explaingit

googlehosts/hosts

★ 20,643Audience · generalComplexity · 1/5DormantLicenseSetup · easy

TLDR

A hosts file that maps Google domain names to working IP addresses, primarily for users in China to access Google services.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Maps Google domains
      Unblocks Google access
      Auto-generated content
    Use cases
      Access Google in China
      Bypass regional blocks
      Route traffic correctly
    Tech stack
      Hosts file format
      Shell scripts
      Automation
    Status
      Project abandoned
      Domain compromised
      Mirrors available

Things people build with this

USE CASE 1

Access Google Search, Gmail, and other Google services from regions where they are blocked.

USE CASE 2

Route Google domain requests to working IP addresses without using a VPN.

USE CASE 3

Maintain a local copy of domain mappings that are automatically updated by scripts.

Tech stack

Hosts fileShell scripts

Getting it running

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min

Requires modifying system hosts file, which may need admin/root privileges depending on OS.

You may copy and redistribute the hosts file, but commercial use is prohibited. All code is under the MIT License.

In plain English

This repository provides a hosts file intended to help users in China access Google and related services by mapping their domain names to working IP addresses. The hosts file and related content are automatically generated by scripts. The project notes that it has been abandoned and that the googlehosts.org domain is no longer under their control and may be used for phishing. Mirrors of the repository are available at two external locations listed in the description. The project is based on a modified Hosts license with an added SATA protocol clause, which allows copying and redistribution but prohibits commercial use. All code in the repository is under the MIT License.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
How do I install and use a hosts file to unblock Google services on my computer?
Prompt 2
What is a hosts file and how does it redirect domain names to different IP addresses?
Prompt 3
Show me how to add the googlehosts hosts file to my system and verify it's working.
Open on GitHub → Explain another repo

Generated 2026-05-18 · Model: sonnet-4-6 · Verify against the repo before relying on details.