2 Ways to Use Snapchat on Your School’s Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Published on August 11, 2021
Your school authority knows that Snapchat can't exactly help you with your studies - and rightly so. That's the reason you'll find the app blocked while trying to access it through your school's Internet connection. With that said, using a VPN might be the most convenient solution. Still, paying for a VPN subscription just to use Snapchat may not be the right option for you. So, let's talk about how to use Snapchat on school Wi-Fi without a VPN by showing you two different methods you have at your disposal right now.
How Do Schools Restrict and Monitor Students' Web Activity?
You may not know, but there are different applications available that can work as a cyber-nanny. That type of software helps the schools keep close track of what their students are doing online. Some of the most widely used solutions are Kaspersky Security for Internet Gateways, iBoss, and WebTitan Web Filter are used most extensively.
How to Use Snapchat on School Wi-Fi Without a VPN App?
Go through the following list of the best workarounds to bypass site blockers on school Wi-Fi. Try them one by one until you can access your Snapchat. Let’s start.Â
Method #1: Use Your Mobile Network Connection
If your school Wi-Fi does not let you access Snapchat, using your mobile network connection is the easiest option you have. The whole process involves four steps, as explained below.
Step 1: Use Tethering on a Smartphone (Android & iPhone)
First, you need to connect your mobile network with the school computer using USB, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth tethering. Both Android and iOS smartphones come with built-in tethering.Â
Technically, you will use the personal hotspot from your mobile to connect your school's computer to the Web and then access Snapchat on it. Thus, the restrictions imposed on the school's Wi-Fi won't stop you from accessing Snapchat.
If the computer has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, you can connect your smartphone through the Wi-Fi hotspot. Otherwise, you need to connect the phone through a USB cable and choose USB tethering.
Step 2: Download & Install Bluestacks
Once you connect your mobile hotspot to the computer, you need to download Bluestacks. This is an emulator that allows you to use Android applications on Windows and macOS.Â
As we all know, Snapchat does not offer a functional Web-based version. So, you need to install Snapchat's Android app on your school's computer to use it there. To run an Android app on a Mac or Windows PC, an Android emulator is a must-have tool.
Step 3: Complete the Sign-In Process
After downloading and installing Bluestacks on your computer, you need to sign in to Google's Play Store. You can use your Google ID and credentials to log in. After that, a new library will open up, letting you download all kinds of games and apps via Bluestacks.
Step 4: Install Snapchat on Your Computer
Finally, launch the Google Play Store and use its top-placed search bar to look up Snapchat. Then, download the app to your computer, launch it, and access your Snapchat account - just like you’d do on your smartphone.
Once you are done with the installation, you can easily use the Snapchat app in school without thinking about your school's Wi-Fi blocks. However, if your school does not allow you to install additional software on the computer, you need to think of another method. Don't worry, as we will offer you another way to bypass your school's Wi-Fi security.
Method #2: Change Your DNS Server
Quite often, schools impose site blockers only on the DNS level. In that case, you can change your network connection settings and set a custom DNS server like Google’s DNS on your device.
You’ll need to change your DNS operator from your school's default DNS to Google's directory of Domain Name Servers. Thus, if your school has blocked Snapchat only through their DNS, that won't affect you.
Depending on your device's operating system (whether you use Android or iOS), the steps to change DNS servers are different - and explained just below.
Change Your DNS Server on Android
- Go to 'Settings' and from there select 'Network & Internet.'
- Then, select 'Advanced' and tap on 'Private DNS.'
- Now, tap on 'Private DNS provider hostname.'
- Enter 'dns.google' as the DNS provider hostname.
- Finally, tap on 'Save.'
Change Your DNS Server on iOS
- First, go to 'Settings' using your iOS device.
- Then tap on 'Wi-Fi.'
- Next, tap on the 'ⓘ icon' beside your school's Wi-Fi network.
- Locate and tap on the 'Configure DNS' tab.
- After that, select 'Manual' and add the Google IP address, shown below.
- For IPv4, proceed to add '8.8.4.4 or 8.8.8.8.'
- For IPv6, proceed to add '2001:4860:4860::8844.'
No Luck? Your Best Bet Is a VPN!
These are the only methods you can use to access Snapchat using your school's Wi-Fi network without a VPN. With that said, if none of the above-mentioned methods work for you, you have no other option than to use a VPN.
Using a VPN is more convenient and safer than any of the workarounds found above. You may consider using any one of the best VPNs for Snapchat. Also, there are many free VPNs available, even though all of them come with bandwidth-related limitations.
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