We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Editor's Note: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.Got it!

How To Download a VPN in China: 8 Working Methods (2025)

Author Image Hendrik Human
Hendrik Human Updated on October 07, 2025 Fact-checked by Lawrence Wachira Cybersecurity Researcher
Table of Contents
Note. It’s becoming increasingly complex to find payment methods that work in Russia. Visa and Mastercard no longer operate there. In addition, you can't pay with QIWI for the listed VPNs anymore. The good news is that the services below accept multiple payment methods, including crypto.

China's App Store and Google Play versions don't offer popular VPN apps. Plus, the Great Firewall of China makes it almost impossible to download a reliable VPN using traditional methods. This leaves CCP-approved VPNs as the apparent alternative, but they often expose you to heavy surveillance and don’t even provide reliable access to sites.

Is it really possible to download a secure VPN in China? With 11,026 (over 25%) of apps removed from China’s iOS App Store by March 2023, including virtually all commercial VPNs, it’s not easy1. That is why we researched different ways to download VPNs in the country and shortlisted the most effective ways.

How Do You Download a Secure VPN When You’re Already in China?

  1. Get the VPN mirror site URL.
    Request via live chat before your trip or via a non-Gmail email while in China. The best VPNs for China have mirror websites that are accessible from within China.
  2. Download the VPN app.
    Download and install the VPN as you normally would. You can get the normal app for desktop/laptop or the APK to sideload on Android.
  3. Configure the app.
    Install it with default settings, and make sure essential security features, like the kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and obfuscation (ability to mask VPN use) are enabled before using it.

8 Ways To Download a VPN in China in 2025

China’s tough internet restrictions demand a variety of strategies in order to download a commercial VPN. VPN users even get differing results when trying to download a VPN from different regions in China. Having trouble with the first method you try is likely, so feel free to use multiple ones until you get it working. Once you have a VPN, it’ll be easier to download other VPN apps in the future.

Description Pros Cons
Download a VPN before arriving in China
  1. Download the VPN on all your devices from a country where it isn’t restricted
  2. Sign in on all your devices and save your login details offline before traveling to China
  3. Once in China, always connect to a server before using the internet
  • Only guaranteed way to download, install, and use VPN apps in China
  • Need to be outside China, in a country without VPN restrictions
Use mirrored sites or dynamic links
  1. Contact the VPN support team via email or live chat and request a mirror URL
  2. Download the app/APK to your computer or Android device and install it
  3. Use the VPN as you normally would
  • Straightforward method with no technical setup
  • Often works if the VPN frequently updates its URLs
  • Apps are safe if you download from official sources
  • Might initially face difficulty contacting support from China
  • Mirror sites don’t always work/change frequently
  • Not available for iOS
Use a foreign SIM with roaming or eSIM
  1. Insert your foreign SIM or activate an eSIM
  2. Enable international roaming or connect to the eSIM’s foreign network
  3. From China, access the website/app store and download the VPN, then switch back to your China SIM if needed

Note: eSIMs are generally more effective than foreign SIMs with roaming.
  • Easy and low-cost if already planning to use an eSIM
  • Lets you access official app stores/sites
  • Not illegal/restricted in China
  • Less effective for iOS devices
  • Roaming fees can be very high
Use another VPN-enabled device or ask a friend
  1. Connect to server outside China using VPN-enabled device
  2. Set up WiFi hotspot/tethering on device
  3. Connect second device to hotspot
  4. Download VPN from the site or app store
  • Encrypts your traffic, hiding your VPN download
  • Easy to set up
  • VPNs with obfuscation should be effective
  • Requires existing device with working VPN
  • Few VPNs actually work in China
Sideload VPN APK file (Android only)
  1. Enable Install unknown apps
  2. Download the VPN.apk file from the VPN’s website or a trusted mirror site (or load from USB)
  3. Install APK file and use app as normal
  • Sites not universally blocked like app stores
  • Simple method without additional setup
  • Risk of downloading unofficial APK or malware
  • Manual updates required
  • Sites not always reachable in China
Use your hotel's WiFi Some international hotels, like Hilton, Marriott, Shangri-La, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Starwood, Sheraton have less restricted internet.
Ask the front desk if VPNs are allowed, and then download as normal.
  • No extra cost, software, or services needed
  • Highly dependent on specific hotel
  • iOS App Store region limits still apply
  • WiFi rules may also prevent VPN downloads
Visit Hong Kong or Macau App stores and VPN websites are not restricted in Hong Kong or Macau.
You can freely download VPN apps and then go back to mainland China.
  • No limits or restrictions to VPN downloads
  • Overland travel is possible from China
  • Cannot ensure VPNs work until you re-enter China
  • Most expensive and time-consuming method
Ask a friend outside of China They can send the VPN file to you via a service like WeChat, Weiyun, email with attachments, or cloud storage (Dropbox/OneDrive work intermittently).
They may also help pay for the subscription if your payment method fails in China.
  • Doesn’t rely on local network or app stores
  • Works for Android, iOS (via iTunes backup), and desktop
  • Many typical transfer methods blocked (e.g., Gmail)
  • Dependent on friend’s speed and willingness
  • Still subject to iOS App Store region restrictions

How To Install a VPN on Your Device in China: Step-By-Step Guide

The best way to get a VPN working is to set it up before arriving in China. If that’s not possible, you can contact your VPN’s customer support from China to request the latest mirror link that works there. Do this for every device that you plan to use the VPN on, as virtually all download methods (website, app store, etc.) are restricted.

Either way, the installation instructions will be mostly the same. Below, I’ll guide you through the exact steps you need to take to download a working VPN in China:

How To Get a VPN on Windows and Mac

  1. Request a mirror URL from support. Be sure to specifically ask for the latest one that works in China, since some VPNs provide different URLs depending on the country.
    Screenshot of the Astrill VPN homepage with a live chat window openIf you're already in China, you can email support or look for it on Reddit
  2. Visit the mirror site. Click the link or copy-paste it to your browser’s address bar to open the mirror site.
    Screenshot of the Astrill VPN mirror site homepageSave the URL offline to use throughout your travels
  3. Download and install the VPN. You can sign up and purchase the VPN or simply download the apps if you already have an account. After downloading, run the installer and follow the installation instructions.
    Screenshot of Astrill VPN’s mirror site download pageExcept for iOS, you can usually transfer apps from your PC to other devices
  4. Log in to the app. Use the same credentials when creating your account or the activation code provided in your VPN dashboard.
  5. Configure the VPN. Connect to a server. You’ll also want to enable advanced built-in tools to make your VPN connection reliable and safe for use inside China.
Pro tip: Most popular VPNs now provide GUI apps for Linux. If your provider offers one, you can simply follow the same steps outlined above.

How To Get a VPN on Android

  1. Enable Install unknown apps. Open the Settings app and go to Apps. Then, click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Special access. Tap Install unknown apps, then enable it for the method you will use. For example, the Chrome app for website downloads or My Files for USB transfer.
  2. Get an Android VPN app for China. The Google Play Store is not available in China, so download the APK file from the VPN’s mirror site. You can also sideload it from your PC via a USB cable.
  3. Use the VPN app. Run the VPN app and log in using your account credentials or activation code. You can now use the VPN app on your Android in China.

How To Get a VPN on iOS

  1. Change your Apple ID region. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region.
  2. Switch to a region where the VPN is available (e.g., US, UK). You may need a matching payment method.
  3. Download the VPN app. Open the App Store with your updated account. Search for the VPN app and tap Download.
  4. Log in to your account. Open the app, then sign in with your VPN credentials or activation code.
  5. Configure for China. Enable obfuscation/stealth mode in the app’s settings. This helps the VPN connect reliably in China.

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for China

China’s heavy restrictions make downloading a VPN difficult for multiple reasons, from actually accessing the apps to paying for the service. So, a variety of download and payment methods, as well as good support, is crucial. Also, offering a reliable refund policy is a must, as there’s always a chance that China temporarily succeeds in completely cutting off access to a VPN.

Lowest Price Obfuscation Payments Supported Server Network Mirror URLs? Money-back Guarantee
🥇 Astrill VPN $12.50/month ✅ (When using StealthVPN protocol) Credit card, PayPal, crypto, Monero, bank transfer 300 servers in 58 countries Yes, frequently updated None
🥈ExpressVPN $3.49/month ✅ (Automatic on all servers) Apple Pay, Google Pay, Credit Card, PayPal, crypto (BitPay) 3,000 servers in 105 countries Yes, frequently updated 30 days*
🥉 PrivateVPN $2.00/month ✅ (Stealth VPN feature) Credit card, PayPal, crypto (BitPay) 200 servers in 63 countries No 30 days
Pro tip: If you want to browse local services securely, you need a VPN with servers in the country to get a Chinese IP. Very few VPNs actually have servers in China, because it would subject them to the government’s data-gathering practices. Some do have virtual servers that provide Chinese IPs, though. However, servers in Hong Kong and Macau are often good enough to reach most mainland services, too.

Our Methodology for Testing Ways To Download a VPN in China

Due to China’s unique online landscape and stance on VPNs, there are different workarounds for downloading them. The main criterion was to be at least somewhat effective, as certain methods (like Tor) have been almost entirely blocked in China. We also ranked methods by how accessible and reliable they are to the average user.

As there is a near-total blackout of international content, some travelers might be desperate enough to resort to more extreme measures, like traveling to a neighboring country to get a VPN. Ultimately, you’ll likely have to try different ways of downloading a VPN to find one that works. So, go through the list by starting with ones that fit your budget, technical skills, and need for privacy.

How Does China Block VPN Downloads?

China’s Great Firewall (GFW) uses a multi-layered censorship architecture to block access to VPN providers’ websites, installer files, and app stores. These methods focus heavily on preventing the download or installation of VPN clients by blocking access to the necessary domains and files.

Even once a VPN is installed, similar techniques (especially DPI and probing) continue to interfere with its operation. The GFW’s ability to detect even fully encrypted traffic is continuously being upgraded. It does this by constantly trying to flag and block traffic patterns consistent with VPN/proxy protocols, making downloading harder.

These countermeasures take different forms, such as:

  • IP and domain blocking. Known VPN domains and IP ranges are blocklisted at the network level, so HTTP/S traffic to these endpoints is dropped or rerouted.
  • DNS poisoning. DNS queries for VPN sites return fake IPs (or no response) so the client never reaches the real server.
  • Deep packet inspection / traffic fingerprinting. Encrypted traffic is inspected for telltale signatures (e.g., TLS handshake patterns, data entropy, packet lengths) and blocked if it matches VPN-like profiles.
  • Active probings. The firewall may send test probes to suspected VPN endpoints to see how they respond and then dynamically block IPs or connections that look like VPN servers.

What if You Still Can’t Download a VPN in China? Troubleshooting Guide

Even after trying all the methods here, you may still struggle to download a VPN inside China. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible — there are some tweaks to your network and device settings you can try.

The efficacy of certain methods and settings will change depending on where and when you use them in China. So, you may have to experiment with different combinations to get results.

  • Switch networks. Try mobile data instead of WiFi (or vice versa), as restrictions can vary by ISP or hotel. More users report success with China Unicom than with China Telecom or China Mobile, for example.
  • Try a different browser. Popular options like Chrome, Safari, and Edge may behave differently under the Great Firewall compared to more privacy-focused browsers, such as Firefox and Brave.
  • Restart your router or device. This can refresh your IP and flush DNS, sometimes helping to bypass blocks temporarily.
  • Change your device’s DNS settings. Using public DNS (like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8) in your OS settings can help resolve blocked domains.
  • Use HTTPS versions of URLs. Some HTTP links are more aggressively blocked than HTTPS.
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies. Cached redirects may force you to censored versions of a site or conflict with your IP.
  • Test non-Google email or messaging services. If you can’t get Gmail to work in China, try Outlook, iCloud, or other file-sharing apps (like OneDrive). The same goes for local messaging tools, like WeChat.
Pro tip: Try VPNs that reliably work in China first. Since they work in the country, these providers put more effort into trying to make their apps accessible as well. However, you may need multiple backup VPNs at different times. Others, like Proton VPN, also occasionally work in China.

FAQs on Downloading a VPN in China

Is it legal to download a VPN in China?

You can legally download government-approved VPNs in China. Unfortunately, these services are either heavily regulated or only available to state-owned enterprises. However, there are other VPNs designed to be downloaded and used in China. They encrypt your traffic and have obfuscation technology to hide your browsing activity from prying eyes.

There are no public reports of the government persecuting tourists who download non-approved VPNs — they typically target the service provider instead. The “Measures for the Administration of International Network Connections” law doesn’t ban VPNs outright — what’s illegal is providing or operating a VPN service without government approval.

Can I download a VPN for free in China?

Yes, but it’s just as difficult as a paid VPN, and they are less likely to function properly. These services usually lack robust encryption, share your data with third parties, and may even contain malware. You’re much more likely to have a good experience using a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee. This will allow you to test the VPN under China’s restrictive internet without financial risk.

Plus, most free VPNs have limited networks, meaning you can’t use them to securely access popular online services. Many also have shady ties with the Chinese government, so you should only download reputable free VPNs for China. Proxy servers aren’t safe as well — they leave you exposed to cyber threats as they lack strong security measures.

On which devices can I download a VPN in China?

You can use a VPN in China on the most popular devices, such as PCs, smartphones, smart TVs, routers, and more.

If you need to download an Android VPN in China and can’t find it in the Google Play Store, it might be blocked. However, there are sites that host the APK files for VPN apps. If you find a VPN’s APK, you can install it on Android from within China even if you can’t access Google Play.

Which VPNs I shouldn’t download in China?

There are many VPNs that don’t work in China or risk your privacy. You should be most suspicious of VPNs that are completely free, make too-good-to-be-true promises, or are available on the official app stores in China. So, ironically, it takes a few extra steps to download VPNs that work better in China.

Tech Transparency Project’s 2024 report revealed that 20/100 top free VPNs in the US Apple App Store showed signs of Chinese ownership2. Using these in China is especially risky, as they may share your information and activity with the CCP. We also don’t recommend trying to download Hola VPN, Turbo VPN, Betternet, Touch VPN, or VPN 360. It’s very important that you only consider tried-and-tested VPNs for China.

Conclusion

Whether visiting China for a short trip, moving there for work, or living long-term, a VPN can make everyday life online far smoother. Downloading a VPN before arriving saves headaches, but if you’re already in the country, workarounds like mirror links and APK files can help.

Just keep in mind that no solution is guaranteed to work consistently, as China is always advancing its systems to block VPN access in the country. The best approach is to prepare ahead and stay adaptable. This way, you’ll have a far better chance of staying connected securely and reaching the global internet while in the country.

References

  1. https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/spot-check-apple-and-google-still-have-a-chinese-vpn-problem/
  2. https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/spot-check-apple-and-google-still-have-a-chinese-vpn-problem/
[*] Please note that ExpressVPN's generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Privacy Tip

Your online activity may be visible to the sites you visit

Your IP Address:

216.73.216.42

Your Location:

US, Ohio, Columbus

Your Internet Provider:

Some sites might use these details for advertising, analytics, or tracking your online preferences.

To protect your data from the websites you visit, one of the most effective steps is to hide your IP address, which can reveal your location, identity, and browsing habits. Using a virtual private network (VPN) masks your real IP by routing your internet traffic through a secure server, making it appear as though you're browsing from a different location. A VPN also encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from surveillance and unauthorized access.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Hendrik is a writer at vpnMentor, specializing in VPN comparisons and user guides. With 5+ years of experience as a tech and cybersecurity writer, plus a background in corporate IT, he brings a variety of perspectives to test VPN services and analyze how they address the needs of different users.

Did you like this article? Rate it!
I hated it! I don't really like it It was ok Pretty good! Loved it!
out of 10 - Voted by users
Thank you for your feedback

Please, comment on how to improve this article. Your feedback matters!

Leave a comment

This field must contain more than 50 characters

The field content should not exceed 1000 letters

Sorry, links are not allowed in this field!

Name should contain at least 3 letters

The field content should not exceed 80 letters

Sorry, links are not allowed in this field!

Special characters are not allowed in the Name field

Please enter a valid email address