Minecraft continues to be one of the most popular PC games around. It’s played by millions of dedicated fans across the world and that won’t be changing any time soon. It may be over 10 years old now but there’s never any shortage of players with plenty of new Minecraft servers to discover.
However, certain situations have led to Minecraft being banned. That can be due to the part of the world you live in or simply the specific connection you’re using to play the game.
Fortunately, there are ways and means to unlock Minecraft servers. Use one of the best VPNs and you’re all set.
If that sounds immediately intimidating, don’t worry. Read on and we’ll explain all you need to know about unblocking Minecraft, as well as which is the best Minecraft VPN. We also have a guide on what a VPN is if you’re new to the concept.
Why would I want to unblock Minecraft?
Much of the world can easily access Minecraft but there are some exceptions. Notably, the Uncensored Library -- a Minecraft server and map designed to circumvent censorship in certain countries has made it a threat in the eyes of some governments. In the past, Turkey also mooted the idea of banning the game, but generally, most countries can access Minecraft.
However, where you’re trying to play Minecraft can make a difference. Understandably, some places are worried about how playing Minecraft online can affect your productivity.
Schools and colleges
Some schools like to use Minecraft as part of their curriculum with Minecraft: Education Edition proving very successful.
However, other institutions are less keen on the concept and may have banned the game from their networks to avoid the risk of distraction. Minecraft can also be a big target among malware meddlers which makes it a potentially risky choice.
Offices or workplaces
A sneaky game of Minecraft while you work might be tempting but very few employers will be happy with that. Still, if you’re determined to play, using one of the best cheap VPNs could be your route out of being bogged down in work -- provided you can install a VPN to your work computer.
How to unblock Minecraft: step-by-step guide
- Pick a VPN - It’s tempting to use one of the best free VPNs for Minecraft but it may be sensible to invest in a premium option if you need a VPN for more than just a one-off occasion. There are plenty of great VPN uses besides allowing you to play Minecraft.
- Set up the VPN app - All the VPN providers we feature are very simple to use. Set up takes moments with you simply needing to install the relevant app on your PC or smartphone. Make sure to download it to the device you plan on playing Minecraft on!
- Connect via the VPN app - Open the VPN app, pick a server, and you’re all set. All VPNs have a very obvious ‘Connect’ button ad if you simply want to play Minecraft, you don’t need to worry about picking a server manually. The app will pick the nearest and most reliable option for you.
- Start playing Minecraft! - You’re all set. You can now play Minecraft from wherever you’re located. If the server feels a little laggy, try switching to a different VPN server or country location. A nearby city is usually the best option. Maybe check out one of the best Minecraft seeds while everything feels fresh again?
How to unblock Minecraft: what VPN should I use?
The best VPN provider for Minecraft is NordVPN being the “pinnacle of VPNs” right now. It easily ranks at the top of our roundup of the best gaming VPNs and it’s the best streaming VPN too, so sign up for it and you’re all set.
NordVPN is so good for gamers because it offers a huge number of VPN servers with all of them offering excellent speed and performance. It’s also very easy to use with many additional security features to ensure that your connection is safe even when not just playing Minecraft.
NordVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s also one of the best Android VPNs and there’s an iOS app so wherever you play Minecraft, you can do so through NordVPN.
A good second choice is ExpressVPN thanks to it offering a similar number of servers and strong performance to NordVPN. It also has an easy to use app which works for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Is it illegal to unblock Minecraft with a VPN?
Developer Mojang has stated it doesn’t support the use of VPNs with Minecraft. That means you may run into issues using one, but there’s nothing illegal about using a VPN with Minecraft.
Many players report no issues playing Minecraft with a VPN so it’s worth checking. If you use a good VPN such as one of the best VPNs we’ve recommended, you’re incredibly unlikely to have a problem.
