Update:- Backpage.com was seized by the FBI and is currently unavailable.
Launched in 2004, Backpage.com is a classified advertising website that offers listings in several categories including jobs, real states, automotive and services. While the website is hugely popular, it is also very controversial. Backpage is often used to advertise adult services and although in January 2017, it removed that specific section, the website still features some of these kind of classifieds. Due to the controversy and some legal issues faced by the website, Backpage may be blocked in some locations. The censorship and internet filters implemented in some countries and networks may stop you from getting access to Backpage.
Not being able to access Backpage can be annoying and even unfair considering that it features useful categories such as jobs, buy/sell/trade and information about local events. Since Backpage allows users to post ads for free, it is likely that many people uses the website and there are many ads available. This is why those who are unable to access Backpage.com due to restrictions may look for ways to get around the blocks. Thankfully, there are ways to access Backpage, even if it has been blocked in your location. Here we will take a look at the options that you can consider to unblock Backpage in your location.
1. Use Google Translate
This is a very simple solution to be able to access a website that is blocked. Google Translate can work as a proxy and all you need to do is to go to translate.google.com. select any language to translate from to English. You can enter Backpage’s URL and click enter to convert. As long as Google Translate is not blocked in your location (usually, it is not), you will be able to use it in order to access a website. However, it is not the most effective option since it usually breaks the functionality of a website that you try to get access to so you may not be able to access all the sections on Backpage.com.
2. Google Cache
This is a solution that shares similarities with Google Translate. It also allows users to access a website by viewing it on a google domain. You can use cached results from Google search engine to access Backpage.
3. Use Public DNS Servers
Every website you access has a unique IP address assigned and in order for the browser to be able to translate the URL you enter (such as http://www.backpage.com) into that IP address, it has to look it up in a directory of addresses that is stored on a Domain Name Server or DNS. By default, the DNS provided by your ISP would be used and it would be subject to any restrictions that they have implemented. If you connect to a WiFi router, you would use the DNS server set by the owner of the router, which carries some security issues. In addition, you may experience issues with the content that you are trying to access as it may be restricted or filtered. There are public DNS servers available that allow you to change your internet settings so that you can always use one of these servers to get around any restrictions or website content filters. Google offers piblic DNS servers that can be useful in this case
4. Use a Proxy
With a proxy unblocker service, it is possible to get access to Backpage.com and other websites that may be blocked in your location. Free web proxies are convenient and they allow you to bypass restrictions to get access to the websites that you want. You won’t need to download software to your device. Just find a suitable proxy, enter the site you want to visit and you will be directed to the site that you want to get access to. Web proxies are easy to use and you don’t even have to be an admin or owner of the device that you are using. The main downside of using a proxy is that it doesn’t offer security so your internet data could be access by third parties. In addition, website administrators can easily block proxies.
5. Use Tor Network
This is another option that allows you to unblock Backpage, but unlike proxies, Tor offers security and strong anonymity. This network is run by volunteers and it is designed to allow users to bypass censorship and content blocking. While Tor is effective when it comes to defeating censorship, it can be very slow. You can find out more about the Tor Project here: https://www.torproject.org/
6. Use a VPN service
VPNs have become very popular thanks to their effective performance and the security that they bring to your online traffic. When you use a VPN, your traffic is sent through a remote server while it is encrypted. Your internet browsing remains anonymous and not even your ISP can see what you are doing online. Since third-parties can’t access your internet traffic, they won’t be able to prevent you from accessing Backpage. A VPN routes all the traffic between your computer and a remote server. The benefit is that it ensires that every app you use that uses the internet, send the data through an encrypted tunnel. While there are free VPN services, it is advisable to opt for a paid one. This will allow you to enjoy greater security and better performance. Due to the encryption applied, VPNs can slow down your connection, but there are high quality services that allow you to enjoy good speeds. Below you will find a list of VPNs that are ideal for bypassing the restrictions that prevent you from accessing Backpage and that also offer security.
ExpressVPN ( Read Review or Visit Site )
Fast, secure and reliable, ExpressVPN lets you enjoy access to the content that you want, without compromising your privacy. They don’t keep logs of your traffic and allow you to access servers in over 90 countries.
NordVPN ( Read Review or Visit Site )
NordVPN is a zero logs VPN provider that offers features that allow you to keep your privacy protected. They have servers in 60 countries and provide a secure and efficient service that will allow you to overcome restrictions.
PrivateInternetAccess ( Read Review or Visit Site )
PIA is one of the most popular providers in the VPN industry and with good reason. Their prices are very affordable and they offer all the features needed to overcome restrictions and to keep your privacy protected.
Surfshark ( Read Review or Visit Site )
Surfshark is perfect for unblocking Backpage since it is fast and easy to use. The software keeps things simple and it gives you the chance to connect to top quality servers in over 50 countries. Since speed is not a problem with Surfshark, you can browse through ads and post yours securely, and without experiencing significant delays. Surfshark is also committed to protect the security of your personal data with strong encryption. It doesn’t keep logs of your activities and it even protects you from malware and trackers through its CleanWeb feature.
