How to Use WhatsApp, Gmail and Google in China
Step-by-step: which apps are blocked in China, how to keep WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Maps and others working, and what to set up before you land.
Many of the apps you use every day do not work in mainland China without help. This guide lists what is blocked and how to stay connected.
What is blocked
Google services (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X, Telegram in practice, and many news sites are blocked or heavily throttled. WeChat, Alipay and most Chinese apps work normally.
Set up before you land
- Install a China-ready VPN and sign in while you still have normal internet.
- Download offline maps and any documents you need.
- Set up WeChat and Alipay, which you will need for daily life in China.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts, because logging in from China may trigger security checks.
Keeping WhatsApp working
WhatsApp messages and calls work when your VPN is connected. If calls are choppy, switch to a different server and try mobile data. Keep the app updated.
Keeping Gmail and Google working
Connect the VPN first, then open Gmail. Syncing in the background only works while the VPN stays on, so enable the always-on or auto-reconnect option and allow the app to run in the background.
Chinese apps while the VPN is on
Chinese banking, ride-hailing and payment apps often detect a VPN and refuse to work. Use per-app routing so those apps connect directly and everything else goes through the VPN. Vexonik VPN sends common Chinese apps outside the tunnel by default.
Troubleshooting
- App connects but nothing loads: switch server or protocol.
- Works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data: try another server, carriers differ.
- Drops after a few minutes: update the app and disable battery optimization for it.
See the full list of answers on the FAQ or follow server status. Plans are on the pricing page.