Which Apps Work in China? (2026)
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked — but WeChat, Apple Maps and Alipay work fine. Here's the clear reference of what's blocked, what works, and the local alternative for each.
Messaging & calls
| App / service | In China | Local alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked | WeChat (universal in China) | |
| Facebook Messenger | Blocked | |
| Telegram | Blocked | |
| Signal | Blocked | |
| Line | Blocked | |
| iMessage / FaceTime | Works | — |
| Works | — |
Search & email
| App / service | In China | Local alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search | Blocked | Bing (limited) or Baidu |
| Gmail | Blocked | Outlook / iCloud Mail |
| Google Drive / Docs | Blocked | OneDrive / iCloud |
| Bing | Limited | Works but filtered |
| Outlook / Microsoft 365 | Works | — |
| Apple iCloud | Works | — |
Social & news
| App / service | In China | Local alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked | RedNote (Xiaohongshu) | |
| Blocked | WeChat Moments | |
| X (Twitter) | Blocked | |
| YouTube | Blocked | Bilibili / Youku |
| Blocked | — | |
| Many Western news sites | Limited | Varies by outlet |
| Limited | Restricted features |
Maps & navigation
| App / service | In China | Local alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Blocked | Apple Maps or Amap (English) |
| Apple Maps | Works | — |
| Amap / Baidu Maps | Works | — |
| Didi (ride-hailing) | Works | — |
Streaming & travel
| App / service | In China | Local alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Blocked | iQiyi / Tencent Video |
| Spotify | Blocked | QQ Music / Apple Music (works) |
| Apple Music | Works | — |
| Booking.com / Trip.com | Works | — |
| Airbnb | Works | — |
| Alipay / WeChat Pay | Works | — |
Before you fly
App stores and VPN websites are themselves restricted once you arrive, so set up access before departure. See our China VPN guide, eSIM & internet setup, and WeChat & Alipay guide. App availability changes — verify close to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google work in China?
No. Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Drive and YouTube are all blocked in mainland China. Travellers typically use Bing (limited), Apple Maps or Amap, and Outlook/iCloud as alternatives, or a VPN set up before arrival.
Does WhatsApp work in China?
No. WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China, along with Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Signal and Line. WeChat is the universal messaging app used across China and works without restriction.
Does Instagram or Facebook work in China?
No. Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) are blocked. Local equivalents include RedNote (Xiaohongshu), Weibo and WeChat Moments. iMessage and FaceTime, however, work normally.
How do travellers access blocked apps in China?
Most international visitors install and test a reputable VPN before arriving (app stores and VPN sites are themselves restricted once you're in China). Roaming and many foreign eSIMs route traffic outside the firewall, so familiar apps often work on those. See our China VPN and eSIM guides for setup.
Do I need any of this if I just use WeChat?
For most day-to-day needs in China — messaging, payments, maps, transport, translation — WeChat plus Alipay and Apple/Amap maps cover almost everything without a VPN. A VPN is mainly for staying reachable on your home apps (Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram).
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