Update as of 04:00 GMT / 14:00 GMT+8, August 19, 2022
The connectivity situation in China remains challenging. Although a number of people have reported success with the troubleshooting steps below, we know that others are still experiencing issues. Our engineers are working hard to solve these problems for everyone, and we can only ask for your continued patience.
If you are one of the people still affected, please reach out to our Support Team. We want to hear from you.
People who have not visited this page recently should note the updated order of recommended server locations below. As always, we suggest that you keep trying these locations in the order provided, rather than try to connect to locations that are not listed.
This page will be updated regularly as the situation evolves. If there is any change in our suggested steps, it will be reflected here.
How to troubleshoot your connection in China
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1. Use the latest versions of the ExpressVPN apps
2. Set the protocol in your ExpressVPN app to Automatic
3. Wait for your app to complete its connection request
4. Try connecting to these locations in the following order
5. Bookmark and keep checking this page
1. Use the latest versions of the ExpressVPN apps
Keeping your app up to date is critical to getting connected. Follow these links to download the newest versions for your operating system:
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Windows. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for macOS. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
Please follow these steps to install and use the latest version of ExpressVPN for Android:
- Download the latest APK installer file directly to your Android device.
- Install ExpressVPN from the APK file. (There is no need to delete or uninstall the existing ExpressVPN app.)
- After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for iOS. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
If you do not see Update as an option:
- Go to the Updates tab to refresh the list of updates by pulling down and releasing.
- If you still do not see ExpressVPN in the list of updates, you may need to switch App Stores by using the Apple ID that you used to first download ExpressVPN.
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Linux for your specific distribution. (After the update, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
For further guidance, see our instructions on how to set up and use the ExpressVPN app for Linux or contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
Download and install the latest version of ExpressVPN for your specific router model. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
For further guidance, see our instructions on how to upgrade your router firmware or contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
2. Set the protocol in your ExpressVPN app to Automatic
Follow these steps to change the VPN protocol on your device:
Windows
Mac
Android
iOS
Linux
In the terminal, type:
expressvpn preferences set preferred_protocol auto
Router
3. Wait for your app to complete its connection request
At times, connecting may take longer than usual. Please let your app finish a connection attempt before retrying, only doing so after your app indicates that it is unable to connect.
4. Try connecting to these locations in the following order
Japan - Yokohama
USA - Los Angeles - 5
UK - Wembley
USA - Santa Monica
Singapore - Marina Bay
France - Alsace
If you can’t connect to these server locations on your first attempt, we recommend trying to connect to them again rather than trying locations not listed here.
5. Bookmark and keep checking this page
We will continue to update this page with the latest guidance, including new recommended server locations.
If you need further assistance, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.