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Despite Snapchat being a popular chat and message sending app, it is blocked in China. This means a total of 1,36 billion population can’t use this app. Therefore, in this guide, I will be discussing how to access Snapchat in China using a VPN.

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Does Snapchat Work in China?

No, Snapchat doesn’t work in China. Due to China’s Great Firewall, it’s blocked in the country. Snapchat is an infamous image-sharing and chatting app that is completely restricted at workplaces and educational institutions in China.

However, you can make Snapchat work in China with a VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN for unblocking Snapchat in China.

China is one of the few countries that have blocked Snapchat and as a result, China users are unable to access Snapchat. To unblock Snapchat in China, you will need a VPN that works inside the country.

A VPN encrypts your online traffic and passes it through a server located in another country. This way your online traffic is hidden from snoopers, and you can bypass censorship. It makes it look like the traffic is coming from another region, unblocking Snapchat easily.

How to use Snapchat in China – 2-minute guide

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

1. Sign up for a VPN and install its app. (ExpressVPN is our top choice)

2. Launch the VPN app and log in.

3. Connect to a US server.

4. Download the Snapchat app on your device.

5. Once you’re done, log in to Snapchat and enjoy!

There are multiple VPN providers in the market and each of them is indifferent to one another. Depending on your purpose and budget, you will easily find a suitable VPN for yourself. Have a look at our link for getting successful access to Snapchat in China with these VPNs

I recommend ExpressVPN to unblock Snapchat or any kind of social media website that is blocked in regions that have strict internet laws such as China. Using a VPN is as easy as installing an app and connecting to a country server outside your current region.

How to use Snapchat in China [Detailed guide]

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

Step 1: You need to purchase a VPN subscription. We recommend to Subscribe to ExpressVPN and install the app before you arrive in China

Step 2: Open the ExpressVPN application and log in to the application using ExpressVPN account details

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Step 3: Connect to US server from ExpressVPN application

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Step 4: Open the Snapchat application or download Snapchat from their website. You should be able to access it since your IP address has now changed to a US-based IP address.

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Step 5: Start using Snapchat from China with ExpressVPN. Make sure to connect ExpressVPN every time before you open Snapchat.

3 Best VPNs to Unblock Snapchat in China

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation when it comes to unblocking social media apps including Snapchat. It has 3000+ servers and is available in 90+ countries. It has the strongest 256-bit encryption and offers a price of $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30-day refund policy.

Not many VPN services work in China, the only one that does are mentioned in the list below:

Banned Social Media Apps You Won’t Find in China

There is a tight grip on who sees what on the internet in China otherwise known as the Great Firewall of China. Other than a Snapchat app, there are a few other social media apps that are blocked in the region. These are:

Facebook

Facebook is banned in China since it gained popularity in 2009. In its competition, China developed its own social media website that has more users than Facebook. However, that particular website is highly censored and secured. Check out our guide to unblock Facebook in China.

Instagram

Chinese users are also unable to access the photo-sharing social media website Instagram. This social networking website belongs to Facebook and that is one of the reasons why it has been banned. It was banned after there was a protest held in Hong Kong in 2014. Read our guide on how to unblock Instagram in China.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp China has become one of the fastest ways to share an instant message from one country to anywhere around the world. China is skeptical about the information circulating the world, and it is the reason why it has banned the WhatsApp Messenger App in China.

What is a VPN and why do I Need One in China?

VPN is a Virtual Private Network that gives you access to the open internet via servers provided by a VPN. All your online activity is securely encrypted with the help of a VPN, therefore it keeps you protected from potential hackers and ISP spying.

China has a strict guidelines for online privacy i.e. Great Firewall that restricts Chinese users from visiting social media websites such as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Netflix, HBO, and so much more. It further restricts people from across the border to visit Chinese websites.

To circumvent geo-restrictions and to unblock websites in and out of China, you require a VPN service. It will keep your online activity protected and at the same time, it will offer you internet freedom where you can view any content on the internet.

Is it Illegal to Use a VPN in China?

China strictly prohibits internet users from accessing foreign social media websites, leading to the blocking of services like Google, Facebook, and Snapchat within the country.

Recently, all VPN provider apps were removed from the Apple Store in compliance with Chinese laws and regulations. If you’re navigating these restrictions, it’s essential to choose a reliable China VPN to ensure secure and unrestricted internet access.

However, the legality of a VPN in China remains debatable and still hasn’t been confirmed by Chinese authorities. However, actions taken by these authorities do indicate a strong case against VPNs.

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Can I use a Free VPN to Unblock Snapchat in China?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to potentially unblock Snapchat in China, as it might offer a temporary solution by masking your IP address and bypassing censorship. Opting for the best free VPN for China might grant limited access to content usually restricted by geography, enabling connections with friends and sharing moments despite the country’s constraints.

However, free VPNs often come with significant drawbacks. They tend to be slower due to high traffic, compromising your browsing experience. Moreover, their security measures might be inadequate, potentially exposing your data to risks like leaks or breaches.


Frequently Asked Questions

Sadly No, if you are residing in China or thinking about traveling there then you cannot use Snapchat in China because just like many other platforms, the Chinese government has banned Snapchat, so users cannot access Snapchat in China.

If you try to access Snapchat in any Chinese region, you won’t be able to open the app since it is blocked in China. The only way to access Snapchat in China is through using a VPN service.

The best way to unblock Snapchat is by installing a VPN app that works in China such as ExpressVPN. Once you open the app, you need to connect to a US server and you will be granted access.

Final Words

In a nutshell, you can not use Snapchat in China. At least until you activate a VPN first. Like all the other major social media platforms, Snapchat is also blocked in China. The only way to access it there is with a VPN provider. We tested ExpressVPN and it is easily the recommended choice.

Chinese internet restrictions are easily bypassed by VPNs that have obfuscation servers and ExpressVPN is one of them. Once you connect to the US server, you will be able to use Snapchat in China.