Some of the music apps are restricted from the school network. Spotify is among the most popular music streaming apps available. But the use of such music apps is restricted in some schools and places. In this guide, I’ll tell you 7 simple tips to get Spotify unblocked.
In some places or on specific wifi, it shows the ‘A Firewall May be Blocking Spotify’ notification, and we don’t understand why it is. The given tips will help you sort this issue at ease.
Why Is Spotify Blocked in Schools?
Schools usually block music apps because teachers and staff want students to stay focused. With unlimited music, students may not pay attention in class. Streaming also takes a lot of internet data. By blocking apps like Spotify, schools make sure WiFi is available for study purposes and learning tools.
But how do schools block it? They often use firewalls, filters, and restricted WiFi settings to stop access. That means even if you type Spotify’s URL, it won’t load. The good news is, there are safe methods you can use to get Spotify unblocked for school without a VPN or even make use of VPNs if allowed.
7 Ways to get Spotify Unblock for School
Here are some tips to get Spotify unblocked no matter where you are, at school, work, or public WiFi:
Tip 1: Use a VPN to Unblock Spotify
VPN, or virtual private network, is a network service that hides your IP address to enhance your online privacy. It hides your original location and uses a different location for browsing.
Steps to Set Up a VPN at School:
You can use a trusted VPN app service such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Install the app on your required device.
Open the app and log in using your Email ID.
Pick a country where the service is available. (Choose a nearby country)
Once it is connected, you can use the Spotify app or the Spotify web player and start listening.
Tip 2: Use Mobile Data or Hotspot
If your school’s WiFi blocks Spotify, you can simply switch to your mobile data. This way, you avoid the school’s restricted WiFi entirely.
Steps to Use Mobile Data for unblocking Spotify:
Turn off WiFi on your device.
Switch on mobile data.
Open Spotify and start streaming.
Steps to Use a Mobile Hotspot on a different system:
On Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap on Connections or Network & Internet.
Select Hotspot & Tethering.
Turn on Mobile Hotspot.
Connect your school device to this hotspot using the appropriate password.
On iPhone:
Open Settings
Tap Personal Hotspot
Turn on Allow Others to Join
Set a WiFi password
Connect your school laptop or tablet to this hotspot
This is one of the easiest ways you get Spotify unblocked for school without a VPN.
Tip 3: Change Proxy Servers to Unblock Spotify
A proxy server is a gateway between the internet and the user. It is similar to the VPN services. It will change your IP address and let you use the restricted Spotify services for your network.
How to Set Up a Proxy on Different Devices:
On a Chromebook:
Open Settings.
Go to Network.
Select the connected WiFi, and select Network Proxy.
Choose Manual Proxy Configuration.
Enter the proxy address and port given by a proxy service.
On MacBook:
Open System Settings, then tap on Network.
Select your WiFi.
Click Advanced, and select the Proxies.
Enter proxy address details.
On Windows PC:
Go to Settings, enter Network & Internet.
Scroll down to Proxy settings.
Turn on Manual proxy setup.
Enter details.
On Google Chrome:
Click three dots, then tap Settings.
Scroll to System.
Select Open proxy settings.
Enter proxies and save.
It is recommended to use a proxy service if the use of a VPN is restricted by your school.
Tip 4: Enable the Use of Spotify Offline Mode
The offline mode of Spotify is available to premium users only. You need to pay for the premium plans to avail the downloading feature.
For Mobile User (Android or iPhone):
Open your Spotify account.
You can directly go to the music or playlist you want to download.
Tap the button showing the download sign.
Enable offline mode in Spotify settings and start listening.
For Windows or Mac Users:
You need to download the desktop app and log in to your account.
Type the song in the search bar.
Download the song by clicking on the icon.
Turn on offline listening and enjoy your music.
Note: You can’t directly download music from the web browser. You need to download the desktop app.
Tip 5: Use DNS Settings to Unblock Spotify
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the Internet’s phonebook. Schools usually block Spotify by limiting DNS access. If you change your device’s DNS, you bypass these restrictions.
Steps to Change DNS on Devices:
On Windows:
Go to Control Panel, select Network and Sharing Center.
Select WiFi, then Properties.
Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
Enter Google’s DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
On MacBook:
Go to System Preferences, search Network.
Select WiFi and tap on the Advanced option.
Go to DNS.
Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
On Android/iOS:
Open WiFi settings.
Click your WiFi network.
Change DNS to Google’s or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1).
Tip 6: Change Country of Your Spotify Account
If Spotify is not available in your school or region, you can switch your account country.
Steps:
Open a browser and go to Spotify Account Settings.
Log in.
Find the Profile, and tap Account Information.
Edit Country/Region.
Change to a country where Spotify works.
Save and log back into your account.
Tip 7: Switch to Other Streaming Services
If nothing works, you can try alternatives. Some services might not be blocked on your school’s WiFi. Options include:
YouTube Music
SoundCloud
Deezer
Apple Music
These plays may not have the same library, but they’re excellent backups when you can’t get the Spotify web player unblocked.
Final Thoughts
This guide has explored the 7 tips to get Spotify unblocked for school or to unblock it from anywhere. Music apps like Spotify are restricted in many schools to maintain a peaceful environment and for students to focus on their studies. While many schools also allow such music apps to increase student interest. The good news is that you can unblock Spotify using the simple tips and enjoy your break time listening to your favourite music. Remember to use the given methods responsibly without breaking the school rules.
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