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Last Updated by Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony on January 11, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman • Fact-checked by Justyn Newman
ExpressVPN works in China and remains one of the very few VPNs still reliable for the country in 2024. All ExpressVPN servers support obfuscation, so connecting to a server outside China will let you access international sites and services.
Using a VPN in China is particularly difficult, but not with ExpressVPN. You don’t have to configure your device or change any ExpressVPN settings to access Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and other platforms in the country. Just click connect, and you’re done.
I’ve listed several ways to install ExpressVPN on your device, especially if you’re already in China, where VPN sites are blocked. Plus, a few troubleshooting tips to overcome any connectivity issues in case this happens to you. If you decide to try ExpressVPN in China, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you’re not happy with it.
Important: This article is for educational purposes only. Although ExpressVPN works in China, it’s not a state-approved VPN and, therefore, is banned in the country. No tourist has been prosecuted for using unapproved VPNs at the time of writing, but I still don’t condone using an unauthorized VPN in China, as it’s against local laws.
Quick Guide: How to Use ExpressVPN in China in 3 Easy Steps
- Download ExpressVPN. It’s best to install it before traveling as the regular site is blocked in China. I’ve listed additional steps below detailing how to download ExpressVPN if you’re already in China, so keep reading!
- Connect to a server. All ExpressVPN servers support obfuscation, which is what allows it to work through China’s strict network restrictions. I recommend using the nearest Hong Kong or Macau locations, as these will give you the best speeds.
- Start browsing, streaming, gaming, and more! Now, you can access your favorite websites, apps, and usual online services from China.
Why Choose ExpressVPN for China?
The Chinese government enforces stringent online censorship measures and monitors internet activities closely. As a result, many well-known websites and services are inaccessible, such as Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, BBC, New York Times, and more. The best way to access your usual content and apps in China is to connect to a VPN, which allows you to browse the internet as if from another location (ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries).
However, only a handful of the leading VPNs in 2024 work despite China’s Great Firewall restrictions. Many VPNs promise to work in China but simply don’t have the capabilities. Plus, most VPN sites are blocked in the country, so you can’t download their apps.
ExpressVPN proved to be the top VPN for reliable, secure connections in China. It provides server obfuscation on every connection, which masks your VPN traffic to look like regular HTTP traffic, making it really difficult for China’s VPN detection technology. ExpressVPN also secures your connection with AES-256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch.
This is also the fastest VPN I’ve tested, with a high-speed global server network. You can stream, torrent, play games, and browse online without lag or interruptions, even when you’re connected to a server far away from China. If you have a slow internet connection, ExpressVPN will barely affect it.
ExpressVPN backs all its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t work as expected in China, you can easily get a full refund. When I tested the guarantee, I had my money back within a week after talking to a support agent on live chat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install ExpressVPN on Your Devices
Mac/Windows
- Visit the official ExpressVPN website in your browser. If you’re already in China and can’t connect to the official website, email ExpressVPN support so they can provide you with a mirror link (a backup official website to download the apps).
- Download ExpressVPN to your Mac or Windows device. Follow the prompts to install and set up your ExpressVPN app.
- Sign in to your ExpressVPN account. You can use your activation code (find this in your ExpressVPN online account) or sign in with an email sign-in link.
- You’re ready to connect! Stay signed in to ExpressVPN to access global content quickly in China. If it doesn’t work immediately, try these troubleshooting steps.
iOS/Android
I recommend you purchase ExpressVPN from the website rather than through an app store. This ensures you can benefit from ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee if needed. The app stores often have complicated refund processes that could delay refunds for weeks.
- Subscribe using the official website. If you’re already in China, email ExpressVPN support to get a mirror link that works in the country.
- In your account, click the link for Android or iOS. You’ll get your activation code, plus a genuine link to the Google Play or Apple App Store to download the app.
- Download the app to your iOS or Android device. There are several steps and prompts you need to accept to install ExpressVPN.
- Open the ExpressVPN app and sign in. You can use your activation code or an email sign-in link.
- Connect to a server. You can now securely access the internet on your iOS or Android device. If you face any issues, try these troubleshooting steps.
Browser Extension
ExpressVPN’s browser extension is available for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Unlike other VPNs, ExpressVPN’s extension isn’t just a proxy — it provides the full security of the VPN app conveniently from your browser.
- Visit the official website and sign up for ExpressVPN, choosing your preferred subscription plan and creating an account. If you’re already in China, email ExpressVPN support, and they’ll send you a mirror link that works in the country.
- In your account, choose the setup link for your browser. ExpressVPN will display your activation code and a link to download your extension. Note that you will also need the ExpressVPN app for Windows, Mac, or Linux to operate the extension.
- Add the ExpressVPN extension to your browser. You’ll be prompted to allow the extension to install.
- Sign in to your ExpressVPN browser extension. For this, you’ll need to have downloaded and signed in to the ExpressVPN desktop app already.
- Choose a server and connect. Your whole device will be protected by ExpressVPN’s secure encryption and privacy features. Try these troubleshooting steps if you face any problems.
Smart TV/Fire Stick
ExpressVPN is compatible with a range of smart TVs (including Apple TV and Android OS TVs), Amazon Fire TVs, and Fire Sticks. If you want to use ExpressVPN with a smart TV that doesn’t support a VPN app, you can set up ExpressVPN with a compatible router and link your smart TV to your WiFi.
- Visit the official website from a browser and sign up for an ExpressVPN subscription. This ensures you’re getting a genuine plan, but if you’re already in China, email ExpressVPN support to get a mirror link that works in the country.
- Search for ExpressVPN on the app store of your smart TV or Amazon Fire device.
- Download the ExpressVPN app. This should take less than a minute, depending on your network speeds.
- Open ExpressVPN and sign in to your account. You’ll need the email address and password you assigned when you created your account.
- Connect to an ExpressVPN server. You’re ready to start securely browsing and streaming your favorite content. If you can’t connect, try these troubleshooting steps.
How Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
ExpressVPN uses a variety of premium security and privacy features to avoid China’s Great Firewall detection. These include:
- AES-256-bit encryption — ensures your online activity and personal data are secure and anonymous from even the toughest monitoring.
- Network Lock kill switch — blocks access to the internet instantly if ExpressVPN’s connection is interrupted, maintaining data security and exposure.
- Leak protection — stops DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks from revealing your true location and browsing history.
- Server obfuscation — disguises your VPN traffic to look like HTTP traffic, avoiding China’s proxy detection technology that blocks unauthorized VPNs. Obfuscation kicks in automatically when DPI is detected, one of the methods used to block VPNs in China.
- Secure protocols — include OpenVPN TCP using port 443 — this port is typically used by non-VPN traffic (HTTPS), making it almost impossible for China to block.
- No physical servers in China — ExpressVPN doesn’t need to comply with the Chinese government’s requirements to log and share user data as it has no physical servers in the country.
- Independently audited zero-log policy — proven and confirmed when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server and were unable to recover any data.
ExpressVPN Not Working in China? Try These Troubleshooting Tips
ExpressVPN works in China without requiring any special configurations. However, since the Great Firewall of China is so technologically advanced and consistently improved, there may be times when you need to adjust ExpressVPN’s settings to keep up with the changes.
1. Set Your VPN Protocol to “Automatic”
When you set ExpressVPN’s protocol to “Automatic,” the VPN examines your network connection and chooses the best possible protocol. This way, you’re more likely to make a reliable connection when inside China.
To adjust your protocols, open the “Options” menu and choose the “Protocol” settings. Select the “Automatic” option.
ExpressVPN will check your network connection to choose the best protocol
Depending on what you want from your connection, you can choose from ExpressVPN’s various protocols. Some are more efficient for data transfer, while others provide a more reliable connection. ExpressVPN typically selects its proprietary Lightway protocol for top security, speeds, and reliable connections.
2. Wait for ExpressVPN to Complete the Connection Request
If ExpressVPN is taking a long time to connect, be patient. It could take up to 30 seconds to make a connection, so only retry if the app tells you that it has failed. If the connection keeps failing, exit the app and restart your device before trying to connect again. Remember to wait if your internet is naturally slow, as this could be the reason for a delayed VPN connection.
If ExpressVPN has established a server connection, but it’s not working, try reconnecting the VPN before you continue your online activity. You can do it easily by clicking on the server name again. By reconnecting, you refresh the connection, which could help fix any technical errors or server interruptions.
3. Clear Your Browser Cache
Websites will most often block a VPN’s IP address if it receives too many requests. However, a website can also block your cookies if you keep trying to connect to your account from different servers. To fix this, go into your browser settings and clear your cache and cookies.
Clearing your cache can also help bypass content blocks, as cookies sometimes store your location data. If a website sees a conflict between location data in your cookies and the VPN IP address, it can refuse access. Deleting cookies removes location data so the website only sees ExpressVPN’s IP address, enabling access.
4. Connect to a Different Server
You can try the Smart Location button on your app to let ExpressVPN pick the best server for you. Alternatively, ExpressVPN has recommended servers for China. To find out what they are, I reached out to customer support through 24/7 live chat, and an agent suggested the following servers:
- USA — Los Angeles – 5
- UK (Wembley)
- Singapore — Marina Bay
- France — Alsace
You can switch to one of these servers instead to establish a working connection if Smart Location doesn’t work.
5. Activate the Kill Switch
Your kill switch should always be active when you travel to China, as this secures your data if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted. ExpressVPN’s kill switch is called “Network Lock,” and it’s easy to switch on in the General settings menu.
Use “Network Lock” when traveling to China
Enabling “Network Lock” cuts access to the internet if ExpressVPN’s connection is interrupted, so you can avoid exposing your online activity and personal data to spies.
6. Contact Customer Support by Email
While ExpressVPN provides a live chat option on its site, accessing it from China might be challenging. However, you have the option to utilize their dependable email support, which is consistently accessible. If you’re in China, I suggest using Yahoo Mail as a reliable email service, as others, such as Gmail, tend to be blocked.
ExpressVPN’s customer support team will send you a response promptly — I contacted customer support by email and received a response within 24 hours. Make sure you take note of the customer support email address (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) in case you can’t access the website. Saving it somewhere before you travel is a good idea as well.
How to Get ExpressVPN If You’re in China
Use a Mirrored Link to ExpressVPN’s Website
ExpressVPN uses mirror links to enable access to its website in restrictive locations. These links take you to an exact copy of ExpressVPN’s official website. The difference is the link won’t read www.expressvpn.com, so that it can’t be detected as belonging to the VPN and subsequently blocked.
There are no fixed mirror links, as ExpressVPN changes them almost daily to maintain security. You can contact ExpressVPN’s customer support to ask them for a link (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) or ask a friend abroad to contact ExpressVPN using the 24/7 live chat for an even faster response.
Access ExpressVPN’s Website With a Free Proxy
A free proxy may be able to avoid China’s detection technology from connecting to ExpressVPN’s website. Proxies change your IP address but don’t encrypt your connection, and the Chinese government is much less likely to detect and block smaller proxy services.
You can use one of the top free web proxies for a secure connection to ExpressVPN. Simply connect to a proxy server outside of China and enter ExpressVPN’s website address to visit the website. Then, you can purchase and download ExpressVPN with ease.
Email ExpressVPN to Get the .apk App (Android Users)
If you have an Android device and an existing subscription, email ExpressVPN’s customer support to ask for the official apk file. As you don’t need to download the apk file from the Google Play store, government restrictions won’t block the installation. Once you’ve installed the file, sign in to your ExpressVPN app as usual.
Note that you should only download the apk from ExpressVPN, not an unverified apk website — this may not be authentic software and could put you at risk of malware and data theft.
Use Your Home Country SIM Card
It’s a good idea to get a Chinese SIM card when you visit the country, as you won’t experience high roaming charges from your existing provider, and you’ll have faster network connections. However, your Chinese SIM card will be subject to government restrictions, so you can’t connect to ExpressVPN.
Instead, you can switch back to your original SIM card and use it to subscribe to ExpressVPN, as it may sometimes get around blocks. There’s a small chance that this method doesn’t work, but it’s definitely worth a try. Keep the roaming charges in mind, though.
Ask a Friend Who Lives Abroad to Get ExpressVPN for You
You can contact a friend in your home country or somewhere without internet restrictions and ask them to purchase ExpressVPN for you. Once your friend has subscribed, they can send you the installation files and login credentials to set up ExpressVPN on your devices.
If you need to pay your friend back immediately, China allows payments through PayPal, cryptocurrency, and direct bank transfers. Make sure to use an email address that isn’t Gmail, as Google is blocked. Hotmail and Yahoo Mail are suitable and accessible alternatives.
Visit Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan
If none of the above options are viable, your last resort is to take a short trip to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan to purchase and download ExpressVPN. While China’s internet restrictions and surveillance still happen in these regions, online censorship isn’t as strict.
When you travel to one of these locations, you should be able to use the local internet to connect to ExpressVPN’s website, subscribe, and download the necessary setup files. Once you have the apps installed, you can return to China and connect to ExpressVPN without issue.
FAQs on Using ExpressVPN in China
Is ExpressVPN illegal in China?
Technically, yes. The only VPNs permitted for use in China are approved by the government and are therefore heavily monitored. You cannot purchase or download ExpressVPN in China as the VPN isn’t approved by the government because it refuses to share user data or allow any surveillance.
There haven’t been any cases of tourists or visitors being penalized for using ExpressVPN in China, but always exercise a basic level of caution before connecting. A secure VPN connection doesn’t give you the right to commit illegal acts, which my team and I don’t condone.
Does ExpressVPN have servers in China?
No, it doesn’t, and that’s a good thing. That’s precisely why ExpressVPN is a top choice for use in China —it protects your online activities and privacy. By having no server presence in China, ExpressVPN doesn’t have to conform to Chinese VPN regulations, which mandate logging and sharing of user data.
Is ExpressVPN owned by China?
No, ExpressVPN is not owned by China. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, but it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which has strong privacy laws and isn’t part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This is one of the main reasons ExpressVPN is a safe choice for use in China. It’s not required to log any user data or share it with international authorities when requested.
Why is the internet censored in China, and which websites are blocked?
According to Chinese officials, internet restrictions are in place to protect its citizens from harmful content. Unless you connect to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN first, you won’t be able to access popular websites and apps.
Harmful content includes information that could be considered damaging to the government, suggestive material, and gambling. The list of blocked sites in China is changing all the time, so it’s impossible to know just how many you won’t be able to view. It currently includes, but isn’t limited to, the following:
- Search engines — Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, Bing, Google (all Google services are blocked).
- News websites — NY Times, BBC, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg, NBC.
- Messaging services — Gmail, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Slack, Telegram.
- Social media apps — Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
- Streaming services — YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Spotify, Twitch.
- Information providers — Quora, Wikipedia, WordPress, Archive.org.
Can I download ExpressVPN in China?
Yes, there are several ways to download ExpressVPN when you’re in China. However, these can be quite tricky and time-consuming. While it’s possible to use a free proxy or a mirror link, the best option is to download ExpressVPN to your devices before you visit China. This way, your connections are secure and anonymous from the moment you arrive in the country.
Will hotel WiFi provide you with unrestricted access to ExpressVPN in China?
It’s not likely, despite online reports stating some hotels offer unrestricted internet for tourists. If you need to subscribe to and download ExpressVPN when you’re in China, there are other more reliable ways to access the website. I recommend using a free web proxy or mirror link to access ExpressVPN, as many hotels censor their WiFi in accordance with local laws.
Can you use Shadowsocks to access ExpressVPN in China?
No, you can’t use Shadowsocks to access ExpressVPN in China. While there are a few ways you can connect to ExpressVPN when in China, Shadowsocks isn’t supported by ExpressVPN’s servers, so the connection won’t work.
Can I use Tor to access ExpressVPN in China?
It depends, but I don’t recommend it. It’s much easier and faster to try different methods of connecting to ExpressVPN when in China.
Tor is an excellent privacy tool, but it’s also easily blocked by China’s network restrictions. This is because Tor traffic is easy to detect, and Tor’s IP addresses don’t change regularly. Tor is also very slow, so you’re likely to experience frequent interruptions.
Can I use a VPN on my smartphone in China?
Yes, ExpressVPN’s Android and iOS apps work in China. Just make sure you’ve downloaded ExpressVPN to your smartphone before you travel to the country. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to access the app.
You can also connect your smartphone to your computer’s hotspot. Simply download the VPN app onto your desktop or laptop, launch the app, connect to a server outside of China, and set up a personal hotspot through your WiFi connection. Your phone will be secure as long as your computer is connected to the VPN server.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock sites in China?
Probably not. While there are a few free VPNs that are safe to use, they don’t work reliably in China. You can always give them a shot, but even if they do work, I don’t recommend them because they have limitations. Most of them only have a handful of servers that are always crowded and, therefore, slow. Others impose data limits that make them impractical for daily tasks like video calling, streaming, and uploading photos to social media.
Yes, ExpressVPN Works in China
With ExpressVPN, you don’t have to worry about your internet privacy in China or being blocked from the sites and services you’re used to back home. You can continue working on Google Drive, catch up with friends and family on Facebook and WhatsApp, and even read your local news. It doesn’t even take any special configuration for ExpressVPN to work in China.
You can try ExpressVPN risk-free in China as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it doesn’t meet your needs, you can get a refund by contacting the 24/7 customer support team. I tested this process myself to ensure it worked, and the money was returned to my bank account in only 5 days.
These Are the Best VPNs for China in 2024
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Written By Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony
Rosemary is a recovered technophobe braving cyberspace to decode tech talk for non-techies. She’s skeptical of new software until she has tested the claims herself. When she’s not writing, she’s likely down a tech-related rabbit hole.
This article contains
- Quick Guide: How to Use ExpressVPN in China in 3 Easy Steps
- Why Choose ExpressVPN for China?
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install ExpressVPN on Your Devices
- How Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
- ExpressVPN Not Working in China? Try These Troubleshooting Tips
- How to Get ExpressVPN If You’re in China
- FAQs on Using ExpressVPN in China
- Yes, ExpressVPN Works in China
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