How to Watch iQiyi Outside China In 2025: The Ultimate Guide
iQiyi is a Chinese portal that is solely available to Chinese users. You will not be able to access it if you visit outside of China due to geo-restrictions. If you want to watch iQiyi outside of China, don’t worry; we have a solution for you.
A VPN can unblock these geo-restrictions imposed on the platform due to copyright issues and content distribution. A VPN can virtually change your actual location to China from anywhere. This makes the platform fool that you are accessing iQiyi from China.
Continue reading to know more about How to watch iQiyi outside China using a VPN.
Here Are the Steps to Watch iQiyi Outside China
- Choose a reliable VPN: Opt for a VPN known to work with iQiyi, such as ExpressVPN(61% off) or NordVPN.
- Install the VPN: Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in China or Hong Kong.
- Access iQiyi: Open the iQiyi website or app. You should now have access to the full library.
- Start streaming: Log in or sign up for iQiyi and enjoy your favorite content.
Why you can’t watch iQiyi Outside China?
You can’t access iQIYI outside of China due to licensing issues and the Great Firewall. Your IP address will be tracked no matter how you attempt to utilize the iQIYI website or app.
That’s why the following error message shows when you attempt to access this streaming service from outside of China:
“Due to copyright restrictions, this video cannot be viewed in your region. Please visit IQ.COM to watch more exciting content”
- IQiyi is indeed blocked outside of China, but with a VPN service like ExpressVPN, you can watch iQiyi worldwide.
- iQIYI, Facebook, and WhatsApp, among many others, are unavailable inside mainland China.
- You may benefit from using a virtual private network in this situation. Using a virtual private network, you may instantly connect to a server in Hong Kong and alter your IP address.
- It will allow you to use iQIYI TV and view episodes in bulk like a native Chinese speaker. A VPN allows you to conceal your true location.
Why do you need a VPN to watch iQIYI outside China?
A VPN enables your internet-enabled device to communicate with another server in another location (such as China). Yet this distant server is more than just a proxy; it may also create an encrypted channel between your system and itself.
The connection serves as your entry point to the Internet within that nation, providing you with a local IP address. Once you’re connected, no one can see what you upload or download once you’re connected since it goes via the VPN server first.
Assuming the VPN connection remains active, nobody can monitor your internet activity. Your VPN should have a kill switch in place to prevent data loss in the event of a connection loss. These are crucial for maintaining your anonymity even if the VPN connection drops.
Best iQiyi VPNs
Not all VPNs are capable of bypassing geo-restrictions on Chinese platforms like iQiyi. Here are some VPNs known for working effectively:
ExpressVPN (Recommended)
✔ It has 3,000+ VPN servers in 105 countries
✔ Connect Up to 8 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Unblock Netflix, VUDU, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, and more
✔ Free Ad-blocker and block malicious sites
✔ You can use it on android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router
✔ 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN offer January 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 61% on 2-year subscription plan + 4 months free.
NordVPN: Budget-friendly VPN with good security features
✔ 7100+ ultra-fast servers in 110 countries
✔ Connect Up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Stream Netflix, VUDU, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, and more from anywhere
✔ Apps available for android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router
✔ 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN offer January 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 70% at 4.49/month on 2-year subscription plan + 3 months free.
Cyberghost: Optimized Servers for Streaming sites
✔ 11,700+ servers in 100 countries so you can easily access regional content
✔ Connect Up to 7 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Unblock platforms like Netflix, VUDU, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV and more
✔ Apps available for android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router etc
✔ 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost VPN Exclusive Deal January 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 84% at $2.03/month on a 2 Years subscription plan + 4 Months free
What should I do if iQiyi doesn’t work with my VPN?
If you encounter issues accessing iQiyi with a VPN, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Connect to a different server in the same region (e.g., another Chinese or Hong Kong server).
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Switch to a different browser or device.
- Update your VPN app to the latest version.
- Contact your VPN provider’s customer support for assistance.
Persistent issues may require trying a different VPN known for bypassing iQiyi’s restrictions.
Do I need a subscription to watch iQiyi?
iQiyi offers both free and premium plans:
- Free Plan: Limited access to content with ads and standard-quality streaming.
- Premium Plan: Full library access, ad-free experience, higher streaming quality (HD/UHD), and the ability to download content for offline viewing.
Premium plans are affordable, and you can subscribe through iQiyi’s official website or app.
How do I subscribe to iQiyi from outside China?
You can subscribe to iQiyi internationally via the following steps:
- Visit iQiyi’s official website or download its app.
- Register for an account.
- Choose a subscription plan.
- Use a payment method accepted by iQiyi (credit cards or digital payment services like PayPal, depending on the region).
- If geo-restrictions block subscription access, connect to a VPN server in China or a supported country.
Top iQiyi TV Shows to Stream Online
iQiyi has a wide variety of programming, including animation, drama, TV episodes, and movies. Just a few of iQiyi’s top shows:
- The Flowers are blooming
- Forever and ever
- Moonlight
- Bad and crazy
- Arsenal Military Academy
- Love Poisoned
- Love Designer
- My Dear Guardian
- The Legend of Zu
Additionally, regional Malay, English, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese subtitles are now available when streaming material via iQIYI.
What other Chinese streaming platforms are available outside China?
In addition to iQiyi, other popular Chinese streaming platforms include:
- Tencent Video (WeTV): Known for its dramas and variety shows.
- Youku: Offers a mix of movies, TV shows, and original content.
- Bilibili: Popular among anime and gaming enthusiasts.
Each platform may have its own geo-restrictions and may require a VPN for access outside China.
FAQs
Can I get a free IQIYI account?
When you sign up for iQiyi, the first month is on the house. Make an iQIYI account using a phone number registered in China or Taiwan. After the first month, you must sign up for the monthly plan.
Can I Watch iQiyi with my smart TV?
The answer is yes; iQiyi is available on smart TVs. To watch programs, you’ll need to get the iQiyi app from the app store or, if you’re using Android TV, the iQiyi app from the play store.
Can I Watch iQiyi outside China?
Yes, iQiyi can be accessed outside China. However, due to geo-restrictions, many shows and movies available in China may not appear in your region. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass these restrictions allows you to access iQiyi’s complete Chinese library.
How does a VPN help in accessing iQiyi?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) reroutes your internet connection through servers in a different country. By connecting to a VPN server in China, you can trick iQiyi into thinking you’re accessing the platform from within China. This enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy the full range of content.
Can I watch iQiyi in English?
Yes, iQiyi provides subtitles in multiple languages, including English, for some of its content. However, the availability of English subtitles depends on the title. Chinese dramas and movies often have English subtitles, but variety shows and niche content may not.
Does iQiyi have a mobile app?
Yes, iQiyi offers a user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android devices. You can stream, download, and manage your watchlist directly through the app, making it convenient for viewing on the go.