Does ExpressVPN Work in China? Here’s How to Use It in 2024

While many VPNs are blocked in the country because of strict censorship, ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that work in China. Thanks to its advanced security features and reliable server network, it lets you safeguard your activity and access all websites safely, even in China.

ExpressVPN ensures security and privacy via AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring hackers and government agencies can’t spy on your traffic. Plus, ExpressVPN automatically obfuscates traffic on its servers, disguising your VPN traffic as regular traffic to get around firewalls.

Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN without risk. The app has a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can ask for a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with it. In my tests, I got my money back within 5 working days when I tried its refund policy. 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.

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Quick Guide: How to Use ExpressVPN in China in 3 Easy Steps

Why Choose ExpressVPN for China?

The Chinese government enforces strict online censorship and closely monitors online activity. Many well-known websites like Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, BBC, and more are inaccessible in the country. So, you need to connect to a VPN to access these websites in China, as it lets you browse the internet as if you’re in another region.

Note that only a handful of the best VPNs in 2024 work in China. Various apps promise to work in the country but get blocked by China’s Great Firewall.

After extensive testing, I found that ExpressVPN is the top choice for reliable and secure browsing in China. It obfuscates traffic on all servers, making your VPN traffic look like regular traffic to circumvent VPN detection technologies. Plus, it uses AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your traffic, has a strict no-logs policy, and includes the following safety features:

• Network Lock — disconnects your internet to protect your identity if the VPN is unstable.
• Threat Manager — blocks ads, trackers, and malware while surfing the web.
• Leak protection — keeps you from leaking identifying information online.

ExpressVPN also proved to be the fastest VPN during my tests. Its massive network of 3,000+ servers ensures you can find an uncrowded server for lag-free browsing and uninterrupted streaming.

All of ExpressVPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can try the VPN without risk. If you’re unsatisfied, it’s easy to get a refund by contacting its support.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install ExpressVPN on Your Devices

Windows/macOS

Android/iOS

I suggest getting ExpressVPN from its official website instead of through an app store. This ensures you can utilize ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee if needed, whereas app stores have complicated refund policies that could significantly delay refunds.

Browser Extension

ExpressVPN has browser extensions from Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Also, ExpressVPN’s extensions aren’t just proxies — they provide the full security of the VPN conveniently within your browser.

Smart TV/Fire Stick

ExpressVPN has native apps for many smart TVs, and the following steps explain how to set it up. However, you can also set up ExpressVPN on other smart TVs without native VPN apps by installing it on your router and connecting your TV to it.

ExpressVPN Not Working in China? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

ExpressVPN works in China without needing configuration. However, you may sometimes face issues because of how advanced China’s Great Firewall is. The following tips should help resolve any problems:

1. Choose the ”Automatic” VPN Protocol

ExpressVPN has multiple protocols, but setting your protocol to “Automatic” ensures the best protocol for your situation. To do this, open the “Options” menu, select the “Protocol” tab, and enable the “Automatic” option.

ExpressVPN typically selects its proprietary Lightway protocol for top security, speeds, and reliable connections. However, OpenVPN might be a better option for certain situations, so it’s best to let ExpressVPN choose automatically.

2. Clear Your Cache and Cookies

Browsers store cache and cookies, which contain identifying information like your actual location data and IP address. So, a website can refuse access if it sees a conflict between the data in the cookies and the VPN IP address. Clearing your cache and cookies from your browser settings could resolve problems you face trying to access websites.

3. Try Another Server

ExpressVPN’s Smart Location feature usually finds the best server automatically. However, you can try another server yourself if the automatically chosen location doesn’t work. ExpressVPN recommends specific servers for China, and its 24/7 live chat support told me they include the following:

• USA — Los Angeles – 5
• UK — Wembley
• Singapore — Marina Bay
• France — Alsace

Consider using one of the above servers if the server chosen by the Smart Location feature doesn’t work.

4. Wait for Some Time/Restart Your Device

ExpressVPN can sometimes take a while to connect, which is why you should wait for a while to give the VPN enough time to connect. If the connection is slow, trying to disconnect and reconnect the VPN could also be beneficial. Also, completely restarting your device and starting ExpressVPN again could be a potential fix in some cases.

5. Contact ExpressVPN Support

If nothing else works, contacting ExpressVPN’s support is a great way to find a solution for your issues. Note that you may have trouble accessing the live chat option, as it’s only available on the ExpressVPN website. However, you can contact ExpressVPN’s email support (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) to ask for help.

How to Get ExpressVPN If You’re in China

It’s best to install ExpressVPN before traveling to China. However, the following methods can help you get the app if you’re already in the country:

Use a Mirrored Link to ExpressVPN’s Website

ExpressVPN provides mirror links that let you access its website in restricted locations. The links will take you to a copy of ExpressVPN’s official website, letting you get a subscription and download the official app.

Note that mirror links change frequently, so you should contact ExpressVPN’s email support (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) to request an updated mirror link.

Access ExpressVPN’s Website With a Free Proxy

Some free proxies aren’t detected by China’s Great Firewall, meaning you can use them to access the ExpressVPN website and install the app.

Remember that free proxies aren’t the safest and don’t always encrypt your connection, meaning you should only rely on them as a last resort. Thankfully, there are some good free web proxies you can use that offer decent security and performance.

Email ExpressVPN to Get the .apk App (Android Users)

If you’re an Android user, you can email ExpressVPN’s support to ask for an official .apk file that you can install on your device to get the app. Be careful when installing .apk files, as they’re not always authentic and could infect your device. Only install .apk files you receive from ExpressVPN’s official customer support.

Use Your Home Country’s SIM Card

Getting a Chinese SIM card is a good idea when visiting the country to avoid roaming charges, but using your home country’s SIM card could help you get ExpressVPN. It’s possible that the network this SIM card connects to isn’t restricted, making this option worth trying.

Ask a Friend Who Lives Abroad to Get ExpressVPN for You

You can ask a friend living in another country without internet restrictions to subscribe to ExpressVPN. Once they’ve subscribed, they can send you the installation files and login details to help set up the app on your devices. To pay your friend back, you can use methods like PayPal, direct bank transfers, or cryptocurrency, as these aren’t restricted in China.

Visit Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan

If none of the above options work, taking a short trip to Hong Kong, Macau, or Tawain will help you get ExpressVPN. Internet censorship isn’t as strict in these regions, meaning you can sign up for ExpressVPN and install the app on your devices when you’re visiting them.

FAQs on Using ExpressVPN in China

Yes, ExpressVPN Works in China

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for protecting your online security and privacy in China. It lets you continue your work on Google Workspace tools, communicate with family via WhatsApp, and even catch up with your local news. Also, it works out of the box without any special configuration.

You can also try ExpressVPN without risk, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with its performance, you can easily get a full refund by contacting support within the 30-day window.

These Are the Best VPNs for China in 2024

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1.

9.8

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2.

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3.

8.0

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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.