How to unblock and use Snapchat in China

Snapchat is hugely popular with users across the globe. Are you wondering if Snapchat is banned in China? Sadly if you are living in or traveling to China, you will find that Snapchat is blocked. As with many other platforms, the Chinese government has imposed restrictions so that users can’t gain access to the Snapchat app. How can you make Snapchat work in China? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you to access your usual social media services from back home while traveling abroad.

A VPN encrypts your data and sends it through a secondary server located in a country of your choice. Snoopers can’t view the content or destination of your traffic, enabling you to bypass censorship. A VPN also spoofs your location so you can access services that geo-restrict their content.

In this post, we reveal the steps for how to unblock Snapchat in China and the best VPNs for the job. We give detailed reviews of each of the providers we recommend later but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for Snapchat in China:

1. NordVPN Our #1 pick for Snapchat in China.  It’s fast, very reliable, and has nearly 8,000 servers stationed around the globe. Obfuscated servers 24-hour live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark Best budget-priced VPN provider. Works with Snapchat and some 30 Netflix libraries. Camouflage mode for evading censorship. Unlimited connections and MultiHop servers.
3. ExpressVPN Premium VPN service. Servers in 100+ countries. Unlimited bandwidth and works with many popular streaming services. The provider runs all of its servers 100% from RAM.
4. PrivateVPN Small but powerful VPN network. Strong unblocker of content, Snapchat included. Stealth mode for bypassing censorship in China. Beginner-friendly apps and excellent support.
5. Private Internet Access Reliable protected access to Snapchat. Offers unlimited bandwidth and has plenty of servers that work in China, despite the country’s restrictions. The provider’s high-end encryption provides top-notch online privacy.
6. PureVPN Quality VPN protection. PureVPN offers above-average online security and privacy protection, delivers fast connections, and reliable access to geo-fenced content like Snapchat. The provider offers a 31-day money-back guarantee. (That’s one more than 30, if you’re keeping score.)
7. Proton VPN Top-notch anonymity. Has 9,000+ servers in 112 countries for bypassing blocks such as China’s Snapchat blockade. No-logs VPN with good speeds and an anonymous payment option.

How to use Snapchat in China

The steps for getting started with a VPN are very simple, and you can use the same setup wherever you are in the world.

Here’s how to unblock Snapchat in China with a VPN:

1. Sign up for an account with a suitable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN apps on any device you normally use for Snapchat.
3. Log in with your new details and connect to a server outside China. Opting for a geographically close server will usually give you the best results in terms of speed.
4. Open Snapchat, and it should work with no issues.

Note that many VPN websites themselves are blocked in China. As such, you should ideally get set up before traveling to the country.

Top VPNs for Snapchat in China: Our criteria

Of course, not all VPNs are made equal, and very few VPNs work in China, so it can be tricky to decide on a suitable provider. Aside from working in China, here are the other main features we look for in a VPN to narrow down the options:

• Fast reliable speeds.
• Strong security protocols and features.
• Clear privacy policy to keep your data and identity safe.
• User-friendly apps and simple onboarding.
• Reliable customer support.
• Great value and a money-back guarantee.

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our article, which details our full VPN methodology. First, let’s take a closer look at the VPNS that impressed us.

Best VPNs to unblock Snapchat in China

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing Snapchat in China:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2025 Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2025

NordVPN is a trusty budget alternative for unblocking Snapchat and other apps in China. It has an expansive network of servers (over 7,700 in 115+ countries), many of which are optimized for obfuscating your VPN traffic. NordVPN makes our list of the fastest VPNs, and it’s also highly consistent when it comes to accessing streaming platforms, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.

This provider goes all-in when it comes to security features. These include 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against leaks. NordVPN also provides a kill switch in all of its apps and boasts extras including automation, wifi protection, and double VPN (MultiHop) servers. 

NordVPN runs all of its servers solely from RAM, with no data ever being written to a permanent storage device like a hard drive or SSD. It never keeps any logs so your privacy is protected at all times.

Secure up to 10 devices at the same time with NordVPN’s easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Apple Vision Pro, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required to use NordVPN with routers.

BEST VPN FOR SNAPCHAT IN CHINA :NordVPN is our top choice VPN. It operates a large server network, including plenty of options that work in China. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2025

Surfshark is another budget-friendly option that has a solid reputation for unblocking apps in China. Its network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries is also capable of unblocking a ton of streaming platforms from across the globe, including 30 international Netflix libraries. To bypass detection in China, simply toggle on the built-in Camouflage mode within the app.

Surfshark is a true no-logs provider and safeguards your information with leak protection and a kill switch in all apps. These features are backed by effectively uncrackable encryption and perfect forward secrecy. Some extras include MultiHop servers (for two or more layers of encryption) and a malware blocker. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect at the same time.

The provider also runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, so nothing about your online travels is ever saved to permanent storage.

To connect to a Surfshark server, download and install one of its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Apple Vision Pro, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Surfshark is compatible with select routers, but manual configuration is required.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great value, privacy-first VPN and can unblock a huge range of content with secure, stable connections. A 30-day refund policy is included.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2025

ExpressVPN is our first choice VPN for unblocking Snapchat in China. It operates around 3,000 servers in 105 countries and has a stellar reputation for providing stable connections in China. It can evade the strictest detection measures, providing you access to Snapchat and other censored content. Plus there’s no special setup required. ExpressVPN can unblock Snapchat, as well as a ton of streaming sites, including multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

This provider protects your data with a sophisticated set of security features. Plans include military-grade encryption with perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch (called a network lock), and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. 

ExpressVPN never logs user data, so you don’t have to worry about your information being exposed. In addition to no logs, ExpressVPN was one of the first VPN providers to run all of its servers solely from RAM. This means whenever one of the provider’s servers is rebooted or shut down.

ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple Vision Pro (via the iPad app). You also have the option of using a browser extension (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge). It even offers custom firmware for quick and easy setup with routers. You can now use this VPN service to connect up to 8 of your devices at once.

PREMIUM SNAPCHAT VPN:ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for accessing Snapchat in China. It’s speedy, reliable, and has a ton of server options. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes choosing this VPN risk-free.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. PrivateVPN

Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2025

PrivateVPN operates on a much smaller scale than many of its rivals, with more than 200 servers in 60+ countries. That said, it still manages to keep up in terms of performance. It has solid speeds, and its Stealth mode works well in China and other regions where there’s active blocking of VPN traffic. PrivateVPN will help you access Snapchat and streaming sites like BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

Security and privacy features include a true no-logs policy, 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a Windows-only kill switch. What’s particularly impressive about PrivateVPN is that, unlike most VPNs, it doesn’t outsource its customer support to a third party. It also offers free remote help and installation should you need any extra help getting set up or troubleshooting an issue.

To unblock Snapchat in China via PrivateVPN, you’ll need to download and install one of its apps. You can find apps for Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook, iOS, iPadOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is required to use this VPN with Linux and routers.

PRIVACY-FOCUSED:PrivateVPN has strong security, a solid zero-logs policy, and decent speeds. Subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Discover more in our full review of PrivateVPN.

5. Private Internet Access

Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2025

Private Internet Access has thousands of servers, located in over 90 countries, making it easy to bypass content restrictions (including unblock Snapchat in China). With so many server locations, it’s easy to find a server closer to your physical location for a faster connection. While PIA hasn’t always worked well in China, servers were up and running during our most recent tests, so you should be able to use it as normal.

This VPN is more than fast enough for streaming. Furthermore, it doesn’t throttle your bandwidth at any time. Security is particularly important when using the internet in China, a country with strict internet censorship. Fortunately, PIA secures your internet traffic with 256-bit AES encryption. You can also expect DNS leak protection and a kill switch. Last but not least, PIA operates a strict no-logs policy and runs all of its servers solely from RAM.

You’ll find Private Internet Access apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox. PIA provides manual setup instructions for using its VPN service with routers, which allows you to use PIA for your Smart TV, Chromebook, Roku device or TV, and other devices for which PIA does not offer an app.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:Private Internet Access has servers in more than 90 countries for accessing Snapchat from China and while traveling abroad. Unlimited simultaneous connections and a true no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN’s global server network boasts 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries. This decently-sized network provides reliable access to content to Snapchat, as well as popular streaming services in several regions of the world.

The provider keeps its connections private and secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The service’s strict no-logs policy means that absolutely no records are ever kept of your online activities. A handy cryptocurrency payment option keeps your payment information incognito.

PureVPN’s well-protected connections are quite fast and are easily up to handling any popular online activity. PureVPN never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers’ usage.

PureVPN’s app support options include apps for Chromebook, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave are also available. PureVPN users can connect up to 10 devices at once, plus select WiFi routers can be configured to work with the provider.

PROTECTS SNAPCHAT VIEWERS:PureVPN offers excellent online security and privacy protection. The provider offers native app support for most popular connected platforms. PureVPN’s server network provides reliable access to content intended for other countries, including Snapchat and most popular streaming services. Offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PureVPN.

7. Proton VPN

Proton VPN now boasts one of the largest VPN server networks. Standing at more than 10,300 servers in 115+ countries, making it easy to bypass Chinese bans on Snapchat and popular online services.

Proton VPN delivers some of the fastest connections on this list, making it highly suitable for securely accessing Snapchat, as well as other popular online services.

Proton VPN offers a high level of security, with 256-bit AES encryption and backs that up with DNS leak protection and a reliable kill switch. Proton VPN doesn’t keep any type of connection or user logs. For additional anonymity, you can even pay for your subscription anonymously using cash.

Up to 10 devices can be protected at once, using the VPN apps Proton offers for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, ChromeOS, Android TV, and Apple TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered, and Proton VPN can be manually set up on select wifi routers.

SERVERS IN 112 COUNTRIES:Proton VPN boasts a rapidly growing server network delivers fast and well-protected connections, and strong privacy protections. This no-logs VPN takes your security and privacy seriously. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

See also: 

• Best VPN for China
• Best VPN for unblocking Snapchat
• How to access Google Play Store in China

Using Snapchat in China: FAQs