How to access Google Play Store in China
China’s repressive regime has brought down some of the most famous services/websites worldwide in the country, due to the government being incredibly strict about certain information being available to the public.
It all started with the Hong Kong protest, after which many free speech advocates and activists realized their Gmail IDs were hacked. Google was furious and refused to cooperate/bend down to Chinese Laws.
This resulted in the removal of all its services, including the App Store. If you want to unblock it, click on the link below or read our complete guide for in-depth information.
How to Access Google Play Store in China
- Download IvacyPrime from the mirror website here
- Connect to a server located in the US or any other country
- Access the Google Play Store app on your Android device
3 Best Google Play Store VPNs
Here are 3 Instagram VPNs that deliver the best value, described in detail after comparing their costs, payment plans, and performance in China:
| Rank | VPN | Price | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ivacy | US$ 1.19 /mo 77% Discount | Visit Ivacy |
| 2. | ExpressVPN | US$ /mo | Visit ExpressVPN |
| 3. | Surfshark | US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | Visit Surfshark |
1. Ivacy
Best VPN for Google Play Store
- Price: US$ 1.19 /mo 77% Discount
- Trustpilot rating: 4.8
Reputed as the best VPN for China, the Singaporean-based Ivacy is an innovator, responsible for the creation of the Split Tunneling feature. It is also the only provider to offer a dedicated Chinese app.
Nicknamed as “IvacyPrime”, you can download the app for Mac, Windows, and Android from their mirror website, which have options to unblock VoDs like Netflix and social platforms like Facebook.
Users in China can download IvacyPrime from their dedicated Chinese page here: https://www.ivacyforcanada.com/affiliate-china/
For more information, check out this full 2019 review of Ivacy
2. Surfshark
Cheapest VPN for Play Store in China
- Price: US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
- Trustpilot rating: 4.4
Headquartered in British Virgin Islands, Surfshark is a budget-friendly newcomer, but also one of the best services for bypassing the “Great Firewall” in China. Pricing starts at $1.99/mo. on a 2-year plan.
For the low cost, you have a unique “NoBordersTM Mode”. This feature enables you to access websites/services in China that are otherwise blocked, minus the hassles and legal trouble!
Users in China can download Surfshark from their dedicated Chinese page here: https://shark-cn.com/
For more information, check out this full 2019 review of Surfshark
3. ExpressVPN
Fastest VPN for Play Store in China
- Price: US$ /mo
- Trustpilot rating: 4.8
ExpressVPN also has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands. It is a fast VPN service that uses obfuscation for bypassing the algorithms and VPN blocking technology by China.
It is pricy at $8.32/month, but you get the best security, powerful China unblocking capabilities, dedicated China site, multiple apps, and the best live chat support in the industry.
Users in China can download ExpressVPN from their dedicated Chinese page here: http://exp4links4.net/
For more information, check out this full 2019 review of ExpressVPN
Why is Google Play Store Banned in China?
Google’s Play Store was banned in China in late 2010 after a massive disagreement between Google and the Chinese government.
You will not be able to access the Google Play Store in China since it is not pre-installed (or removed by providers) on any Android devices sold in China.
Google Play Store Alternatives in China
If you do not want to get into the hassles of unblocking Google Play Store, you can rely on a few Chinese alternatives, which still get the job done.
Tencent MyApp
The Tencent MyApp and offers various categories of apps, such as Music, Reading, Video, Photograph, Entertainment, Social, Lifestyle, Travel, Health, News, Education, Commuting, and various more!
360 Mobile Assistant
Similar to Google Play Store, the 360 Mobile Assistant offers users a huge listing of available apps to download/install. Previously, the app was known as Qihoo 360, but after gaining in popularity – it became the 360 Mobile Assistant.
Baidu Mobile Assistant
Baidu is like the Google of China that exists as one of the largest AI and Internet companies in the world. As such, it offers plenty of services including a dedicated App Store for both: desktop and smartphone users.
Chinese App Store APK
This may sound a little tough to believe but in China, you have access to over 400 Android App stores, all of which act as an alternative for Google Play Store.
If you cannot access Android’s official store, you can always rely on the above, or the names listed below (which are selected by hours of research):
- China Mobile MM Store
- China Telecom 189 Store
- Coolmart
- Gionee Software Store
- Anzhi Market
- 2345 Mobile Assistant
- HiMarket
- Lenovo Le Store
- Meizu Flyme
- Wandoujia
- PP Assistant
- Sogou Mobile Assistant
- VIVO App Store
- MIUI App Store
- Oppo Software Store
- Huawei App Market
How to Install Google Play Store in China on Android Devices
Before you can unblock Google Play Store in China, remember that you will have to install Google services on your phone first. Do not Root Your Android Device! You can install Google apps without Rooting your Android phone or tablet.
There are some settings that you will have to configure in your phone before you proceed, go to Settings > Security >Unknown Sources >click this option on and click agree on the warning.
Install Google Play Store in China through APK File (Safer Method)
- Download the APK file for Google Services Framework from the link below.
- Google Services Framework
- Download directly or Copy this APK file from PC to your Android device, and install.
- Once installed, the app will ask you to install Gmail &Google Play Store.
- Allow all apps to install , give them permissions as they come up.
- Once all Google apps & services are installed you will see the icons on your home screen.
Alternatively, you can watch the video tutorial below to easily install Google Play Store on your Android devices:
How to Access Google Play in China on Your Android Smartphone
- Access any of the mirror websites above for a recommended provider
- Download the app for your Android device and connect to a server in the US
- Tap Google Play Store Icon and enjoy browsing through the apps.
- Never disconnect your VPN when using any Google Services.
Google Play Store China FAQs
When you plan on unblocking the Google Play Store, you may have a few questions that need answering. In light of this, we have created an FAQ section, where you can get instant answers to all common queries:
Why is Google Play Not Available in China?
The problem of Google Play being blocked in China has quite a lot of history. In short, the Chinese Government believes in strong censorship of information.
Google left China because it refused to accede to the country’s censorship, hence resulting in the blocking of all Google services, including the Play Store!
Can I use Android in China?
Yes, users can most definitely use Android in China. In fact, the OS is one of the most famous in the marketplace of Smartphones, due to its ease-of-use, easy app signing process, and a wide range of other features.
While the Google Play Store app is blocked, the OS itself works smoothly. For downloading apps, you can always rely on different local Chinese App Stores.
Wrapping Things Up
As China takes rigorous steps to strengthen its online monitoring & censorship through various cyber-legislation netizens are hurriedly moving towards using VPN.
With all factors taken into consideration, Ivacy wins this category for unblocking Google Play Store in China. For an affordable alternative, you can also consider signing up for the infamous, Surfshark.
Bear in mind that using a VPN is your only option to stay away from prying eyes like the Chinese government while accessing your favorite apps like Google Play Store.
