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Does Tinder Work in China in 2024?

fact-checked Fact-checked by  Lance Gross
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There’s a lot of internet censorship in China and Tinder is one of the many blocked sites, but that doesn’t have to stop a Tinder user from using the app to find interesting people nearby!

With a high-quality VPN, you can access Tinder in China with just the click of a button.

In a hurry? How to use Tinder in China

  Here’s an easy way to access Tinder in China.

  1. Sign up for a premium VPN service. I find ExpressVPN works exceptionally well in China.
  2. Install the VPN on your device.
  3. Open the app and connect to a server in a country where Tinder isn’t blocked, like the US.
  4. Go to Tinder and sign in.
  5. Start using Tinder in China!

Key takeaways

  1. Tinder is a popular dating app used to find like-minded people nearby.
  2. Tinder is blocked in China.
  3. You can unblock Tinder in China using a reliable VPN.
  4. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are secure VPNs that can unblock Tinder in China.

Does Tinder work in China in 2024?

Tinder is blocked in China, but you can use the app to meet locals or visitors to China with a high-quality VPN.

What you need to access the Internet in China

If you want to access Tinder in China, you’ll need to establish an Internet connection first. Here are your best options.

  • Roaming. You can use your regular data plan on roaming in China, but it’s usually quite costly.
  • Public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is available in the bigger cities in China, but if you plan to travel around the country, your connections will be pretty spotty.
  • Chinese SIM card. Purchasing a pre-paid Chinese SIM card is both affordable and reliable. Just pick one up at the airport or a local vendor.

3 best VPNs to unblock Tinder in China

In my experience, very few VPNs for China can get past China’s firewall to access Tinder. These three VPNs have what it takes!

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN banner

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!

I rely on ExpressVPN whenever I’m in China. I know its unblocking capabilities are second-to-none and it uses the gold standard in privacy and security features to keep me safe from government surveillance.

Features: I like the extra security I get with ExpressVPN’s tracker blocker, ad blocker, obfuscated servers, and TrustedServer technology. It’s also got a nice-sized network of 3000+ servers in 105 countries around the world.

Speed: When I compared my baseline speed to my speed on an overseas server, I was pleased that I retained 90% of my connection speed.

Privacy and security: When in China, I want the best online security I can get, which is just what ExpressVPN offers. It comes with AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, an automatic Kill Switch, and leak protection.

Performance: I use my VPN for a lot more than Tinder, and get smooth performance for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Streaming: I can get past China’s firewall to watch content on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more using ExpressVPN.

Compatibility: I find the apps to be user-friendly. They are compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously.

Pricing: The best-priced plan comes out to $6.67/month with 3 months free and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Bypasses China’s firewall
  • Strong privacy and security features
  • Excellent speed
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons

  • Costs more than competing VPNs

2. NordVPN

NordVPN Banner

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 is a great value! For less money than ExpressVPN, you can access Tinder in China and take advantage of its many advanced features.

Features: I love the extra security and versatility Nord offers with its Threat Protection, Meshnet, dark web monitoring, double VPN, split tunneling, obfuscated servers, and more. Plus, it’s got a huge network of 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.

Speed: The speed on NordVPN is impressive. I compared the baseline download speed with the download speed I got on an overseas server and had a 93% retention.

Privacy and security: I am confident that my data stays protected with NordVPN’s use of AES 256-bit military-level encryption, an automatic Kill Switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.

Performance: Not only does Nord perform well for finding a match on Tinder, but it’s also great for streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting.

Streaming: I’ve been able to access geo-blocked content on all my favorite streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more!

Compatibility: Nord has apps for the iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux operating systems. They are easy to use and you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Pricing: The pricing varies by plan, and begins at $3.39/month with 4 months free. It comes with a 30-day trial.

Pros

  • Bypasses China’s firewall
  • Strong privacy and security features
  • Excellent speed
  • 30-day trial
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Occasional connectivity issues

3. Surfshark

Surfshark Banner

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!

This budget VPN really stands out, offering far more features than other low-cost options. Plus, Surfshark can bypass China’s firewall so you can access Tinder!

Features: Most budget VPNs don’t come with features like split tunneling, obfuscated servers, double VPN, threat protection, and data breach monitoring, but Surfshark does! It has also got a nice-sized server network of 3,000+ servers in 100 countries.

Speed: When I compared my download speed on an overseas VPN server to my baseline, I retained 72% of my speed, which is slower than the premium plans but still fast enough for Tinder users.

Privacy and security: I know I’m just as secure on Surfshark as I am with the premium plans since they employ AES 256-bit encryption, a zero-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and leak protection.

Performance: Surfshark works well for dating apps, streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting. If you do experience any buffering or slowdowns, play around with your server locations a bit until you find one that runs smoothly.

Streaming: Surshark can access geo-blocked streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more!

Compatibility: There are intuitive apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, and best of all, you get unlimited simultaneous connections!

Pricing: Pricing starts at only $2.19 per month. Plus, you get 4 months free and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Bypasses China’s firewall
  • Strong privacy and security features
  • Low cost
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • 30-day trial
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Costs more than competing VPNs

Websites, apps, and services that are blocked in China

Accessing Tinder isn’t the only thing you’ll need a VPN for in China. The Chinese government censors all kinds of things, including the following:

Video sharing and streaming platforms

The government in China wants to limit Western influence on the Chinese people, which is why you won’t be able to stream on Netflix, SoundCloud, Pandora Radio, Twitch, Vimeo, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, TikTok, Daily Motion, or Spotify in China.

Apps

I use a VPN to access Google Play, WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, Telegram, and Discord so I can stay connected while I’m visiting China.

Work and productivity tools

My business runs on tools like Gmail, Zoom, Dropbox, and Slack, which are all blocked in China.

Search engines

I was surprised that even my go-to search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Duck Duck Go are banned in China.

Social

Social media platforms are heavily censored in China, so if you want to connect via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, or Quora, you’ll need a good VPN.

Can I use a free VPN to access Tinder China?

I haven’t found a free VPN that can reliably bypass China’s powerful firewall. It requires advanced geo-spoofing features including obfuscation, which is hard to find in a free VPN.

The other common problem with free VPNs is they don’t invest in the same high-level security and privacy features that protect you from government surveillance and cyber-criminals. In fact, some of the no-cost platforms will sell you browser history for profit, making you more vulnerable to hackers and phishing attempts.

Tinder alternatives

There are plenty of Chinese dating apps for you to try out, including:

  • Qing Chifan. A way for Chinese people to connect by inviting people to join them for a meal.
  • Liu Liu. A pet lovers dating app where you can post a picture of you and your furry friends!
  • Momo. A social networking app for locals and foreign visitors alike.
  • Tantan. A Chinese Tinder that includes an English platform.
  • WeChat. This app isn’t just for online dating; it’s the most commonly used chat platform in China.

FAQ

What dating apps are used in China?

Some young Chinese people use a VPN to access Tinder. Others prefer to use a Chinese platform like Tantan, Liu Liu, Qiung Chifan, Momo, or WeChat.


Do you need a VPN for Tinder in China?

Yes. Tinder is blocked in China and can only be accessed using a quality VPN.


Is Tinder blocked in Hong Kong?

No. You’ll have no trouble accessing Tinder in Hong Kong, and it’s a convenient server location to put into your VPN for accessing Tinder in China.


Conclusion

The dating app Tinder is blocked by the Chinese government, but don’t worry! Tinder users can still look for their perfect match while visiting China using a premium VPN. Just use your VPN app to link to a VPN server in a country where the Tinder platform is available and start searching for the perfect date!

I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for Tinder in China. Its fast, safe, and effective!

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