Update as of 09:13 GMT / 17:13 GMT+8, November 2, 2023

If you are having difficulty connecting in China, follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore your connection, or contact the Support Team.

(We have updated the recommended list of server locations below.)

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:

Windows

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.)

Mac

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.)

Android

Please follow these steps to install and use the latest version of ExpressVPN for Android:

  1. Download the latest version of the APK installer file directly to your Android device.
  2. Install ExpressVPN from the APK file. (There is no need to delete or uninstall the existing ExpressVPN app.)
  3. After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.
iOS

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, try the following methods:

Linux

Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Linux. (After the update, please wait a minute before trying to connect for 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.

Router

Download the beta version of ExpressVPN for routers on your specific model by following the links below. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)

Aircove
Asus RT-AC56R
Asus RT-AC56S
Asus RT-AC56U
Asus RT-AC68U
Asus RT-AC87U
Linksys WRT1200AC
Linksys WRT1900AC 13J1
Linksys WRT1900AC 13J2
Linksys WRT1900ACS
Linksys WRT3200ACM
Linksys WRT32X
Linksys EA6200
Netgear R6300v2
Netgear R6400v2
Netgear Nighthawk R6700v3
Netgear Nighthawk R7000
Netgear Nighthawk R7000P

Alternatively, you can set your router to always install the latest beta version of ExpressVPN by enabling automatic beta updates.

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

Options Protocol Automatic (recommended)

Mac

Preferences Protocol Automatic (recommended)

Android

Settings  VPN protocol Automatic (recommended)

iOS

Options Settings VPN Protocol Automatic (recommended)

Linux
In the terminal, type:

expressvpn preferences set preferred_protocol auto


Router

ExpressVPN router dashboard VPN Preferences Automatic (recommended)

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

Pick for Me
USA - Los Angeles - 5 
UK - Wembley
Singapore - Marina Bay
France - Alsace

We recommend that you start with Pick for Me for the best chance of connecting, if you do not need a particular location. Then, continue with the other locations in order. For best results, we suggest retrying the locations on this list before trying anything 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.

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