Contents
How do I turn off Virgin Media Web safe?
Sign in or register for My Virgin Media, click on ‘Account Settings’ > ‘Online security’ > toggle ‘Child Safe’ off (so it’s grey instead of purple).
How to bypass Virgin safe search?
Accessing Websites Blocked By Virgin Media The easiest way to access websites blocked by your ISP is by connecting to a VPN. A VPN circumvents restrictions by encrypting and sending all of your traffic through a tunnel that is decrypted once it reaches the VPN server.
Does Virgin block some websites?
Sometimes we’re required to block a website, meaning you can’t access it using our network. Blocking access is something that we only do when absolutely necessary.
Why can’t I access over 18 sites on my phone virgin?
Mobile phones and age verification – your questions answered As a business and as an industry, we believe protecting children using the web via their mobiles matters. That’s why we filter and block 18+ sites for all customers until they have verified their age.
- People have asked us what it means for them.
- Here’s our quick run down.
- Post in the comments if you have further questions, and we’ll do our best to answer them.
- Q: What’s age verification? A: To ensure that children are protected from inappropriate content when using the internet on their phones, we require customers to prove they are over 18 before they can use these sites.
Access to 18+ rated websites is therefore blocked by default. Customers only have to age verify once. Q: Why should O2 dictate which websites customers can use on their phones? A: Like all UK operators and ISPs, O2 blocks access to illegal images of child abuse, as defined by the Internet Watch Foundation.
- Quite separately, we also have policies in place for content rated 18+.
- All the operators subscribe to a Code of Practice for the self-regulation of new forms of content on mobiles (which can be found ).
- O2’s filtering is aligned to the British Board of Film Classification () framework.
- Sites are automatically categorised and, if they are classified suitable for those aged 18 and over, they require age verification.
The Internet is so vast this can only be done in an automated way. Inevitably this means that some websites are mistakenly caught up in the block. Where that happens, we will of course listen to our customers and take action to unblock sites, where appropriate, as quickly as possible.
Q: Pay Monthly customers have to be over 18 to sign up for a contract. Why do you make them age verify again? A: Yes, you have to be over 18 to sign a Pay Monthly contract with O2. However we know that many parents take out Pay Monthly contracts for their children, so it’s not safe to assume that all Pay Monthly phones are actually being used by adults on a day to day basis.
Q: Why does O2 block some sites that are suitable for under 18s? A: The internet is huge, and no system is perfect. Occasionally we do accidentally block sites that should be available to anyone without proving their age. If you find an example of this please let us know, and we’ll do our best to unblock the site quickly.
Drop us a message on Twitter () or through our, Q: Why does O2 prevent children accessing sites that offer anonymising services? A: Along with the other UK mobile phone operators, we are committed to protecting children from access to ‘over 18′ rated websites on the internet. Any website classified as an ‘anonymiser website’ cannot be accessed by unverified accounts because of the protection mechanism we have in place.
This is because anonymiser websites bypass the 18+ site filters we have in place. If a child were to use an anonymiser site, they could potentially access 18+ rated websites. Anonymiser websites can be accessed once the device has been age-verified. Q: Do I have to age verify with O2 every time I want to go to a different 18+ site? A: No, you only need to age verify with O2 once.
- But some websites may have their own age verification process; unfortunately you’ll still need to go through their process as well.
- Q: Why do customers need a credit card to age verify with O2? A: You don’t have to.
- You can also take photo ID (passport, driving license) into an O2 retail store, where they can be age verified by our store staff.
But credit card is the most convenient method for most customers. Because you have to be over 18 to have a credit card, it’s fool proof in that respect. But we know that credit cards could be used fraudulently to age verify (for example a child “borrowing” their parent’s card).
- That’s why we take a £1 charge from the credit card, so that a message appears on the cardholder’s statement confirming the transaction has taken place – and providing a feedback mechanism.
- Q: Why do you charge the customer £1 to age verify? Is this just to make money for O2? A: By making a charge on the credit card, it ensures the transaction appears on the card holder’s statement.
This would alert them to any fraudulent usage. However we do credit the customer with £1 back onto their mobile bill, so O2 won’t make any money as a result of this charge. Q: How long does it take to get my £1 credit? A: If you’re a Pay Monthly customer the credit should appear on your next O2 bill.
- If you’re a Pay & Go customer then it could take up to two weeks to credit your balance.
- Q: What if I don’t want to put my credit card details into your age verification mobile website? A: You can also age verify by calling 61018 from your mobile, or by going to on your computer.
- You’ll still need your credit card.
Q: What if a customer doesn’t have a credit card? A: Customers can also take photo ID (passport, driving license) into an O2 retail store, where they can be age verified by our store staff. Once they’ve done this it may take up to 48 hours for the customer’s access to be “unblocked” (in reality it should be done a lot quicker, but 48 hours is the stated service level).
The customer will receive a text to confirm when their access is unblocked. Q: Who are Eckoh, why does O2 use them for their age verification system? A: Eckoh (see ) host and operate the WAP mobile, web and IVR interface for O2’s age verification system. They’re experts in this space, with many years of experience working with both mobile operators and content providers worldwide.
Eckoh has provided components of O2’s age verification and parental controls systems for over 5 years. To Age Verify go to http://ageverification.o2.co.uk (web), or call 61018 (IVR). The WAP age verification service is only accessed if you are blocked when trying to get to 18+ websites on your mobile.
- Q: What else are you doing to protect children? A: We have a “Parental Controls” setting, which restricts mobile access to a limited number of websites approved for younger children.
- Parents can easily choose to restrict their children’s mobile access by calling 61818 for free.
- For customers using VPN or Handset encryption services, the above protections will not work.
Instead, parental controls can be installed and protected with a passcode to ensure the content accessed is appropriate. Visit for further information Q: What if a you don’t have a credit card? A: You can also take photo ID (passport, driving license) into an O2 retail store, where you can be age verified by our store staff.
- Once you’ve done this it may take up to 48 hours for the your access to be “unblocked” (in reality it should be done a lot quicker, but 48 hours is the stated service level).
- You will receive a text to confirm when their access is unblocked.
- Q: What do the other UK mobile operators do in this area? A: All the other UK operators also run content filtering and age verification on their mobile networks, based on the BBFC guidelines.
As mentioned above, it’s an industry regulation that’s been agreed by all the main UK networks. Q: What is the experience you will see? A: If you try to access an 18+ site, and you have not age verified, you will see this page: Or you might get a ‘Timed out’ or ‘No Response’ message if it’s a secure site (HTTPS): 1) Mobile web experience: If you click “Continue” at the bottom of the page, then you’ll be taken through two pages to enter their credit card details. Finally they’ll see a page confirming they’ve been successfully age verified and you’ll receive a text message. 2) IVR experience If the customer clicks on “61018” on the first page, then their phone will call our age verification IVR (credit card still required). Note: some older mobile phones do not support this “click to call” functionality. Of course the customer can choose to dial 61018 as normal from their phone; they don’t have to start from this page.
How do I change my Virgin 18+ settings?
How do I turn off parental controls? – To make any changes to your broadband and phone parental control settings, you need to visit your My Virgin Media account online which will require your email address and correct password. To make changes to your Virgin Mobile settings, you will need your Virgin Mobile online account details.
How to bypass safe search without VPN?
Download Article Download Article This wikiHow will teach you how to access blocked sites without a VPN. You can use short links, like TinyURL or Bitly, to see these sites. Alternatively, you can use a restricted website’s IP address instead of their URL. Finally, you can use a proxy website, like ProxFree; however, some proxy sites may be blocked by your network, so you may have to use another one.
- 1 Go to a link shortening site like Bitly, You can use any web browser to get shortened links and use them to visit blocked sites.
- 2 Paste your URL into the shortening service. Once you enter the URL for the blocked site, you’ll get a shortened URL. Advertisement
- 3 Copy the shortened URL and paste it into your address bar. Once the URL is shortened, you should be able to access the blocked site.
- If that method doesn’t work, try using the website’s IP address.
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- 1 Open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Press Win + X and open the command line prompt.
- 2 Enter the following command: tracert, That line of code will give you the URL for the blocked website you need to enter next.
- 3 Enter the blocked website’s address and press ↵ Enter, It’ll look like this: tracert makeuseof.com and then you press Enter,
- 4 Copy the IP address listed. After you press Enter, you should get a return that shows the IP address, which looks like 55.155.135.27.
- 5 Paste the copied address into your web browser’s address bar. Using the blocked website’s URL should let you see the site differently than using the web address with letters.
- Since most secure websites use HTTPS, you might get a warning that your connection is not secure.
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- 1 Open the ProxFree site. Go to https://www.proxfree.com/ in your browser. A proxy acts like a middle man that may unblock sites for you.
- There are many websites that offer free proxy services like ProxFree; if this certain site is blocked by your network, you can use another one, like Whoer, which works similarly to ProxFree.
- 2 Click the search bar. It’s near the bottom of the page, to the right of the padlock icon.
- 3 Enter your website’s address. Type in the address of the website that you want to access.
- You can select a different country to use by clicking the “Server Location” drop-down box and then clicking a different country’s name.
- 4 Click PROXFREE, It’s a blue button to the right of the search bar. Doing so will search for your website.
- If you selected a country significantly outside of your own for your IP address’ location, the search results may take several seconds to a minute to display.
- 5 Browse your site. Once the website loads, you should be able to use it like usual. Keep in mind, however, that your website’s load times will likely be significantly slower than usual.
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You can also try using a translator service, like Google Translator or Microsoft Translator. Just go to one of them, input the blocked site, and it’ll translate the site for you in any language you’d like.
Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement Article Summary X 1. Go to a link shortening site like Bitly or TinyURL.2. Paste your URL into the shortening service.3. Copy the shortened URL and paste it into your address bar. Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 95,460 times.
What is Virgin safe search?
Controls & Settings guide Virgin Media Web Safe allows you to restrict certain types of websites on all devices connected to your home broadband with parental controls. These are two settings – Virus Safe and Child Safe. For customers joining from 16 May 2018, the Child Safe setting is switched on by default.
Has Virgin Media gone down?
Green – There are no Virgin Media network issues affecting services in your area. If you’re experiencing issues with your Virgin Media services, these could only be affecting the services in your home, so it’s best to or read our handy help guides to fix things. : Check my Virgin Media Service Status
Why is Virgin blocking my VPN?
Why does Virgin Media block VPNs? – There are many reasons why Virgin Media blocks VPNs. The first is to do with ISP throttling. This is where your internet service provider (ISP), in this case, Virgin Media, restricts your internet speed or bandwidth.
- It does this to control internet traffic over its network, reduce bandwidth congestion and also enforce data limits that you might have with your subscription.
- Because VPNs can allow you to get around this throttling, Virgin Media tries to block them so customers can’t do this.
- The second reason is Virgin Media tries to prevent you from accessing websites it deems unsafe or ones that are geo-blocked.
Geo-blocked means websites that aren’t available in the UK, i.e. HBO Max, Hulu and others. Peer-to-peer services like torrenting websites are especially hard to access with Virgin Media. Using a VPN can allow you to get around these blocks. Because of this, Virgin Media tries to block VPNs.
Does Virgin Media track your search history?
Web surveillance – who’s got your data? The government’s plans to extend surveillance of our communications to cover email, the web and social networking have provoked quite a storm, with MPs from across the political spectrum joining with privacy campaigners to express concern. I’ll leave coverage of that to my political colleagues – but let’s turn to the practicalities, and how this surveillance might affect you and me.
- Or, to be selfish, me.
- From what we know of the plan, it involves asking Internet Service Providers and mobile phone companies to store records of users’ email and web traffic – not the content, but the destination.
- So the companies could be asked to hand over details of who you emailed and when, not what you were talking about.
So how much of that data do they store already? I approached Virgin Media, my current Internet Service Provider, O2, a mobile phone network I use, and Google, which provides my personal email, to ask them for details of what they knew about me – and how much effort it would be to collect more data.
- Here’s what I found: My ISP Virgin Media says it doesn’t store any data on my personal web or email use, though it does collect data at a network level to understand the overall patterns of traffic.
- If it is served a warrant, though, it can allow the authorities to access data about an individual customer’s web and email use.
As far as I understand it that could include web-based email services like Hotmail and Gmail. The company was keen to stress that there are very strict limits on how many such warrants can be issued, under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, and Virgin itself doesn’t get to see or keep that data involved.
- So what happens if the government does want to go further? The company was reluctant to go into any detail, but I get the impression that starting to collect data on my web and email use on a routine basis would be a complicated operation, but by no means impossible.
- Now I was left a little confused here because my understanding was that secure web-based email such as Gmail, where HTTPS pops up in your browser, could not be accessed by your ISP.
So I then turned to Google. As a user of various Google services, from search to Gmail, I know that the company does have plenty of data on me. For example, it obviously knows who I’ve emailed and when – the sort of information that the government may want to see in the future.
- Google pointed me towards its which details requests for user data from the UK authorities.
- Between January and June last year, it received 1,279 such requests, and complied with 63% of them.
- But what about that secure web email question? Here, Google had a different story from Virgin Media.
- The search firm insists that when I send an email from my Gmail account on my home broadband connection using SSL – the secure system – Virgin can’t see who I’m emailing.
In other words, the security services may be more interested in targeting the likes of Google than your ISP if they want to know who you’re talking to. My mobile phone network, O2 pointed me towards their privacy policy which details what kind of information they collect.
It’s quite a list: “Phone numbers and/or email addresses of calls, texts, MMS, emails and other communications made and received by you and the date, duration, time and cost of such communications, your searching, browsing history (including web sites you visit) and location data, internet PC location for broadband, address location for billing, delivery, installation or as provided by individual, phone location.” The policy says it can be disclosed to third parties “where required by law, regulation or legal proceedings”, under the same rules which Virgin mentioned.
The data is retained “for not less than six months and not more than two years”. What seems clear from this is that both Google and the mobile networks already collect plenty of data which might be of interest to the police and intelligence services – and which they can already access, subject to quite strict controls.
- A move to make it easier for the authorities to access that data might not impose much of an extra burden on them.
- For ISPs like Virgin Media, however, it seems to be a different story.
- They will have concerns about the cost of collecting this information and the impact on their relations with their customers.
And, given how disgruntled ISPs are already over plans to force them to police copyright abuse on their networks, prepare for a battle over what they will see as a new burden. : Web surveillance – who’s got your data?
Why does my data block certain websites?
What’s IP blocking & how to bypass it – IP address blocking happens when a network is configured to reject access for specific IP addresses. Your ISP may be using IP blocking by simply monitoring your connection to see if you want to access a certain IP address. However, with the right tools, it’s easy to bypass IP blocking. You can bypass IP blocking by:
Using a proxy |
FreeSlowDoesn’t hide internet useDoesn’t encrypt data (unless it’s an HTTPS proxy) |
---|---|
Using a VPN |
Overcomes all other blocksHides your online activities Encrypts your connectionNot free (good ones, at least) |
How do I stop my broadband from blocking websites?
1. Use a VPN – The most popular way of accessing blocked internet sites is to use a high-quality paid Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs have many benefits, but when dealing with a blocked site, it’s the technology’s ability to provide you with an IP address in another country that’s the most important.
- The foreign IP address makes it appear as though you are based in a different location, meaning you won’t trigger a site’s geo-blocks and can circumnavigate restrictions.
- Some services theoretically block access from VPN IP addresses.
- In practice, this has resulted in a massive game of cat and mouse, in which the VPN providers are generally victorious.
VPNs are incredibly easy to use: download the app onto your phone or computer, enter your login credentials, and choose the network that you want to connect to. Note that you can use free VPNs, but many of these services have been known to log traffic data or provided subpar protection.
What VPN websites are blocked virgin?
Why does Virgin Media block some VPN sites? – There seems to be no pattern to the blocking practice of Virgin Media. The five most successful VPNs in the world that are recommended by VPN sites more than the others are: Our top pick!
Always evades internet control in the PRC Keeps ahead of the Netflix VPN detection algorithm Benchmark tests show excellent speed
More US city locations than its rivals Includes malware protection No-logs policy
No limit on the number of devices you can connect at the same time SOCKS5 proxy, which its main rivals don’t have More VPN servers in more US cities to dodge blackouts
Precise locations Very large VPN server network Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee
These are all blocked by Virgin Media. HideMyAss, TunnelBear, GooseVPN, VPN Area, PureVPN, Windscribe, and PrivateInternetAccess are also frequently recommended and have high customer satisfaction ratings. Of these, all are blocked, except for PureVPN and VPN Area.
- One possible reason for the block on VPNs is that they hide access to torrent sites.
- Virgin Media blocks access to all of the prominent torrent index sites, such as The Pirate Bay.
- However, all VPNs allow access to torrents, not just those that Virgin Media has decided to block.
- Some of the sites not blocked by Virgin Media, notably TorGuard, VPN Area, and VyprVPN, prominently advertise their services for unblocking torrent sites.
The same story occurs with the review sites. Yes, the blocked sites feature articles on using VPNs for torrenting, but so do all of the sites that aren’t blocked.
Why can’t i access 18 sites on Safari?
Prevent web content – iOS can automatically filter website content to limit access to adult content in Safari and apps on your device. You can also add specific websites to an approved or blocked list, or you can limit access to only approved websites.
How do I allow over 18 websites on my Iphone?
Allow changes to other settings and features – You can allow changes to other settings and features, the same way you can allow changes to privacy settings.
- Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode.
- Under Allow Changes, select the features or settings you want to allow changes to and choose Allow or Don’t Allow.
Here are some features and settings you can allow changes for:
- Passcode Changes: Prevent changes to your passcode
- Account Changes: prevent account changes in Accounts & Passwords
- Mobile Data Changes: prevent changes to mobile data settings
- Reduce Loud Sounds: prevent changes to volume settings for safe listening
- Driving Focus: prevent changes to the Driving Focus
- TV Provider: prevent changes to TV provider settings
- Background App Activities: Prevent changes regarding whether or not apps run in the background
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products.
How do I access 18+ content on Virgin Media?
Select Manage services To turn Parental control off we’ll ask you to confirm some details so we can check that you’re 18 or over, and once this is done, we’ll make the change to your Parental control setting.
Is Virgin web safe free?
Web Safe – Web Safe automatically blocks access to sites it believes are either unsuitable for children, fraudulent or contain viruses. It’ll help to protect any device that’s connected to your Virgin Media home network to keep you, your family and your gadgets safe.
What is the PIN code for Virgin?
How to set up your Virgin Media TV PIN If you can’t remember your PIN, try entering 1234 first. If that doesn’t work, you can reset your PIN. To do this:
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Select Help
- Select TV Care
- Select Reset My PIN
This will reset your PIN on all your Virgin TV boxes.
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Select Purchase Controls
- Enter your PIN
- Choose Allow purchases without a PIN or Require a PIN to purchase
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Select Parental Controls
- Enter your PIN
- Select Hide Adult Channels
- Select Hide Adult Channels again
To view an adult channel, you will need to unhide the Adult Channels first.
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Choose Parental Controls
- Enter your PIN
- Select Lock channels
- Highlight the channel
- Press OK on the remote
- Go to Use these settings
- Press OK
Don’t want to be asked for your PIN when playing a recording from MyShows? You can turn it off by doing the following:
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Select Parental Controls
- Enter your current PIN
- Select Request a PIN to Watch Recordings
- Select Do not request a PIN
This will not apply to some movies that have a 12+ rating. You can lock some of your Apps and Games using your PIN on your Virgin Media box. To do this:
- Press Home on the remote
- Select Help & Settings
- Select Parental Controls
- Enter your PIN
- Select Lock Apps & Games
- Choose an App or Game and select one of the following:
- Blocked – no one can access the app and it will not be shown on your Virgin Media TV box
- Locked – you’ll have to enter your Virgin TV PIN before accessing this app
- Unlocked – anyone can access this app
You’ll be asked if you want to set up a Parental Guidance Lock the first time you select a guidance-labelled show on BBC iPlayer. When setting up, you’ll be asked to create a 4-digit PIN, which you’ll need to enter any time you want to watch guidance-labelled programming on the app.
- Go to the Settings menu in BBC iPlayer
- Select Parental Guidance
- Enter your PIN again to turn off the lock
Forgot your BBC iPlayer PIN If you’ve forgotten your, you’ll need to remove the parental guidance lock and then set it up again. You can control what content is accessible through Netflix on the Virgin Media TV box by setting up a Netflix PIN. To do this:
- Sign in to your
- Select Parental Controls
- Enter your Netflix account password
- Create a 4-digit PIN
- Set your viewing restriction level
- Click Save
When set up, the Netflix PIN will be applied to your Netflix account on all other devices. The PIN must be entered to watch any content rated above the viewing restriction level you selected when you set up your PIN. Changing or resetting your Netflix PIN
- Sign in to your
- Select Parental Controls
- Update your PIN
Turning off your Netflix PIN:
- Log in to your
- Select Parental Controls
- Change the viewing restriction level to the highest setting
This will allow you to watch any title of any rating without entering a PIN. With Prime Video, you can set up a parental control PIN for programming and purchases. To do this:
- Sign in to your
- Under Parental Controls, select the content you want to restrict using the slider
- Select View/Edit PIN and then create a 4-digit PIN
- Under Apply Parental Controls to the following devices, check the relevant Virgin Media TV box
- Click Save
You’ll need to enter your PIN before viewing any content rated at or above your chosen parental control level, or when making purchases. Content that requires a PIN will be marked with a padlock icon on the browsing screen. By default, Vevo restricts access to videos that may be of a sensitive nature or are labelled as Explicit.
To manage access to Explicit Content, you need to have a Vevo account. If you don’t have one already, you can create one on the, The first time you play a video rated as Explicit Content on your box, you’ll be asked to Activate Vevo, You’ll need to activate the Vevo app on each Virgin Media TV box separately.
To do this:
- Go to Settings on the Vevo App
- Select Activate Device
- Go to vevo.com/activate using a desktop, tablet or mobile device
- Sign in to your Vevo account or create one
- Enter the unique activation code displayed on-screen into the Vevo website
You’ll now be able to toggle the Block Explicit content option on the app. You can lock or block the YouTube app on your Virgin Media TV box using the instructions in the Lock Apps & Games section above. You can also restrict the content shown on the YouTube app.
- Select Settings from the menu
- Select Restricted Mode
- Choose Disabled
For more information on Parental Controls, check out the YouTube Safety Centre’s, You can lock or block YouTube Kids on your Virgin Media TV box using the instructions in the Lock Apps & Games section above. ITV Hub will ask for a PIN when you try to play any programme with a ‘G’ rating.
Shows displaying ‘G’ symbol may have been first shown on TV after the 9pm watershed or it may contain some language, violence, sexual scenes, nudity, adult humour or other material that you may not want your kids to watch. ITV Hub will ask you to enter your 4-digit Virgin Media TV PIN when you try to play any programme with a ‘G’ rating.
You’ll need to enter your 4-digit Virgin Media TV PIN any time you select a programme that carries a guidance warning. With the All 4 app, you can set a PIN to restrict access to mature content. Restrictions can be set at the following levels:
- All rated content (16+ years of age only)
- 18 rated content only (18+ years of age only)
You can set up your PIN in the All 4 app’s Settings, Simply create a 4-digit PIN and select your preferred level of protection. To make things easier, we recommend you use the same PIN you set up on your box. The All 4 PIN is linked to the Virgin Media TV box, not the account.
When you set up a PIN on a specific TV box, it will remain in place regardless of who logs in. To remove a PIN, go to the and fill out the online form. Channel 4 will then let you know how to remove your PIN. With the My5 app, you can set parental control to restrict access to programming with guidance warnings.
You can set parental controls in the My5 app’s Settings, Simply create a 4-digit PIN. To make things easier, we recommend you use the same PIN you set up on the Virgin Media box. You can lock or block MTV Play on your Virgin Media TV box using the instructions in the Lock Apps & Games section above.
What is the websafe option on Virgin Media?
Controls & Settings guide Virgin Media Web Safe allows you to restrict certain types of websites on all devices connected to your home broadband with parental controls. These are two settings – Virus Safe and Child Safe. For customers joining from 16 May 2018, the Child Safe setting is switched on by default.
Does Virgin block VPN?
Why does Virgin Media block VPNs? – There are many reasons why Virgin Media blocks VPNs. The first is to do with ISP throttling. This is where your internet service provider (ISP), in this case, Virgin Media, restricts your internet speed or bandwidth.
- It does this to control internet traffic over its network, reduce bandwidth congestion and also enforce data limits that you might have with your subscription.
- Because VPNs can allow you to get around this throttling, Virgin Media tries to block them so customers can’t do this.
- The second reason is Virgin Media tries to prevent you from accessing websites it deems unsafe or ones that are geo-blocked.
Geo-blocked means websites that aren’t available in the UK, i.e. HBO Max, Hulu and others. Peer-to-peer services like torrenting websites are especially hard to access with Virgin Media. Using a VPN can allow you to get around these blocks. Because of this, Virgin Media tries to block VPNs.
Do I need a VPN with Virgin Media?
Many popular VPNs are blocked by Virgin Media. We take a look at 7 VPNs that still work with Virgin Media so you can watch your favorite content from anywhere. Many websites and services, such as the Virgin Media streaming service, have geo-restrictions in place due to licensing issues. However, it’s worth knowing that you can download TV shows and movies on Virgin Media while in the UK, allowing you to watch them offline.
So if you’re currently in the UK and due to go abroad, this may be an option worth considering. Your second option is finding the best VPN for Virgin Media. Latest Update: july 23, 2023 In our latest testing NordVPN works perfectly for Virgin Media and gives the best value and ease of use. Currently 63% off with this link.
In order to watch Virgin Media anywhere, you’ll need a UK IP address. You can get this by connecting to a UK server with a VPN. A VPN is a “virtual private network”. It works by routing your internet traffic to another server (in this case one in the UK).
- This hides your IP address which, combined with additional security features such as encryption, enhances your online privacy.
- Unfortunately, Virgin Media blocks many VPNs, but we’ve found the ones that still work and we’ll go over them in detail later in this article.
- For now, here’s a quick roundup of our favorite Virgin Media VPNs.
The best VPNs for Virgin Media:
- NordVPN : Our #1 choice Virgin Media VPN. A huge network of servers in the UK and worldwide. Fast servers for streaming including Virgin TV GO and Netflix. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
- Surfshark : Best budget VPN for Virgin Media. Fast enough for HD streaming and can access content worldwide. Strong on security, including AES 256-bit encryption. Allows unlimited connections.
- ExpressVPN : Fast UK servers for Virgin Media streaming. Works with most popular streaming sites including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. No bandwidth throttling and high levels of security.
- CyberGhost : Great for beginners. High-speed VPN for streaming in high definition. An extensive network of servers and advanced security features like strong encryption and a no-logs policy.
- IPVanish : Offers fast and reliable UK servers and excellent privacy features to keep you safe. Access Virgin Media and other geo-restricted services from anywhere in the world.
- PrivateVPN : Very fast and excellent at unblocking streaming services, including Virgin Media, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
- AtlasVPN : A fast and secure VPN that is great for streaming. Apps for all devices and unlimited simultaneous connections.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Virgin Media.