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Partly blocked Updated 14 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes

How to unblock Steam in China

Steam is partly blocked in China. The fix that works for most people is a VPN, and ExpressVPN is the one we recommend here.

Short answer

Use ExpressVPN with automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic) on, connect to Japan, then open Steam.

We picked ExpressVPN for China because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Why Steam doesn't work in China

Steam is partly blocked in China. Community pages blocked; store access is unreliable.

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

  1. 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.

  2. Install and sign in

    Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use Steam, then sign in.

  3. 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.

  4. Connect to a nearby server

    Connect to a server in Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. Steam works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.

  5. Restart the game and log in

    Fully close the game, then open it again with the VPN connected so it picks up the new route.

  6. Leave the VPN on

    Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use Steam. If you disconnect, the block applies again.

Tip: Pick the nearest working server: every extra country between you and the game server adds ping.

Try ExpressVPN

If 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

Surfshark 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 Surfshark

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 NordVPN

What people in China are reporting

Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in China this fortnight.

Vote on what's working

Questions people ask

Does Steam work in China without a VPN?

Partly. Some features of Steam are blocked in China: Community pages blocked; store access is unreliable.

Is it legal to use a VPN for Steam 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 Steam 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 Steam 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