ExpressVPN Works in China, But Do This to Use It in 2025

China's Great Firewall is constantly evolving, using advanced systems to detect and block VPN traffic. That's why even the most reliable VPNs can have trouble maintaining stable connections in the country. However, ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs known to work more reliably in China, thanks to its advanced obfuscation technology.

But it's always a cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and China's blocking systems. There may be times when ExpressVPN (or any other VPN) won't connect, or your connection might become slow. It's just part of the challenge of operating in a country with such sophisticated blocking methods. The good news is that ExpressVPN quickly adapts to these changes, usually restoring service within hours.

If you do run into any issues, I'll show you some configurations that can help get your connection back up and running. ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free. If you’re not happy with the service, getting a refund is easy. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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How to Set Up ExpressVPN to Work in China (+ Other Troubleshooting Tips)

ExpressVPN’s website is blocked in China, so it’s best to download it ahead of time. This way, you won’t have to deal with finding alternative ways to install it once you’re there.

If you’re already in China, email its support team (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) to get a mirror link. A mirror link is an alternate version of their site that hasn’t been blocked yet, letting you sign up, download the app, or update it if needed.

Once you’ve installed the app, a few quick configurations can help ExpressVPN work in China more reliably.

1. Set the Protocol to Automatic

VPNs that work in China rely on obfuscation to keep your VPN traffic under the radar and avoid detection. ExpressVPN offers obfuscation across all its servers, but for it to work properly, customer support recommends setting the protocol to Automatic.

When set to Automatic, ExpressVPN adjusts to the network conditions to ensure that you have more reliable connections. This is important since the Great Firewall is constantly updated to block VPN traffic. By letting the app handle these adjustments, the VPN can remain undetectable without any manual configuration.

To change your VPN protocol, click Preferences > Protocol > Automatic.

ExpressVPN will automatically choose the right tunneling protocol depending on your network

For added convenience, you can also set ExpressVPN to connect to your last used location automatically whenever you start up your device: this can be toggled on under General settings.

2. Enable the Kill Switch and IPv6 Leak Protection

The kill switch and leak protection features help prevent detection while using a VPN in China.

ExprssVPN’s kill switch (Network Lock) automatically blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops. This is important because a sudden switch from a VPN server IP address back to a Chinese IP, even briefly, creates an unusual traffic pattern that can trigger the Great Firewall's VPN detection system.

To enable Network Lock:

• Open ExpressVPN.
• Go to Preferences → General.
• Check Stop all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

It’s easy to navigate and configure ExpressVPN’s app for use in China

IP leaks can occur even with an active VPN connection when your device sends some traffic (especially IPv6) outside the VPN tunnel while DNS requests go through the VPN server. This mismatched routing pattern — regular traffic from a Chinese IP with DNS requests from a VPN server — is a clear indicator of VPN usage to the Great Firewall.

When you connect to ExpressVPN, DNS leak protection is enabled by default. However, you need to manually enable IPv6 leak protection. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to Preferences → Other.
• Turn on IPv6 leak protection.

I thoroughly tested ExpressVPN's app for IPv6 leaks and never found any

3. Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser data can help you safely use your sites in China. Your cached data and cookies store location information from previous browsing sessions. When this stored location doesn't match your VPN-assigned location, many websites may not load properly or could default to your actual location instead of your VPN location.

For example, if your cache shows you're in Beijing, but your VPN is routing through Japan, websites might get confused about which version to serve you. This can prevent you from securely accessing certain services or cause them to work inconsistently, even with an active VPN connection.

It’s best to clear data when connecting to a new VPN server location or if websites aren't loading as expected. For even better results, you can use your browser's private/incognito mode while connected to ExpressVPN.

4. Re-Connect or Try Another Server

A poor internet connection or a technical glitch could cause the VPN to stop working. It may take up to 30 seconds to connect to the server if your internet isn't fast enough, or it might not work at all.

Wait until ExpressVPN’s connection status shows Failed before trying to re-connect. If the connection fails, close the app, restart your device, and then try to connect again. Also, make sure to wait for the app to show the Connected status before you start browsing.

If the VPN application indicates it's connected but fails to work, consider re-establishing the connection to the server. Doing so will provide you with a new IP address and potentially resolve the problem.

You can also try connecting to a different server. I contacted ExpressVPN’s chat support to find the best servers for China. The representative was extremely helpful and redirected me to a web page with troubleshooting tips for connecting in China.

As of the time of writing, ExpressVPN recommends the following servers for China:

• Japan (Osaka)
• Japan (Yokohama)
• USA (Los Angeles - 5, Houston, and Santa Monica)
• UK (Wembley)
• Singapore (Marina Bay)
• France (Alsace)
• Germany (Frankfurt - 3)
• Belgium

5. Re-install or Update the App

If you're still having connection problems after trying other solutions, a fresh installation might help. Settings can sometimes get corrupted over time, especially when switching between different networks or updating system configurations. Before uninstalling, download a fresh copy of the installer — getting it later in China could be challenging.

The team constantly adapts the app to work better in restricted networks, which is why running the latest version is important. Download and install any available updates before traveling to China. If you need to update while there, you'll have to use ExpressVPN's mirror site links, which aren't always accessible.

6. Get in Touch With Customer Support

You can also contact ExpressVPN’s customer support and ask for guidance. Since the website is blocked in China, you can email support@expressvpn.zendesk.com (Hotmail still works in China).

The support team is prompt and usually sends a response within 24 hours. If you already know the most current mirror site link, you can use it to contact ExpressVPN’s 24/7 chat support, too.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How to Download ExpressVPN If You're Already in China

Downloading international VPNs in China can be tricky since most providers’ sites are blocked there. Here's how you can download ExpressVPN in China:

• Contact ExpressVPN support directly. Email support@expressvpn.zendesk.com, and they'll send you working mirror links to download the app. These mirror sites are regularly updated, making this one of the most reliable methods.
• Use mobile data networks smartly. Using an eSIM or international roaming data may work better because your traffic routes through servers outside China before reaching the local network — this can help avoid many restrictions.
• Change your App Store region. If you use an iPhone, you can switch your App Store to another country to download ExpressVPN. Just remember to update your payment details to match the new region. For Android, you'll need the APK file, which you can get through mirror sites.
• Try international hotel networks. Many international hotels use their own network setups that often have fewer restrictions than public WiFi. This isn't guaranteed, but some have had good success at major hotel chains.
• Ask friends outside China for help. Someone outside China can download the installer and share it with you through a secure file-sharing service. This is particularly helpful if other methods aren't working.
• Use another VPN temporarily. If you happen to have access to any working VPN, you can use it to reach ExpressVPN's website. Just make sure to download ExpressVPN quickly, as temporary VPN connections can be unstable.

ExpressVPN vs Other VPNs for China

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ExpressVPN is known as one of the most reliable VPNs for China, thanks to its advanced obfuscation technology. This scrambles your VPN metadata and disguises encrypted data to blend in with regular internet traffic, making it harder for restrictions to block. The app automatically activates this obfuscation when it detects network measures like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), so you don’t have to worry about enabling it yourself.

ExpressVPN is also the fastest VPN we’ve tested. During our tests on its nearby servers, we only saw a speed drop of 14%, which is impressive considering we were on a highly restrictive network that blocks VPN connections. To put this into perspective, other VPNs we tested under the same conditions slowed down by up to 70% with their obfuscation features enabled. With such speeds, you can stream HD content in China without any slowdowns.

It maintains user privacy by avoiding servers in mainland China. The Chinese government requires companies to track and store all online activity, but with no physical servers there, ExpressVPN isn't subject to these laws. Plus, its no-logs claims have been verified on multiple occasions by firms like KPMG and Cure53.

While ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest (plans start at $4.99/month), it’s still more affordable than Astrill, and more importantly, it’s known as a dependable option for China. You can pay via credit cards, Bitcoin, PayPal, Union Pay, and more. It offers a 7-day free trial and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN out without financial risk. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Servers in nearby locations. ExpressVPN doesn’t have servers in mainland China, but it does offer servers in nearby regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and South Korea. These nearby servers ensure you can still get fast, reliable connections when you're in China, with minimal speed loss.
• Mirror site. Although ExpressVPN’s main website is blocked in China, it offers a mirror link so you can download the VPN while you’re there. To keep this mirror link working, it’s frequently updated, so it’s best to reach out to customer support (via email) to get the most current URL.
• Strong security. All your data is protected with military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It also uses perfect forward secrecy, which ensures that even if a hacker were to compromise one of the encryption keys, they wouldn’t be able to decrypt past sessions.
• Reliable global connections. ExpressVPN has a large and reliable server network. It works seamlessly with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, and many others. Plus, it’s super easy to set up on routers, so you can watch your favorite content even on devices that don’t support VPNs.

While VPNs like Astrill and PrivateVPN can work in China, they don't match ExpressVPN's fast speeds and overall value for money. Popular VPNs, including NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark, often struggle to maintain connections in China.

Let’s look at some of the top VPNs for China side by side:

I recommend having more than one active VPN subscription for added peace of mind. This ensures you have a backup option if one service experiences temporary issues. If you’re considering a backup VPN subscription, check out our roundup of the best VPNs for China.

Internet Freedom and VPN Status in China

China implements internet censorship using the Great Firewall (GFW). This digital barrier blocks content that the Chinese government exclusively determines is unacceptable, which largely concerns international websites and services. Citizens and visitors in China are heavily restricted in what they can see, say, or do online.

The following sites are some of the sites blocked by the Great Firewall:

• Streaming platforms. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, etc.
• Social media sites and apps. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
• International news outlets. BBC, NY Times, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, NBC, etc.
• Search engines. Yahoo, Google, Bing, etc.
• Messaging services. Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Slack, etc.

The Computer Information Network and Internet Security, Protection, and Management Regulations of 1997 outline what content should be restricted. These regulations are intentionally vague, granting the government broad discretion to censor a wide array of content.

Any online material that critiques the government, even in a balanced and factual manner, risks being classified as "inciting division," "openly insulting other people," "damaging the reputation of state organs," or conducting "activities against the constitution." The prohibition extends so far that even trivial online discussions, such as those about celebrity news, could be deemed illegal.

In this tightly controlled digital environment, VPNs are becoming increasingly popular. Despite the government's crackdown on unauthorized VPN services, many VPN providers still work in the country by using obfuscation techniques. However, the effectiveness of these VPNs is constantly tested by the government's relentless efforts to detect and block unauthorized internet access.

Unfortunately, this means that only VPNs sanctioned by the Chinese government are 100% reliable within the country. While ExpressVPN is known to be one of the most reliable VPNs for China, it may still experience periods of downtime as it works to adapt to the ever-changing Great Firewall technology.

FAQs on Using ExpressVPN in China

What can I do if ExpressVPN is not working in China?

There are several things you can try to help restore your ExpressVPN connection in China. The first is switching to one of its recommended servers optimized for use in China. Also, make sure your app is updated, as newer versions often include improvements for working around restrictions.

If you're still having issues, ExpressVPN's email support is quick to respond with solutions. You can also try connecting through a different network — mobile data sometimes works better than WiFi. For persistent problems, a quick uninstall and reinstall of the app often resolves connection issues.

Chinese ISPs (like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom) may enforce internet restrictions a little differently. Because of this, you might find that VPNs work better on some networks than others. That said, these differences are usually inconsistent, so it’s not something you can rely on when trying to use ExpresVPN in China.

Does ExpressVPN have servers in China?

No, but ExpressVPN deliberately avoids placing servers in mainland China to protect user privacy. Chinese law requires companies to log and store user data, but by keeping servers outside the country, ExpressVPN isn't subject to these regulations. Instead, it maintains servers in nearby locations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.

This strategic server placement offers two benefits: you get fast connections due to geographic proximity, and your data stays protected from China's surveillance requirements.

Can I use ExpressVPN on iPhone, Android, and Windows in China?

Yes, you can. ExpressVPN has native apps for all major platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows. All of ExpressVPN’s servers use automatic obfuscation, so your VPN use is hidden in China, allowing you to secure your connection. Its Lightway protocol has been integrated into its mobile apps as well. So, the special obfuscation tech needed won’t slow down your internet speeds like it can with other VPNs.

That being said, it’s best to download ExpressVPN before you arrive in China. The app isn’t available in China’s Apple App Store, and Google Play is blocked completely in the country. So, you can’t download the app easily from within China. However, you can create a new App Store account and set it to a different region where VPNs aren’t blocked (like the US, for example).

Is ExpressVPN illegal in China?

It’s complicated. ExpressVPN is not approved by the Chinese government, and any VPN that doesn’t have an official license approved by Chinese authorities is technically banned in the country. But it’s usually the VPN providers (not individual users) that could face legal action, and their websites are blocked in the country. If you’re traveling to China, it’s best to download ExpressVPN before you arrive.

However, it's worth noting that in 2019, an individual in Guangdong province was fined 1000 Yuan (around $140 USD) for using a VPN. This was a rare case, and it's uncommon for tourists to face legal consequences as there are no public records available. However, it does highlight the need for caution when using non-approved VPNs in the country.

At vpnMentor, we don’t condone using a VPN in a way that violates the law in your country. Always stay up to date with local laws and those in the countries you’re traveling to.

Is ExpressVPN owned by a Chinese company?

No, it’s not — ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, headquartered in the UK, which also owns other top VPNs like CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. However, ExpressVPN itself is headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. There are no data retention laws there, so ExpressVPN doesn't have to keep any identifiable information about you. This allows the company to honor its strict no-logs policy without any outside interference.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for China…

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: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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