Snapchat is a massively popular social media service with users around the world. Should you ever wonder about is Snapchat banned in China? You may find there are access issues.
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If you’re living in the country or traveling to China, you’ll find Snapchat is blocked as is many other forms of social media.
The Chinese government imposes restrictions so users can’t use the Snapchat app.
Using our guide, you can learn more about how you can access Snapchat in China, and how easy it is to unblock Snapchat using a premium VPN service (virtual private network). (Learn How to Unblock Yourself on Snapchat)
What is the Chinese Version of Snapchat?
To many, China’s QQ network is like an aging platform. It is an almost 20-year-old instant-messaging service launched for the PC age and quickly overshadowed by its sister network, WeChat.
But, for many like the younger generation, who think WeChat is for older people like their parents. WeChat, QQ has essentially filled a niche filled by Snapchat in the U.S.
What Social media is Banned in China?
China blocks thousands of websites, with numbers over 8,000. The Great Firewall of China is to enforce Chinese internet censorship on internet use by the Chinese. On mobile devices, you can discover app use is affected.
This is to protect Chinese citizens external influences and misinformation, which may be detrimental to the Chinese Government.
There are some internet companies to use for work or leisure, while others are absent and blocked by the Chinese when you are traveling to China.
Business Services
Should you wish to carry out business in China, you’ll struggle to use common services.
- Gmail e-mail, Google Services, Google Play Store, and more are blocked
- Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive and others
- Major News and Media outlets are banned in China.
- Internet Search Engines
You can use a censored version of Bing although others like Google, Amazon, Wikipedia, and yahoo are blocked.
Social Media Platforms
Most social media platforms or messaging services are blocked in China, and many added all the time.
- Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
- Quora, Tumblr, Reddit and more.
Streaming Services
Streaming or uploading across any popular services will be a challenge. YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion, Spotify, Twitch and more.
Can You Access Social Media in China?
Here you can learn all you need about how to access your social media in China.
Do I Need a VPN for Accessing Snapchat in China?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) gives access to an open internet via servers it has located around the globe. In mainland China, you’ll often find VPN services has no servers, yet on the borders, and using Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong, you can access Snapchat or other Social Media in the country.
In China, all your online activity will be monitored, yet using a VPN, it goes through military-grade encryption from the VPN to stop the government and hackers as well as the Chinese government from spying. (Learn How To Override A Kik Ban)
China has strict guidelines for online privacy via the Great Firewall, and it does need a VPN as the only way to access Snapchat from inside the Firewall.
Is it Illegal to Make Snapchat Work in China with a VPN?
China prohibits internet users to access foreign social media websites, even foreigners can’t get past the Firewall and hence why it has blocked Google services, Facebook, Snapchat in China, and other services. (Read Facebook this Content Isn’t Available Right Now)
Almost every VPN provider apps were removed as they are required by law to follow Chinese laws and regulations as well as being registered.
The legality of VPN in China remains questionable and not confirmed by Chinese authorities. So, you can’t download VPNs inside the country, and signing up for one has to be done before you enter the country to unblock Snapchat in China.
Unblock Snapchat in China Using a VPN
Using a VPN is the best way to use Snapchat in China
Here’s the step-by-step way to download VPN that works to unblock Snapchat in China.
Head to the website of the best VPN for China (you need to do this before traveling as the VPN site will be blocked in China)
Select your plan and sign up
Receive a confirmation email. Follow the links to download the apps for your devices. iOS and Android apps, you can get from the App Store or the Google Play Store.
Install the VPN on your device
Once inside China, Snapchat can work in China after you select a server in a country where the social media service is allowed. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan being the closest servers to China will offer the best performance using Snapchat on a VPN service. (Read You Can’t Use Facebook Right Now)
Picking a VPN to Access Snapchat in China
You can find many hundreds of VPN’s around the world, yet not every VPN service will access Snapchat in China.
You do have certain things you need to pay attention to as once you use a VPN, you can see the difference between these services.
VPNs need an extensive network so you can connect anywhere and bypass China’s censorship
A VPN provider needs to connect with the fastest possible speeds. A VPN service does slow connections slightly, so one that isn’t fast enough to stream video will ruin your experience.
When you use an available VPN, it has to be easy to use.
The VPN provider needs 24/7 customer service in case of issues accessing websites.
A VPN has to hide your IP address or the Great Firewall will quickly block access for any apps on your iOS or Android devices.
Any VPN providers need a secure server to protect all your data when visiting websites or using an app.
The best VPNs offer zero log policies and retain no user information about them or their device across a connection.
A good VPN needs to make sure a user can access Snapchat in China on all their devices, be it iOS, Android, and desktops and any other mobile devices users.
The best VPNs offer fantastic value for money. You can even test all the features with the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
