Reddit is one of the most popular social media platforms, but sometimes users see a message stating, “You've been blocked by network security.” This can happen due to firewall restrictions, VPN usage, or security policies set by your ISP, school, or workplace.
If you cannot access Reddit and are unsure why this block occurred, this guide will help you identify the cause and provide solutions to regain access.
Why is Reddit Blocking My Access?
When Reddit blocks your connection due to network security policies, it means that something about your internet access has triggered a restriction. This can be due to firewall settings, security concerns, or automated anti-spam measures.
Here are some common causes:
- Restricted Networks (Workplaces, Schools, or Public Wi-Fi) – Many organizations block Reddit to limit distractions or enforce content policies.
- VPN or Proxy Usage – Reddit sometimes blocks connections from VPNs, especially if the IP address has been flagged for suspicious activity.
- ISP-Level Censorship – In some regions, internet service providers block Reddit due to government policies or legal restrictions.
- IP Address Blacklisting – If your IP has been used for spam, bots, or rule violations, Reddit may automatically block access.
- Too Many Login Attempts or Rate-Limiting – If you have entered the wrong credentials multiple times, Reddit may temporarily restrict access as a security measure.
Understanding the cause of the block will help you apply the proper fix and prevent further issues.
How to Fix “Reddit Blocked by Network Security”
If you cannot access Reddit, follow these solutions to bypass restrictions and regain access.
1. Check If Reddit is Down or If Your IP is Blocked
Before troubleshooting your connection, confirm whether Reddit is experiencing downtime or if your IP has been restricted.
- Visit Reddit’s official status page for platform-wide issues.
- Try accessing Reddit from another device or network (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
- The issue is likely network-related if Reddit loads on another network but not yours.
- Restart your router or modem, as sometimes temporary IP blocks can be resolved by getting a new IP.
If the issue persists across different networks, Reddit’s security system may block your IP address.
2. Disable VPN or Proxy Services
If you are using a VPN or a proxy, Reddit may have blacklisted the IP address you are using. Some VPN providers rotate shared IPs, and if an IP was previously used for spam, Reddit might flag it as suspicious.
- Please turn off your VPN or proxy and try accessing Reddit without it.
- If Reddit usually loads, switch to a different VPN server or use a VPN with private IP options.
- Consider using a residential VPN service that mimics a standard home internet connection.
- If you need Reddit for work or research, use a secure, paid VPN that avoids flagged IPs.
Some networks, such as workplaces and schools, also block VPN access. If this happens, using mobile data might be a temporary workaround.
3. Try a Different Network or Mobile Data
If Reddit is blocked on a specific Wi-Fi network but works on mobile data, it indicates that your network administrator or ISP has restricted access.
Switching to another internet source can confirm if the block is local or more widespread. If Reddit loads fine on a different network, you know the problem is specific to your primary connection. In that case, resetting network settings or contacting your ISP might help.
4. Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings
If your internet connection is misconfigured, flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address can help restore access.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (
Win + X> Command Prompt (Admin)). - Type the following commands and press Enter after each:ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
- Restart your computer and try reaccessing Reddit.
- If Reddit is still blocked, try changing your DNS settings to use Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) for unrestricted browsing.
5. Check Firewall and Security Software Settings
Sometimes, antivirus programs, firewalls, or security extensions block access to certain websites, including Reddit. If you use Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, or other security software, they might have flagged Reddit as unsafe.
- Open your antivirus or firewall settings and check for any blocked domains.
- If Reddit is listed, remove it from the blocklist.
- Try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus and see if Reddit loads.
- If the issue is resolved, add Reddit as an exception in your security software.
Network firewalls in corporate or school settings are more complex to bypass, but requesting access from the IT department may help.
6. Contact Reddit Support for IP Unblocking
If none of the above solutions work, Reddit may have blocked your IP address. This can happen if:
- Your IP was previously used for spam, bots, or rule violations.
- Too many failed login attempts triggered a security block.
- You were wrongfully flagged by Reddit’s automated detection systems.
To request an IP unblock:
- Visit Reddit’s Help Center (https://support.reddit.com) and submit a support ticket under “Reddit Site Access Issues.”
- Provide your IP address (found at https://www.whatismyip.com/) and explain the problem.
- Wait for Reddit’s response, which can take a few days.
Reddit may remove the restriction if your IP was blocked unfairly after reviewing your request.
When to Contact Your Network Administrator or ISP
If you are on a work, school, or public Wi-Fi, the network administrator may have intentionally blocked Reddit to enforce content restrictions or maintain productivity. Some organizations use firewalls and security policies to block access to social media platforms, including Reddit.
If you believe Reddit has been restricted on your network, you can:
- Ask your IT administrator if Reddit is blocked and whether they can allow you access.
- If you are using home Wi-Fi and your ISP has blocked Reddit, consider using a VPN to bypass regional censorship.
- Switch to Google DNS (
8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) to avoid ISP-level restrictions. - If your ISP permanently blocks Reddit, you may need to use alternative Reddit clients or mirror sites to access content.
Network restrictions vary depending on the organization or ISP, so regaining access may require trying multiple solutions.
Conclusion
If you see “Reddit Blocked by Network Security,” it means your internet connection has been restricted due to firewall settings, VPN usage, or ISP censorship.
By turning off VPNs, switching networks, resetting DNS, or contacting Reddit Support, most users can regain access and browse Reddit normally.
Suppose this guide helped you share it with friends who might also be facing the same problem. For more troubleshooting guides, check our blog category for detailed tech solutions.
