Blocked Updated 17 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock DuckDuckGo in China
DuckDuckGo has been blocked in China since Sep 2014. The fix that works for most people is a VPN, and ExpressVPN is the one we recommend here.
Short answer
Use ExpressVPN with its protocol set to Automatic, connect to Japan, then open DuckDuckGo.
We picked ExpressVPN for China because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation.
Why DuckDuckGo doesn't work in China
DuckDuckGo has been blocked in China since Sep 2014.
Best VPN for China is ExpressVPN, 80 out of 100. Second is NordVPN, 75 out of 100. Third is Proton VPN, 72 out of 100. ExpressVPN is the best choice for China because it had the highest getting through censorship score.
Is a VPN legal in China? Legal with restrictions. Only government-approved VPNs are legal. Enforcement against individual tourists is rare, but VPN traffic is actively detected and slowed, especially around political anniversaries.
Step by step with ExpressVPN
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Get the VPN before you need it
Sign up for ExpressVPN and download the app while you still have an open connection, ideally before you arrive in China. VPN websites and app-store listings are often blocked there.
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Install and sign in
Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use DuckDuckGo, then sign in.
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Switch on its stealth mode
Open Settings, then Protocol, and keep it on Automatic. ExpressVPN obfuscates every server, and Automatic lets it switch protocols when one gets blocked.
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Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. DuckDuckGo works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
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Open DuckDuckGo
Search should work as soon as the VPN connects.
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Leave the VPN on
Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use DuckDuckGo. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: The DuckDuckGo app has its own tracker blocking, which works alongside the VPN.
Try ExpressVPNIf it still doesn't work
- Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others.
- Try a different server country: Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.
- Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection.
Or try another VPN
NordVPN Unreliable
Open Settings, go to Connection, then VPN protocol, and choose NordWhisper. If your device doesn't offer NordWhisper, choose OpenVPN (TCP) and connect to a server under Specialty servers, then Obfuscated servers.
Try NordVPNProton VPN Unreliable
Open Settings, then Protocol, and choose Stealth. Also switch on Alternative routing so the app can reach Proton even if its usual servers are blocked.
Try Proton VPNWhat people in China are reporting
Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in China this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does DuckDuckGo work in China without a VPN?
No. DuckDuckGo is blocked in China, so it won't load without a VPN or proxy.
Is it legal to use a VPN for DuckDuckGo in China?
Legal with restrictions. Only government-approved VPNs are legal. Enforcement against individual tourists is rare, but VPN traffic is actively detected and slowed, especially around political anniversaries. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock DuckDuckGo in China?
Usually not. Most free VPNs have no way to disguise their traffic, so China's filters spot them quickly, and many free apps sell browsing data. Proton VPN's free plan is a safe free option, but its free servers are limited and busy.
Why does DuckDuckGo still not work with the VPN on?
Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others. Try a different server country: Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick