Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safe to use?

Use with caution

Usable, but data is handled under Chinese law, content is censored to Chinese rules, and Taiwan banned it over fraud.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by: Xingin Information Technology
Based in: Shanghai, China
Encryption: Not end-to-end encrypted.
Data it collects: Phone number, content, location and device data, stored under Chinese data laws.
Minimum age: Varies

What keeps you safe

Popular for travel, shopping and lifestyle tips in Chinese.

Risks to know about

Taiwan blocked it for a year in December 2025 after linking it to fraud cases.
Political content is removed under Chinese censorship rules.
Chinese law can require data to be shared with authorities.

Scams to watch for on RedNote (Xiaohongshu)

Fake product sellers and investment schemes cited in Taiwan's ban.

Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) legit?

RedNote is a real, very popular Chinese app; it is legit but not private.

Is it safe for kids?

Not recommended without supervision.

How to use RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safely

Don't link it to your main phone number if you can avoid it.
Avoid sharing sensitive personal details.

Where RedNote (Xiaohongshu) is restricted

Does a VPN make RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop RedNote (Xiaohongshu) collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safe to use?

Usable, but data is handled under Chinese law, content is censored to Chinese rules, and Taiwan banned it over fraud.

Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) legit?

RedNote is a real, very popular Chinese app; it is legit but not private.

Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) encrypted?

Not end-to-end encrypted.

What data does RedNote (Xiaohongshu) collect?

Phone number, content, location and device data, stored under Chinese data laws.

Is RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safe for kids?

Not recommended without supervision.

Does a VPN make RedNote (Xiaohongshu) safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on RedNote (Xiaohongshu). It does not stop RedNote (Xiaohongshu) itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources

SCMP: Taiwan blocks RedNote