So you’ve landed in China and realized that you need to use a virtual private network, or “VPN” for short. Unfortunately, all the VPN websites that are supposed to help you bypass censorship are, well…blocked. So what do you do? How can you install a VPN from within China?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Getting stuck in China without a reliable VPN is a common problem that many people face. I get emails about this all the time 🙂
It’s usually the case that people land in China and didn’t realize that a specific app or website was blocked in China
Panic ensues.
The short answer to your question about how to install a VPN from within China is one of two methods (I’ll go into more detail on each method further down):
- Use Dynamic VPN Links: Some VPN companies actively mirror their website to multiple locations to avoid censorship. By using links like this one for ExpressVPN or even this one for NordVPN, your traffic from within China will (usually) be routed to an unblocked version of their website.
- Tether onto a VPN-Enabled Device: If the dynamic links for some reason don’t work, the next best method to install a VPN from within China is to tether onto a VPN-enabled device. In this way, you’re using the VPN services of another device in order to set up a VPN on your own. I’ll explain this method in detail below.
So that’s a short description of how to install a VPN from within China.
If you need more details or want a step-by-step explanation, continue reading below.
Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use any of the services listed here.
Understanding VPNs in China
Before we can dive into dynamic VPN links and tethering devices, it might be helpful to begin with a simple question: what is a VPN and how does it work?
What is a VPN and How Does it Work?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a powerful tool that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. You can link of it almost like a protected pipe into the “cloud” that is the internet.
This encrypted connection ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, effectively hiding your IP address and location from prying eyes.
In a country like China, where internet censorship is a significant issue, a VPN can be a lifesaver. It allows you to access blocked websites and services, maintain your online privacy, and avoid government surveillance. By routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, you can bypass the Great Firewall and enjoy a more open internet experience.
Is it Legal to Use a VPN in China?
The legality of VPN usage in China is a bit of a gray area.
While the Chinese government has banned non-government-approved VPN providers, there is no clear-cut answer on whether using a VPN is entirely legal or illegal for individuals. Many VPN providers continue to operate in China, and there have been no reported cases of tourists being arrested for using VPNs.
However, it’s important to note that selling non-government-approved VPNs is considered an illegal business in China. So, while using a VPN for personal use may not land you in trouble, it’s always wise to stay informed about the latest regulations and use VPNs discreetly.
Choosing a VPN for China
Using a VPN in a place like China is different than most any other place in the world. Aside from the fact that the government actively blocks the IP addresses of known VPN servers, they also block the VPN websites where you would purchase and download the VPN.
What to Look for in a VPN for China
When selecting a VPN for use in China, there are several critical factors to consider to ensure you get the best performance and security:
- Reliability: Choose a VPN with a proven track record of working in China. The best VPNs for China are those that consistently bypass the Great Firewall and have a strong reputation among users.
- Security: Ensure the VPN uses robust encryption protocols, such as AES-256, and has a strict no-logs policy. This will protect your online activity from being monitored or logged.
- Speed: Fast connection speeds are essential for smooth browsing and streaming. Look for a VPN that offers high-speed servers to avoid frustrating slowdowns.
- Server Locations: Opt for a VPN with servers located in nearby countries, such as Hong Kong or Japan. This proximity helps minimize latency and maintain fast connection speeds.
- Obfuscation: Consider a VPN with obfuscation technology, such as a Stealth VPN feature or Chameleon protocol. These technologies disguise your VPN traffic, making it harder for the Great Firewall to detect and block your connection.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with potential connectivity issues in China. Look for a VPN that offers 24/7 customer support to assist you whenever needed.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a reliable and secure VPN that meets your needs while navigating the internet landscape in China.
Method 1: Dynamic Links to Install a VPN from Within China
There are a number of definitions for dynamic links, but in this case, dynamic links refer to links which automatically route you to an available and unblocked website.
Dynamic VPN links are links which automatically route you to an unblocked version of the website.
In other words, when you click on a dynamic VPN link, there is a process happening behind the scenes that checks to see which of the many mirror sites have been blocked.
Once an available version of the site has been located, your browser will be automatically forwarded there. This all happens in a matter of seconds and there’s nothing you as a user have to do, but it’s an important process.
Not every VPN offers these kind of links and it’s one of many indications that a VPN serves the China market (since they always have to play a game of cat-and-mouse with the Chinese censors).
This encrypted VPN connection ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, effectively hiding your IP address and location from prying eyes.
I recommend a number of great VPNs for China and these dynamic links serve as an important rating factor.
Below are a few VPN services making use of dynamic links that should work to allow you to install a VPN from within China.
ExpressVPN | Best Overall VPN for China
ExpressVPN has been one of the most reliable VPNs for those in China and they’re one of the best when it comes to dynamic links to avoid censorship. Their VPN app is user-friendly and effective in maintaining a secure connection.
There’s a good chance that you’ll be able to sign up for this VPN from within China using this link.
NordVPN | Best VPN Apps
If you read a lot of my content, you’ll know that I almost always recommend a backup VPN. For me, that’s NordVPN, in part because it truly is a quality VPN. As a top VPN provider, NordVPN offers robust security features and reliable connections.
They also just so happen to utilize dynamic links to avoid censorship in China. Give it a try:
VyprVPN | Most Trustworthy VPN for China
Finally, if the first two don’t work, one final option to try would be this link from VyprVPN, another excellent China VPN.
VyprVPN has a long history of business here in China, so they know what it takes to stay unblocked. They offer a wide range of VPN servers to ensure fast and reliable connections.
If, for some reason, these dynamic links don’t work to allow you to install a VPN from within China, not all hope is lost.
There is still one more method to try.
Method 2: Tether onto a VPN-Enabled Device for a VPN Connection
The tethering method of installing a VPN from within China is slightly more complicated but has a higher probability of success, ensuring reliable VPN connections.
Time needed: 10 minutes
I’m going to walk you through step-by-step how to install a VPN by tethering your device. The gist of the process is that you’re piggy-backing off of a current VPN to set up a new VPN. Here’s how to do it.
- Find a VPN-Enabled Device (from a friend/colleague)
The first and most important thing you need to find is a friend or colleague who has a phone that is already set up with a VPN. This should only take a few minutes of their time, so hopefully they won’t mind.
- Turn on the VPN on your Friend’s Phone
Ask your friend to connect to their VPN while using their cellular network (not WiFi). They can’t use WiFi because the process of tethering requires the use of that WiFi.
- Turn on Your Friend’s Personal Hotspot
In the settings of the VPN-enabled phone, find the section dealing with “Personal Hotspot”. I’ve included a screenshot below of what that would look like on an Apple iPhone, but it can also be done on Android. Take note of the username and password to be used in Step 4.
- Connect (or “Tether”) to Your Friend’s Hotspot
Once the VPN-enabled phone is set up with a personal hotspot, open the WiFi settings on your own phone, tablet or computer. You should see the option for “[Friend]’s Phone” or whatever name they’ve given their device. Using the password in step 3, log onto the phone.
- Purchase, Install and Setup the VPN
Now that you’re connected to your friend’s phone, which should already be connected to a VPN server, you should have an uncensored internet experience. It will probably be a slow connection, but at least you can do what you need to do. From here, jump on to ExpressVPN or NordVPN, purchase a subscription to one of their services, and get all the login information you’ll need.
Pro VPN Tip
If you’re tech-savvy, you don’t have to download the app to install a VPN from within China. You can sign up for VPN service and then manually install the VPN on all of your devices.
Instructions for manual installation can be found in the tutorial pages for each VPN service.
Final Thoughts | Set Up a VPN Inside China
If at all possible, the easiest method to install a VPN from within China is obviously to try using dynamic links from the providers I’ve mentioned above. You can try:
However, the Chinese internet doesn’t work the same throughout the entire country, so if you’re in a place that just won’t connect to a VPN website, the second method will be your best option.
In most cases, these have worked for me and hundreds of other users I’ve worked with over the past year. However, it is important to avoid using a free VPN as they often lack the necessary security and reliability needed in China.
Find a friend who has a VPN already working on their phone and ask if you can spend a few minutes tethering off of their device.
The good news?
Once you install a VPN from within China, you shouldn’t have to do this process again! And, thankfully, you’ll have uncensored access to the internet in China to do what you need.
