How to Download a VPN in China 2024: 8 Working Methods
Reading time: 18 min
Updated on September 15, 2024
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![Kate Hawkins]()
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![Justyn Newman]()
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Downloading a reliable and secure VPN in China is difficult — non-government-approved services are blocked in the country, so you won’t find them on the Apple App Store, and VPN websites and Google Play are inaccessible.
Fortunately, I’ve found several ways to download a secure and working VPN from inside China. There are a variety of methods so you should be able to find one that works for you, giving you private connections to your accounts when traveling to China.
It may be tempting to choose a local VPN but they’re not secure or private, sharing user data with the Chinese government. You should opt for a tested and safe VPN — ExpressVPN is the best for China, with excellent security, reliable connections, and fast speeds. If you’re not satisfied, you have 30 days to claim a refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Get ExpressVPN for China risk-free
Warning! Using VPNs that are not approved by the Chinese government is illegal. Even if you’re protected by a VPN, it does not give you the right to commit illegal acts. There have been no reports of the Chinese government coming after tourists for using a VPN, but it’s important to do your research and use caution when using a VPN there.
How to Download and Use a VPN in China: 8 Tested and Working Methods
1. Choose a VPN That Works in China
Only a handful of VPNs work in China, so it’s important to choose the right one. After rigorous testing of the top VPNs in 2024, I found 3 reliable working options — ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, and VyprVPN. Of these, ExpressVPN is the top choice as it consistently connects from China, has strong security and privacy, and has fast speeds.
2. Install a VPN Before You Arrive in China
Ideally, you should install and set up a VPN account before leaving for China, as this will help avoid installation and connection struggles. Simply go to the VPN’s website, set up an account, and download the most up-to-date software.
3. Use a SIM Card from Your Home Country
You can download a VPN of your choice when in China by using a SIM card from your home country. Make sure your mobile device is configured for roaming, and be aware that this will incur additional fees. After installation is complete, you can switch to a Chinese SIM card and use your VPN without restriction.
4. Use a Hotel’s WiFi
Major tourist hotels in China often don’t censor their internet too heavily — if you stay there, you’ll have access to the WiFi. The WiFi service provided to customer rooms often already has a VPN, so you can use the internet a little more freely. Not all hotels offer this though, so check with yours to see if they include a VPN service.
5. Download an APK File for Your VPN
China blocks VPN websites, but it’s possible to download an APK file for your Android device from a third-party website. Try sites like APKPure or APKMirror for the correct .apk file, download the most up-to-date version, and install it to use the VPN. Be careful, as some APK files can contain malware.
6. Use Mirror Sites or Dynamic Links
Mirror sites are an exact copy of the website you’re trying to access, but with a different URL to avoid blocks. These URLs can change often to prevent detection, so the best way to get a working URL for China is to contact VPN customer support. There are also dynamic links to automatically forward you to an unblocked version of the site.
7. Talk to a Friend
If you have a friend willing to help, they can download VPN installation files and send them to you through a government-approved service like WeChat. Alternatively, as a friend with a VPN in China if you can tether to their device and share their encrypted connection. If they agree, here are the steps:
- Connect to a VPN by selecting a server outside China on their device.
- Go to WiFi hotspot settings by navigating to “Hotspot and Tethering” on Android or “Personal Hotspot” on iOS.
- Set up login credentials for the personal hotspot, log in to the encrypted WiFi hotspot, and download a VPN to your device.
8. Visit Hong Kong
If the other options aren’t possible, you can download a VPN if you visit Hong Kong. Internet restrictions are more relaxed in Hong Kong, and it’s not too far from China. Many travelers make plans to visit the city, so it’s convenient to download a VPN while there.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Use a VPN on Any Device in China
How to Use a VPN on PC or Mac
- Get a VPN that works in China. The top choice for China is ExpressVPN, which has a mirror site available — email customer support at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com to get an up-to-date link.
![image of ExpressVPN's mirror site showing the homepage]()
- Download the VPN to your device. Using the mirror link, you can download the app, install it, and set up the VPN.
![image showing ExpressVPN's mirror site, with an arrow pointing to the different options for setting up devices.]()
- Connect to a server. Pick a nearby server outside of China for the best speeds or let the Smart Location feature choose the best available option.
![image of ExpressVPN's Windows app, showing some of the server options in Asia Pacific that are better for connecting from China.]()
- Start browsing and streaming freely. You can use the internet without restrictions in China.
How to Use a VPN on iOS
- Change your App Store location to one where VPNs are available. You can change the App Store location for your existing Apple ID, or create a new Apple ID and set a new location — if you do this, you’ll need to add a corresponding payment method to subscribe to the VPN.
- Search for your VPN and it should appear in the App Store.
- Download the app and subscribe to the VPN. You may be eligible for a free trial, depending on the VPN you choose, but subscribing via the App Store may mean you can’t use the money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a VPN server and start browsing. You’re secure and ready to use the internet privately.
How to Use a VPN on Android
Google Play is blocked in China, so you’ll need to download the VPN’s .apk file.
- Subscribe to a VPN service known to work in China.
- Download the VPN’s .apk file to your Android device. You can download this from an APK site or your VPN’s website (ExpressVPN has .apk files available on its mirror site).
- When downloaded, open the .apk file without using Google Play.
- Once the app is open, connect to a VPN server outside of China. You can start browsing the internet freely.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Why Do You Need a VPN in China?
The Chinese government enforces strict censorship and surveillance measures on all online activities. This results in the blocking of numerous services such as Google, Dropbox, WhatsApp, Facebook, Wikipedia, and X (formerly Twitter), as well as some services like Netflix and Hulu being unavailable.
Only a few VPNs work on Chinese networks to let you access social media, streaming services, and other sites while traveling. They have huge networks that include obfuscated servers to disguise your VPN connection and have the most secure encryption to shield you from potential spies and hackers.
Of all the VPNs tested, only ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, and VyprVPN work effectively in China. These VPNs provide robust security and privacy features and solid speeds for your connections.
The Best VPNs for China in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN With Robust Security on All Connections in China
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers, with nearby connections in Hong Kong, India, Japan, and more
- Automatic obfuscation keeps VPN use hidden and data secure
- Fastest VPN tested for smooth streaming, scrolling, and browsing
- Customer support by email at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best choice for China, with premium security and privacy on every connection. All servers feature automatic obfuscation, hiding your VPN traffic and disguising it as regular traffic — letting you avoid China’s proxy detection to access the internet freely. Furthermore, ExpressVPN protects all connections with top features like:
- Data leak protection — prevents accidental IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks from revealing your personal information.
- Private DNS — runs its own encrypted DNS on each server to keep your traffic private from Chinese ISPs.
- Network Lock kill switch — disconnects the internet if the VPN is interrupted, avoiding leaks.
- Zero-logs privacy policy — independently audited to confirm ExpressVPN never logs or stores data on its RAM-based servers.
Of all the VPNs I’ve tested, ExpressVPN is the fastest. Even when choosing long-distance servers, video calls were smooth and I didn’t experience lag when streaming. When you’re in China, I recommend letting ExpressVPN choose the best server for you — just click the “Smart Location” button.
To download the app in China, simply send support an email requesting a link to ExpressVPN’s mirror site. Alternatively, you can download the ExpressVPN .apk file — this way, you can even set up a VPN connection with your smart TV if it’s an Android TV.
While ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other options, it’s worth the cost for reliable and secure connections in China. Subscriptions start at $4.99/month, and all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — you can get a full refund if it doesn’t work as expected.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, BritBox, Starz, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Kodi, and more.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
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2. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Hides VPN Traffic from China’s Proxy Detection
Key Features:
- 200+ servers, with nearby connections in Japan, Taiwan, and more
- Stealth VPN disguises VPN traffic to avoid China’s proxy detection
- Fastest VPN tested for smooth streaming, scrolling, and browsing
- Customer support by email at support@privatevpn.com
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN is a solid choice for use in China, thanks to its Stealth VPN feature. Once enabled, Stealth VPN disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, making it hard for China’s Great Firewall to detect and block your connection. Note that you have to switch on Stealth VPN manually before connecting.
You’ll also find PrivateVPN has an easy-to-use interface, so it’s good for both beginner and advanced users. It offers two distinct views: a Simple View if you want to connect quickly, and Advanced View if you want to fine-tune your VPN settings. I prefer the Advanced View so I can ensure Stealth VPN and Port 443 are both enabled.
PrivateVPN includes key security and privacy feature, including:
- AES-256 encryption — the highest level of encryption, protecting your data from hackers and government surveillance.
- Leak protection — ensures your data isn’t exposed, which is crucial for keeping your browsing private in China.
- Kill switch — automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental data exposure.
One downside of PrivateVPN is its smaller server network, which can lead to slower speeds and congestion during peak traffic times. While it has multiple servers near China, these can get full quickly, so you might not always be able to connect the first time.
Despite this, PrivateVPN remains a budget-friendly option, with subscriptions starting at $2.00/month — and it’s one of the top month-to-month VPNs available. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it in China risk-free.
PrivateVPN works with: Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Discovery+, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Starz, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, DirecTV, YouTube TV, and more.
PrivateVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick,, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
3. VyprVPN — Avoid China’s Deep Packet Inspection With Chameleon Protocol
Key Features:
- 700+ servers, with nearby connections in Hong Kong, Singapore, and more
- Chameleon protocol scrambles data to ensure your VPN is undetectable
- Owns and operates entire network for top security and uptime
- Customer support by email at support@vyprvpn.com
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol stops China from detecting VPN use. By scrambling the metadata, Chameleon blocks China’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) from recognizing and blocking your VPN traffic, allowing you to access restricted content in China without being detected.
In addition to Chameleon, VyprVPN comes with several key security features ideal for use in China:
- Smart IP — dynamically changes your IP address throughout your session, making it harder for websites and ISPs to track or block you.
- Leak protection — prevents your information from leaking, keeping your online activity private at all times.
- Owns and operates entire server network — VyprVPN owns every server in its network which ensures a higher level of security and reliability.
A minor drawback of VyprVPN is that it hasn’t been independently audited since being acquired by Certida, so it’s unclear whether or how its data policies may have changed. There’s also less transparency about how user data is stored, used, or shared, which could be a concern for some users.
VyprVPN’s plans start at $3.00/month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee — you can try it out and see if it meets your needs in China without any financial risk.
VyprVPN works with: Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, Sling TV, DirecTV, YouTube TV, and more.
VyprVPN is compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
How to Choose the Top VPN for China
All VPNs undergo rigorous testing and are ranked according to the results in the following categories — take these into consideration when choosing the best VPN for China:
- Works reliably in China — only VPNs that have been tested and proven to work in China are recommended. The above VPNs provide reliable and consistent connections from within China.
- Strong security and privacy features — the recommended VPNs have robust encryption and connection protocols, a kill switch, data leak protection, server obfuscation, and a strict zero-log policy to ensure your online activity is secure and private.
- Global network with servers near to China — a VPN with a large server network ensures you won’t face congestion, and servers in nearby locations (like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan) help keep speeds fast.
- Fast connection speeds — to stream, chat, and browse the internet without interruptions, your VPN needs a high-speed network. All recommended VPNs have reliably fast speeds for smooth connections.
- Access to customer support — VPN sites aren’t available for live chat in China, so I tested each VPN’s email customer support to ensure fast and helpful responses to questions and issues.
- Value for money — the recommended VPNs are reasonably priced to suit your budget, with user-friendly apps that are compatible with popular devices, and feature a money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.
Warning: These Popular VPNs Don’t Work in China Anymore (Tested 2024)
Our international team has tested the following premium VPNs, and unfortunately, they don’t work in China:
| NordVPN | Surfshark | TunnelBear | Windscribe |
| CyberGhost | PIA | Proton VPN | IPVanish |
As China’s proxy detection is constantly evolving, the top VPNs in 2024 can’t always work effectively — even ExpressVPN, PrivateVPN, and VyprVPN occasionally have issues. Fortunately, these providers quickly add new servers and IP addresses to use so you can get connected again.
Troubleshooting Tips: China VPN Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
If you run into connection issues with your VPN, here are a few tips you can try to fix the problem:
- Try a different server, as the one you’re using may have been blocked by The Great Firewall or be down for maintenance.
- Make sure your VPN settings are optimal for China — turn on the kill switch and data leak protection, use a robust protocol, use port 433 in VPN settings (if the option is available), and connect with obfuscated servers.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies, as this could be storing data that reveals your true location or otherwise interferes with your connection — you’ll find this option in your browser’s security settings. You can also try using a private or incognito mode, or a completely different browser.
- Contact customer support by email and let them know you’re having trouble connecting. A support agent will get back to you with server suggestions, specific settings, or further advice to get you connected.
FAQs on Using a VPN in China
Is a VPN allowed in China? Are VPNs legal in China?
Can I download a VPN while in China?
How do I set up ExpressVPN in China?
Which China VPN is the best?
What should I do if my VPN stops working while I’m in China?
Is social media monitored inside China?
Can I download a VPN in China for free?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it unless they’ve been tested thoroughly. Though there are a few safe and secure free VPNs that work in China, all of them impose some kind of limit. Either the amount of data you can use, the number of servers you can access, or your connection speed will be capped.
If you’re not careful, you can end up with a free VPN that logs and sells your data, putting your identity and online safety at risk. When you use one of the best VPNs for China, your personal data is secure, and you can access premium features designed for privacy.
Choose the Right VPN for China
Downloading a secure and reliable VPN when you’re in China can be tricky — local VPNs aren’t private, and the top VPNs are blocked due to network restrictions. Fortunately, it’s possible to get a secure VPN using one of the above tried-and-tested methods.
It’s also important to make sure you choose the right VPN. Plenty of VPNs claim they work in China, but many don’t have the tools or infrastructure for reliable connections. Of all the VPNs tested, ExpressVPN is the top service in 2024 for China. It’s fast, secure, and private, and has a 30-day guarantee if you find it’s not right for you.
Summary — The Best VPNs for China (Updated 2024)
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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