On April 28, 2026, LetsVPN (快连VPN) — one of the most popular VPN services among Chinese internet users — officially announced it would permanently cease operations in mainland China. The company cited an inability to maintain stable connections against China's increasingly aggressive internet censorship infrastructure.
This article covers everything you need to know: what happened, how to claim your refund, and what alternatives are available.
What Happened?
LetsVPN, known for its bold tagline "永远都能上" (always connected), published a notice to users on April 28, 2026 with the following key points:
- 20 days of failed attempts: The technical team worked around the clock — nearly every hour — for 20 consecutive days trying to restore service
- Connection problems confirmed unsolvable: After exhaustive efforts, the company confirmed it could not effectively resolve the connectivity issues caused by the Great Firewall
- All China operations terminated: The company has shut down all mainland China payment channels
- Full refunds offered: All refund requests will be calculated starting from April 8, 2026, regardless of recent account activity
The company also expressed regret about no longer being able to help Chinese users "access AI services" and "grow cross-border e-commerce businesses" — a stark reminder that internet censorship has real economic consequences.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early April 2026 | LetsVPN users in China begin reporting widespread connection failures |
| April 8, 2026 | LetsVPN internally marks this as the refund calculation start date |
| April 8-28, 2026 | Technical team attempts hourly fixes for 20 days |
| April 28, 2026 | Official announcement: LetsVPN ceases all China mainland operations |
| April 28, 2026 | All mainland payment channels closed |
| Ongoing | Refund processing for all affected users |
How to Get Your LetsVPN Refund
LetsVPN has committed to refunding all users. Here's what you need to know:
- Refund start date: April 8, 2026 — all refunds are calculated from this date
- Eligibility: All users qualify, whether or not your account had recent activity
- How to apply: Submit a refund request through the LetsVPN app or website (letsvpn.world)
- Processing: The company has stated that every refund will be handled properly
If you're having trouble accessing the LetsVPN website from China, try using a friend's VPN connection or access it from outside the mainland.
The Bigger Picture: China's VPN Crackdown in 2026
LetsVPN's shutdown is not an isolated incident. It's part of the most aggressive VPN crackdown China has seen in years:
Recent VPN Shutdowns
- LetsVPN (快连) — April 2026: Ceased China operations
- MinorityVPN (少数派) — Early 2026: Shut down
- PandaVPN (熊猫) — 2025-2026: Ceased operations
- Multiple smaller providers — Ongoing closures throughout 2026
Why Now?
China's Great Firewall (GFW) has undergone significant upgrades in 2026:
- AI-powered deep packet inspection: Machine learning algorithms now identify VPN traffic patterns more accurately than ever
- Real-time protocol fingerprinting: New systems can detect and block obfuscated VPN protocols within minutes
- Increased enforcement: Reports suggest coordinated efforts to shut down VPN providers serving the Chinese market
- Infrastructure upgrades: The GFW's capacity to process and filter traffic has expanded significantly
What Are Your Options Now?
If you relied on LetsVPN, you need a replacement. Based on our testing from inside mainland China, these VPNs still work:
Top Recommendations
- ExpressVPN — Most reliable overall. Lightway protocol with obfuscation. From $8.32/month.
- NordVPN — Best value. Obfuscated servers designed for China. From $3.39/month.
- Astrill VPN — Expat favorite. StealthVPN protocol purpose-built for China. From $12.50/month.
- Surfshark — Budget pick. Unlimited devices, NoBorders mode. From $2.19/month.
- Mullvad VPN — Privacy-first. No account needed, flat €5/month.
For a detailed comparison, see our full guide: LetsVPN Alternatives: 5 Best VPNs After the Shutdown
Critical Tips
- Install before you need it: VPN websites are blocked in China. Download and set up your new VPN while you still have access.
- Keep multiple options: No single VPN is 100% reliable in China. Having a backup is smart.
- Use obfuscated protocols: Standard VPN protocols get blocked instantly. Only obfuscated connections work.
- Save offline support info: Note your VPN provider's support email and setup guides — you may not be able to access their website when you need help most.
Impact on Users
The LetsVPN shutdown affects millions of users who relied on the service for:
- Work: Accessing international business tools, email, and cloud services
- AI access: Using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI platforms
- E-commerce: Managing cross-border online businesses
- Communication: Staying in touch with family and colleagues abroad via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other blocked messaging apps
- Education: Accessing international research papers, courses, and educational resources
- Entertainment: Streaming YouTube, Netflix, and other blocked platforms
The economic impact extends beyond individual users. Small businesses that depend on international internet access for cross-border trade are particularly affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LetsVPN completely gone?
LetsVPN has only ceased operations in mainland China. The service may continue operating in other regions. However, for users inside China, the service is effectively over.
Will LetsVPN come back?
There's no indication that LetsVPN plans to resume China operations. The company's announcement was definitive, citing an inability to solve the technical challenges posed by the Great Firewall.
Can I still use my LetsVPN account outside China?
The shutdown specifically targets mainland China operations. If you travel outside China, your LetsVPN account may still function. Check with LetsVPN support for details.
How long will refunds take?
LetsVPN has not specified an exact timeline but has committed to processing all refund requests. Given the volume of users affected, expect some delays.
What's the safest VPN to use in China now?
Based on our testing, ExpressVPN and Astrill VPN have the strongest track records for maintaining service in China through multiple crackdowns. NordVPN is a strong budget alternative. See our full comparison.
Bottom Line
LetsVPN's exit from China marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between VPN providers and the Great Firewall. For affected users, the priority is clear: secure a reliable alternative now, before you're left without any VPN access.
The VPN landscape in China will continue to evolve, and we'll keep testing and updating our recommendations. Bookmark our Best VPN for China guide for the latest information.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
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