Blocked Updated 14 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock LINE in China
Getting LINE working in China takes about five minutes. You need a VPN that can get past the block, and we use ExpressVPN below.
Short answer
Use ExpressVPN with its protocol set to Automatic, connect to Japan, then open LINE.
We picked ExpressVPN for China because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation (with the protocol on Automatic).
Why LINE doesn't work in China
LINE has been blocked in China since Jul 2014.
Google, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, Telegram, Signal and Discord are all blocked by the Great Firewall.
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
-
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.
-
Install and sign in
Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use LINE, then sign in.
-
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.
-
Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. LINE works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
-
Open LINE and send a message
Chats should load once the VPN connects. If LINE asks you to verify your number, make sure the VPN is connected before requesting the code.
-
Leave the VPN on
Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use LINE. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: LINE ties your account to your phone number, so keep your SIM active for verification texts.
Try ExpressVPNIf it still doesn't work
- Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection.
- 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.
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 NordVPNSurfshark Unreliable
Open Settings, then VPN settings, and switch on NoBorders mode. If connections still drop, set the protocol to OpenVPN (TCP), which adds Surfshark's Camouflage obfuscation.
Try SurfsharkWhat people in China are reporting
Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in China this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does LINE work in China without a VPN?
No. LINE is blocked in China, so it won't load without a VPN or proxy.
Is it legal to use a VPN for LINE 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 LINE 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 LINE still not work with the VPN on?
Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection. 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.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick