guarantee is included when you sign up. This way, you can save some cash and also get a full refund if the VPN doesn’t live up to your expectations.

3. Install and Set Up a VPN App

To kick things off, just grab the VPN app from its official website or your app store. Here’s how it goes: choose the type of device you’re using, download the app, and then run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’ll be set up in no time.

Download the VPN app from the official website or your device's app store

If you prefer, you can add a browser extension instead. This is super straightforward and perfect if you mainly want to use ChatGPT on your browser. However, keep in mind that the extension will only work with the website version of ChatGPT.

Once everything’s installed, open the app or extension and follow the on-screen prompts. This will include giving some permissions and setting up an account.

4. Connect to a VPN Server

Open your VPN app and pick a server to connect to. Once connected, your online activities are secure.

To avoid connection issues, connect to a nearby server

Only the best VPNs consistently work with ChatGPT. Most services simply can’t get through the anti-VPN firewalls often found in schools.

5. Safely Use ChatGPT on School WiFi

Open your browser or the ChatGPT app and dive in. With your VPN connected, you can freely use ChatGPT on school WiFi. Your online actions are encrypted (like they're written in a secret code), so the school's network can't block or see what you're doing. Plus, all your activities stay hidden from the WiFi admins, keeping your browsing private.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs to Get ChatGPT Unblocked at School in 2024

I’ve scoped out the best VPNs for safely using ChatGPT on any school WiFi. These VPNs are super secure, packing AES 256-bit encryption, so they keep your data safe and sound. They aced all my tests without any data leaks and work on almost every device you can think of. Plus, they have massive global networks, so no matter where you are, you can connect securely and without a hitch.

1. ExpressVPN — Obfuscated Network to Reliably Unblock ChatGPT at Any School

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested September 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is your most reliable option for accessing ChatGPT at school. It includes automatic obfuscation on all servers, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet activity, bypassing VPN blocks effortlessly. The service also employs military-grade encryption, enhancing your online security and keeping your activity private.

It’s also known for its fast connection speeds, which are essential for seamless browsing and streaming. I recorded only a 9% speed reduction, which is impressive since many VPNs slow you down by over 50%. Plus, its apps are intuitive, making it easy for anyone to set up and start using right away.

Unfortunately, the subscriptions are quite expensive. However, ExpressVPN offers excellent deals that make it affordable. When I subscribed for a 12-month plan I got 49% off and 3 extra months fro free. This brought the price down to only $6.67/month. As all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN without risk.

2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Get ChatGPT Unblocked Anywhere

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost is super easy to use, offering apps that work smoothly on all the popular platforms — whether you’re on a Chromebook, Mac, Windows PC, or other device. I got it up and running in just 2 minutes during my tests.

One heads-up, though: unlike ExpressVPN, CyberGhost doesn’t come with an obfuscation feature, but it still does a solid job of unblocking ChatGPT on most school networks. Plus, there’s no risk in giving it a try. With its money-back guarantee, you can test out CyberGhost for free for up to 45 days. So, you can see for yourself how well it works without any commitment.

3. Private Internet Access — Safely Access ChatGPT on an Unlimited Number of Devices

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA lets you connect as many devices as you like, so you and all your school friends can share the same account and use ChatGPT together. In my tests, PIA kept things speedy, even with lots of devices connected at once.

On the downside, PIA’s apps can be slightly complex for newcomers. Yet, once installed, no extra setup is required to use PIA for ChatGPT. This VPN is very affordable — you can get PIA for as low as $2.19/month.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for ChatGPT on School WiFi Networks

I evaluated VPNs based on their ability to bypass network monitoring, DNS filtering, and VPN blocks, all while still protecting your data. To do this, my team and I tested each VPN’s encryption for data leaks and their overall unblocking capability on different WiFi networks. We also measured the VPN speeds on multiple servers at different times of the day.

Other Ways to Unblock ChatGPT at School for Free

You can get ChatGPT unblocked in your school for free without a VPN. However, these options have some downsides — particularly a lack of online privacy and slow speeds.

1. Use Your Mobile Data to Access ChatGPT

You can always ditch the school WiFi and switch to your phone's mobile data. You can share this connection with your laptop or Chromebook by turning on Mobile Hotspot or Bluetooth tethering. Just keep an eye on your data limits and speeds, as some plans might slow down or charge you more if you use too much.

To share your mobile connection, enable Mobile Hotspot or tethering (via Bluetooth, USB, or Ethernet)

2. Change Your DNS Settings

Sometimes, switching your DNS server can bypass the school’s blocks. This changes how your device connects to websites, sneaking past DNS filtering methods. Setting this up is straightforward whether you're using Windows or Mac.

This is just one example of a public DNS server

Here’s how to change your DNS settings on Windows:

• Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet.
• Click on Network and Sharing Center, then select Change adapter settings.
• Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
• Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
• Select Use the following DNS server addresses, and enter your preferred DNS. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 are public DNS servers maintained by Google, which may work for your needs.
• Click OK and restart your connection.

And here’s how to change that on Mac:

• Open System Preferences and click Network.
• Select your active network connection and click Advanced.
• Go to the DNS tab and click the + button (or Add) to add a new DNS server.
• Enter your preferred DNS addresses, click OK, and then click Apply.

3. Get a Tor Browser

You can use a Tor browser to access the ChatGPT site on your school WiFi network. Tor encrypts and bounces your traffic through several servers throughout the world, making it very difficult for the school network to see what you're up to. Here’s how you can get started:

• Download and install Tor Browser from its official website onto your device.
• Open Tor Browser and hit the Connect button to start up the Tor network.
• Type the ChatGPT website URL into the address bar and hit enter.

Tor is straightforward to use

Just a heads-up: Tor Browser works well with the ChatGPT website but isn’t compatible with the app. Also, it might slow down your connection, but if you’re just using it to chat with AI, it shouldn’t really matter. Lastly, some schools might block Tor.

4. Use a Web Proxy

A proxy server in another country can help you bypass geographical restrictions for ChatGPT by changing your IP address. This makes it seem as if you’re browsing from another location, which is helpful if ChatGPT has been forced to block users from your country due to a government ban. Here’s how it’s done on Google Chrome:

• Find a trustworthy proxy service and visit its website to get the necessary details, like the proxy IP address, port number, username, and password.
• Open your Chrome browser, go to Settings, and click on System on the left panel. Select Open your computer’s proxy settings.
• Click Use setup script (if your provider offers it) or Use a proxy server (to configure it manually).
• In the proxy settings window, type in the proxy IP address and port number. If needed, add the username and password.
• Save your changes and restart Chrome to apply the new settings.

Proxies can change your IP address, but they don't help against DNS filtering or WiFi blocks

Unfortunately, using a proxy server doesn't encrypt your online activities, so it's not the stealthiest option out there. Both ChatGPT and your school's WiFi might still figure out what you’re up to because the security isn't top-notch. Instead, I’d highly recommend using one of the best VPNs for ChatGPT, as these can change your IP address while encrypting your connection.

5. Access via Google Translate

You can try accessing the ChatGPT site via Google Translate because Google services are rarely blocked by school networks. Paste the URL of ChatGPT into the translation box and click the translated link. While not very reliable, this can sometimes bypass network restrictions.

However, the network admin might still see you using ChatGPT on the school WiFi with this method. This is because your connection will be entirely insecure and open to monitoring.

6. Use a URL Shortener

URL shorteners can avoid WiFi blocks by creating a new URL for the website you want to visit. Here’s how to do it:

• Copy the link to ChatGPT.
• Head over to a URL shortener website like Bitly.
• Paste the link into Bitly and let it whip up a shorter version for you.
• Use the new link to access ChatGPT.

Just keep in mind that while URL shorteners are great for dodging blocks, they don’t hide what you’re up to. Network admins can still see that you’re accessing ChatGPT, just like with Google Translate.

7. Connect to a Remote Desktop

Consider using a remote desktop app like TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, or Splashtop. These let you remotely use your home computer to access ChatGPT. It's like having a secret passage straight to your PC at home.

However, keep in mind that this method depends a lot on your internet speed. Many school WiFi networks are sadly too slow for remote desktop apps to work smoothly.

8. Use a ChatGPT Alternative

If all else fails, you may be able to access alternative AI tools at school. Here are a couple of good examples:

• Perplexity — This is a robust web search engine with the power of generative AI. It can help you dig deep into topics you're curious about.
• Gemini — Brought to you by Google, this generative AI tool can not only generate content but also verify the accuracy of its outputs.
• Claude AI — A fantastic alternative to ChatGPT, Claude can handle larger chunks of text and supports a variety of file formats, making it super versatile for all your study needs.

Troubleshooting Tips If You Can’t Unblock ChatGPT at Your School

Even the best VPNs might not always get you access to ChatGPT due to various blocks. If you run into trouble, here are some straightforward fixes that might help:

• Connect to a different VPN server. Your school network or ChatGPT can block some VPN servers with known IP addresses. Switching to another server may help dodge these blocks.
• Tweak VPN settings. Play around with your VPN settings. Switching up the VPN protocol or turning off features like ad blockers or anti-malware might improve your connection.
• Restart your device. Good old turning it off and on again can fix a bunch of issues. A reboot refreshes your network connections and clears out any temporary bugs.
• Update your VPN or proxy app. Outdated apps can be buggy and may lack important security features, leading to connection problems. Keeping your chosen VPN or proxy app updated ensures compatibility with the latest network standards.
• Check for IP and DNS leaks. Sometimes, VPNs can leak your actual IP or DNS info, revealing your location or what you’re accessing. Use online tools to check for leaks and ensure your VPN is sealing up properly.
• Clear the browser cache and cookies. Your browser might hang onto old data that interferes with your VPN connection. Clearing the cache and cookies can give your browsing session a clean slate.
• Check for outages. If ChatGPT itself is down, no VPN will help. Check OpenAI’s status page or their social media to see if there’s a wider issue affecting access.
• Disable your firewall and antivirus. Firewalls and antivirus programs can block VPN traffic, mistaking it for suspicious activity. Turn off these tools or add the ChatGPT app to a list of exceptions.
• Contact customer support. If you’re stuck, the support team for your VPN can provide help tailored to their system and your specific issue.
• Get a better VPN. If you’re using a VPN and are frequently running into blocks, and none of the above tips work, it might be time to switch to a more reliable VPN.

Where is CGPT Blocked at Schools?

ChatGPT is often blocked at schools around the world, particularly in the US, where schools aim to maintain academic integrity and manage classroom focus. Administrators typically block access to ensure students are not using AI to complete assignments dishonestly or to bypass curriculum content filters.

Similar restrictions can be found in educational institutions in other countries (for example, at the Sciences Po Paris), driven by concerns over cheating, distraction, and inappropriate use of technology during school hours.

Here's a rundown of several US school districts that have decided to ban the use of ChatGPT:

• Anchorage School District (Alaska)
• Los Angeles Unified School District (California)
• Oakland Unified School District (California)
• Baltimore County Public Schools (Maryland)
• Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland)
• Clifton Public Schools (New Jersey)
• New York City Public Schools (New York)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (North Carolina)
• Union County Public Schools (North Carolina)
• Union Public Schools (Oklahoma)
• Berkeley County School District (South Carolina)
• Fort Bend Independent School District (Texas)
• Fairfax County Public Schools (Virginia)
• Seattle Public Schools (Washington)
• Milwaukee Public Schools (Wisconsin)

It's possible to use a VPN to get ChatGPT unblocked

ChatGPT isn't available in some countries too, which means it's off-limits at schools there too. This could be because OpenAI (the folks behind the tool) or local governments have put restrictions in place. Check out the table below to see which regions are affected:

FAQs on Unblocking ChatGPT at School WiFi Networks

Is it legal to unblock ChatGPT with VPNs?

In most cases, yes — using a VPN to unblock ChatGPT is legal. Since nothing in OpenAI's Terms of Service prevents you from it, you can use a VPN to avoid school blocks and enhance your online privacy. However, you should check your school's policies, as they may have specific rules against VPN use. Additionally, verify the legality of VPNs and ChatGPT in your region, as some countries impose restrictions on these technologies.

Why is ChatGPT blocked at my school?

Schools block ChatGPT because of concerns about plagiarism, cheating, and reliability as ChatGPT sometimes provides inaccurate information. Institutions may also consider it a distraction, similar to Instagram or Netflix, and decide to block it. Even some countries restrict access to ChatGPT. However, a reliable VPN with top-grade encryption allows accessing CGPT from anywhere.

How can I use a VPN if my school blocks VPN apps?

Choose a quality VPN with military-grade encryption and obfuscation. The best VPNs encrypt your data and use obfuscation to make your online activity look like regular internet traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN blocks at school.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock ChatGPT?

Most free VPNs don't work with ChatGPT and struggle with school WiFi blocks due to weak encryption. It’s better to try a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs also have slow speeds and bandwidth, making them unreliable. Even worse, some free services have also been known to sell user data for a profit. Others have been caught hiding malware in their download files. It’s simply not worth the trouble.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get ChatGPT unblocked at school…

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