Ever had that moment when you’re deeply engrossed in a compelling news article, only to be stopped in your tracks by a pesky paywall? It’s as disappointing as biting into a chocolate chip cookie, only to realize it’s oatmeal raisin. But fret not, dear reader! There are several ways to bypass these paywalls and access news content on the internet for free. Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Use Incognito Mode or Private Browsing
This is the “open sesame” of the internet world, the cloak of invisibility for the digital age. When you’re browsing in incognito mode or private browsing, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, or site data[1]. This can sometimes trick a website into thinking you’re a new visitor, allowing you to bypass the paywall.
Here’s how to do it:
For Google Chrome:
- Click on the three dots at the top right corner.
- Select ‘New incognito window’ from the drop-down menu.
For Firefox:
- Click on the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right corner.
- Select ‘New Private Window’ from the drop-down menu.
2. Use a Browser Extension
There are several browser extensions out there that can help you bypass paywalls. Some of the popular ones include ‘Bypass Paywalls Clean’ for Firefox and ‘Unpaywall’ [2] or ‘Postlight Reader’ [3] for Chrome. These extensions are easy to install and use. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so use them wisely and ethically.
3. Use 12ft.io in any browser
This convenient online tool offers a solution to bypass paywalls on numerous news websites. It requires no installation and is accessible on any device, whether it’s a computer, phone, or tablet. Simply visit https://12ft.io, input the URL of the article you wish to access, and then click or tap on the “Remove Paywall” option.
While it’s important to note that 12ft.io may not guarantee success for every news site, it boasts a high success rate for most of the websites we’ve tested.
After the content loads, you’ll encounter a notification asking whether the paywall has been successfully removed. You can assist the developers by selecting “Yes” or “No” in response to this notification.
4. Delete the page’s cookies
This method is effective for the majority of news websites that allow you to read a few articles before prompting you to subscribe. While many find it convenient to browse these sites in Incognito or Private mode, there’s another workaround that eliminates the cookies responsible for restricting your access to additional articles. Here’s how to delete the site’s cookies whenever you encounter the soft paywall:
- If you’re using Chrome or Edge on a computer, simply click on the padlock icon in the address bar, navigate to Cookies, select each cookie associated with the news website, and then click “Remove.”
- If you’re using Safari on a Mac, go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data, choose the website in question, and click “Remove All.”
- For Safari on an iPhone, access Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, tap “Edit,” and then tap the red circle next to the site you want to remove.
- When using Chrome on an Android device, open Chrome, tap the three dots in the address bar, go to Info > Cookies, and tap the trash icon next to the number of cookies.
5. Use a News Aggregator
News aggregators like Google News or Apple News offer a wide variety of articles from different sources, and many of them are accessible for free[4]. These platforms are like a buffet of news content, allowing you to sample a little bit of everything.
6. Use Your Local Library
Many local libraries offer free access to various newspaper databases. These databases often include both current and archived articles. It’s like having a time machine, but for news.
7. Use Social Media
Many journalists and news outlets share their articles on social media platforms. Following them on platforms like Twitter or Facebook can provide you with direct access to their content. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the news concert.
8. Use Free Trials
Many news websites offer free trials for their subscription services. You can sign up for these trials and cancel before the trial period ends. But remember, this is like dating – don’t lead them on if you’re not interested in a long-term relationship.
9. Use Student or Corporate Access
Some universities and corporations offer free access to various news websites as part of their benefits. So, if you’re a student or employee, make sure to take advantage of these perks. It’s like finding a hidden treasure in your backyard.
10. Use Archive Websites
Websites like the Wayback Machine allow you to view archived versions of web pages, including news articles[5]. It’s like having a magic mirror that shows you the past.
Conclusion
Accessing news articles for free can be as easy as pie with these tips and tricks. However, it’s important to remember that quality journalism relies on revenue from subscriptions and advertising. If you find a particular news outlet valuable, consider supporting them by subscribing. After all, you wouldn’t want your favorite bakery to go out of business, would you?
Happy reading!
References
[1]: “Browse in private.” Google Chrome Help. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
[2]: “Postlight Reader” https://reader.postlight.com/
[3]: “Unpaywall.” Google Chrome Web Store. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/unpaywall/iplffkdpngmdjhlpjmppncnlhomiipha
[4]: “Google News.” Google. https://news.google.com/
[5]: “Wayback Machine.” Internet Archive. https://archive.org/web/
