Does Surfshark Work in China? [Today’s Update]

Surfshark is one of the most trusted VPN services available, known for its security features, fast speeds, and ease of use. However, many people who want to use Surfshark in countries with heavy internet censorship, such as China, often ask, “Does Surfshark work in China?” The short answer is yes, it does work, but there are specific steps to follow.

This article provides today’s update on using Surfshark in China, focusing on methods to set it up and troubleshooting tips, along with an in-depth look at the need for a VPN in the country.

How to Use Surfshark VPN in China?

If you’re in China and want to access restricted content, using a VPN like Surfshark is essential. The Great Firewall of China blocks access to many foreign websites and apps, so having a reliable VPN is necessary to bypass this censorship.

To use Surfshark in China, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download Surfshark from the Mirror Link

Due to internet restrictions in China, you may not be able to access Surfshark’s official website directly. However, Surfshark has a mirror link that is designed to be accessible from China. You can download the app from this link:

Surfshark Mirror Link for China

This link will direct you to Surfshark’s download page, where you can get the version suitable for your device. Be sure to download the app before arriving in China, if possible, as it might be difficult to access it once you’re already there.

Step 2: Install the App

After downloading the Surfshark app from the mirror link, follow the installation instructions on your device. Surfshark supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Make sure you download the correct version for your device.

Step 3: Connect Using OpenVPN Protocol

Once the app is installed, you will need to set up the connection. In China, the standard VPN protocols may be blocked, so it’s essential to use OpenVPN. OpenVPN is a more flexible and secure protocol, and it’s one of the methods that bypasses the Great Firewall.

Here’s a basic guide to setting up OpenVPN:

1. Open the Surfshark app.
2. Go to the settings and select “OpenVPN” as your connection protocol.
3. Choose a server outside of China. Surfshark offers multiple servers in countries like the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, and several European countries.
4. Connect to your preferred server. You can now browse freely without being restricted by Chinese internet censorship.

Step 4: Enable NoBorders Mode

China is notorious for blocking VPN traffic, and without the correct settings, your VPN might not work. Surfshark includes a “NoBorders” feature specifically designed to circumvent strict firewalls.

This feature allows you to connect to a server even in regions with heavy censorship, including China. We’ll talk more about NoBorders in the next section.

Step 5: Test Your Connection

Once you’ve connected to Surfshark via OpenVPN, you should test your connection. Try accessing a website that is blocked in China, such as Google, Facebook, or YouTube. If you can access it, then your VPN is working correctly.

Learn more about Surfshark ad-blocker and Surfshark kill switch.

Surfshark in China: Why Use a VPN?

The internet in China is heavily censored, with the government controlling access to a wide range of online content. The so-called “Great Firewall of China” blocks websites and social media platforms that are widely used in other parts of the world. This censorship can be frustrating for residents, tourists, and businesses operating in China.

Censorship in China

The Chinese government has been known to block or restrict access to websites and online services that it deems harmful or subversive to national security. This includes everything from news outlets to social media platforms.

If you’re in China, you may find it challenging to access the following services:

• Google (search engine, Gmail, Google Drive, etc.)
• Facebook (including Instagram and WhatsApp)
• YouTube
• Twitter
• TikTok (in some regions)
• News websites like the BBC or New York Times
• Wikipedia (in some cases)
• Netflix

This widespread censorship restricts free access to information and communication. If you rely on these platforms for work, communication, or entertainment, you need a reliable VPN to bypass these restrictions.

Access to Global Content

By using a VPN like Surfshark, you can bypass the Great Firewall and access a much wider range of content. Whether you want to catch up on the latest news, access Google services, or communicate with family and friends on social media, a VPN is an essential tool.

With a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and rerouted through a server in another country, making it appear as if you’re browsing from that location.

Stats on Censorship and Internet Use in China

• Over 1.3 billion people live in China, and a significant portion of the population uses the internet. According to Statista, there were 989 million internet users in China as of 2021.
• More than 90% of Chinese internet users are affected by censorship.
• Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are blocked, with over 30 million people in China using VPNs to access blocked content.

Given the high number of users who rely on VPNs, the need for tools like Surfshark is clear. A VPN provides access to unrestricted, global content, which is particularly important for tourists and expats in China.

Does Surfshark Work in China Reddit Users’ Experience?

Reddit is a good source of feedback from users who are actively experiencing these situations. Many Surfshark users share their experiences on Reddit, providing valuable insights for anyone planning to use the VPN in China.

In a Reddit thread titled “Is Surfshark Giving Anyone Issues in China?” (you can read it [here]), users discuss their experiences using Surfshark in China. Some users report that it works great with no issues, while others mention occasional connection problems, especially in areas with stricter censorship.

Some key takeaways from Reddit users’ experiences include:

• Connection Stability: Surfshark generally provides stable connections in China, though some users report the need to manually choose specific servers for better results.
• NoBorders Mode: The NoBorders feature is frequently mentioned as a solution to overcome issues with connecting to servers in China.
• OpenVPN: Many Reddit users suggest that OpenVPN is the most effective protocol when using Surfshark in China, as other protocols like IKEv2 may not work due to restrictions.

It’s clear that Surfshark works for many users in China, but it might take some troubleshooting to get it working perfectly in certain locations. However, for those who have followed the recommended setup steps, the VPN appears to work consistently.

Surfshark Not Working in China: What Can I Do?

Despite Surfshark’s reputation for bypassing restrictions, there may be occasions when it doesn’t work as expected in China. If you find that Surfshark is not connecting, try the following solutions:

1. Enable NoBorders Mode

NoBorders mode is Surfshark’s feature designed to help users connect to the VPN even in countries with strict internet censorship, like China. It automatically detects if the country you’re in is blocking VPN traffic and attempts to connect you to a server that’s able to bypass the restrictions.

To enable NoBorders mode:

• Open the Surfshark app.
• Go to Settings.
• Enable the NoBorders option under Connection.

If you’re still experiencing issues, try connecting to different servers or using the OpenVPN protocol for better results.

2. Switch Servers

If one server isn’t working, try switching to another. China blocks VPN servers at random, and one server might be blocked while others are still functional. Surfshark has servers in several countries, so experiment with different locations to find one that works best.

3. Use Obfuscated Servers

Some VPN services, including Surfshark, offer obfuscated servers, which disguise VPN traffic to look like normal internet traffic. This helps bypass deep packet inspection and makes it harder for the Great Firewall to detect and block VPN usage.

4. Update Your Surfshark App

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Surfshark app. Older versions might not be able to bypass the latest censorship measures, so updating the app can resolve connection issues.

5. Contact Surfshark Support

If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. Their team is available 24/7 and can guide you through the troubleshooting process or help you with advanced configuration steps.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in China?

Using a VPN in China is a bit of a grey area. The Chinese government has strict regulations on VPN usage and bans the use of unauthorized VPN services. However, using a VPN in China is not explicitly illegal for individuals.

The Chinese government primarily targets businesses and entities that provide VPN services without government approval. As a result, many international businesses operating in China continue to use VPNs to secure their communications and data. For individuals, while using a VPN is not illegal, it is recommended to exercise caution.

It’s also important to note that the Chinese government has ramped up its crackdown on unauthorized VPNs in recent years. There have been reports of VPN providers being blocked or disrupted, but

VPN usage remains relatively common among people in China, especially expats and travelers.

Conclusion

Surfshark is a reliable and effective VPN service for users in China, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps to ensure it works properly. By using the mirror link to download the app, enabling OpenVPN, and activating the NoBorders feature, you can access blocked content with ease.

While it’s not always perfect and may require troubleshooting, many users report positive experiences with Surfshark in China.

Given China’s internet censorship, using a VPN is almost a necessity if you want to access global content like Google, Facebook, and YouTube. As the censorship landscape continues to evolve, having a robust VPN like Surfshark ensures your internet freedom and privacy are maintained.