If you’re planning a trip to China, you might be wondering about internet access and which of your favorite apps will work. It is a common concern for travelers to understand what apps are blocked in China and to find out what apps are allowed in China. The reality is that a significant number of international services are inaccessible. As you prepare for your journey, you may wonder how many apps banned in China will affect your daily communication and access to information. Having a clear list of apps banned in China is the first step toward finding solutions to stay in touch with friends and family and navigate the country with ease. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the digital landscape in China and explore the methods available to keep you connected.
Service Accessibility in China
Upon arriving in mainland China, you will quickly discover that the digital experience is vastly different from what you are used to. The country’s sophisticated internet censorship system, often called the “Great Firewall,” blocks a wide array of foreign websites and applications. This means that many of the tools you rely on for communication, news, and entertainment will not be available through a standard internet connection.
Apps and Sites That Become Inaccessible in China
The list of blocked services is extensive and includes most major international social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger are also blocked. Furthermore, nearly the entire suite of Google services is inaccessible, which means no Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, or Google Drive. For entertainment, you will find that streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix, along with music services like Spotify, are unavailable. News outlets like the BBC, The New York Times, and others are also consistently blocked, limiting access to global information sources.
Apps and Sites You Can Still Use in China
Despite the extensive internet restrictions, not every international app and service is blocked in China. Some notable exceptions exist, although their functionality can sometimes be inconsistent. For instance, Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime services typically work, allowing users with Apple devices to communicate freely with others in the Apple ecosystem.
Many of Microsoft’s services, such as the Bing search engine, Outlook for email, and Skype, are often accessible, though they operate in compliance with local censorship laws. This means search results on Bing will be filtered, and Skype’s availability can be unreliable. Most international hotel booking sites, airline apps, and financial services from major foreign banks also tend to remain accessible to facilitate tourism and business. However, it is always a good practice to confirm the accessibility of any critical service before your trip, as the list of available sites can change without notice.
Here is a list of examples, but please note that the accessibility status of these services can change over time.
| Category | Inaccessible in China | Accessible in China |
|---|---|---|
| SNS / Messaging Apps | Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Reddit, Snapchat, Signal, Pinterest | iMessage, SMS |
| Search Engine | Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo | Bing |
| Email App | Gmail, Proton Mail | Outlook, iCloud Mail |
| Video Sites / VOD Services | YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Vimeo, BBC iPlayer | (None of the major global platforms) |
| News Sites | The New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, CNN, Wall Street Journal | (Most major independent news sites are blocked) |
| Communication Tools | Google Meet, Google Chat, Slack, Trello | ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Skype, WebEx |
| Cloud Storage | Google Drive, Dropbox, Box | OneDrive, iCloud |
| Shopping | (Most non-Chinese e-commerce sites are accessible but may be slow or impractical for shipping) | Amazon (Global), eBay |
| Generative AI Services | ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, Grok, Genspark, Manus | (Most major global AI services are blocked) |
| Other | Wikipedia (all languages) | —— |
While ZOOM is generally accessible in China, users sometimes report that the connection becomes unstable or unusable depending on their specific location or internet line. In these situations, using a VPN can often help stabilize the connection for your ZOOM meetings.
Popular Apps and Sites Used by Locals in China
China has cultivated a vibrant and self-contained digital ecosystem with its own set of dominant applications that serve the needs of its citizens. These apps are not just alternatives but are often deeply integrated into every aspect of daily life. The most essential of these is WeChat (微信 – Wēixìn), a “super-app” that combines messaging, social media, mobile payments, and a vast array of other services into a single platform.
For social media and news, Weibo (微博) functions as a microblogging platform similar to X. When it comes to search, Baidu (百度) is the leading search engine. For video streaming, platforms like Youku (优酷) and iQIYI (爱奇艺) are the local equivalents of YouTube and Netflix. Digital payments are dominated by Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay, which are used for nearly every transaction, from shopping to paying utility bills. Understanding these local apps can offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in China and can also be useful for travelers.
5 Methods to Use Blocked Apps in China
For travelers and expatriates who need to access blocked international services, several methods are available to bypass the Great Firewall. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, catering to different needs based on the length of stay, technical comfort, and budget.
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| VPN | Long-term residents, frequent travelers | Highly versatile, secures all traffic | Requires pre-installation, can be detected and blocked |
| Rental Wi-Fi | Short-term visitors, families | Easy to use, connects multiple devices | Can be bulky, requires charging and return |
| Hong Kong SIM | Frequent travelers, business users | Reliable connection, consistent access | Higher initial cost, may require a dual-SIM phone |
| eSIM for China | Tech-savvy travelers, short to mid-term stays | Very convenient, instant setup | Requires a compatible device, can be expensive for data |
| Mobile Roaming | All travelers (short-term) | Easiest method, no setup needed | Extremely expensive for data |
Method 1: VPNs for Long-Term Residents and Frequent Travelers
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most common and powerful tool for accessing the unrestricted internet in China. It works by creating an encrypted connection to a server in another country, making it appear as if you are browsing from that location. This method is ideal for those staying for an extended period or who travel to China frequently, as it offers a comprehensive solution for all devices.
The primary advantage is that a single VPN subscription can be used on your phone, laptop, and tablet. However, a significant drawback is that you must download and set up the VPN service before you arrive in China, as most VPN provider websites are blocked within the country. Additionally, the Chinese government actively works to detect and block VPN traffic, so you must choose a provider known for its reliability in China, often one that offers obfuscation technology to disguise the VPN connection.
Method 2: Rental Wi-Fi for Short-Term Visitors
For tourists and short-term visitors, renting a portable Wi-Fi device is a very convenient option. These devices are pre-configured to bypass the Great Firewall, providing unrestricted internet access as soon as you turn them on. You can typically pick them up at your departure airport or have them delivered to your hotel in China.
The main benefit is the ease of use; there is no software to install. Most devices also allow multiple gadgets to connect simultaneously, which is great for families or groups traveling together. On the downside, you have another device to carry and keep charged. It can also be more expensive than other options for longer trips, and you must remember to return the device at the end of your rental period to avoid additional fees.
Method 3: Hong Kong SIM Cards for Frequent Travelers
Purchasing a SIM card from Hong Kong is another effective strategy, particularly for those who visit China often. When you use a Hong Kong SIM card in mainland China, it operates on a roaming basis. This means your data is routed through servers in Hong Kong, which is outside the Great Firewall, allowing you to access the internet without restrictions.
This method is generally reliable and does not require any special software. It is a great option for people who need a stable connection for business or frequent travel between Hong Kong and the mainland. The main disadvantages are the higher upfront cost and the need for a dual-SIM phone or the hassle of swapping out your primary SIM card.
Method 4: Convenient eSIMs for China
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. Many international providers now offer travel eSIMs for China that come with data plans and are pre-configured to bypass internet restrictions. This is an excellent option for tech-savvy travelers with modern smartphones.
The key advantage is convenience. You can purchase and install the eSIM from home before you leave, and it activates the moment you land in China. There are no physical cards to worry about. The main limitations are that your phone must be eSIM-compatible and unlocked. Data plans can also be more expensive than local options, making it better suited for short-to-medium-length stays.
Method 5: Easy-to-Use Mobile Roaming
The simplest method to stay connected is to use your home mobile carrier’s international roaming plan. When you roam in China, your internet traffic is routed back through your home country’s servers, which means you are not subject to the Great Firewall. This requires no setup whatsoever.
The clear benefit is that it is effortless; you just use your phone as you normally would. However, this convenience comes at a very high price. Data roaming charges are typically extremely expensive and can add up quickly, making this a poor choice for anything more than very light, emergency use. It is a good backup option but not a sustainable solution for most travelers.
Why China Regulates the Internet and the Consequences of Bypassing It
The Chinese government maintains a strict internet censorship regime for several stated reasons, primarily centered on maintaining political control and social stability. The official position is that internet regulation is necessary to protect national security, prevent the spread of misinformation, and block content that could undermine the ruling party or incite social unrest. This system also has an economic component, as blocking foreign competitors allows domestic tech companies and platforms to flourish in a protected market.
For international travelers and foreigners using tools like VPNs to bypass these regulations, the risks are generally low. The government’s enforcement actions are overwhelmingly targeted at unauthorized Chinese citizens who create or sell VPN services, not at their foreign users. While it is technically illegal to use an unapproved VPN, there have been no widely reported cases of tourists being penalized for it. The most common consequence is not legal trouble but rather the inconvenience of having your chosen VPN service detected and blocked, leaving you without access. Some anecdotal reports mention authorities in certain regions asking travelers to delete VPN apps from their phones during random checks, but this is not a widespread practice.
Conclusion
Navigating China’s unique digital environment requires some advance planning, but staying connected to the global internet is entirely achievable. The “Great Firewall” blocks a vast number of familiar apps and websites, creating a distinct online ecosystem dominated by domestic services like WeChat and Baidu.
For travelers wishing to access blocked services, several effective methods are available:
- VPNs offer the most comprehensive and secure solution, ideal for longer stays, but they must be installed before you arrive.
- Rental Wi-Fi devices provide plug-and-play simplicity for short-term visitors.
- Hong Kong SIM cards and modern eSIMs offer reliable access without the need for software.
- International roaming is the easiest but most expensive option, best reserved for emergencies.
By understanding the limitations and choosing the right tool for your needs, you can ensure a smooth and connected journey through China.
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| VPN | Long-term residents, frequent travelers | Highly versatile, secures all traffic | Requires pre-installation, can be detected and blocked |
| Rental Wi-Fi | Short-term visitors, families | Easy to use, connects multiple devices | Can be bulky, requires charging and return |
| Hong Kong SIM | Frequent travelers, business users | Reliable connection, consistent access | Higher initial cost, may require a dual-SIM phone |
| eSIM for China | Tech-savvy travelers, short to mid-term stays | Very convenient, instant setup | Requires a compatible device, can be expensive for data |
| Mobile Roaming | All travelers (short-term) | Easiest method, no setup needed | Extremely expensive for data |