Updated 04:30 GMT / 12:30 GMT+8, June 12, 2019.
Our engineers are still working hard to address blocks in China and improve connection reliability. If you are using an iOS or Android device, it is vital that you keep updating your app to stay connected, even if you are currently able to connect with an older version. Please see the instructions below to install.
We will continue to update this page with the latest advice on staying connected, so please check here regularly.
How to troubleshoot your connection in China
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 of:
- ExpressVPN for Windows
Update to ExpressVPN for Windows 7.1.1.If you are unable to connect with Version 7.1.1:
- Download and try the latest beta: Version 7.2.0.
- If you already downloaded this beta version earlier this week, there is no need to download Version 7.1.1.
- Please note: The beta version is not widely available for download yet, and you may encounter minor bugs.
- ExpressVPN for Mac
Update to ExpressVPN for Mac 7.2.0.If you are unable to connect with Version 7.2.0:
- Download and try the latest beta: Version 7.3.0.
- If you already downloaded this beta version earlier this week, there is no need to download Version 7.2.0.
- Please note: The beta version is not widely available for download yet, and you may encounter minor bugs.
- ExpressVPN for Android
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 APK installer file directly to your Android device: ExpressVPN for Android 7.5.1.
- Install ExpressVPN from the APK file. (There is no need to delete or uninstall the existing ExpressVPN app.)
- ExpressVPN for iOS
Find the ExpressVPN app on the iOS App Store and tap Update.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.
Please note: On iOS, do not switch away from the app while it is trying to connect.
- ExpressVPN for Linux
- ExpressVPN for routers (if you are a router user, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for advice on the latest updates)
2. Set the protocol in your ExpressVPN app to Automatic
- Windows: ≡ > Options > Protocol > Automatic (Recommended)
- Mac: ≡ > Preferences… > Protocol > Automatic (Recommended)
- Android: ≡ > Settings > VPN Protocol > Automatic
- iOS: ≡ > Settings > VPN Protocol > Automatic
- Linux: type expressvpn preferences set preferred_protocol auto
- Router: ExpressVPN router dashboard > VPN Options > VPN Protocol > Automatic
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
- USA – Los Angeles – 5
- Japan – Tokyo – 1
- Japan – Tokyo – 3
- UK – Wembley
- Singapore – Marina Bay
- USA – Santa Monica
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. Once connected, avoid disconnecting if possible
Once you’re successfully connected to the VPN, we recommend not disconnecting unless necessary. Continued blocks may mean that future connection attempts are not guaranteed to be consistently successful.
6. 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.