Introduction
If you are moving to China, planning a business trip, or studying abroad, one of the first questions you might ask is: does Spotify work in China? Music streaming has become an essential part of daily life, and many people rely on Spotify for their playlists, podcasts, and personalized music discovery. However, accessing Spotify in China is not as simple as opening the app.
This guide explores the reality of using Spotify in China, why it’s blocked, alternatives available, and practical ways expats and travelers stay connected to their favorite music. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Spotify can work for you in China and what solutions are available.
Does Spotify Work in China?
The short answer: Spotify does not officially work in China. The platform is blocked by the Great Firewall, China’s internet censorship system that restricts access to many Western apps and websites.
This means if you try to log in to Spotify from a local Chinese internet connection, the app will not load without a workaround. According to Statista (2024), Spotify had 602 million active users globally, but none of them are in mainland China because of the restrictions.
Why Is Spotify Blocked in China?
The reasons are both regulatory and competitive:
Censorship Laws – China requires music streaming services to comply with local regulations on content. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music face difficulties due to licensing and government control of media.
Domestic Competition – China already has massive homegrown streaming platforms such as QQ Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and KuGou, each boasting hundreds of millions of users. Tencent Music Entertainment, for example, reported over 600 million monthly active users across its apps in 2023.
Data and Licensing Requirements – International platforms must partner with Chinese companies to operate locally. Spotify has not entered such a partnership, unlike Apple Music, which managed to launch officially in China in 2015.
How Do People in China Use Spotify?
Even though Spotify is blocked in China, many expats, digital nomads, and students continue to use it. The most common solution is through a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server outside China, allowing you to bypass the Great Firewall.
Popular VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are frequently used by expats to access Spotify, Netflix, WhatsApp, and other restricted apps.
It is important to note:
VPN performance varies, and China regularly updates its firewall to block certain providers.
Using a VPN is common among expats, though technically it operates in a gray legal area for residents.
Alternatives to Spotify in China
If you don’t want to rely on VPNs, there are several strong alternatives to Spotify within China.
1. QQ Music
Owned by Tencent, QQ Music is one of the most popular platforms with over 800 million registered users.
Offers a huge music library, including international licensing deals with Universal, Sony, and Warner Music.
Available in English to some extent, though the interface is primarily in Chinese.
2. NetEase Cloud Music
Known for its community features and music reviews.
Particularly popular among younger Chinese listeners.
Offers a mix of Chinese and Western music, though some Western tracks may be restricted.
3. KuGou and Kuwo
Popular in smaller cities and among users who prefer karaoke-style apps.
Very focused on Chinese-language content.
4. Apple Music
One of the only international streaming services available officially in China.
Licensed and fully legal, though its catalog may differ slightly compared to the U.S. version.
Practical Tips for Expats and Travelers
If you are heading to China and want to keep using Spotify, here are some practical strategies:
Download Offline Playlists Before Traveling
Spotify Premium allows you to download songs for offline listening. This works even if you lose access to the app in China, as long as you stay logged in.
Choose a Reliable VPN Before Arrival
Many VPN websites are blocked in China, so purchase and install your VPN before you land.
Have a Backup Streaming App
Even if you use Spotify with a VPN, it’s wise to download QQ Music or Apple Music for times when your VPN struggles.
Check Device Compatibility
Some local Android phones (like Huawei or Xiaomi in China) may not support Google Play, so you might need to sideload Spotify or VPN apps.
Real-World Example
Let’s take the example of Sarah, an exchange student from the U.S. She arrives in Beijing and quickly realizes that her Spotify app doesn’t load. Since she downloaded playlists offline before traveling, she can still listen to her study mixes. However, to explore new music and keep up with podcasts, she subscribes to ExpressVPN and connects through servers in Japan. This setup allows her to continue using Spotify seamlessly. For days when her VPN connection is weak, she also signs up for NetEase Cloud Music to discover local artists and integrate better with Chinese peers.
This shows how many users combine Spotify with local apps for the best experience.
FAQs
1. Does Spotify Premium work in China?
Yes, if you already have Premium, it will still work when connected via VPN. However, without a VPN, the app won’t load.
2. Can I sign up for Spotify in China?
No. The official website and app are blocked, so you cannot create a new account from within China without a VPN.
3. Is using a VPN in China legal?
VPN usage is tolerated for foreigners and businesses, though the government regulates local VPN providers. Many expats use international VPNs without issue, but it exists in a legal gray area.
4. Which VPN works best for Spotify in China?
Services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill are popular among expats, but reliability changes as China updates its firewall.
5. Are there free alternatives to Spotify in China?
Yes, apps like KuGou and QQ Music offer free tiers, though they include ads and have limited international catalogs compared to Spotify.
Conclusion
So, does Spotify work in China? Not directly. The Great Firewall blocks Spotify, meaning you can’t use it without a VPN or offline downloads. However, with the right preparation — downloading playlists, installing a VPN, or supplementing with local apps — expats and travelers can still enjoy their favorite Spotify playlists while in China.
For those who prefer a simpler experience, alternatives like QQ Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and Apple Music provide excellent local options. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value Spotify’s personalization enough to use a VPN or prefer to adapt to Chinese platforms.
