Ways to Verify Whether Your VPN Is Functioning Properly in China (2026)

In 2026, establishing a reliable connection for your VPN in China does not automatically guarantee its full functionality. Numerous users encounter scenarios such as:

  • Connection is active, yet foreign websites are inaccessible;
  • Google functions, but YouTube/ChatGPT does not;
  • Extremely sluggish browsing speeds;
  • Applications are operational, while websites are not;
  • WiFi is functional, but cellular data fails—or the other way around.

This manual outlines effective testing approaches to confirm the actual performance of your VPN while in China.

1. First Step: Assess Basic Connectivity

Verify your ability to access:

  • https://www.google.com
  • https://www.youtube.com
  • https://chat.openai.com

If these websites do not load:

  • Your DNS might be compromised;
  • The server could be partially barred;
  • The protocol may have been identified.

2. Second Step: Analyze DNS Integrity

DNS contamination is a prevalent reason for connectivity issues in China.

  • https://dnsleaktest.com
  • https://ipleak.net

Warning signs:

  • DNS servers affiliated with China Telecom, Unicom, Mobile;
  • Discrepancy between your IP’s location and the server’s.

Solutions:

  • Activate the built-in DNS (DoH/DoT);
  • Utilize SmartDNS functionality.

3. Third Step: Verify Your IP Location

  • https://ifconfig.co
  • https://ipinfo.io

Confirm:

  • Your IP indicates Japan/Singapore/etc. if that’s what you chose;
  • No “Suspicious Proxy” alerts.

4. Fourth Step: Conduct a Speed Test

  • https://fast.com
  • https://speed.cloudflare.com

Typical performance metrics:

  • Basic web browsing: 1–5 Mbps;
  • YouTube 1080p: 5–12 Mbps;
  • 4K streaming: 15+ Mbps;

5. Fifth Step: Streaming Assessment

  • Regional Netflix test;
  • Login to Disney+;
  • 4K streaming test on YouTube.

If streaming does not work:

  • Change to nodes that support streaming;
  • Employ SmartDNS.

6. Sixth Step: Compatibility with AI Tools

  • Test message with ChatGPT;
  • Access the OpenAI dashboard;
  • Utilize Midjourney on Discord.

7. Final Step: App Performance

  • Instagram / Facebook;
  • WhatsApp;
  • Google Maps;
  • YouTube;
  • Zoom.

Conclusion

VPN operates effectively in China necessitates comprehensive testing at various levels. Should you face access or stability challenges, this guide will assist in swiftly diagnosing and addressing them. For reliable performance, Mobile VPN List offers strategies for obfuscation, SmartDNS, and routing optimized for China.

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