Chances are you’re wondering, “Does ExpressVPN work in China?” because you’re a user preparing a trip to the Middle Kingdom. You know you need a quality VPN service there because of the country’s infamous high-handed approach to internet access.
The notorious Great Firewall blocks thousands of apps, websites, and streaming services, some of which you’re probably already used to. For example, you can’t use popular platforms like Gmail, WhatsApp, YouTube, or Google Search in China. As you can imagine, that’s really problematic for travelers who rely on those tools. Chinese residents, too, for that matter.
Very few VPNs can defeat the Great Firewall, but thankfully, ExpressVPN is in that elite category. But don’t run off just yet — you need to know a few things to keep it working reliably. This comprehensive guide will present you with all the relevant information.
Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
Yes, ExpressVPN works in China. Most of the time, anyway, which is more than most VPN services can boast.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that China is serious about controlling internet access and has some of the most advanced censorship measures in the world. The Great Firewall is constantly evolving and improving at blocking sites and online services.
But it does more than that — it also detects and actively hunts down VPN services. Even the most reliable providers find it challenging to stay ahead of these efforts.
That said, ExpressVPN is one of the few services that manages it, thanks to its advanced features.
Bypass censorship with ExpressVPN
So, How Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
Like any other top VPN for China, ExpressVPN encrypts your internet traffic as soon as you connect to a remote server. Essentially, any data you send or receive while connected is scrambled, making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.
The provider’s ultra-secure AES-256 encryption protects your online privacy and ensures your data remains secure, even on public networks. It’s sufficient for most purposes and most countries.
But that won’t cut it in China.
As we touched on earlier, the Great Firewall also enforces censorship by seeking out and blocking VPN traffic using sophisticated techniques. Because of that, just being encrypted isn’t enough to bypass restrictions and access the websites and services you need. That’s why the vast majority of VPNs don’t work there.
Thankfully, ExpressVPN has a few tricks up its sleeves. One of those is its obfuscation technology, which disguises your VPN traffic to make it look like regular browsing. It does this by scrambling telltale VPN data that the firewall would have detected so it doesn’t recognize your traffic as something to block.
On top of that, ExpressVPN is constantly updating its technology to adapt and stay ahead of the firewall’s detection methods.
How to Use ExpressVPN in China: Full Tutorial
Now you know that ExpressVPN has your back in China, here’s how to get started using it. Below is a comprehensive guide to using ExpressVPN in China in five easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service, so you need to buy a subscription to use it. If you follow the link below, you can get on its annual plan with a whopping 68% discount — and enjoy three extra months for free.
You’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you’re not taking any risks. If you find it doesn’t actually work in China, you can claim a full refund.
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN App
ExpressVPN has native apps for various platforms, including popular ones like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can also download the provider’s apps for your Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and Android TV.
Download the app from the VPN’s website or your mobile device’s app store.
Note: We strongly recommend completing the steps above from outside China because the ExpressVPN website is blocked there. Later on, we’ll explore workarounds if you’re already in the country.
Step 3: Customize Settings
Open the VPN and sign in with your account credentials. Time to optimize your settings by tweaking a few default options.
First, enable Network Lock. That’s ExpressVPN’s kill switch feature that ensures that if your VPN connection drops for any reason, your internet connection will be immediately cut off to prevent the exposure of your IP address.
What’s more, set the VPN protocol to Automatic. That way, the provider will select the protocol (between options like Lightway and OpenVPN) that works best for your network.
Step 4: Connect to a VPN Server
Next, navigate to the server menu and connect to one outside China.
For the best performance, choose nearby locations with minimal censorship, like Japan or Singapore. However, if you’re looking to access blocked websites or streaming services like Netflix or Prime Video, you’ll want to select a server in the United States or the country where the content is available.
Step 5: Use ExpressVPN in China
Once connected, you’re all set to browse the internet and use blocked websites and apps freely. For instance, you can now text with WhatsApp and access Facebook from right inside China without the usual restrictions.
Unblock any website or service with ExpressVPN
Once connected, you’re all set to browse the internet and access blocked websites and apps freely. For example, you can now text on WhatsApp and access Facebook from within China without the usual restrictions.
How to Download ExpressVPN in China
ExpressVPN’s website is one of more than 10,000 blocked in China. Plus, you can’t download mobile apps from an app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) in the country. So, what’s the way out if you’re a Chinese resident or visitor who wants to bypass censorship and stay private?
Getting ExpressVPN in China is a bit tricky, but it’s doable. Here are a few workarounds:
- Email Support: Reach out to ExpressVPN’s dedicated support team by emailing [email protected]. A representative can provide you with a mirror site or link to sign up and download the app. It’s crucial that you get the mirror site link from an official channel to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.
- Use a Third-Party App Store: Using an Android device? You can download the ExpressVPN app from a third-party app store or download site. Again, apply caution and read site reviews so you don’t end up installing malware.
- Change App Store Region: Apple device users can change their app store region to a different country where ExpressVPN is available. In the Settings app, tap your name > Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region and select the country. Tap Change Country or Region to apply.
ExpressVPN Not Working in China? Troubleshooting Tips
As mentioned earlier, even the best VPN providers will struggle with consistency in China. ExpressVPN is no exception. Here are a few tricks to apply when ExpressVPN isn’t connecting or working properly:
- Switch Server Locations: The Great Firewall may have blocked the server you’re struggling with, so try switching to a different one. We’ve found that this fixes the issue most of the time.
- Use Lightway: Unlike OpenVPN, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol was designed to obfuscate your traffic. If your protocol is set to another tunneling protocol, you may struggle to bypass China’s network restrictions. So, enable “Automatic” in the protocol setting or manually choose Lightway.
- Check for Updates: If you already had ExpressVPN installed, you may be using an older version. Updates may address connection issues or come with bug fixes, so check the app for an update prompt and follow it to install the latest version.
- Contact Support: If all else fails, reach out to ExpressVPN’s support team.
Final Thoughts
Does ExpressVPN work in China? By now, you know that it does.
It’s easily one of the best options for bypassing censorship, accessing geo-restricted platforms, and ensuring your online privacy in China and elsewhere.
You can check this dependable option out yourself for a generous discount on its annual plan. You also get to experience all the benefits risk-free for 30 days.