Is Google banned in China? The short answer? Yes, it is, for the most part. But it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, China had its own version of Google search engine. However, even complying with the Communist Party’s stringent guidelines was not enough to save it from the hammer.
Search results from the mainland return an error page, “thanks” to the notorious Great Firewall of China, the Middle Kingdom’s notorious censorship system. Google is in good company — several other major online services have also faced restrictions or outright bans in China.
Thankfully, there are quite a few ways to circumvent the block, and a VPN is the most reliable way. This article will work you through the process of getting past the ban so you can use Google in China (the search engine AND all other services). And because they are not all created equal, we’ll throw in the best VPN providers for the task.
How to Unblock Google in China With a VPN
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to accessing Google in China. We recommend you use one of the top VPNs for China and will demonstrate with the best of them, ExpressVPN.
Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN Provider
You need a capable provider — many VPNs will not work within China due to ongoing crackdowns by authorities.
You want one with a proven track record of success in circumventing the Great Firewall. Still, it must also excel in other areas, like speed and performance, geo-block bypassing capabilities, and privacy and security.
According to our tests, the best VPN to unblock Google services in China is ExpressVPN.
Step 2: Install the VPN
Visit the VPN provider’s official website. Register an account and purchase a subscription plan that works for you. Next, download and install its app on your device.
Many top VPNs offer apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Follow the installation instructions provided on its resource base, or contact a customer care representative if you have any issues.
Step 3: Connect to a Server Outside China
Once installed, launch the VPN app and log in with your account credentials. From the VPN’s server list, connect to one located outside China. For best results, select a location near China where Google is unrestricted, like Hong Kong or Taiwan.
Step 4: Access Google Freely in China
With your VPN successfully connected and your internet traffic routed through a server outside of China, you can now access Google as if you were in another country.
Open your web browser, visit the Google website, and you should be able to use the search engine just as you would in countries where it is unrestricted.
If you used a quality VPN service, you should now be able to access Google in China.
Best VPNs to Use Google in China — Our Top 3 Picks for 2024
Many providers claim they can bypass China’s censorship system. In reality, it’s no mean task, and only a few VPNs succeed. Besides, you must watch out for several other factors if you prefer an all-round online experience.
After rounds of evaluation, here are our top picks for unblocking Google in China.
1. ExpressVPN
Arguably the best provider overall, most privacy experts agree ExpressVPN is worth its relatively steep pricing.
The VPN offers all the features you need to use Google in China, including a large network comprising 3,000+ servers across 105 countries. That includes locations in nearby countries for stable connections.
In any case, it’s the fastest VPN service around. That means you can depend on instant returns on your Google search results, as well as smooth streaming and downloads when you’re in China, even when connected to more distant servers.
The VPN also impresses when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions and China’s blockage of other websites and online services. Consequently, you can unblock Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in China. What’s more, it provides access to Netflix, Prime Video, and most other major streaming services.
ExpressVPN keeps your data safe with ironclad AES 245-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Its TrustedServer technology ensures servers wipe clean after each reboot. Besides, it has a strict, verified no-logs policy, so you know you’re not leaving any trails behind for Chinese authorities or shady internet actors.
With a single ExpressVPN subscription, you can simultaneously protect up to eight devices. If you need assistance, there’s customer support available around the clock.
On top of that, ExpressVPN backs its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test it risk-free.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular providers on the market, thanks to a feature-rich service that covers all the bases.
The VPN operates a network of 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, with a strong presence in multiple neighboring regions. That extensive network guarantees dependable access to Google and its associated services in China — as well as other banned websites and services.
NordVPN is only beaten by ExpressVPN when it comes to performance. As long as you have a fast internet connection to begin with, you can be sure of buffer-less streaming, even on 4K and higher videos.
Speaking of which, NordVPN offers unfettered access to exclusive libraries on streaming platforms. For instance, you can stream Netflix US, Prime Video, and other foreign libraries from the Middle Kingdom.
NordVPN prioritizes data security and privacy. It deploys military-grade encryption, features an app-specific kill switch, and guards against DNS leaks. Plus, its RAM-based servers prevent data from being stored on physical hard drives.
The provider goes the extra mile with advanced functionality like obfuscation and Double VPN, both of which can come in handy for evading surveillance and censorship in China.
One NordVPN account covers up to six devices at the same time. There’s also a 24/7 live chat channel should you need help setting up or using the service to access Google in China (for example).
You have up to 30 days after your purchase to back out and get a refund or commit.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark’s reputation as a budget provider doesn’t tell the full story, considering it’s easily one of the best VPN providers on the market.
The VPN’s collection comprises 3,000+ servers across 100 countries. That impressive country spread means more server locations nearby (including Singapore and Hong Kong) for seamless, reliable connections.
Surfshark’s ability to unblock content is top-notch, extending beyond Google to platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more. While it may not match the speeds of the other providers on this list, you can still expect fast performance, allowing smooth video streaming without annoying buffering, especially when you use the WireGuard protocol.
Don’t let its affordable pricing mislead you — Surfshark maintains high privacy and security standards. It features industry-standard functionality like top-notch encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. But we especially like the provider for its advanced and extra tools, including multihop and a malware blocker.
Unlimited simultaneous device connections mean Surfshark is an ideal choice if you have lots of gadgets or live in a large household. If you have a poor impression of the provider within a month, you can ask for a refund.
Why You Can’t Access Google in China
Google’s unavailability in China isn’t due to technical glitches or regional restrictions. Instead, it results from a complex relationship between the internet giant and the Chinese government.
The main enforcer behind this ban is China’s stringent internet censorship system, commonly known as the Great Firewall. This system tightly regulates online content, filters search engine results, and blocks access to loads of websites and services that don’t stick to the government’s strict guidelines.
Google launched Google.cn, a version of its search engine tailored to comply with Chinese censorship requirements. At a point, it held a third of the country’s search engine market. But while it filtered its search results and limited access to certain information, authorities still saw it as a threat, especially as it was a Western company that logged data.
And then, in 2010, the company took a principled stand by announcing that it would stop censoring its search results in China — even if it meant having to exit the market. In response, the government got Google banned in China, blocking access to its search engine and making it virtually inaccessible to users there.
This move did not only affect the search engine but also its other services, like Gmail, Docs, Maps, and Google Drive. To fill the void, authorities pushed domestic alternatives like Baidu and Sogou. It goes without saying that they operate in full compliance with official regulations.
Can You Unblock Google in China With a Free VPN?
There are tons of free VPNs out there promising private, secure internet access. We generally don’t recommend them unless as a last resort, but very few (if any) would be effective in bypassing Google’s ban in China.
Besides, free VPNs are packed with limitations like slow connection speeds, data caps, and relatively fewer server options. These factors can hinder your ability to access Google efficiently and without interruptions.
Even worse, using a free VPN in China raises concerns about online privacy and security. Some log users’ data, exposing you to intrusive ads. Others have subpar functionality for safeguarding your personal information, essentially offering loopholes that malicious actors can exploit.
You want to prioritize privacy and reliability when accessing a blocked website like Google in a country with strict censorship. You’re much better off hopping on an affordable provider instead.
Conclusion
China’s strict control over online content and information flow has resulted in the blocking of numerous websites and services, including Google. Whether you’re a resident or a traveler in China, accessing Google’s search engine and associated services can be a significant challenge due to these restrictions.
But while Google is banned in China, a VPN presents a reliable workaround. The best option available? We recommend ExpressVPN. Take advantage of a whopping 49% discount on its 12-month plan to get three months extra.
