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Does Google Maps work in China?

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Google Maps in China: OONI has too few tests to say (0). Related Google services, what vendors claim for eSIM data, dated 8 October 2026.

Short answer (8 October 2026): Unknown from our data. OONI has too few tests of maps.google.com from China to say (0 in 8 September 2026 to 8 October 2026). A website test is not an app test.

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What the data says

OONI measurements from probes in China, 8 September 2026 to 8 October 2026. Fetched 8 October 2026. Click a number for the raw data.
ServiceResultLoaded / tests
Google Maps (maps.google.com) No data 0 / 0
Google Search (www.google.com) Did not load 0 / 42
Gmail (gmail.com) Did not load 0 / 31
Google Drive (drive.google.com) Did not load 0 / 37

An anomaly signals possible blocking, not proof. A website test does not show whether the app or an account works. Method and all services: What works in China.

OONI has too few recent tests of maps.google.com from China to give a Google Maps result, so this page shows the other Google services we do have data for. Airalo lists Maps among the Google services that are generally inaccessible on local networks in China (Airalo help page, read 14 October 2026, vendor statement). Alternatives that people use in mainland China: Apple Maps on iPhone and Amap (Gaode), a Chinese map app; we have not tested either. Alipay and WeChat Pay also need mobile data to pay, see our Alipay and WeChat Pay guide (/kb/alipay-wechat-pay-for-foreigners/).

What to do

  1. Install Google Maps and sign in before you fly.
  2. Use an eSIM that routes data outside China, and turn hotel Wi-Fi off. Compare options in best eSIM for China.
  3. For a laptop on Wi-Fi, see internet in China for tourists and VPN for China.

Ready? Simbye China plans, 15% off (affiliate link, how we earn).

Other apps: Instagram, Gmail, YouTube, Zoom, Facebook, ChatGPT, Telegram, X (Twitter), TikTok (international), WhatsApp.

Sources