Is Discord Banned in China? Here’s How to Access It (2024)

Is Discord banned in China? The short answer is yes, it is. If you live in the Middle Kingdom or are visiting the country, you’ll be unable to use the highly popular voice and text app. This is a little ironic, considering there are lots of Discord servers for learning the languages there and immersing yourself in the Chinese culture.

While Discord is a widely embraced platform worldwide for communication, the Chinese government’s strict control over internet services has led to its restriction within the country. The ban is enforced by the Great Firewall, that infamous system of censorship powered by legislation and technology.

But perk up — there are a few workarounds. This article will discuss how to circumvent the Discord ban in China with a virtual private network (VPN), the most effective method. We’ll even throw in the best providers to use. Let’s get down to it.

Why is Discord Banned in China?

Over the years, China has earned a reputation for its strict control over the internet and extensive online censorship. That reputation isn’t exaggerated. The Chinese government maintains a tight grip on its internet space and summarily blocks access to foreign websites and apps it considers a threat to its ideological/political control.

It’s easy to see why Discord is a victim of the ban hammer in China. Authorities have concerns about the platform’s potential to push uncensored communication and the sharing of information on there that could challenge government narratives.

Like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other banned platforms in China, Discord’s chat and voice features allow users to communicate (and potentially plan) freely. China’s not a fan of that level of internet freedom.

What’s more, the government has been cracking down on foreign social media platforms to promote homegrown alternatives and ensure that user data and content remain within its jurisdiction. Chinese alternatives like KOOK are more in line with the government’s vision of control and monitoring.

That said, how to get around the Discord ban in China? Find the answer below.

How to Access Discord in China — 4 Easy Steps

Circumventing the Discord ban in China may sound daunting, but it’s a pretty straightforward process when you know what to do. And when you use a quality VPN for China, of course. We recommend NordVPN, as it ticks all the right boxes. As for the steps, here they are:

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN

Begin by selecting a trustworthy VPN service that is well-known for bypassing China’s internet restrictions. In addition to that, it should also offer strong privacy features, reliable performance, a vast server network, and compatibility with the devices you use Discord on.

As mentioned above, according to the tests we’ve carried out, NordVPN is the best option for enjoying Discord freely in China.

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Step 2: Download and Install the VPN

Head over to your chosen VPN provider’s official website. Create an account and subscribe to a plan that fits your bill. Next, download the VPN app designed for your specific device.

Most premium VPNs support a wide range of platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. If you’re a newbie, follow the installation instructions on the provider’s knowledge base or contact a customer support representative.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN Server Outside China

Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials when prompted.

From the server list, choose a server located outside of China. For best connectivity results, you want to opt for nearby countries where Discord isn’t banned, like Hong Kong or Taiwan. Establish the VPN connection by clicking the Connect button on the app’s main screen.

Step 4: Access Discord

Now that your VPN is connected to a foreign server, you can access Discord as if you were in a country that hasn’t banned it. Visit the Discord website or open the app, log in, and enjoy unrestricted access to the platform.

Remember to keep your VPN active when you’re online, so you have uninterrupted access to Discord while in China.

Best VPNs for Unblocking Discord in China — Our Top 3 Picks

You already know that a VPN lets you unblock restricted websites and online services like Discord. The issue is that of all the providers out there (and there are hundreds of them), only a handful work in China. Its restrictive technologies are that powerful.

Subscribing to a service that cannot get around the Great Firewall is a waste of time and resources. We don’t want that, so here are three of the best options you should be considering.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN to access Discord in China

A widely popular NordVPN is capable of unblocking Discord in China and is our number-one option for this case. This Panama-based VPN service gets you secure access to Discord in China, offering a comprehensive offering at a more affordable price.

NordVPN has an extensive network of over 6,300 servers across 111 countries, including nearby Asian locations. It’s better than ExpressVPN, another fast option in terms of performance, so you can be sure of a smooth Discord experience, whether you’re chatting, sharing, or navigating the platform.

China’s censorship measures are no match for NordVPN. You’ll gain access to a wide range of other restricted websites and services. Plus, it also effortlessly unblocks geo-restricted platforms, both domestic and international, allowing you to indulge in your preferred content without those frustrating constraints.

The service implements military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, features a kill switch, guards against leaks, and uses RAM-based servers. Its strict no-logs policy is audited by third parties and guarantees what you do online stays private and untraceable.

NordVPN is a privacy-focused provider chuck-full of advanced features like obfuscation and multihop, all of which help you stay under the radar.

The VPN is compatible with a broad array of devices and platforms and allows up to six connections simultaneously. You have up to 30 days to make up your mind when you buy a plan.

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2. ExpressVPN – a safe and reliable VPN for China

This provider’s well-earned reputation for bypassing strict online censorship, tight security, and high-performance features make it the second top choice for using Discord in China. Note that it’s also an excellent choice if you want to browse Facebook in China.

ExpressVPN offers an extensive network of 3,000+ servers spanning 105 countries, providing more than enough reliable connections for accessing Discord. Notably, it has servers in nearby locations, so you can be sure of faster and more stable connections.

Plus, the VPN is particularly efficient at navigating geo-restrictions. It smoothly bypasses China’s Great Firewall, granting access to Discord and other blocked websites and services. This extends to international streaming services, making it versatile for entertainment as well. For instance, Netflix isn’t available in China, but you can easily enjoy the exclusive content on the app, despite your location.

What really sets ExpressVPN apart is its speed. Using cutting-edge infrastructure and a pretty fast proprietary protocol, this VPN offers consistently fast and reliable performance, which comes in handy for seamless voice and text chats on Discord while you’re in China (or elsewhere).

The VPN employs military-grade encryption, incorporates a kill switch, and provides robust leak protection to protect your data from snoops. If you’re concerned about digital traces (as you should be in China), ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology ensure peace of mind.

ExpressVPN lets you protect up to eight devices with one subscription. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs your purchase, so you’re really trying it out risk-free.

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3. Surfshark – the cheapest VPN to use Discord in China

The relatively youthful Surfshark is another strong contender for unblocking Discord in China. While it has gained recognition for its budget-friendliness, the VPN has much more going for it.

For instance, it offers a network of 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, meaning you’ll never run out of locations to connect to, including those in close proximity like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Surfshark is impressive when it comes to unblocking content. It’s not limited to Discord — the provider bypasses restrictions on platforms like streaming services, social media, and more. We especially like its NoBorders feature, which works really well in geo-restricted areas. It automatically switches on when the provider detects that you want to use it within China.

Surfshark’s performance doesn’t exactly match up with the other providers on this list, but that’s hardly an indictment. You’ll still enjoy decent speeds, good enough for stable connections, whether you’re chatting, streaming, or gaming. For best performance, use WireGuard.

Despite its cost-effective pricing, Surfshark maintains high standards of privacy and security. It incorporates industry-standard features like AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. The VPN also sticks to a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to wipe away any digital footprints.

Surfshark’s standout feature is its unlimited simultaneous device connections. It makes the provider an ideal choice if you have numerous devices or want to share access with friends and family. Like the others on this list, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Can You Use a Free VPN?

While it might be tempting to explore free VPN options to use Discord in China, the reality is quite different, and they are not the solution.

In fact, here’s a fun fact: no free VPN reliably works in China. The Great Firewall’s advanced techniques can swiftly detect and block the servers of any free provider you consider. Investing in a capable premium provider is the only practical choice when you’re seeking a dependable method to unblock Discord in an East Asian country.

Besides, even if you discovered one that manages to work there, there are other factors to take into account. Free VPN services generally have several significant limitations, including few servers, capped data and bandwidth, and sluggish performance.

Even worse, there may be privacy and security threats resulting from their practices and vulnerabilities. You’re better off using an affordable provider instead.

Conclusion

China’s strict control over information flow has led to the blocking of thousands of websites and online services, including Discord.

For those residing in or traveling to China, this means you can’t connect with friends, chat, or engage with others on Discord.

That said, you can circumvent the restriction and access Discord in China by using a VPN service. Our top recommendation is NordVPN because it excels in every aspect. Subscribe to its annual plan to enjoy a whopping discount for any of its 2-year plans.

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