YouTube is one of the most popular websites for streaming videos online. However, many schools block access to YouTube on their Chromebooks. Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can use to get around these restrictions and access YouTube at school.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods you can try to unblock and watch YouTube videos on a school Chromebook.
Using a VPN to Access YouTube
One of the easiest ways to bypass your school’s network blocks is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This hides your browsing activity from your school’s network filters.
To use a VPN on your Chromebook:
- Sign up for a trusted VPN service like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or TunnelBear. Many offer free trials or discounted student pricing.
- Download the VPN browser extension or app on your Chromebook.
- Connect to a server location outside of your school’s network. This could be in another city or country.
- Once connected, you should be able to access YouTube directly in your Chrome browser without any blocks. The school won’t be able to see that you’re visiting YouTube.
The advantage of using a VPN is that it works instantly without any complicated setup. However, schools may eventually catch on and block VPNs entirely. So you’ll want to have a backup method ready.
Installing Google Chrome Offline
The pre-installed Chrome browser on school Chromebooks is managed by your school. They use special extensions to control web access and track browsing activity.
An easy workaround is to install an offline version of the regular Chrome browser:
- On another non-school device, download the Chrome offline installer from Google.
- Copy the installer file to a USB drive.
- On your school Chromebook, insert the USB drive and launch the Chrome installer. This will install a standalone version of Chrome separate from the preloaded one.
- Open this new Chrome browser and you should now be able to access YouTube without restrictions. Just be sure to not log into your Google account in this offline Chrome.
The advantage of this method is that it lets you access any blocked websites, not just YouTube. The only catch is that you’ll need access to another computer to download the installer initially.
Trying Chrome Extensions to Unblock Sites
There are various Chrome extensions designed explicitly for the purpose of unblocking websites. These work by rerouting traffic through proxy servers and other methods.
Some good options to try include:
- Ultimate VPN: Masks browsing activity and evades network blocks.
- Browsec VPN: Another free VPN extension you can quickly enable to bypass restrictions.
- GoGuardian Bypass: Designed to get around GoGuardian filtering software specifically.
To use these, just install the extension on your school Chromebook like normal. Test it out by visiting a blocked site like YouTube – it should allow access. The downside is that schools can discover and disable extensions being used to bypass filters.
Switching Between Google Accounts
Your school likely forces you to log into Chrome using a managed school Google account. Anything done on this account – including browsing history – can be monitored by your school.
You may be able to bypass restrictions by switching to a personal Google account not managed by the school:
- Add your personal account to Chrome on your school Chromebook. You can do this through Chrome settings.
- Switch to your personal account using the profile icon. This will load a version of Chrome not logged into your school account.
- Try visiting YouTube. It should work now without any school blocks.
The catch is you probably can’t disable or remove the managed school account completely. You’ll have to switch back and forth between accounts. Still, it’s an easy way to keep your personal browsing private.
Enabling Guest Browsing Mode
Your Chromebook has a built-in Guest browsing mode that loads Chrome as a temporary user:
- Click your profile picture in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select “Guest” to launch an incognito Chrome window.
- In Guest mode, you can browse YouTube without any restrictions from school settings.
- Just remember to close all Guest windows when finished – browsing history is erased when you exit.
Guest mode is a quick way to access blocked sites without installing anything. The limitation is that nothing saves when you exit – you’ll have to redo the process each time.
Using YouTube Alternatives
If all else fails and YouTube remains completely blocked, there are a few alternative sites you can use to view YouTube videos:
- Invidio.us – Allows you to browse YouTube anonymously and watch videos through a proxy.
- Y2mate – Enter a YouTube URL to download and save videos to your Chromebook storage to watch offline.
- VLC Media Player app – Install this app to play any downloaded video files saved on your Chromebook.
While not as convenient as regular YouTube, these sites can help you work around overly strict school blocks. Just be careful about excessive downloading – schools may restrict storage usage.
Be Cautious When Bypassing Filters
While these methods can help you gain access to blocked content, it’s smart to exercise caution:
- Don’t bypass security measures too frequently or you may draw unwanted attention.
- Stick to accessing harmless content – avoid anything illegal or dangerous.
- Don’t share bypass methods openly or carelessly.
- Make sure to close out any VPN windows or apps when done to cover your tracks.
The goal should be bypassing unreasonable blocks while staying safe and responsible. Avoid pushing things too far or you could end up with school disciplinary action. Use common sense.
FAQ’s For How to get YouTube on school Chromebook?
Q: Will using a VPN slow down my Chromebook?
A: Using a VPN may cause a slight reduction in internet speeds, but most modern VPN services are designed to have minimal impact on bandwidth. The speed reduction is usually unnoticeable for basic activities like streaming YouTube videos.
Q: Could I get in trouble for using these methods to bypass school blocks?
A: You could face disciplinary action if you are caught constantly bypassing security filters. Use good judgement and only access blocked content when absolutely necessary. Avoid bypassing blocks too frequently.
Q: Do I need to root or jailbreak my Chromebook to install Chrome offline?
A: No, rooting or jailbreaking is not necessary. The offline Chrome installer works directly on standard school-issued Chromebooks without modification. Just make sure to download the correct Chrome OS version for your device.
Q: What’s the best free VPN for Chromebooks?
A: Top free VPN options for Chromebooks include TunnelBear, Hide.me, and ProtonVPN. Each offers reliable connections, good speeds, and easy-to-use apps or extensions. Just be aware of data limits on the free tiers.
Q: Can my school still see my browsing history in Guest mode?
A: No, Guest mode operates as an independent, temporary user profile. Any browsing done in Guest mode will not be saved in your Chromebook’s history or accessible by the school after exiting.
Conclusion, For How to get YouTube on school Chromebook?
Even with the tightest internet restrictions, a few tricks like using VPNs or incognito modes can help you successfully unblock videos and other content on a locked down school Chromebook. Just be careful not to get carried away.
Hopefully these tips will allow you to access more educational videos or take well-deserved YouTube breaks during school without getting into trouble! Let us know which method worked best for you in the comments.
