Is Discord Banned in China? How to Unblock It in 2026

Is Discord banned in China in July 2026? Yes, it is, and is no longer accessible. To access Discord in China, you must use a VPN, and there is no two-way about it. Proxies won’t work, and free VPNs fail without exception. This guide explains how to unblock Discord in China in 2026 and which VPNs to use for the job. Short on time? Here’s an overview of the solution.

Does Discord Work in China? Is It Banned?

Discord doesn’t work in China, and it’s explicitly banned. Since 2018, China has blocked Discord as part of its broader internet censorship policies. This restriction falls under the Great Firewall, China’s advanced system that blocks foreign sites and apps, especially those used for communication and information-sharing. Discord allows users to communicate through text, voice, and video in private channels.

However, in China, that kind of uncensored communication is heavily restricted. This is also why WhatsApp is blocked in China. Instead, the government promotes domestic alternatives like WeChat and Tencent QQ, which are easier to monitor and control. If you’re trying to use Discord in China, you’ll find it blocked, whether it’s the website or the app. The only reliable way to unblock Discord in China is with a VPN.

How to Unblock Discord in China: Detailed Tutorial

Very few VPNs actually work in China, but NordVPN was the most consistent in my tests, so I went with it this time. To get Discord working in China, subscribe to NordVPN before your flight. If you’re already in China, connect to a WiFi network of a tourist hotel, which typically isn’t that censored. From there, download and install NordVPN on your device and launch it.

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To unblock Discord in China, change your IP address to a country abroad. NordVPN works in China only with obfuscated servers, so click All Locations and choose Obfuscated. From here, pick the country where Discord works. I used a server in Italy, which, while far from this country, is still very fast.

Finally, when I went to Discord (I tested it on my Windows 11 PC), it worked normally, and I saw all my previous chats. I tested it by briefly calling a friend, and both audio and video calls worked smoothly.

Which VPNs Can Unblock Discord in China?

A VPN for unblocking Discord in China must be fast, capable of bypassing firewalls, and very secure. I tested 15 VPNs during my 2-week trip to Shanghai this year. But after a while, I set my eyes on these three:

1. NordVPN: Unblocks Discord in China Reliably

Not every VPN has the power to reliably connect from within China, but NordVPN does, and it stands out with a strong mix of security, speed, and content-unblocking capabilities. It’s my top recommendation for accessing Discord in China. In addition to servers nearby in Japan and Hong Kong, you can choose from a wide selection of global locations to stay connected as if you’re back home.

This makes NordVPN a great choice for accessing Discord and unblocking streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere. If you’re American, you can count on NordVPN to change your location on YouTube TV. NordVPN prioritizes security, so Double VPN (two encryption layers) and Threat Protection Pro will be more than welcome for Discord calling in China. The latter is my favorite, which blocks ads, malware, and tracking.

Meshnet lets you create an encrypted network between up to 60 devices, excellent for securely sharing files if you’re traveling with colleagues or need access to files remotely. Whether streaming in 4K, torrenting, or using data-intensive apps like Discord, NordVPN’s speed and stability mean smooth, uninterrupted connections. At circa $3.49 per month, and with a 30-day refund policy, it’s a low-risk option to unblock Discord in China. You can also use its Android VPN app for free for 3 days.

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2. ExpressVPN: Fast VPN for Discord Calling

ExpressVPN is very simple to set up and powerful enough to get Discord unblocked in China. Its 3,000+ servers provide solid global coverage, including key locations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan, for stable and fast connections. For newcomers to VPNs, ExpressVPN’s intuitive app design and automated settings simplify the process, making it excellent for first-time users or travelers in need of a solution to bypass China’s Great Firewall.

It’s one of the best VPNs for Android that we’ve tested to date. With parallel VPN connections, a kill switch, and leak protection, your connection remains secure, even if there are disruptions. In addition to unblocking Discord in China, ExpressVPN has consistently succeeded in bypassing geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It’s an all-around option for effortless communication and on-demand entertainment.

Plans start at just $2.49 per month, so it’s pretty affordable. It’s famous for its 4 free months for all 2-year plans, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee that inspires confidence in its services. ExpressVPN even includes 24/7 live chat support and an Onion website for easy access in China if the regular site is blocked; and it is, always.

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3. Surfshark: Best Cheap VPN for Discord in China

For a budget-friendly VPN that works well in China, Surfshark is a top choice. It’s affordable, user-friendly, and offers the essential features needed to bypass restrictions. I tested it on Discord in China using its NoBorders mode, and it just worked. No special tweaks. Its simple UI makes it good for beginners, so it’s easy to find its ad blocker, a kill switch, or virus protection, available from the home screen.

Surfshark now has over 4,500 servers in 100 countries, enough to find servers in proximity to maximize your connection speed. For Discord users in China, that matters, especially for calls. In my tests, I used WireGuard and Dausos (only on macOS), and speeds were often consistent, but still slightly slower than NordVPN’s. What really sets Surfshark apart is its value. A long-term plan starts at around $2.49 per month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, there’s a handy 7-day free trial if you sign up through Android or iOS.

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4. Astrill VPN: Very Reliable, but Expensive VPN

Astrill VPN is one of the most trusted VPNs for accessing content in China in 2026. It’s one of the most reliable options in the country, surpassing even Surfshark and ExpressVPN when it comes to consistent access. It packs some powerful technology specifically for bypassing restrictions. Starting with the Stealth VPN protocol, designed to mask VPN traffic, it helps users stay undetected in regions with strict censorship, unblocking Discord in China.

Additionally, its OpenWeb protocol provides another secure option for accessing blocked sites and apps like Discord and WhatsApp. Based in the Seychelles Islands, Astrill benefits from a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws. This allows it to enforce a strict no-logs policy. For users with multiple devices, Astrill’s 5-device limit should suffice, though it’s fast from my go-to option, as NordVPN offers 10, and ExpressVPN up to 14.

However, there’s a significant drawback: Astrill VPN’s pricing is on the higher end. The cheapest plan costs around $12.50 per month on a two-year subscription, much pricier than NordVPN, but in no way better. Additionally, Astrill lacks a money-back guarantee, so users need to be confident in their choices before committing.

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5. Mullvad VPN: Best Discord China VPN for Anonymity

Mullvad VPN is a solid choice for privacy-conscious users wanting access to Discord in China. Known for its commitment to anonymity, it’s uniquely set up to help users bypass the Great Firewall while protecting their privacy. Obfuscation masks your traffic so Chinese authorities can’t detect VPN use. As discussed in our review of Mullvad, privacy is where it really shines. Unlike most VPNs, Mullvad doesn’t require an email address to sign up and register.

You receive an anonymous account number, making it one of the few truly anonymous VPNs on the market. This approach, with AES-256 encryption and support for both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, makes your Discord usage and other online activity private. While Mullvad’s MultiHop (Bridge Mode) is great for extra security when accessing Discord in China, it may slow down your connection, but that’s really minor (like 10-15% tops).

On the downside, Mullvad isn’t ideal for streaming; it doesn’t unblock Netflix or BBC iPlayer. The 5-device limit might be restrictive if you plan to connect multiple devices at once. But if your main goal is a secure connection for Discord and browsing in China, Mullvad’s privacy-first approach and pay-as-you-go model (no long-term contract) could be a great fit at $5 or so a month. Check out our NordVPN vs Mullvad showdown for a detailed breakdown.

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Conclusion

Accessing Discord in China feels challenging, but with the right VPN, you bypass restrictions and stay connected without worry. NordVPN, along with a few other top VPNs, makes it possible to access not only Discord but also other restricted apps and websites, all while keeping your data secure and your activity private.

Not just a gateway to open Discord in China, a VPN also empowers you with more online freedom and peace of mind while traveling. Whether you’re chatting with friends or staying connected with your online communities, a trusted VPN is the key to overcoming restrictions in China in 2026.

Unblock Discord with NordVPN

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