Why does WeChat work but Google won’t load?
The two-minute idea behind most internet surprises in China.
At a glance
China apps open on any network here. Google, WhatsApp and Instagram need a travel eSIM or a VPN app.
China apps just work
WeChat, Alipay, maps and taxi apps open on hotel Wi-Fi, café Wi-Fi or a local SIM. You do not need anything extra for them.
Many overseas apps are blocked
Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and many news sites do not open on ordinary Chinese networks. This is normal. Your phone is not broken.
Two ways to reach them
On mobile data, a travel eSIM that lists Google and WhatsApp usually opens them. On hotel Wi-Fi, you need a VPN app with an overseas route. Some apps also check your account country, so test the ones you rely on.
When something stops working
First check whether you are on Wi-Fi or mobile data, then switch to the other and try again. The arrival help page has three short fixes — bookmark or screenshot it before you fly. Do not buy another service just because one page was slow.
A few more notes for your journey.
Do these 5 things before you fly
Apps, eSIM, payments and offline copies — sorted before boarding.
2 MIN READ ↗Why does eSIM work but hotel Wi-Fi doesn’t?
Your eSIM handles mobile data, not hotel Wi-Fi.
3 MIN READ ↗Hotel Wi-Fi not working? Check these four things
Find the cause before you buy another service.
Tick off your phone before you fly.
A nine-item checklist. Ticks only record your own progress.