Update as of March 17, 2020
This page will always be updated with the latest advice on staying connected in China.
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
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 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 Mac. (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 new version of ExpressVPN for Android, which may help improve connection reliability.
- Ensure that you have enabled APK installs on your Android device.
- 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.
Find the ExpressVPN app on the iOS App Store and tap Update. (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. (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.
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for routers.
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
Hong Kong - 4
Singapore - Marina Bay
Japan - Yokohama
USA - Los Angeles - 5
UK - Wembley
USA - Santa Monica
Canada - Toronto - 2
France - Strasbourg
Germany - Nuremberg
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.