Google Play Store in China: Everything You Need To Know

Google Play Store is not available in China. This article explains why, what alternatives exist, and how international developers can navigate the Chinese Android app market successfully.

Why is Google Play Store Blocked in China?

Google Play Store has been completely blocked in mainland China since 2012, along with other Google services, including Google Search, YouTube, and Gmail. This blocking is enforced through the Great Firewall of China as part of the government’s internet censorship policies.

What Are The Key Reasons For The Block?

• Data sovereignty requirements – China requires user data to be stored locally and accessible to authorities
• Content control – The government wants oversight of all apps available to Chinese users
• Support for domestic tech industry – Blocking foreign competitors helps Chinese app stores gain market share
• Ongoing political tensions between Google and Chinese authorities over censorship compliance

Google initially operated in China from 2006 to 2010 but withdrew its search services after refusing to comply with government censorship requirements. The Play Store became inaccessible shortly after. As of 2025, Google Play Store remains completely inaccessible in mainland China without technical workarounds. The blocking effects:

• App downloads and browsing
• App updates for existing installations
• In-app purchases through Google Play Billing
• Google Play Services functionality

There are no signs of policy reversal in the near future, and the Chinese app store ecosystem has matured significantly since the original blocking.

How Do Chinese Users Get Android Apps?

Since Google Play Store is unavailable, Chinese Android users rely on alternative distribution methods:

Primary distribution channels:

1. Third-party app stores – Dominated by device manufacturers (Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo)
2. Software company stores – Tencent MyApp, Baidu Mobile Assistant, 360 Mobile Assistant
3. Direct APK installation – Manual sideloading from websites. You can find the APK downloads and official website for the largest Chinese app stores here. 

Challenges users face:

• Fragmented app update process across multiple stores
• Apps requiring Google Play Services often malfunction
• Higher security risks from unofficial sources
• Need to search across multiple stores to find specific apps

Read here to learn what the top 15 app stores are in China. If you would like to know more about these app stores, their daily users and market share, you can refer to the AppInChina App Store Index. 

How Can International Developers Publish Their App in China?

Publishing an Android app in China requires a fundamentally different approach than Google Play Store distribution.

Essential steps:

1. Partner with a local publisher – Chinese law requires app publishers to be a registered business in China with a Business License (营业执照), which can only be held by a local company. Partners such as AppInChina provide one-stop publishing and promotion services that can help your app in the Chinese market. Another alternative to this is setting up a Chinese subsidiary to your existing overseas entity. This way you can distribute your app under your own entity. 

2. Multi-store distribution – Publish on 8-15 major app stores for comprehensive market coverage. When partnering with AppInChina, these app stores will be selected from those listed in AppInChina’s App Store Index to ensure maximum market coverage. 

3. Remove Google dependencies – Apps cannot rely on Google Play Services, Maps, or other Google APIs. Local partners such as AppInChina will design and remodel your existing app infrastructure to ensure that all aspects of the app are functional. Alternatively, you can also use the AppInChina Tech Stack Tester to check whether your full stack will run in China.

4. Implement Chinese services – Use local alternatives for push notifications, payments, maps, and social login

Technical requirements:

• Phone number or WeChat login instead of Google accounts. This integrated login system with WeChat allows for reduced friction and is the industry norm. Chinese users will expect this frictionless experience when it comes to logging in. 
• Chinese push notification services (Xiaomi Push, Huawei Push, etc.)
• Local payment methods (Alipay, WeChat Pay)
• Chinese CDNs for improved performance
• Compliance with data localization requirements

Localisation considerations:

• Translate to Simplified Chinese with cultural adaptation
• Adapt UI/UX for Chinese user preferences and market norms
• Remove unusual characters from app names (impacts keyboard input)
• Follow Chinese design patterns and user expectations

Cost implications:

• Additional development resources: 20-40% increase
• Publishing fees: Varies by store (USD 0 to USD 500 per store)
• Legal and compliance costs: USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 depending on app category

To learn more about how you can publish and distribute your app in China, you can read our complete guide. 

What Should Developers Know?

1. Google Play Store access will not return soon – There have been no signs that the Google Play Store or other Google services will return to China. It is safe to assume this will remain the same for the foreseeable future. 
2. Multi-store strategy is mandatory – single-store distribution provides insufficient coverage
3. Local partnerships are required – Unless you plan on opening a Chinese subsidiary, you will need to work with a local partner such as AppInChina to help you distribute your app. 
4. Technical adaptation is extensive – Removing Google dependencies requires significant development
5. User behavior differs – Chinese users expect different login methods, payment options, and app features

The Chinese Android market represents a significant opportunity but requires a dedicated strategy, resources, and local expertise to navigate successfully. The absence of Google Play Store has created a unique ecosystem that international developers must understand and adapt to rather than work around.

AppInChina can help with comprehensive support entering the Chinese app market. We can help by:

• Being your publishing partner if you do not plan on opening a Chinese subsidiary.
• Distributing your app on all of the top Chinese app stores.
• Providing both technical localisation (SDKs, etc.) and language localisation for your app.

Contact us and organise a free consultation call to find out the next steps for your app to enter the largest digital app market in the world.