Ever tried to read a breaking news article, only to hit a paywall? Or needed that one research paper for your project, but couldn't access it without paying a fortune? Paywalls are everywhere, and they can be incredibly frustrating. They are not only the barriers limiting your access to valuable information but place financial burdens on general readers who have limited budgets.
But what if there are ways to get around them—without breaking the bank? This article will provide you with 10 legitimate and efficient ways to help you get around the paywall and get the information you need.
What is a Paywall?
A paywall is a digital barrier implemented by online publishers to restrict access to certain content until a user pays a fee or subscribes to a service. These barriers are commonly found on news sites, research platforms, and other content providers, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post and Medium, which we are familiar with in our daily lives, where high-quality journalism, in-depth research, and exclusive content are often protected behind paywalls to view.
While paywalls primarily generate revenue for premium content creators, they also raise ethical questions about access to information. They can create socioeconomic barriers, limiting access to vital news or educational content for those who cannot afford subscriptions.
Here are the primary types of paywalls:
Hard Paywall: Completely restricts access and requires payment to enter.
Soft Paywall: Allows users to access some content for free under certain conditions.
Metered Paywall: Allows users to access for free within a limited number of times, and then pay after exceeding the limit.
Freemium Paywall: Provides free basic content and requires payment for premium content.
How Do Paywalls Work?
Paywalls operate through a combination of technical and user-experience strategies designed to control access to content. When a user visits a website with a paywall, the system checks whether the user has an active subscription or has exceeded their free access limit.
This is typically done through cookies, user accounts, or IP recognition. If the user meets the criteria for access, the content is displayed; otherwise, they are redirected to a subscription or payment page.
10 Ways to Get Around Paywalls
1. Browser Extensions
Browser extensions designed to bypass paywalls work by modifying the underlying code of the website. These extensions detect and alter the code that enforces the paywall restrictions, effectively disabling them and granting you unrestricted access to the content.
By installing such an extension, you can navigate to any site with a paywall and access the content freely. This method is particularly useful for users who frequently need to visit multiple websites with paywalls.
2. Check Your Local Library
Many libraries offer free access to premium content through their subscriptions. By signing up for a library card, you can access e-journals, newspapers, and research databases without paying a dime. This is particularly useful for students and researchers who need access to academic resources.
3. Delete Your Browser Cookies
As we mentioned before, paywalls can track your visits through cookies. By deleting your browser cookies, you can reset your access limits and potentially view more content for free. This method works best with metered paywalls that limit the number of free articles per month.
To delete cookies, go to your browser’s "settings", find the "privacy" or "security section", and clear your browsing data.
4. Disable JavaScript
JavaScript is often used to implement paywalls. By disabling it in your browser settings, you might be able to bypass the paywall and access the content. However, this method can sometimes break the website’s functionality, so use it with caution.
To disable JavaScript, go to your browser’s settings, navigate to the privacy or security section, and toggle off JavaScript. This method is best used for occasional access to specific articles.
5. Google Translate Trick
Google Translate can serve as a clever workaround to bypass paywalls. When you translate a paywalled page into another language, Google Translate frequently reveals the full content without the paywall overlay. While this method isn't guaranteed to work on hard paywalls, it can be quite effective for sites with simpler paywall structures.
Steps:
Copy the URL of the paywalled article.
Go to Google Translate and paste the URL into the left text box.
Select any language as the source and set the target language to your preferred choice (e.g., English).
Click the translated link in the output box to view the full content.
6. Multiple Browser or Devices
Using multiple browsers or devices can help you bypass paywalls by resetting the tracking mechanisms that enforce access limits. When you visit a paywalled website using a different browser or a different device, the website may not recognize your previous activity. This allows you to access additional free content. This especially applies to metered paywalls that limit the number of articles you can read per month.
7. Open Incognito Mode
Incognito mode allows you to browse the web without saving cookies or browsing history. This can help you access content that is otherwise restricted by paywalls, especially if you’ve already exceeded your free article limit.
Steps:
Open your browser.
Press "Ctrl+Shift+N" (Windows) or "Cmd+Shift+N" (Mac).
Navigate to the website you want to access.
8. Turn on the Browser Reader Mode
Reader mode strips away ads and other distractions, sometimes bypassing paywalls in the process. This feature is available in most modern browsers and can be a quick way to access the content you need. Just right-click on the paywalled article page to see it.
9. Use a Proxy Server
Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet. By routing your traffic through a proxy, you can mask your IP address and potentially get around paywalls. This method can also help you access geo-restricted content.
10. Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and changes your IP address. This can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is otherwise blocked. Some paywalls may also be less restrictive when accessed from different locations.
When you try to get around the paywall using the above mentioned methods of hiding IP address, you can use BrowserScan to check whether the fingerprint information such as IP address is really hidden effectively.
Conclusion
In a world filled with paywalls, accessing valuable information can be challenging. However, with the right strategies, you can navigate these barriers efficiently and ethically. Please remember, the goal is not just to get around paywalls, but to do so in a way that respects both content creators and your right to access information. By using these methods responsibly, you can continue to explore and engage with the digital world confidently.