Users who are given the ipblock-exempt flag ('ipblock-exempt' user group) are not affected by autoblocks, or by blocks of IP addresses and rangeblocks (both global and local). They are also exempt from proxy blocks and Tor blocks. This right is automatically assigned to administrators, however the flag must be added separately for non-administrators to enable editing from IP addresses affected by IP or IP range blocks. The ipblock-exempt flag cannot be granted to editors who do not use an account.

There is also a global group to override IP blocks globally. See Global block exemptions for more information.

Historically, administrators would "softblock" IP's allowing named editors to continue to edit, while disallowing any anonymous editing and user registrations. With this flag, this is no longer required.

In order to be granted this flag and become IP block exempt on a specific project, the user must refer to the local process or ask an administrator of that project. The information on who should or should not get this user right can be found on the no open proxies page. However, every project may have its own IP block exemption policy and differ from this one.

• For specific information about IP block exemption on Meta, see Meta:IP block exemption

In order to be granted a global exemption from global blocks, one must make a request to stewards at Steward requests/Global permissions.

Note: A global exemption granted by a steward will only circumvent a global IP address or IP range block placed by stewards. A global exemption will not circumvent a local block placed on a wiki project by a local administrator. Local blocks applied on wikis, as well as local exemptions, will however override global actions applied for that wiki.

Blocks and exemptions work differently depending on where they are imposed, and by whom they are imposed.

Local blocks

• A local block only works at the one wiki.
• Local blocks are applied by local administrators.
• A local block exemption only overrides the block at the local wiki it was applied on, and it exempts all blocks placed (locally or globally) on that wiki.

Global blocks

• A global block works on all centralised wikis, with the exception of metawiki (this wiki)
• Global blocks are typically only placed by stewards.
• Global IP block exemptions override global blocks only. It has no impact on the ability for a user to edit on an individual project that has a local IP address or IP range block currently implemented.
• Local administrators can override (whitelist) for their wiki a steward's global block through that wiki's Special:GlobalBlockWhitelist page

• Blocked user
• Global IP block exemption
• Policy on Meta