Updated on: April 15, 2024
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Access Discord From China in 2024:
- Step 1: Download and install a VPN that works in China. There are only a few VPNs that work in China. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast, secure, and easy to use.
- Step 2: Enable the VPN’s obfuscation tool. Every VPN’s obfuscation tool works differently. For example, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is automatically enabled across all of its servers and on all protocols.
- Step 3: Connect to a server in a country where Discord is available.Then, log into your Discord account. You’re all set! You can now chat with your friends on Discord from China.
Discord has been banned in China since 2018, as part of the Chinese government’s efforts to control communication and information. This means you won’t be able to use the app or website to chat with your friends while you’re in the country.
The quickest and easiest way to access Discord in China is with a VPN. It’s an online tool that lets you get around the Discord ban by encrypting your traffic, so your ISP (internet service provider) in China can’t see you’re using the Discord app or site.
Unfortunately, not many VPNs work in China due to the country’s firewall. The few that do use high-tech obfuscation tools — technology that makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic.
The good news is I’ve found a handful of excellent VPNs for accessing Discord in China. My favorite is ExpressVPN because of its blazing-fast speeds and top-notch security.
Discord might be limited in your area. Before using Discord, check that it’s permitted in your location and always comply with applicable local rules and guidelines. Also, please note that only government-approved VPNs are legal in China. Although the government mostly targets Chinese citizens who illegally set up and sell unsanctioned VPNs, it’s best to exercise caution when using a VPN in China.
Why Is Discord Restricted in Some Countries?
One of the main reasons countries ban Discord is to enforce censorship policies. On Discord, users are free to share their thoughts and opinions. Since it’s a US-based company, governments like China and North Korea can’t control it or ask the platform to hand over user information.
By banning Discord, China minimizes foreign influence and supports homegrown instant messaging and social platforms, such as WeChat and Tencent QQ, that the government can 100% monitor.
There are countries, like the UAE, that ban Discord for economic reasons. Discord lets people make free calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This threatens the profits of local telecommunications companies, which the government is heavily invested in.
Finally, some countries can’t use Discord due to US and EU sanctions. This covers countries like Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria, as well as the Crimea region.
How to Access Discord in China on Any Device
iPhone or iPad
- Get a VPN that works in China. I recommend ExpressVPN — it works in China 24/7, provides the fastest speeds on the market, and has excellent iOS apps.
- Download and install the VPN app. You can find it on the App Store. The installation wizard will guide you through the setup process.
- Connect to a nearby VPN server. Choose a server outside of China where Discord is available. Connecting to a nearby server will get you the fastest speeds.
Android Smartphone or Tablet
- Get a VPN with good obfuscation tools. ExpressVPN offers obfuscation on all of its servers and all of its VPN protocols. It also has easy-to-use Android apps.
- Download and install the VPN. You can find it on the Google Play Store. Then simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Connect to a VPN server where Discord is available. I recommend connecting to a nearby server to get the best possible speeds.
Windows PC or Mac Computer
- Choose a VPN that works reliably in China. ExpressVPN’s support reps confirmed that its VPN works in China. It also has feature-rich and easy-to-use apps for PC and macOS.
- Download and install the VPN. You can download the app from the provider’s website. The installation wizard will help you with the setup. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 2–3 minutes.
- Open the VPN app. Connect to a server in a country where Discord is available. Connecting to a nearby country, like Japan, Singapore, or Taiwan will get you the best possible speeds.
Best VPNs for Accessing Discord in China in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for accessing Discord in China in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for accessing Discord in China in 2024 (with automatic obfuscation).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great VPN for using Discord’s web app in China (with excellent privacy features).
- 🥉3. PrivateVPN — Good pick for video chatting on Discord with fast speeds and user-friendly apps.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Accessing Discord From China in 2024
ExpressVPN is my top pick for accessing Discord in China. Its support reps confirmed that it works in the country, and it has servers in nearby countries where Discord is available, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore — frankly, it’s the best VPN for China. This means you’ll get the fastest possible speeds for your audio and video chats on Discord.
This provider has an obfuscation feature that allows you to access Discord in China by hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN. Obfuscation is supported on all of ExpressVPN’s servers in 105 countries and every one of its VPN protocols. That said, its support reps recommend using the Automatic protocol in China.
ExpressVPN offers mirrored links in case you’re not able to access its site to download the VPN while in China. These links are copies of the site that use different URLs, and you can get them by emailing ExpressVPN’s customer support.
ExpressVPN plans start at $6.67 / month. It accepts payment via credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin and backs all of its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Great for Using Discord’s Web App in China
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for using Discord’s web app in China. This is because it provides obfuscation via the Shadowsocks protocol and allows you to split-tunnel apps and sites (most VPNs only let you exclude app traffic). The ability to choose IP addresses means you can use Discord’s web app in China.
PIA’s apps are very flexible and customizable, but they’re also user-friendly. I like how it has automation rules that connect you to the VPN on unsecured networks. Another cool feature is it also allows unlimited device connections, so your entire family can use Discord in China.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a very affordable VPN for accessing Discord in China, starting at just $2.03 / month. It also backs all of its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. PrivateVPN — Fast Speeds for Video Chatting on Discord in China
PrivateVPN offers excellent speeds for video chats on Discord in China. I tested its speeds by connecting to a server in Hong Kong, and I experienced no lag while sending messages or making voice/video calls on Discord.
Its Stealth VPN feature ensures consistent access to Discord in China by masking your VPN traffic. Plus, it’s great that PrivateVPN has servers in Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
PrivateVPN starts at $2.00 / month, so it’s another budget option for accessing Discord in China. It also backs all of its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review
Comparison of the Best VPNs for Accessing Discord From China in 2024
How to Choose the Best VPN for Accessing Discord in China in 2024
- Make sure the VPN works in China 24/7. All of the VPNs on my list come with obfuscation servers or tools that will allow you to use Discord in China at any time of the day.
- Inspect security measures. Look for industry-standard VPN security features, such as 256-bit AES encryption, which is strong encryption used by banks and militaries, a kill switch, which disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, a no-logs policy, which means the provider doesn’t track what you do online, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.
- Test its obfuscation speeds. All VPNs will reduce your speeds to some extent due to the encryption process, and using obfuscation technology will further reduce your speeds. Therefore, you want to get a VPN that can maintain fast speeds, so you can talk to your friends on Discord without any lag.
- Check the server network. Ideally, the VPN should have servers in countries near China that don’t ban Discord, like Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, or Taiwan. Connecting to a nearby server will get you the best possible speeds.
- Find a VPN that’s easy to use. The VPNs I recommend all have user-friendly apps for all major platforms, making it simple to connect to Discord on any device.
- Pick a VPN that provides good value. All of the VPNs on this list have affordable plans, allow a minimum of 5 simultaneous connections, and come with a free plan or money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
Discord Alternatives in China
There are 2 main alternatives to Discord in China: WeChat and Tencent QQ, which are Chinese apps.
- WeChat. WeChat (also known as Weixin) is a free instant messaging and calling app like Discord. It’s also a social media platform and a mobile payment app. WeChat is by far the most popular instant messaging and social media platform in China.
- Tencent QQ. Tencent QQ (or simply QQ) is the second most popular instant messaging service in China. It also has social networking features, like the ability to write blog posts, share pictures, and send virtual gifts to others.
Almost all other major instant messaging and VoIP apps are banned, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Viber, Line, Snapchat, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does China block Discord?
The main reason China blocks Discord is to enforce censorship. Since Discord is not Chinese-based and the Chinese government can’t force the company to share data with it or apply censorship as it sees fit, Discord is seen as a threat to the government’s control over the flow of information.
Is Discord banned in China?
Yes, Discord is banned in China, along with other Western social media and instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Viber, Line, and Snapchat. However, you can still access Discord in China by using a VPN with good obfuscation tools.
Can I use a free VPN to access Discord in China?
Yes, there are a few free VPN plans that work in China. However, all free VPNs come with some limitations. For example, TunnelBear’s free plan works in China, but you only get 2 GB per month, which is only enough for a few hours on Discord.
Most free VPNs don’t work in China. In fact, even most paid VPNs don’t work in China, either. The good news is all of the VPNs I recommend have obfuscation tools to evade VPN detection, and their support reps confirm that they work in China 24/7.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Discord in China?
Technically, it’s illegal because only government-approved VPNs are allowed in China. However, these VPNs won’t help you get access to Discord since they have to apply the same censorship as China’s network providers. Plus, they give the government backdoor access to user data, so they’re not great for privacy.
That said, I haven’t found any reports online of individuals being fined or punished for using an unauthorized VPN. The Chinese government mainly goes after Chinese citizens who set up and sell illegal VPNs.
Nonetheless, I strongly advise you to exercise caution when using a VPN in China and to familiarize yourself with local laws to avoid hefty fines or penalties.
How can I use Discord in China?
All you have to do is follow my simple 3-step guide:
- Step 1: Get a VPN. Make sure you get one that works in China — most don’t. I recommend ExpressVPN because it works 100% of the time and provides blazing-fast speeds.
- Step 2: Turn on obfuscation. Obfuscation prevents the government from detecting and blocking your VPN traffic.
- Step 3: Connect to a server in a country where Discord is available. Connect to a nearby server to get faster speeds. Now, log into your Discord account and start chatting!
