Sports lovers always find it frustrating and unpleasant to find that they are restricted from watching a channel or that some content is blocked. The reason for the blackout or content blockage varies. Geo-blocking can cause blockage. This means restrictions based on location. With the broadcasting right, streaming your favorite sport live on services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and so on may seem complicated, probably due to your location. You can experience a blackout and blocked content if the sport you intend to stream is not from your area. Reading through this write-up, you can easily learn how to bypass the blackouts and unblock the blocked content.
What is Sports Blackout?
Sports Blackout is simply giving the exclusive right to a streaming service or channel to air a particular game while others can’t air it. The main reasons for blackouts are; increasing the number of spectators during a game, thus increasing income for the team and for some channels to have an exclusive right on a game.
Major games that are affected by blackouts include; National Football League (NFL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and Major League Baseball (MLB). The barrier can be placed by broadcasters, sports teams, or leagues. They are majorly regional restrictions.
Sports Blackout can be location-based, device-based, or streaming based. Location-based blackout can also be called Geographical based blackout, which occurs when a viewing restriction is based on where you are viewing from. A device-based blackout tends to block the availability of some games on some devices. The best way to overcome this is to check the available games on your device. Once you receive messages like; ” this content is subject to blackout,” it implies that the game is unavailable in your location.
Ways to unblock sports blackouts and blocked content
Every sports lover will look for a way to bypass sports blackouts and enjoy their favorite games on their couch to the fullest without traveling far. Below are some of the ways to get this done.
1. Premium deals
Signing up for a premium package on steaming services like DirecTV is the easiest way to get this done.
2. Using a VPN
VPNs to alter location and bypass blackout is the most standard method technical sports lovers use.
You can also make use of smart DNS proxies to unblock sports blackouts and blocked contents
How to unblock sports blackouts and blocked content using VPN
VPN is a short code for ‘Virtual Private Network.’ It helps to give its user the chance to stay protected while online. It provides ‘online privacy’ for its user. It does this by providing an encrypted server and offering maximum protection to its user. There is no fear of location reveal when using a VPN. With a VPN, you can enjoy;
- Direct access to content in other locations.
- Avoiding social media bans
- Protection while on public Wi-Fi
- Privacy from services. With VPN, your data is secure.
- Secure financial transactions
- Free access to games
- Improved buffering issue
- Safe browsing on any device
One of the surest ways to bypass sports blackouts is using VPN. Its major advantage is that it helps mask your location and thus allows you to access any website. Getting a VPN is simple; following these steps will do.
- Sign up with a VPN provider
You have to download and sign up to a provider, but before you sign up to any provider, be sure that it has many servers, most likely abroad, fast connection speed, and reliability.
- Install the VPN on your device
Once you’ve signed up for the VPN, the next thing is to install it on your device. Your smartphone might not be the best option here since your GPS might reveal your exact location.
- Location selection
The next thing is to select your new location. The new location must be blackout-free and should not be in your region or country. Once connected, you can launch your favorite streaming service, log in and enjoy your game.
Examples of VPNs to choose from include; ExpressVPN, BulletVPN, SurfShark, and NordVPN.
How to unblock blackouts using DNS proxies
To do this, use this guide;
- Sign up with a smart DNS proxy, for example, Uniocator
- Once you have your account, you then proceed to change your device’s primary and secondary DNS server address
You can then go to your channel and watch with no restriction.
Conclusion
It is possible to watch your favorite games without having to leave your home. With VPN and a smart DNS proxy, you can get it done. Don’t freak out the next time you see ‘this content is subject to blockage’; smile and get ready to bypass the blackout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a free VPN to bypass my sports blackout?
Don’t be enticed because it is a free VPN. There is a limit to what you can do with it. Why deny yourself some benefits when you can pay and get the full benefit?
Can I trust VPNs?
Yes, you can trust a VPN. It is secure and gives you ultimate protection.
