Zoom in China: Is It Banned and How to Access It?

If you’ve ever traveled through China like I have—flying on high-speed trains, hiking through southern rice terraces, or turning a tiny noodle shop into a remote office—you know one thing: staying online is never guaranteed.

China’s internet works differently, and even simple tasks like joining a Zoom call can suddenly become a challenge.

Apps that run flawlessly back home might slow down, fail to load, or disappear entirely. And when you’re trying to join meetings, attend virtual classes, or check in with your team, that becomes a serious problem.

The good news? Zoom can work in China — you just need the right setup.

I’ve used eSIMs all over the country and battled with VPNs in every province. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly what actually works, based on real travel experience — no need for Zoom alternatives or complicated tech tricks.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, reliable plan to use Zoom anywhere in China and stay connected no matter where your journey takes you.

Is Zoom Banned or Restricted in China?

Zoom isn’t officially banned in China, but it’s far from reliable. Access is heavily restricted and can vary by city — one place may let you connect with no issues, while another blocks it completely.

These issues stem from the Great Firewall, China’s strict internet control system that limits access to many foreign platforms.

So while Zoom isn’t as heavily blocked as apps like Facebook or Google, it’s also not freely accessible, and whether it works often depends on your location and your tech setup.

What Zoom Says About Its Service in China

Zoom knows China is a tough market and has tried to adapt – but let’s be real, it’s still complicated for users.

The company once ran data centers in China, but in 2020 it scaled back and stopped offering full direct service. Now, users must download a special China-specific Zoom client or access the platform through approved local partners.

On top of that, Chinese users must register with a local mobile number, and in many cases their data is stored within China’s borders to comply with regulations.

These changes show Zoom is trying to cooperate with authorities while still offering limited access – mainly for enterprise clients. But it’s obvious the company has pulled back from fully engaging in the Chinese market.

From my own experience, Zoom treats China as a special-case environment with highly tailored, restricted service, not a place where the platform works freely like it does elsewhere.

Zoom’s Access Changes in China Since 2020

Before 2020, anyone in China could join or host Zoom meetings with no VPN or extra setup. But in mid-2020, Zoom stopped offering direct service to personal users in mainland China. New account registrations and paid plans were discontinued, and access was shifted to enterprise and educational accounts through licensed local partners.

This created a major divide:

• Corporate users with company-issued accounts can still log in and use Zoom normally.
• Individuals (freelancers, students, travelers) face constant issues—blocked access, unstable VPN usage, or the need for eSIM mobile data just to connect.

Zoom also began requiring Chinese phone number verification, making it nearly impossible for foreigners or short-term visitors to sign up or recover accounts. Some personal users even reported being locked out after logging in from China. As a result, Zoom forums are filled with complaints like “Why can’t I register?” or “Why is my account blocked?”

Why Is Zoom So Hard to Use in China?

The Great Firewall controls what online services can be accessed in China. Foreign communication tools like Zoom are slowed, restricted, or blocked unless they comply with local regulations. The Chinese government wants control over data and the ability to monitor communications – something end-to-end encrypted platforms like Zoom don’t easily allow.

Zoom has also faced global security concerns, making Chinese regulators even more cautious. So while Zoom isn’t officially banned, it operates in a regulatory gray area with heavy limitations.

Data Center Changes Made It Worse

Zoom removed China as a default data center routing option, meaning most accounts no longer connect through Chinese servers. Only paid or enterprise users can manually route data through China. To stay compliant, Zoom handed service delivery to local partners and reduced its own presence in mainland China.

This helped Zoom meet regulatory requirements—but left normal users with unreliable access, poor performance, and confusing restrictions.

In short: Zoom still works in China, but only if you’re using an approved enterprise setup. For everyone else, it’s a struggle.

How to Access Zoom in China Using eSIM Data

1. Purchase a China eSIM (Skip “No Service” Headaches)

If you’ve ever landed in China only to see “No Service” on your screen, you already know how critical a working internet connection is.
 That’s why I always rely on eSIMs when traveling—especially in countries with strict internet rules like China.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile data plan instantly—no physical card, no store visits, no language barriers. Compared to hunting down a SIM shop or waiting in line at the airport, eSIMs are fast, convenient, and stress-free.

I personally recommend Twise’s China eSIM because it installs easily, is cost-effective, and gets you online within minutes.
 The best part? You don’t need a VPN to use Zoom.
 With the right eSIM, Zoom works just like it does at home—making it more than a data plan… it becomes your productivity lifeline.

2. Install the eSIM on Your Device (Takes Just Minutes)

Installing an eSIM is easier than ordering takeout. Most modern phones, tablets, and even laptops support eSIM, and setup usually involves scanning a QR code or entering a simple code manually.

Once installed, the eSIM connects you to a stable local network that isn’t throttled or randomly dropping off like public Wi-Fi often does.
 This consistent speed is crucial for Zoom calls, especially if you’re bouncing between co-working spaces, cafés, or hotels with unreliable Wi-Fi.

3. Access Zoom Without Restrictions (No VPN Required)

Here’s where it gets good: once your eSIM is active, accessing Zoom in China becomes surprisingly easy.
 With reliable mobile data, you don’t need extra apps, VPNs, or complicated workarounds.

In my experience, Zoom works just like normal – you can join meetings, host webinars, and share your screen without lag or sudden drops.
 I’ve attended team check-ins, virtual workshops, and even delivered client presentations smoothly from China.

No stress. No troubleshooting. No disconnections.
Just reliable access – exactly what you need to stay productive while traveling in China.

How to Access Zoom in China with VPN (Step-by-Step)

1. Install a Trusted VPN

Using a VPN is one of the most common methods to access Zoom in China—but it’s not as plug-and-play as it sounds.
 Before finding one that actually works behind China’s firewall, I’ve had to dig through reviews, test multiple apps, and even download backups from alternative sources.

Compared to the instant setup of an eSIM, finding a reliable VPN takes trial, error, and patience.
 The good news? Once you’ve settled on a VPN that consistently works in China, installation only takes a few minutes and is fairly straightforward.

2. Connect to a VPN Server Outside China

To unlock Zoom, you must connect to a VPN server located outside mainland China.
For better speeds, I usually pick nearby regions like Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore.

Before an important meeting, I test two or three servers to find the smoothest connection.
This extra step can feel inconvenient – especially when an eSIM gives instant unrestricted access with zero setup – but when you do land on the right server, it works flawlessly.

That external server is your gateway to uncensored internet access.

3. Access Zoom via App or Web

Once the VPN connection is active, using Zoom becomes business as usual. I open the app or web version, log in, and join my meetings without issues.

Call quality is generally stable, though there can occasionally be minor lag depending on server load or network congestion.

VPNs definitely require more steps and preparation compared to using a direct eSIM connection, but if you set everything up in advance, they’re still a reliable workaround for accessing Zoom in China.

Last-Minute Checklist Before Using Zoom in China

After crisscrossing China – by highway, bullet train, and even rural backroads – I’ve learned one thing: using Zoom in China isn’t impossible… but it does require the right setup.

Step one is always the same: get a stable internet connection.
Once you have that, you have two main options:

Use a VPN – It can work, but it’s often unpredictable, requires testing multiple servers, and takes extra setup time.
 Use an eSIM – A far more seamless, plug-and-play solution that gives you instant access without any tech headaches.

Zoom isn’t fully banned in China, but it is restricted – so if you want your meetings to run like normal business, a little planning goes a long way.

After testing both methods everywhere – from quiet countryside cafes to crowded coworking spaces in Shanghai – I can confidently say this:

A China eSIM is the easiest and most reliable way to access Zoom.
– No extra apps.
– No server hopping.
– No stress.
– Just smooth, stable connectivity.

And among all the options I’ve tried, Twise’s eSIM stands out for its simplicity, speed, and reliability – without requiring any technical setup. When you’re road-tripping, remote working, or constantly on the move, that kind of convenience becomes essential.

Read more: Google in China: Is It Banned and How to Use It?