Update as of 06:28 GMT / 14:28 GMT+8, February 4, 2026

If you are having difficulty connecting in China, follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore your connection, or contact the Support Team.

How to troubleshoot your connection in China

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1. Use the latest versions of the ExpressVPN apps
2. Try connecting to different VPN protocols
3. Bookmark and keep checking this page

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 for your operating system:

Windows

Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Windows. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)

Mac

Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Mac. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)

Android

Please follow these steps to install and use the latest version of ExpressVPN for Android:

  1. Download the latest version of the APK installer file directly to your Android device.
  2. Install ExpressVPN from the APK file. (There is no need to delete or uninstall the existing ExpressVPN app.)
  3. After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.
iOS

Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for iOS. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)

If you do not see “Update” as an option, try the following methods:

Linux

Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Linux. (After the update, please wait a minute before trying to connect for the first time.)

For further guidance, see our instructions on how to set up and use the ExpressVPN app for Linux or contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.

Aircove

Download the beta version of AircoveOS here. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)

Alternatively, you can set your router to always install the latest beta version of ExpressVPN by enabling automatic beta updates.

For further guidance, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.

2. Try connecting to different VPN protocols

Connect to different VPN protocols in the order outlined in the table below. Each time after you change protocol, test your connection using the Pick for Me location.

You can find device-specific instructions on how to change your VPN protocol below the table.

PlatformProtocols
Windows
  1. Automatic
  2. Lightway – UDP
  3. Lightway – TCP
  4. WireGuard
  5. OpenVPN
Mac
  1. Automatic
  2. Lightway – UDP
  3. Lightway – TCP
  4. WireGuard
  5. OpenVPN
Android
  1. Automatic
  2. Lightway – TCP
iOS
  1. Automatic
  2. Lightway – UDP
  3. Lightway – TCP
  4. WireGuard
  5. OpenVPN
Linux
  1. Automatic
  2. Lightway – UDP
  3. Lightway – TCP
  4. WireGuard
  5. OpenVPN

Windows

To change protocols:

  1. On the VPN tab, click VPN Protocol.
  2. Click the protocol you want to use.
  3. If connecting to a protocol other than Automatic, you will see a pop-up asking if you are sure. Click Change Anyway to continue.
  4. Try connecting to the VPN again.

Mac

To change protocols:

  1. On the VPN tab, click VPN Protocol.
  2. Click the protocol you want to use.
  3. If connecting to a protocol other than Automatic, you will see a pop-up asking if you are sure. Click Change Anyway to continue.
  4. Try connecting to the VPN again.

Android

To change protocols:

  1. In the ExpressVPN app, tap Profile.
  2. Tap VPN protocol.
  3. Tap the Automatic (recommended) protocol.
  4. You may get a prompt asking if you are sure you want to change the protocol. Tap CHANGE ANYWAY.

iOS

To change protocols:

  1. In the ExpressVPN app, tap Profile.
  2. Tap VPN Protocol.
  3. Tap the protocol you want to use.
  4. You may get a prompt asking if you are sure that you want to change the protocol. Tap Change Anyway.

Linux

To change protocols on the Linux GUI app:

  1. On the VPN tab, click VPN Protocol.
  2. Click the protocol you want to use.
  3. If connecting to a protocol other than Automatic, you will see a pop-up asking if you are sure. Click Change Anyway to continue.
  4. Try connecting to the VPN again.

To change protocols on the Linux CLI app:

  1. Run the command: expressvpnctl set protocol [protocol]Swap out [protocol] for the name of the protocol you want to connect to. You can find a full list here.
  2. Try connecting to the VPN again.

Notes:

  • Only Automatic and Lightway protocols are available when Threat Manager is enabled. To switch to another protocol, you have to disable Threat Manager.
  • Connections may take longer than usual. Wait for the app to finish trying before retrying, and only try again once the app indicates that the connection was unsuccessful.

If you need further assistance, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.

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3. Bookmark and 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.

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