How to Download a VPN in China (2025): 8 Ways

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.

I found the most effective ways to download a VPN in China. My team and I also tested over 60 services and found the best VPNs for China that work there reliably. They have advanced security and privacy features to protect your online activity from hackers and snoops. Thanks to servers worldwide, these VPNs make it possible to watch your favorite content in HD from anywhere.

How to Download and Use a VPN App in China — 8 Tried-And-Tested Methods

My team and I tested many ways to download VPNs in China reliably. Whether you plan to go there or are already in the country, you can try one of these methods to get a VPN on your device.

1. Download a VPN before arriving in China

The best way to get a VPN working is to set it up before arriving in China. Simply download the VPN from the official website or your device’s app store (Google Play, App Store, or AppGallery).

Some VPNs are banned in China, and the allowed providers are monitored.

2. Use your hotel’s WiFi

Many international hotels in China have unrestricted internet to let their guests access popular online services. This means you can visit the hotel, log in to the guest WiFi network, and download a VPN for your device.

Hotels known for WiFi with fewer limitations include Hilton, Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Shangri-La, Wyndham, Pangu, and Starwood. Still, their policies can change, so it’s better to check with your hotel if it allows VPN connections.

3. Use a SIM card from your home country

A foreign SIM card may help you download a VPN in China if your smartphone is set to international roaming. After installing and setting up the account, you can disable roaming and switch to a local SIM card. But beware that roaming can be costly, so it’s a good idea to check the rates with your provider beforehand.

4. Use mirrored sites or dynamic links

It’s possible to download a VPN for desktop operating systems via mirrored sites — copies of the provider’s site hosted under different URLs. Providers host these sites to help users avoid blocks on restrictive networks. You may also use dynamic links that automatically forward you to an available version of the website.

You can usually get links to mirrored sites by asking the VPN's customer support.

5. Download an APK file for a VPN

You can get a VPN for your Android smartphone or tablet via the APK installation package. China doesn’t block most websites that share these files. Just visit an accessible platform (like APKMirror). Then, download a VPN.apk file and install it on your phone.

However, these sites don’t vet apps like Google Play. There’s always a risk the app can contain malware or be discontinued. So, it’s better to ensure you're downloading from a safe source.

6. Ask a friend for help

Your friend can download VPN installation files and send them to you. Remember that you both must use a government-approved service like WeChat or Weiyun for file transfer. A friend of yours might need to sign up for a VPN for you too. Fortunately, major payment methods like PayPal and Western Union work in China.

Alternatively, you can tether onto a VPN-enabled device. Just ask someone with a VPN in China to share their encrypted connection. To do that, the person should:

1. Connect to a VPN server on their device and choose any server other than China.
2. Navigate to the WiFi hotspot settings. Mobile Hotspot and Tethering on Android. On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Personal Hotspot, or navigate directly from Settings to Personal Hotspot.
3. Set up the login and password for the personal hotspot.

Now you can connect to your friend’s personal WiFi hotspot to use their encrypted traffic. Just download a VPN for your device, set it up, and test how it works.

7. Visit Hong Kong or Macau

The internet doesn’t work the same throughout China. For example, Hong Kong and Macau have fewer restrictions. So, if you’re traveling to these places, you should be able to download a VPN for China without too much hassle. You can also visit nearby Taiwan.

8. Choose a VPN that works in China

Most importantly, you should choose a VPN that works in China. Many free services are banned, or have very limited features. So, it’s best to make sure you download a reliable VPN that functions well in the country.

FAQs on Downloading a VPN in China

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

You can legally use 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 work 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 use non-approved VPNs — they typically target the service provider instead. Still, some VPNs are blocked or outlawed in China. So, you should check local laws and regulations for VPN use in China to avoid breaking any rules.

Can I download a free VPN in China?

Yes, but finding a safe free VPN in China is unlikely. These services usually lack robust encryption, share your data with third parties, and may even contain malware. It’s a safer alternative to get a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee, as these offer more reliable and secure access to a variety of content from anywhere.

Plus, most free VPNs have limited networks, meaning you can’t use them to securely access popular online services. They also often bombard you with intrusive ads and force you to upgrade to a paid option. 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 use 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.

Does China allow VPNs?

China allows VPNs in general, though some VPNs are restricted or banned, including several popular providers. On top of that, many VPN websites are blocked, preventing you from downloading the apps. A trusted VPN with obfuscation technology is more likely to work in China.

What can I do if my VPN stops working in China?

Try connecting to other VPN servers or change its settings. This should usually do the trick. Alternatively, you can switch to the tried-and-tested VPNs that work in China. Here are some solutions that might get your VPN working:

• Try different security protocols and encryption levels.
• Turn on the obfuscation feature to hide your VPN traffic.
• Activate or deactivate the kill switch, split tunneling, and other security features.
• Configure port 433.
• Use custom DNS servers.
• Update the VPN software
• Contact customer support through email that works in China (so not Gmail).

Is it safe to use social media in China?

Social media access in China is heavily regulated. Many international services (like Facebook and Twitter) are blocked. However, connecting to a VPN server outside of China lets you use social networks safely. Otherwise, you can use only government-approved apps like WeChat, QZone, and RenRen that share user data with third parties.

Online comments are also under constant scrutiny by authorities, who have the ability to access your personal information through ISPs. To ensure your online privacy remains intact across the web, it’s essential to use a VPN that follows a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, staying well-informed about the latest regulations concerning social media usage is crucial to steer clear of any potential legal issues.

Which VPNs have a server in China?

Chinese government-approved VPNs are sure to have servers in China. However, a few premium VPNs have servers in Hong Kong and Macau. These are geographically close enough to China to provide you with high speeds.

Get the Best VPN for China in Minutes

A VPN is the best way to protect your data and devices in China. You need to find a provider with a mirror site, APK, or another way to download it when the VPN website and app store are blocked in the country.