Does Slack Work in China in 2026?

Slack is a go-to tool for staying connected with your team, but things change a bit when you’re in China.

China engages in strict internet censorship, and the website is completely blocked by the Chinese government, which can be super frustrating if you’re trying to get business done from across the world.

The good news is, with the right virtual private network (VPN), you can access Slack in China without having to leave the country. Keep reading to learn more!

Key takeaways

1. Slack is an easy way to communicate with your business team, but it’s blocked in some restrictive locations, including China.
2. Users can get past China’s Firewall and access Slack using a virtual private network (VPN).
3. Make sure to complete your VPN subscription and set everything up before you arrive.
4. I recommend using ExpressVPN for accessing Slack.

What is Slack?

If you’ve never used Slack before, it’s basically a business communication service that replaces a lot of back-and-forth emails.

I use it to chat with coworkers, share files, and keep everything organized in channels for different projects or topics.

It also integrates with tons of other sites, so you can manage tasks, get the latest news, and collaborate with your co-workers all in one place.

Is Slack blocked in China?

Yes. Slack, along with many other sites, is blocked in China, which can be super frustrating if your business takes place in that region.

But don’t worry. With the right VPN, you can get past China’s blocks and communicate with your team without having to change your location. Read on to learn more….

How to choose the best VPN to unblock Slack in China

Only a few providers are good enough to get past China’s Great Firewall. Here are the key features you want to look for:

• Unblocking capability. Look at the VPN’s past performance for bypassing China’s Great Obfuscated servers designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic is a must!
• Private and secure connections. Protect yourself from unwanted surveillance and hackers by getting a service with military-grade encryption, strong leak protection, a kill switch, and an independently verified no logs policy.
• Speed. Slow speeds can interfere with good communication, so get a fast VPN. If it can maintain 90% or better of baseline speed, that is considered to be excellent.
• Server network. For the best access to websites around the world, you want a broad network of servers in countries across the globe, including locations near China, which will give you the best speeds.
• Customer service. Why take any chances? Subscribe to a service that comes with strong 24/7 customer support and a money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

Our recommended VPN to use Slack in China

1. ExpressVPN

My go-to VPN for accessing restricted sites in China is ExpressVPN. I love how every one of their servers is obfuscated, so there’s no special setup required. Plus, Express offers the highest level of security and privacy protection, and users can count on fast and reliable service.

Features: My favorite tools in ExpressVPN’s box are the ad blocking, tracker blocking, and password manager. I also love that I’ve got a network of 3,000+ obfuscated servers in 100 countries around the world at my fingertips, so I don’t have to worry about slow speeds from overcrowding.

Speed: When I tested Express’s speed, it held on to an average of 90% or better of its baseline speed when using its proprietary Lightway protocol, making it one of the fastest on the market.

Privacy and security: The Chinese government is known to engage in internet surveillance, but Express knows how to protect your data with its military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, strong leak protection, and an independently verified no logs policy.

Performance: Express works well with everything from scrolling on Facebook and streaming on Netflix to online gaming.

Streaming: When you’re done with work, you can use Express to access your favorite shows from back home or discover new titles in different regions on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more!

Compatibility: Express is user-friendly and compatible with PCs, mobile devices, smartphones, smart TVs, and more.

Pricing: Subscription costs start at $3.49 per month and include 10 simultanous devices, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

Other websites and apps are blocked in China

Here’s a sample of some of the websites and services that are blocked:

• AI tools. ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
• Google services. Google Search, Gmail, Maps, and Google Drive.
• Messaging & communication tools.WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Discord.
• News sites. BBC, CNN, The New York Times, and Reuters.
• Productivity tools. Dropbox, Notion, and Medium.
• Social media sites. Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, and Pinterest.
• Streaming & entertainment websites. Hulu, Netflix, Twitch, and Vimeo.

On top of that, many VPN websites are blocked, which is why its imporant to download and install your VPN while you’re still outside of China’s borders.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock Slack in China?

I don’t recommend using one of the free VPNs in China; it’s just not worth the risk. Not all VPN services are legal in China, so you’ve got to be really careful about the one you choose.

Free VPNs don’t typically have the tools needed to get past China’s Great Firewall, and they rarely have what it takes to protect your connection from hackers and unwanted surveillance. Some free VPNs may even sell your personal data to third parties for profit.

If you do manage to find one that lets you access restricted websites, limits on data, locations, and speed often leave users frustrated when it comes to performance.

FAQ

Is Slack banned in China?

Yes. Slack is banned in China. With a quality VPN, you can get past China’s block and access the site. Just remember to set everything up before you get there.

Can I use Slack in China?

Yes. With a quality VPN, you can route your internet traffic through another country and access the website.

Just keep in mind that only government-approved VPNs are legal, so you want to make sure you’re using a premium VPN and that you set everything up before you get there.

Conclusion

Slack may be blocked in China, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your team.

With a virtual private network (VPN) and a bit of preparation, you can keep your workflow running smoothly no matter where you are.

The key is choosing a VPN that actually works in China and getting everything set up ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling for access once you’re there. I recommend using ExpressVPN. It’s fast, reliable, private, and secure.