Residents and visitors have been unable to access Facebook in China for over a decade now. Try using the Meta-owned social media site in mainland China, and an error message greets your attempts. If you try the app instead, it simply refuses to load or refresh. Note that the same applies if you’re trying to use Messenger in China.
That’s an issue because while it doesn’t seem that way these days, Facebook is still by far the largest social networking platform. Before it was summarily censored, millions of Chinese residents were active on it. But the country is heavy on internet control and limits or completely blocks content it does not approve of.
Don’t worry — if you live in China or are planning a visit, you can use a VPN service. It encrypts your online traffic and lets you enjoy Facebook under the radar. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to unblock Facebook in China.
Access Facebook in China With This Trick
Accessing Facebook and Messenger in China is easy with a risk-free VPN. We advise NordVPN, which is risk-free and works in China thanks to obfuscated servers. Here’s how to access this popular social media and use it normally in this country:
- Get NordVPN. You can claim its grandiose discounts for 2-year plans and save up to 72%.
- Install NordVPN on the device you’ll use in China.
- Connect to any of NordVPN’s obfuscated servers outside this country.
- Go to Facebook and use it freely. You can also download Messenger and connect with your friends and family without a hitch.
Why You Can’t Access Facebook (and Messenger) in China
China is the poster boy for strict internet censorship policies. Its infamous “Great Firewall” combines legislative measures and sophisticated technology to control the nation’s internet access. And it does a great job of enforcing the country’s restrictive measures.
Meanwhile, Facebook, along with other high-ranking websites and online services like WhatsApp, YouTube, Google, Instagram, and Reddit, have fallen victim to this widespread censorship.
The Chinese government’s primary concern lies in its firm control over the flow of information and communication channels within the country. Facebook’s open and relatively unrestricted platform stands in stark contrast to its objectives of oversight and regulation.
Besides, Facebook is under the ownership of Meta, a United States-based company. The Chinese government, wary of foreign companies potentially influencing public opinion, prefers to promote domestic tech firms. That’s why China has its own social media sites, like WeChat, which are subject to comprehensive censorship and surveillance measures.
That said, Facebook is not completely blocked in China. If you’re a tourist heading to the southernmost province of Hainan, you’re free to use the app. It’s only the smallest province in the country, but still.
How to Access Facebook in China With a VPN
A VPN lets you unblock restricted websites like Facebook when you’re in China (and other censored countries). The thing is, you’re not going to find many that work in China, “thanks” to government authorities actively preventing access to them.
To circumvent the Great Firewall, you need a powerful VPN for China. We recommend NordVPN.
1. Choose a Reliable VPN
To be able to use Facebook and Messenger, you need a reputable VPN service with a proven track record of evading China’s internet restrictions.
Ensure it comes with robust privacy features, excellent performance, an extensive server network, and compatibility with your device’s operating system.
2. Download and Install the VPN
Visit the official website of your chosen VPN provider, create an account, and then pay for a suitable subscription plan. Next, download the VPN app for your device.
Most premium VPNs are compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Follow the installation instructions provided by the provider to set up the app on your device.
3. Connect to a VPN Server Outside China
Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials when prompted. Select a server located outside of China. Nearby countries like Hong Kong or Taiwan will provide more reliable connectivity than those farther away. Establish the VPN connection by clicking the Connect button on the app’s main screen.
4. Access Facebook in China
With your VPN connected to a foreign server, you can access Facebook as if you were in a region without internet censorship. Visit the Facebook website or app, log in, and enjoy unrestricted access to your account.
Remember to keep your VPN active while using Facebook so you have uninterrupted access to the platform’s services.
As a reminder, by following the steps listed above, you’ll also be able to enjoy Messenger (Facebook’s messaging service) in China.
Best VPNs to Unblock Facebook in China — Our Detailed List for 2024
You’re not exactly spoiled for choice in terms of the array of providers that work in China. That said, without any research, you still risk the chances of picking a sub-par VPN.
That’s why we tested those VPNs and considerably narrowed down your choice of options to these three. Let’s get down to it.
1. NordVPN – The most reliable VPN for accessing Facebook in China
The most convenient way to use Facebook in China is to go with the popular NordVPN. The Panama-based VPN lets you access Facebook in China securely, offering a feature-rich service for a lower price.
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network comprising over 6,300 servers in 110 countries, including locations in nearby Asian countries. These servers are renowned for their lightning-fast performance, ensuring seamless connections for Facebook use, whether you’re chatting, posting, or scrolling.
Plus, the VPN offers exceptional versatility by bypassing censorship and granting access to a vast array of blocked websites and platforms. It effortlessly unblocks popular streaming services, both local and international, so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without geographical restrictions.
NordVPN’s Double VPN routes your online traffic through two servers, offering an additional layer of security. It also employs military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and RAM-based servers. In addition, a strict no-logs policy means there’s no chance of breadcrumbs leading back to you.
You can use a single NordVPN account on up to ten devices at the same time, two more than ExpressVPN. The VPN offers quality customer support with email and live chat available around the clock.
2. ExpressVPN – a secure and reliable VPN for unblocking Facebook services
The #2 go-to choice for using Facebook in China is also arguably one of the most revered providers on the market. ExpressVPN ticks almost all the right boxes, including excellent unblocking capabilities, performance, and privacy.
Moreover, it offers a sizeable network of servers, comprising 3,000+ across 105 countries. That includes nearby countries and territories like Taiwan and Hong Kong, so you can be sure of reliable connections. Many consider ExpressVPN to be the most reliable VPN in Taiwan.
Thanks to high-performance 10 Gbps infrastructure and its proprietary Lightway protocol, it also tops our speediest VPN list. That means you can expect fast loading times when you use Facebook on the web or mobile.
You can also stream in ultra HD video resolution, experiencing little to no buffering, even when connected to distant servers. Mind you, the VPN unblocks virtually every website and streaming platform — even those blocked by the Great Firewall. Netflix and Spotify, for instance, have no service in the country, but you can still stream on them when you connect to foreign servers.
Security-wise, ExpressVPN is stacked. It protects your data against hackers and prying eyes with high-level AES 256 encryption. Even a quantum computer would take an incredibly long time to break through that defense. The VPN also implements a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and several advanced features.
ExpressVPN permits up to 8 simultaneous device connections. Plus, there’s 24/7 customer support, so there’s always helpful assistance when you need it.
3. Surfshark – the cheapest VPN in China for using Facebook
Surfshark is the budget option on this list, but don’t assume that translates to any compromise in quality. It’s still easily one of the best VPN services around.
To use Facebook in China, you can choose from 3,200+ servers spanning 100 countries. That’s the widest country spread on this shortlist, which means plenty of connection options, including several nearby.
Surfshark won’t beat the other providers in a speed test, but you’re not going to complain about its performance. You can look forward to enjoying your social media time on Facebook smoothly. It’s also fast enough to stream high-quality video with little to no buffering.
This VPN can handle your requirements if you’re into streaming international content. It bypasses geo-blocks on popular streaming services from China. And when you travel abroad, you won’t lose access to your regular platforms from home.
Surfshark is impressive when it comes to keeping your data safe and private. The provider offers bank-level encryption, RAM-based servers, and a strict logless policy verified by third parties. An automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection help against potentially expensive or harmful leaks. Surfshark also has a handy ad and malware blocker that works quite well.
Another pointer to this provider’s remarkable cost-effectiveness is that it places no simultaneous device connection limits on your subscription. Surfshark has a robust knowledge base, but you can reach a representative any time via live chat or email.
Can You Unblock Facebook in China With a Free VPN?
A handful of free VPNs may work in China, but they generally aren’t worth the trouble. While the appeal of using Facebook in China without paying for a VPN is understandable, these free services come with significant drawbacks.
To begin with, most free VPNs provide poor performance, with slower connection speeds and data limitations that hinder smooth online activities. This can be frustrating for activities like Facebook, which involve media-rich content and real-time interactions.
What’s more, many free VPNs compromise privacy. Some may log user data and online activities, potentially putting your information at risk. Additionally, many of them support their services through intrusive ads, which can disrupt your online experience.
In contrast, reputable paid VPNs, while requiring a subscription fee, offer better performance, strong privacy protection, and dedicated customer support. Investing in a premium VPN ensures smoother, more secure access to Facebook in China, even if you opt for a cheap one like NordVPN or Surfshark.
Conclusion
China’s obsession with maintaining a tight grip over information flow within the country means thousands of websites and online services are blocked there. Facebook is one of those casualties.
If you live in China or are visiting there, you’ll be unable to access your feed, chat, and share your thoughts with others on Facebook.
Thankfully, there are a few ways out. The easiest and most reliable approach involves using a VPN service. We recommend NordVPN as the provider to unblock Facebook in China.
Hop on its annual plan and enjoy 65% off and a few extra months.
