Update as of 07:20 GMT / 15:20 GMT+8, November 30, 2022
The team is aware of a decline in VPN connectivity affecting users in China. It is important that you follow all the troubleshooting steps detailed below to restore your VPN connection, while we investigate the issue and work to give you the latest updates.
Please bookmark and keep returning to this page. It is up-to-date with the latest recommendations for getting reconnected. For immediate assistance, contact the ExpressVPN Support.
How to troubleshoot your connection in China
Jump to section
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 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 latest version of ExpressVPN for Android:
- Download the latest version of the 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, try the following methods:
- If you previously downloaded ExpressVPN with a different Apple ID, you will have to sign in to that Apple ID to update the app.
- Otherwise, try these troubleshooting steps from Apple Support.
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. (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
Pick for Me
Japan - Yokohama
USA - Los Angeles - 5
UK - Wembley
USA - Santa Monica
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.