Verizon is found to block certain websites causing inconvenience among users. Although a router cannot block websites, there are a few underlying reasons that perhaps, block websites and need your attention. Knowing about these reasons and learning how these issues can be fixed, can help you surf all your favorite websites. 

Find the actual cause?

Lately, there have been complaints floating around regarding, Verizon wireless blocking certain websites and forbidding users to surf websites of their own choice. Although, when such an inconvenience is caused, wireless networks like Verizon is rarely blamed due to its incapability of doing so. 

If the problem persists and Verizon wireless is to be blamed the issue might go deeper than it appears to be. The reason, why Verizon might have blocked your access to certain websites could be due to: 

The problem might be the Verizon device, not the network.  The website is not available during that particular period.  A technical error with the browser.  The website is blocked by the Verizon hub instead.  

Let’s take a look at a few troubleshooting methods viable in resolving the issue: 

Reboot the DNS system

The Domain Name System (DNS) is crucial to access any website. They usually act as a phone directory and keep a record of various domain names. Sometimes DNS blocks websites without giving any hint. Changing the DNS system to openDNS or google public DNS mostly resolves the issue. 

Replace the router 

On many occasions, routers wear out over time and result in hardware malfunction. They perhaps break down without any prior warning. In such a case replacing the router is the only viable option. Verizon shall be contacted to configure the new router as per the requirement. 

Give another look at proxy settings

Not many people are aware that using a proxy network like VPN does not allow using certain websites like Netflix. In such a case try signing out of your proxy network to enjoy all the websites. 

Reset the browser  

After taking all the measures mentioned above, if the problem persists there might be a need to reset your browser settings. To reset your browser take the following steps: 

Go to the browser setting on your device 

Click on the troubleshoot option

Now, reset the browser 

After this command, the browser will automatically shut down before restarting again.  

Once the browser restarts, you will not find any bugs.  

Smart DNS service

Today it is no longer difficult for online services to trace VPN traffic. This makes VPN less efficient and it also lacks servers that avoid VPN blocking. 

In this scenario, a smart DNS service can help in accessing geo-restricted content while simultaneously hiding the geo-location. It does so by changing the original DNS address with a unique server address, hence when smart DNS is used it channels all the traffic and makes it look like a user is in a different location. 

Conclusion

There can be several reasons as to why your access to certain websites might have been forbidden, to name a few:

State censorship might make a website unavailable. With government authorization to block it, it might not be available nationwide.  

Another reason for blocking websites could be if they violate any legal regulations given by the government.  

Mostly, the issue gets resolved if the user adheres to the given steps and follows them religiously. In case, none of the methods work, you will be required to contact Verizon support. You can file a formal complaint to ensure your issues get resolved within a short period. 

Is Verizon responsible for blocking websites?

Usually, it rarely happens when they block any website. There might be several other reasons why the websites are blocked or unavailable. The other reasons could be a faulty router, DNS, etc. 

Why are the websites getting blocked by my internet?

There can be three ways in which a website might get blocked, network level, computer level, or governmental level. Besides, there might be issues with DNS. 

How long does Verizon take to solve the issue?

After you file a complaint, the Verizon support team will trace the problem and take the necessary steps needed to resolve the issue. 

Does Verizon have access to my surfing data in incognito mode?

Verizon cannot access your information or data in incognito mode unless saved or downloaded.