Encountering a paywall can be frustrating when you’re eager to read an article or access research, but there are several clean, efficient methods to sidestep these barriers. Whether it’s a hard paywall that demands a subscription or a metered wall that limits free reads, browser extensions can instantly strip away overlays and reveal the full content. In this guide, we’ll explain the different paywall models, introduce you to the most reliable extensions like Bypass Paywalls Clean and uBlock Origin, and also cover DIY techniques you can use without any add‑ons. You’ll learn preventive steps—such as cookie management and VPN usage—to ensure your bypass remains undetected and private.
Types of Paywalls
Publishers employ various paywall strategies to monetize content:
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Hard Paywalls: Block all content until you subscribe (e.g., The Wall Street Journal).
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Metered Paywalls: Allow a set number of free articles per month before locking further access (e.g., The New York Times).
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Freemium Paywalls: Offer basic content for free, with premium articles reserved for subscribers.
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Dynamic Paywalls: Adjust access based on your reading behavior and frequency of visits.
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Ad Block Walls: Detect ad blockers and prevent access unless ads are re‑enabled.
Understanding which model you’re facing helps you choose the most effective bypass technique.
How to Bypass Paywalls with Extensions
Browser extensions automate paywall removal on the client side. Here are five of the most trusted tools:
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Bypass Paywalls Clean
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Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Brave
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Install: Clone from GitHub (github.com/csns1/bypass-paywalls-chrome-clean-magnolia1234), then in
chrome://extensionsenable Developer Mode and load the unpacked folder. -
Usage: Strips paywall scripts and overlays on sites like The Washington Post, Medium, and The Atlantic.
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Bypass Paywalls
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Browsers: Firefox (native) and Chrome (via userscript manager)
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Install: For Firefox, add the XPI from GitHub (github.com/iamadamdev/bypass-paywalls-chrome). On Chrome, use Tampermonkey to load the script.
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Usage: Works across dozens of news outlets, automatically updating as publishers change their paywall code.
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Outline
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Browsers: Chrome, Firefox
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Install: Use the official Outline bookmarklet from outline.com/bookmarklet or a community extension.
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Usage: Right‑click any article link and choose “Open in Outline” to load a clean, stripped‑down version.
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uBlock Origin (Advanced Mode)
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Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
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Setup: In the uBlock dashboard, enable “I am an advanced user” and subscribe to filter lists like uBlock filters – Unbreak and AdGuard Annoyances.
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Usage: Blocks paywall scripts at the network level before the page even renders.
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AntiPaywall
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Browsers: Chrome, Firefox
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Install: Clone the repo (github.com/texthtml/antipaywall) and load it as an unpacked extension, or import via Tampermonkey.
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Usage: Specializes in academic and niche sites (e.g., JSTOR, IEEE), fetching content from archives or proxies when available.
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Always keep these extensions updated from their GitHub sources and enable them only when you hit a paywall. For maximum privacy, connect through UFO VPN before browsing paywalled sites to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP.
How to Bypass Paywalls Without Extensions
When you prefer a no‑extension approach, try these methods:
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Web Archives: Paste the article URL into 12ft.io or the Wayback Machine to view archived copies.
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Disable JavaScript: Block JS for the site in your browser’s settings—many paywalls rely on client‑side scripts.
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Google Cache: Use
cache:example.com/articlein Google’s search bar to load a cached version. -
Reader Mode: In Chrome, select Distill page from the three‑dot menu; in Firefox, click the reader view icon.
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User‑Agent Spoofing: Switch to a crawler user‑agent (e.g., Googlebot) via a user‑agent extension and reload the page.
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Mobile AMP Pages: Append
/ampto the URL to load the mobile AMP version, which often lacks paywalls.
Be sure to clear cookies and use private/incognito mode to reset article counts, and run these methods over UFO VPN: a free proxy VPN to keep your location and browsing history fully private.
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Preventive Measures to Take Before Bypassing Paywalls
Before you start working around paywalls, follow these steps to ensure your efforts remain private and undetected:
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Clear Cookies & Cache
Erase site‑specific cookies that count your article views and reset any stored paywall counters. In Chrome/Edge, go to Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data; in Firefox, open Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data. -
Use Incognito/Private Mode
Open articles in a private window (Ctrl+Shift+N on Chrome/Edge, Ctrl+Shift+P on Firefox). This prevents your browsing history and cookies from being saved, giving you a fresh session each time. -
Temporarily Relax Tracking Protections
Some browser shields block the very scripts needed for bypass extensions or reader modes to function. Before attempting a paywall bypass, disable “Enhanced Tracking Protection” (Firefox) or lower the “Privacy Sandbox” settings (Chrome), then re-enable once you’ve accessed the content. -
Install a VPN for Complete Privacy
A VPN encrypts your entire browsing session, masking your real IP and preventing your ISP—or network administrator—from detecting paywall workarounds. We recommend UFO VPN for its gaming‑grade speeds and no‑logs policy, ensuring that both your paywall bypassing and general web traffic remain private and secure.-
Download UFO VPN for macOS
Step 1 Download UFO VPN -free VPN for MacUFO VPN for Mac is fast, free to try, and easy to use. Free download this VPN app on your macOS devices. The .dmg installer file will begin downloading automatically.
Step 2 Follow on-screen tips to complete installationLocate the downloaded .dmg file in your Downloads folder. And double-click the file to open the installer. Open Launchpad or visit UFO VPN Applications.
Step 3 Connect to a fast IP serverChoose your preferred server location (e.g., US VPN, UK VPN, Netherlands VPN) or head to Smart Locations to get the fastest VPN connection automatically. UFO VPN now supports 20+ languages for global users!
Pro Tip
This free VPN for Mac helps to unblock any websites & apps for gamers and streamers as a Netflix VPN, Disney VPN, CODM VPN, Pornhub VPN, etc.
Step 4 Connect and Enjoy Secure BrowsingOnce connected, you’ll see the green connection icon. Check your current IP address via What is my IP. You’re now browsing securely with UFO VPN!
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Download UFO VPN for iOS & Android
Step 1 Download & Install UFO VPNWith 3000+ server in over 100 countries, UFO VPN is open to download as a free iPhone VPN, free Android VPN(with VPN APK), free Windows VPN and free Mac VPN. Install the app and sign up or log in.
Step 2 Connect to a Browsing-friendly ServerOpen the app, choose a free server locationwhere your desired streaming/gaming/browsing platform is available.
We recommend free USA VPN, free UK VPN and free Australia VPN.
Pro Tip
UFO VPN is compatible with popular platforms in gaming and streaming as CODM VPN, PUBG VPN, Netflix VPN and more!
Step 3 Check IP Location Status AgainAfter connecting, visit What is My IP tool to see your current location and ensure your real IP is visible.
Step 4 Enjoy Uninterrupted Browsing NowWith all set, visit your favorite platform and start browsing without geo-blocks or buffering!
Once installed, simply connect to a server of your choice before navigating to the paywalled site. Your traffic will be routed through an encrypted tunnel, safeguarding your identity and enabling seamless bypass.
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Bookmark Key Tools
Keep your bypass extensions (Bypass Paywalls Clean, Outline, etc.) and bookmarklets organized in a dedicated folder for quick, on‑demand access. This reduces the risk of triggering paywall scripts repeatedly.
FAQs
Q1: Is bypassing a paywall illegal?
Generally, it’s a gray area. Personal, non‑commercial use of publicly accessible content typically isn’t prosecuted, but always respect copyright and site terms.
Q2: Why did my extension stop working?
Publishers update paywall scripts regularly. Pull the latest commits from the extension’s GitHub or switch to an alternative method (e.g., 12ft.io).
Q3: Can I use free VPNs for bypassing?
Free VPNs often throttle speeds or log data. For reliable streaming and privacy, use a paid service like UFO VPN.
Q4: What if the site uses a hard paywall?
Hard paywalls serve content server‑side, making client‑side hacks ineffective. Your best option then is web archives or legitimate subscription.
Q5: Will disabling JavaScript break the site?
Yes—comments, interactive elements, and embedded media might not load. Re‑enable JS after retrieving the article.
Q6: How do I update these extensions?
For unpacked extensions, pull or download the latest from GitHub, then reload in
chrome://extensions. For userscripts, use your script manager’s update feature.
Q7: Are there mobile‑only paywalls?
Some apps enforce paywalls via native code. In those cases, your safest workaround is to access the mobile site in a browser with AMP or use a VPN‑tunneled desktop browser.