Does YouTube work in China? (2026)

Short answer: No, not on Chinese networks. YouTube is blocked on Chinese networks (local SIMs, hotel and café Wi-Fi). Verified 24 October 2026.

On Chinese networks (local SIM, hotel Wi-Fi)	Blocked
On a travel eSIM or roaming	Works

What this means for your trip

Is YouTube blocked in China?

Yes, on Chinese networks. That means a local SIM and hotel or café Wi-Fi in mainland China. YouTube is blocked on Chinese networks (local SIMs, hotel and café Wi-Fi).

Does YouTube work with an eSIM or roaming?

On a travel eSIM or home roaming, YouTube works as usual, because the data is routed outside mainland China.

The simplest fix for visitors is a travel eSIM set up before you fly: see the best eSIM for China, or go straight to Airalo's China plans (affiliate link). Hotel and café Wi-Fi use Chinese networks, so switch Wi-Fi off when you need YouTube.

How do I get YouTube before I fly?

Install YouTube and sign in before you fly, and set up your travel eSIM at the same time. Google Play does not work on Chinese networks, so do not leave downloads for when you land. Get it from the official site, youtube.com, or your phone's app store. Then open the app once at home to check it runs. Our list of apps to install before you fly shows the order to do it in.

Blocked status follows Freedom House's Freedom on the Net 2025; you can test any site yourself on GreatFire.org, which checks access from inside China every day. Full picture: Internet in China and the apps to install before you fly.

FAQ

Is YouTube blocked in China?

Yes. YouTube is blocked on Chinese networks (local SIMs, hotel and café Wi-Fi).

Does YouTube work with an eSIM or roaming in China?

On a travel eSIM or home roaming, YouTube works as usual, because the data is routed outside mainland China.

How do I use YouTube in China?

Use a travel eSIM or your home carrier's roaming: data is routed abroad, so YouTube works on mobile data. Install and sign in before you fly.

How do I get YouTube before I fly to China?

Install YouTube and sign in before you fly, and set up your travel eSIM at the same time. Google Play does not work on Chinese networks, so do not leave downloads for when you land.

Next steps for your trip

1. Get a China eSIMGoogle, WhatsApp & Instagram keep working · affiliate link2. Install the must-have appsBefore you fly: some are hard to get in China3. Set up AlipayLink your Visa or Mastercard before you flyStuck? Ask a real personWhatsApp / WeChat · paid help from $15

Last verified 24 October 2026. Official site: https://www.youtube.com/. Sources: [1] [2] . Access can change without notice; tell us if you see something different.