Key facts
| Built for restrictive networks | Manual IKEv2/IPsec setup (China guides) |
|---|---|
| Apps | iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Routers |
| Devices at once | 10 |
| Refunds | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Price | from $3.49/month on a 2-year plan, intro price ($94.23 for the first 27 months) Checked Oct 8, 2026 · source |
| Install in China? | Get the subscription and app before you set off, as NordVPN advises. The manual China setup needs your Nord Account login and an emailed code, so prepare it at home. |
Set up before you fly
- Subscribe before you travel.
- Follow NordVPN's China guide to set up a manual IKEv2/IPsec connection. The app itself is blocked in China.
- Test the manual connection at home. It needs your Nord Account login and an emailed code.
- Subscribe before you travel.
- Follow NordVPN's China guide to set up a manual IKEv2/IPsec connection.
- Test it at home on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Subscribe before you travel.
- Follow NordVPN's China guide for a manual IKEv2/IPsec connection on macOS.
- Expect problems. NordVPN says Windows setups have recently been blocked in China, with no workaround yet.
- Bring a second VPN if you depend on a Windows laptop.
If it stops working
- Use the manual IKEv2/IPsec setup from NordVPN's China guides.
- Check the status board to see if others report problems.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Up to 10 devices
- China setup guides on its support site
Cons
- Its own support says the apps are blocked in China
- Manual setup takes effort, and Windows has no workaround
- Price rises after the intro period
Alternatives
FAQ
Does NordVPN work in China?
Not out of the box. NordVPN says its apps are fully blocked in China and gives manual IKEv2/IPsec setup steps. It says Windows setups have recently been blocked too.
Can I get my money back if it doesn't work?
Yes. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What changed in 2026?
In May 2026 NordVPN started moving its Obfuscated servers to its NordWhisper protocol, so they no longer work through a manual OpenVPN setup.
Add your report
Sources
- Pricing (NordVPN), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- I can't connect from China (NordVPN support), accessed Oct 8, 2026
- Obfuscated servers are getting an upgrade (NordVPN support), May 2026
- Best VPN for China, hands-on (Unusual Nomad, affiliate links), October 2026
- NordVPN in China (VPN Passport, affiliate links), August 2026