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.
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:
- Sign up for an account with a suitable VPN provider. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN apps on any device you normally use for Snapchat.
- 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.
- 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.
If you haven’t used a VPN before, it can be tricky to decide on a suitable provider. Very few VPNs work in China so this helps to narrow down the list. We mentioned ExpressVPN above; here’s a quick rundown of that and our other top picks (there’ll be a more in-depth review of each below):
Best VPNs for Snapchat in China:
- ExpressVPN: Our #1 pick for Snapchat in China. A fast, reliable VPN that works anywhere. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- NordVPN: This low-cost VPN has a ton of servers and great speeds.
- Surfshark: A feature-rich service with a special Camouflage mode.
- Hotspot Shield: A speedy, secure VPN that works well in China.
- PrivateVPN: This small yet high-performance VPN bypasses most restrictions.
- VyprVPN: A security-focused provider with a special protocol that hides your VPN traffic.
Of course, not all VPNs are made equal. Aside from working in China, here are the other main features we look for in a VPN:
- Fast speeds
- Strong security
- Clear privacy policy
- User-friendly apps
- Reliable support
- Money-back guarantee
Best VPN to unblock Snapchat in China
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Snapchat in China:
1. ExpressVPN
Jun 2023
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is our first choice for a China VPN. It operates around 3,000 servers in 94 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 a ton of streaming sites, including multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Want to have access to local and foreign sites at the same time? ExpressVPN makes this easy with its split tunneling feature.
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) in the desktop apps, and leak protection. ExpressVPN never logs user data, so you don’t have to worry about your information being exposed.
You can download desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Pros:
- Works reliably in China
- Great speeds
- Superior security
- Privacy-focused
- Excellent support
Cons:
- Price is a bit steep compared to others
Our score:
BEST SNAPCHAT VPN:ExpressVPN is our top 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.
Find out more in our full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is a trusty budget alternative for unblocking Snapchat and other apps in China. It has an expansive network of servers (over 5,000 in more than 60 countries), many of which are optimized for obfuscating your VPN traffic.
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 apps except Android and boasts extras including automation wifi protection and double VPN (multihop) servers. It never keeps any logs so your privacy is protected at all times.
Easy-to-use apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Incredible speeds
- Tight security
- Apps for all operating systems
- No-logs provider
Cons:
- Desktop clients can be cumbersome
Our score:
BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTION:NordVPN is a low-cost alternative. It operates a large server network, including plenty of options that work in China. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth review of Surfshark.
3. Surfshark
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is another wallet-friendly option that has a solid reputation for unblocking apps in China. Its network of over 1,700 servers in 63 countries is also capable of unblocking a ton of streaming platforms from across the globe, including more than a dozen 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.
Mobile apps can be installed on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Reliably bypasses censorship
- Unblocks lots of streaming sites
- Decent speeds
- Keeps no logs
Cons:
- Fewer servers than some competitors
Our score:
SECURE AND RELIABLE:Surfshark is a privacy-first VPN and can unblock a huge range of content with secure, stable connections. A 30-day refund policy is included.
Check out our full Surfshark review.
4. Hotspot Shield
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield has been greatly improving its service in recent years and now works well in China. Its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol gives you fast speeds on all of its 3,000-plus servers that span over 80 countries. Hotspot Shield unblocks all your favorite streaming sites, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
This service has your back on the privacy and security front. Protection comes in the form of 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy, and there’s a kill switch (in the Windows app only) and leak protection. This VPN doesn’t keep traffic or connection logs.
Hotspot Shield works with Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.
Pros:
- Unblocks restricted content
- Very fast speeds
- Tight security
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept bitcoin
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:Hotspot Shield provides reliable connections. Plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our full Hotspot Shield review.
5. PrivateVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN operates on a much smaller scale than many of its rivals with just over 150 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 tons of other platforms, including 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.
Download intuitive apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Works all over the world
- Fast, reliable connections
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons:
- Small selection of servers
- Customer support could be improved
Our score:
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.
6. VyprVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.VyprVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
VyprVPN runs an ample network of more than 700 servers in 70 countries. Its Chameleon protocol is specifically designed to mask your VPN traffic to avoid blocking. VyprVPN will help you access a ton of content from anywhere.
While VyprVPN has kept logs in the past, it no longer records any data that could be used to identify you. Apps include military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against leaks.
You can download desktop clients or mobile apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Circumvents censorship
- Won’t log your data
- Strong security features
Cons:
- Some slow speeds
- Can’t pay with cryptocurrency
Our score:
BYPASS RESTRICTIONS:VyprVPN hides your VPN traffic from snoopers and has a true no-logs policy. Plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more from our in-depth VyprVPN review.
See also:
Snapchat China FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to access Snapchat in China?
You won’t have to look very hard to find dozens of free VPNs. However, we recommend you avoid these services as they come with a lot of issues. Of primary concern is their performance: most free services simply won’t work in China so you’ll be wasting your time.
More importantly, free VPNs fall short in terms of security and privacy. Many apps don’t provide strong encryption, leaving your traffic exposed. With others, there’s a risk they’ll infect your device with malware. What’s more, free VPN providers often make their money by collecting users’ browsing data, which is the opposite of what you want from a privacy tool.
Taking all of this into account, opting for a reputable paid service is clearly in your best interest.
What other apps are blocked in China?
Connecting to a VPN in China will not only give you access to Snapchat, but also to a whole host of other apps and sites that are blocked in the country. Here are some of the platforms you can unlock.
- Messenger
- Skype
- Tumblr
- YouTube
- Zoom
To discover more about censored content in the country, you can check out our list of sites blocked in China and try out our blocked in China tool.
What else can I do with a China VPN?
One of the main reasons for using a VPN is to access content that has been censored or restricted based on the region you’re in. But VPNs have lots of other use cases.
Spoofing your location can be helpful when it comes to online banking. Chances are, logging in with a Chinese IP address will set off your bank's fraud alert system. Switching back to an IP address from your home country will help you avoid having to contact your bank to access your funds.
Another important use case when traveling is protection while using public wifi networks. No matter where you go in the world, chances are that at some point you’ll need to connect to a wifi hotspot, for example, in a cafe, airport, or hotel. These are notoriously unsafe and it’s not unusual for cybercriminals to prey on public wifi users to steal their information. A VPN will encrypt your traffic making it unreadable to anyone, including hackers.