VPN not working in China? Get back online

The VPN won't connect, or Google, WhatsApp and Instagram suddenly stop loading.

Try this now

Switch to a different server location in your VPN app (Japan, Singapore and the US often work best).
Change the protocol in settings (try WireGuard ↔ OpenVPN/IKEv2).
Turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds, switch it off, then reconnect and restart the app.

If that doesn't work: Keep a second VPN installed as a backup — set both up before you arrive. For essentials, Bing and Apple Maps usually work without a VPN.

Avoid the next surprise

Most of these go away if you set things up before you land. Get a free, personalised China readiness checklist for your trip.

Build my China checklist →

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