AVG Antivirus provides robust protection against online threats, but sometimes it can mistakenly block safe websites. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to access trusted sites. If you encounter this issue, there are several steps you can take to resolve it without compromising your security.
1. Check the Error Message
When AVG blocks a website, it typically displays an error message or warning indicating why the site was blocked. The message might mention a potential security risk, such as malware or phishing. However, if you believe the website is safe, the first step is to review the message and make sure it’s a false alarm.
2. Temporarily Disable AVG Protection
If you’re sure the website is safe, you can temporarily disable AVG’s protection to access the site. Keep in mind that this step leaves your system unprotected, so only use it for trusted websites.
How to Disable AVG Protection:
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Right-click the AVG icon in the system tray.
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Select Disable AVG Protection.
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Choose how long you want to disable the protection (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
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Visit the website you want to access.
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After browsing, don’t forget to re-enable AVG protection by right-clicking the AVG icon again and selecting Enable AVG Protection.
3. Add the Website to AVG’s Exceptions List
You can whitelist the website in AVG to prevent it from being blocked in the future. This allows AVG to continue protecting your computer while giving you access to trusted sites.
How to Add a Website to Exceptions:
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Open AVG and go to Menu > Settings.
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Select General and then click on Exceptions.
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Click Add Exception.
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Enter the URL of the website you want to whitelist.
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Save your changes and try accessing the website again.
4. Adjust AVG’s Firewall Settings
AVG’s firewall may also block websites that it mistakenly deems dangerous. If you believe the website is safe, you can adjust the firewall settings to allow it through.
How to Adjust Firewall Settings:
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Open AVG and go to Menu > Settings.
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Select Firewall.
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Click on Settings and go to the Network tab.
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Add the website’s URL or IP address to the list of trusted sites.
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Save your changes and try accessing the website.
5. Check for False Positives
If AVG is blocking a legitimate website, it could be due to a false positive, where the antivirus mistakenly flags the site as dangerous. You can report this to AVG for further investigation.
How to Report a False Positive:
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Visit the AVG False Positive Reporting page on their website.
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Submit the URL of the blocked website and explain that it’s a trusted site.
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AVG will review the report and may adjust their detection to prevent future blocking.
6. Update AVG
Outdated AVG definitions may cause it to incorrectly block safe websites. Ensure that your antivirus is up to date to avoid these issues.
How to Update AVG:
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Open AVG and go to Menu > Settings.
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Under the General tab, select Update.
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Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
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Restart your computer, and try accessing the website again.
7. Test the Website on Another Device
If you’re still unsure whether the website is truly safe, try accessing it from another device, such as a smartphone or tablet, using the same network. If it works without issues, it’s more likely a problem with AVG’s settings or detection.
8. Contact AVG Support
If the issue persists and you’re unable to resolve it on your own, contacting AVG support may be necessary. They can help you investigate why the site is being blocked and offer a solution.
How to Contact Support:
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Visit the AVG Support page and use their Live Chat or Email support options.
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Provide them with the URL of the blocked website and any relevant details.
Conclusion
When AVG blocks a safe website, it’s often due to overly cautious settings or a false positive. You can resolve the issue by temporarily disabling protection, adding the site to AVG’s exceptions, or adjusting the firewall settings. If none of these methods work, check for updates or report the false positive to AVG. If the issue persists, contact AVG support for further assistance. By following these steps, you can safely access trusted websites while maintaining your computer’s security.
