How to Access the Google Play Store in China (Updated 2023)
Last Updated by John Bennet on September 21, 2024
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade or so, Google and China do not get along. The main problem for China is that Google tends to report everything that happens everywhere from as objective a point of view as possible.
Since China prefers to give its official point of view that usually plays its own actions in the best light, it’s easy to see how a clash could come about.
China has blocked various parts of Google on and off for the past decade, doing so with Wikipedia, Facebook, and most Western news sites as well.
In fact, it’s been so long since most standard websites were available in China that an entire generation of Chinese children entering their teenage years with zero knowledge of what Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, and Google are or what they look like.
The State of Google Play
One of the biggest platforms those living in China are missing out on is Google Play. Formerly known as the Android Market, Google Play is where apps can be downloaded, purchased, or both.
Its catalog is not limited to just Android apps, however. It also has listings for games, music, books, movies and TV show sna movies, news publications and magazines, and even other devices.
That much available information makes it an easy choice to earn censorship by the Chinese government. The censorship is affected by the Great Firewall of China, which controls all Internet access in China.
Whenever a Chinese computer tries to visit the Google Play store, the IP address is blocked and recorded, should Chinese police officials want to issue an investigation to arrest the user responsible.
How a VPN Works With Google Play in China
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts and reroutes your internet traffic through its own remote servers, which are based all around the globe. This allows you to connect to the internet in your home country (and access Google Play) while visiting China for work or a vacation.
Non-government approved VPNs are banned in China, so you should exercise caution if you decide to use a VPN within China’s borders. However, you likely won’t be prosecuted for doing so. In the typical approach, China employs technological barriers to block VPN services rather than pursuing foreign individuals utilizing them. As of now, there haven’t been any reported instances of travelers facing penalties from the government for utilizing a VPN not sanctioned by the government.
The Best VPNs for Google Play in China
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. When you make your move to get on Google Play, there is 256-bit encryption and the ability to reach up to 8 devices at once with one license. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s hassle-free to get a refund if you don’t like it.
2. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has lots of available servers to choose from, more than 200 in 63 countries across the globe. It supports both OpenVPN and IPSec to make encryption a snap and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. VpyrVPN
VyprVPN has 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection and more. You can connect 10 devices at once and there are more than 700 servers to choose from. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
