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. Servers in 94 countries. Unlimited bandwidth and works with many popular streaming services.
- NordVPN: Best value VPN for Snapchat in China. It’s fast, very reliable, and has 5,000+ servers globally. Obfuscated servers and 24-hour live chat support.
- Surfshark: Works with Snapchat and some 30 Netflix libraries. Camouflage mode for evading censorship. Unlimited connections and MultiHop servers.
- Hotspot Shield: Servers across 80 countries. One of few VPNs that works in China and lets you access Snapchat. Lets you connect 10 devices at once.
- PrivateVPN: Strong unblocker of content, Snapchat included. Stealth mode for bypassing censorship in China. Beginner-friendly apps and excellent support.
- Private Internet Access: Unlimited bandwidth and servers that work in China, despite restrictions. Securely access Snapchat thanks to high-end encryption.
- VyprVPN: A security-focused provider with a proprietary protocol that hides your VPN traffic. Owns all of its servers and is packed with security features.
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
Apr 2024
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 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. You can now use this VPN service to connect up to 8 of your devices at once too.
ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You also have the option of using a browser extension (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge). It even has custom firmware for quick and easy setup with routers.
Pros:
- Arguably the most reliable VPN you can use in China
- Very fast server speeds makes it a great choice for streaming
- Superior security includes military-grade encryption
- Privacy-focused with a no-logs policy (no identifying logs)
- Excellent support available 24/ via live chat
- Now allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
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.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
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 60 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 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.
Secure up to six devices at the same time with NordVPN’s easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required to use NordVPN with routers.
Pros:
- Incredible speeds for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming
- Helps you access Snapchat and even Netflix in China
- Very tight security which includes high-end encryption
- No-logs provider so you can maintain online anonymity
- Provides specialty servers including P2P and Double VPN
Cons:
- Single month plan is on the expensive side
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 full NordVPN review.
3. Surfshark
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is another budget-friendly option that has a solid reputation for unblocking apps in China. Its network of over 3,000 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.
To connect to a Surfshark server, download and install one of its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome as well as Firefox. Surfshark is compatible with select routers but manual configuration is required.
Pros:
- Reliably bypasses censorship in China
- Unblocks Snapchat and lots of streaming sites
- Impressive server speeds for lag-free streaming
- Doesn’t impose a limit on the how many devices you can connect
- Extra security in the form of MultiHop servers
Cons:
- Some features only available in the more expensive subscription tier
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.
Read our full Surfshark review.
4. Hotspot Shield
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
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 1,800-plus servers that span over 80 countries. Hotspot Shield unblocks many of your favorite streaming sites, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It had a very respectable average download speed of 197 Mbps in testing.
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 DNS leak protection. This VPN doesn’t keep traffic or connection logs either. If you have a lot of devices to secure, you’ll be pleased to know that Hotspot Shield lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Hotspot Shield has apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. While compatible with select wifi routers, this would need to be set up manually.
Pros:
- Unblocks restricted content including Snapchat and Netflix
- Very fast speeds so you can stream without performance issues
- Tight security which includes encryption and leak protection
- Servers in 80 countries worldwide
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept bitcoin
- Keeps some connection logs (but nothing identifiable)
Our score:
FAST AND SECURE:Hotspot Shield provides reliable connections. It’s also more than fast enough for streaming and works with Netflix. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
5. PrivateVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
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 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, and iOS, as well as Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is required to use this VPN with Linux and routers.
Pros:
- Stealth mode for navigating internet censorship
- Fast, reliable connections so you can stream without interruption
- Easy-to-use apps even for beginners
- Lets you connect up to 10 devices at once
Cons:
- Small selection of servers
- Live chat isn’t quite 24/7
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. Private Internet Access
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Private Internet Access has servers 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. It averaged 117 Mbps in our latest speed tests. 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.
You’ll find Private Internet Access apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, 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.
Pros:
- Servers worked in China in our most recent testing
- Good speeds with no bandwidth throttling
- Servers are located in over 90 countries
- Operates a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
Cons:
- App layout feels somewhat cluttered
- Failed to unblock some streaming services
Our score:
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.
7. VyprVPN
Unblocks SnapchatTested Apr 2024
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 dozens of 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. This includes Snapchat as well as streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
While VyprVPN has kept logs in the past, it no longer records any data that could be used to identify you. In fact, it has even subjected itself to an independent audit to prove it. Apps include military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. Need help? VyprVPN provides support via live chat as well as email.
You can download VyprVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. With manual configuration, you can use VyprVPN with Linux as well as select wireless routers.
Pros:
- Circumvents censorship with its Chameleon protocol
- Works with Snapchat and many popular streaming platforms
- Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- Doesn’t accept payment in Bitcoin
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.
Read our full 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.
