I love how the Line app combines text, voice, video calls, group chats, stickers, and social media into one, easy-to-use app, so I was pretty disappointed when I learned that the Japanese messaging service is completely blocked in China.
The good news is a high-quality virtual private network (VPN) can easily unblock Line in China.
A VPN can also unblock thousands of popular websites censored by the Chinese government, from Twitter to Google Maps.
On top of that, a good VPN keeps all your online activities private and secure so you don’t have to worry about cyber-criminals or government surveillance while you access Line.
In a hurry? Here’s how to use Line in China
Here’s how you can access Line in China.
Select a reliable VPN. In my opinion, ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for China.
Go to the VPN website and subscribe.
Download the VPN app.
Open the app and connect to a Japanese server .
Download the Line app .
Enjoy instant messaging, video calls, and more.
I use this same method to bypass any website block in China.
Key takeaways
Line is a popular messaging app with lots of great features.
The Line app is blocked in China due to government censorship.
A high-quality VPN gives you easy access to Line in China.
Only some VPN services can bypass Internet censorship in China.
A good VPN service allows you to browse the Internet anonymously.
Does Line work in China? The Chinese government has banned the Line app and uses The Great Firewall of China to prevent anyone with a Chinese IP address from accessing Line. For the time being, the only exceptions are China’s versions of the Line app; WeChat, and Weixin.
There is a workaround that will let you access the Line app and other restricted websites like Facebook, Twitter, and others so you can stay in touch with friends and family while in China.
Here’s how it works. Good VPN services can connect you to a server outside of China, providing you with a new IP address so you don’t get blocked by China’s firewall.
Why is Line not available in China? China uses internet censorship to minimize Western influences on its citizens. That’s why it blocks social media and instant message sites like Line, Google Hangouts, Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.
If you want to use instant messaging or video calling sites in China, you’ve got a couple of options. You can use one of China’s messaging sites such as WeChat and Weixin, or use a VPN to bypass China’s firewall to access Line.
How to access Line in China with a VPN
Here’s how to use a VPN to access Line in China.
Choose a dependable VPN. I suggest ExpressVPN .
Go to the VPN website and subscribe.
Install the VPN app.
Open the app and connect to a Japanese server .
Download the Line app.
Open the app.
Enter your phone number.
Start using the Line; it’s that easy.
3 best VPNs to access Line in China Here are my favorite VPNs for unblocking the Line app and other instant messaging services in China:
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
ExpressVPN is ideal for bypassing China’s internet restrictions so you can access any site you want, including Line, Google services, Twitter, and more.
Features : I like how this VPN service offers access to a large network of 3200+ servers in 105 countries and offers lots of other features, including obfuscation, split tunneling, ad-blocking, and 24/7 live chat support .
Speed : I tested the connection speed on a server near China (Hong Kong) and was pleased that I retained 90% of my baseline download speed.
Privacy & Security : I know my Internet connection is safe when I access Line thanks to ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption , Kill Switch, leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy .
Performance : I’ve been pleased with the quick and uninterrupted performance I get for the Line app, streaming, gaming, and browsing in China.
Streaming: I love watching movies while I travel, and with ExpressVPN, I can access my favorite streaming platforms from home, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more .
Compatibility: There is a user-friendly app for all my travel devices, including my mobile phone and laptop .
Pricing : For the best price you’ll pay $6.67/month , which includes 3 months free, a 30-day money-back guarantee , and 8 simultaneous connections per account.
Pros
Fast speeds Obfuscated servers Gets past the Great Firewall of China User-friendly 24/7 customer support 30 day trial Cons
More expensive than competitors Servers/countries: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
NordVPN offers great performance at a lower cost than ExpressVPN, with strong security and full access to any site on the Internet in China.
Features : There are 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, including obfuscated servers, in the network. I’m impressed with the number of features offered like 24/7 live chat support, split tunneling, ad-blocking, malware protection, dedicated IP addresses, and more .
Speed : When I connected to a server near China (Hong Kong) I held onto an impressive 92% of my baseline download speed.
Privacy & Security : The service uses high-end security features including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy .
Performance : I saw no change in performance when using a VPN for the Line app, streaming, gaming, and browsing during my travels.
Streaming: You’ll have an easy time accessing access global content libraries on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more .
Compatibility: NordVPN has a user-friendly app for your computer, mobile phone, laptop, smart TV, and more .
Pricing : The best deal is the 2-year basic plan for $3.39/month with 4 months free and a 30-day trial . You can use 10 simultaneous devices on each account.
Pros
Great speed Obfuscated servers Bypasses the Great Firewall of China 30 day trial 24/7 live chat support Cons
Occasional connectivity issues Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you want a low-cost family plan, Surfshark is ideal. It’s affordable, reliable, and comes with unlimited simultaneous connections .
Features : You can choose from 3,200+ servers in 100 countries . Its advanced features are comparable with the premium VPNs including obfuscation, split tunneling, data breach monitoring, ad blocking, and 24/7 customer support .
Speed : The speed on Surfshark was slower than what I got with the premium VPNs. When I put it to the test I retained 72% of my baseline speed, which is still fine for most online activities.
Privacy & Security : When you connect to the Internet using Surfshark, you are protected by military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, a zero-logs policy, and leak protection .
Performance : While you may get occasional slow-downs during peak use hours or HD streaming, for the most part, Surfshark works well for the Line app, streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
Streaming: You can count on Surfshark to get past the geo-blocks on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more , no matter where you are.
Compatibility: I found Surfshark’s apps user-friendly, and there’s an app for just about every device, including Android devices, smartphones, laptops, and PCs .
Pricing : You can pay as little 2.19/month with 4 months free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee . Plus, it includes unlimited simultaneous connections , making it an ideal family plan.
Pros
Low cost Unlimited simultaneous connections Obfuscated servers Bypasses the Great Firewall of China 24/7 live chat support 30 day trial Websites, apps, and services that are blocked in China Internet censorship is pretty broad in China, and you’re likely to find a government block on many of your favorite sites and services. Here’s an overview of some of the sites you need a VPN to access in China.
China blocks most popular websites for streaming, including:
Apps and sites You will need a VPN to use these apps:
You will find these essential work tools blocked.
Search engines The following search engines have a block on them:
Duck Duck Go
Google
Yahoo
Social Without a VPN, you won’t be able to use these popular sites:
Can I use a free VPN for Line China? I wouldn’t suggest using a free VPN to access Line in China, and here’s why:
Most free VPNs don’t offer the necessary obfuscation or geo-spoofing technology to get past China’s strict censorship.
Free VPNs often lack the robust security and privacy features that allow you to browse the Internet anonymously in China.
Some free VPNs sell your data to third parties, which poses a significant risk when using a VPN to access the Internet in a heavily monitored country like China.
FAQ Can I use the Line app in China? You can’t use the Line app in China without a good VPN.
Line is one of the many sites blocked by the Chinese government, but with a reliable VPN you can get around the block. Just use the VPN app to connect to a server in Japan before opening the Line app. You can use this same trick to access Twitter, Facebook, and more!
Which messaging apps work in China? WeChat, Weixin, and QQ are alternatives to Line that are available in China.
Is it legal to use Line app in China with a VPN? Using Line isn’t illegal, but you can’t access the Line app without a VPN, and most VPN websites are banned in China, the only exceptions being a few government-approved services. That’s why the best solution is to use a premium VPN any time you connect to the Internet in China.
Conclusion If you’re upset that The Line app for instant messaging is blocked in China, don’t worry. You can access Line from China with a reliable VPN. A VPN securely routes you to a server in another country, bypassing China’s blocks and protecting you from government surveillance.
In my opinion, ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for China, and here’s why.
With ExpressVPN I don’t have problems bypassing the Great I Firewall of China so I can access Line and all my other favorite sites. I also appreciate its unbeatable speed, security, and privacy, so I can count on uninterrupted service for making video calls, streaming, and more!