Update as of 02:45 GMT / 10:45 GMT+8, December 2, 2025
If you are having difficulty connecting in China, follow the troubleshooting steps below to restore your connection, or contact the Support Team.
How to troubleshoot your connection in China
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1. Use the latest versions of the ExpressVPN apps
2. Connect to the Pick for Me location
3. Try connecting to different VPN protocols
4. Bookmark and keep checking this page
1. Use the latest versions of the ExpressVPN apps
Keeping your app up to date is critical to getting connected. Follow these links to download the newest versions for your operating system:
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Windows. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Mac. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
Please follow these steps to install and use the latest version of ExpressVPN for Android:
- Download the latest version of the APK installer file directly to your Android device.
- Install ExpressVPN from the APK file. (There is no need to delete or uninstall the existing ExpressVPN app.)
- After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for iOS. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
If you do not see “Update” as an option, try the following methods:
- If you previously downloaded ExpressVPN with a different Apple ID, you will have to sign in to that Apple ID to update the app.
- Otherwise, try these troubleshooting steps from Apple Support.
Update to the latest version of ExpressVPN for Linux. (After the update, please wait a minute before trying to connect for the first time.)
For further guidance, see our instructions on how to set up and use the ExpressVPN app for Linux or contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
Download the beta version of AircoveOS here. (After you open your updated app, please wait a minute before trying to connect the first time.)
Alternatively, you can set your router to always install the latest beta version of ExpressVPN by enabling automatic beta updates.
For further guidance, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
2. Connect to the Pick for Me location
Once the app is updated, try connecting to the Pick for Me location while connected to the Automatic protocol.
To find and connect to the Pick for Me location:
Windows
- Open the VPN app and click
. - In the search bar, type Pick for Me.
- Click Pick for Me, then click
to connect.
Mac
- Open the VPN app and click .
- In the search bar, type Pick for Me.
- Click Pick for Me, then click to connect.
Android
- Tap > to browse more VPN locations.
- Tap
. - Type Pick for Me.
- Tap Pick for Me to connect to the VPN.
iOS
- Tap > to browse more VPN locations.
- Tap .
- Type Pick for Me.
- Tap Pick for Me to connect to the VPN.
Linux
- Click > next to Selected Location to access the list of VPN locations.
- In the search bar, type Pick for Me.
- Click Pick for Me and ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the VPN.
Aircove
- Sign in to your router running ExpressVPN.
- Select the current selected location on the device group that you want to change the location for.
- In the search bar, type Pick for Me.
- Select Pick for Me and ExpressVPN will automatically connect you to the VPN.
3. Try connecting to different VPN protocols
Connect to different VPN protocols in the order outlined in the table below. Each time after you change protocol, test your connection using the Pick for Me location.
You can find device-specific instructions on how to change your VPN protocol below the table.
| Platform | Protocols |
| Windows |
|
| Mac |
|
| Android |
|
| iOS |
|
| Linux |
|
Windows
To change protocols:
- Click
in the top-left corner of the ExpressVPN app. - Click Options > Protocol.
- Click the protocol you want to use.
- Click OK.
- Try connecting to the VPN again.
Mac
To change protocols:
- Click in the top-left corner of the ExpressVPN app.
- Click Preferences > Protocol.
- Click the protocol you want to use.
- Try connecting to the VPN again.
Android
To change protocols:
- In the ExpressVPN app, tap Profile.
- Tap VPN protocol.
- Tap the Automatic (recommended) protocol.
- You may get a prompt asking if you are sure you want to change the protocol. Tap CHANGE ANYWAY.
iOS
To change protocols:
- In the ExpressVPN app, tap Profile.
- Tap VPN Protocol.
- Tap the protocol you want to use.
- You may get a prompt asking if you are sure that you want to change the protocol. Tap Change Anyway.
Linux
To change protocols on the Linux GUI app:
- On the VPN tab, click VPN Protocol.
- Click the protocol you want to use.
- If connecting to a protocol other than Automatic, you will see a pop-up asking if you are sure. Click Change Anyway to continue.
To change protocols on the Linux CLI app:
- Run the command:
expressvpnctl set protocol [protocol]Swap out [protocol] for the name of the protcol you want to connect to. You can find a full list here. - Try connecting to the VPN again.
Notes:
- Only Automatic and Lightway protocols are available when Threat Manager is enabled. To switch to another protocol, you have to disable Threat Manager.
- Connections may take longer than usual. Wait for the app to finish trying before retrying, and only try again once the app indicates that the connection was unsuccessful.
If you need further assistance, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.
4. Bookmark and keep checking this page
We will continue to update this page with the latest guidance, including new recommended server locations.
If you need further assistance, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.