How to Access Bilibili Outside China

This guide shows how to access Bilibili from outside China (anywhere) without the usual frustration. You’ll learn reliable methods that work. VPN setup, legal notes, alternatives, troubleshooting, and streaming tips to keep everything running smoothly.

Quick Jumps

#1. Why Bilibili limits access #2. How Bilibili detects location #3. Quick answer #4. Easiest method: VPN #5. Step-by-step: VPN setup (desktop and mobile) #6. Best VPNs for Bilibili in 2025 #7. Free VPNs: pros and cons #8. Alternatives: proxy, Smart DNS, Chinese SIM 9#. Common problems and fixes 10#. Legal and terms 11#. Tips for better streaming 12#. FAQ 13#. Conclusion

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Why Bilibili limits access

Bilibili hosts anime, user videos, live streams, and original Chinese shows. Some content stays limited to users inside China. The platform applies region controls for licensing and regulation. If you try to view certain pages from abroad you may see a region block or a reduced content catalog.

How Bilibili detects location

• IP address geolocation. This is the main method.
• Mobile carrier country code and SIM data for apps.
• Browser or device location services when enabled.
• Account registration details, including phone number region.

Can you watch Bilibili outside China? (quick answer)

Yes. You can watch parts of Bilibili outside China via the international site or app. To access the full Chinese catalog and BiliBili free to watch series you will need to appear as if your connection originates in China or a China-adjacent region such as Hong Kong or Taiwan. The most reliable way to do that is a quality VPN with mainland or Hong Kong servers.

The easiest method to access Bilibili abroad

Use a reputable VPN and connect to a server in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. A VPN changes your visible IP address. Bilibili then treats your session as local. Many streaming-focused VPNs include optimizations for stability and speed. Recent tests and reviews show strong performance from market leaders, especially when they offer Hong Kong or mainland China endpoints and obfuscation features.

Step-by-step: How to watch Bilibili outside China using a VPN

1. Choose a VPN

Pick a paid provider with proven streaming support and servers close to China. Look for Hong Kong or mainland China servers, clear privacy rules, and reliable customer support.

2. Create an account and install the app

• Sign up on the VPN website.
• Download the native app for your device.
• Install and log in.

3. Connect to the right server

Select a China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan server. If the provider offers streaming-optimized or obfuscated servers, try those first. Wait for a full connection before you open Bilibili.

4. Open Bilibili

Use the browser or the app. For the app, clear its cache if content still appears restricted. For the browser, clear cookies or use a private window if needed.

5. Troubleshoot common setup issues

• If video fails to play, switch servers.
• If you get a login or verification error, try turning off GPS or location permissions on your device.
• If content still blocks, log out and log back in after switching the VPN server.

Best VPNs for Bilibili in 2025 (tested and verified)

Several independent tests and reviews from 2025 show consistent results. Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN rank highly for bypassing regional blocks and for streaming performance. Recent improvements in server capacity and obfuscation make these services reliable choices for Bilibili access.

Why these three stand out

• ExpressVPN is recommended for strong speeds and broad device support.
• NordVPN is best for fast protocols and extensive testing for streaming.
• Surfshark: value, obfuscation tools, and recent network upgrades.

Note: Bilibili may update its detection. Keep the VPN app current and consult provider guides for regional streaming. Independent reviews and test results change, so check the latest provider status before you subscribe.

Read also: How to Unblock Youku Outside China

Free VPNs: are they worth it?

Free VPNs carry trade-offs. They can limit bandwidth, offer fewer China/Hong Kong endpoints, and lack reliable streaming performance. Some free services log data or inject ads. For stable access to Bilibili pay for a reputable provider.

Alternative methods

1. Proxy or SOCKS

A proxy can change IP but often lacks encryption and fails with modern anti-proxy checks.

2. Smart DNS

Smart DNS reroutes location checks while preserving speed. It does not encrypt traffic. It can work for region checks but fails where location ties to carrier or account data.

3. Chinese SIM or roaming

A Chinese mobile number or roaming on a Chinese carrier can grant access in some cases. This is complex and often impractical for most viewers.

Common problems and how to fix them

• Video buffers or stalls: switch to a different VPN server or a Hong Kong server.
• App shows region restriction: clear cache and cookies, disable GPS, reconnect VPN, then relaunch the app.
• Login fails with foreign phone number: consider registering with a local number or use the web version with VPN enabled.
• Reduced catalog on international app: the global Bilibili app has a smaller library than the China app. The China app provides the full catalog when region checks pass.

Is using a VPN for Bilibili legal?

Legal reality depends on where you are. In the United States and most countries, using a VPN is legal for personal use. China regulates VPN providers and requires authorization for commercial services. Individuals rarely face prosecution for typical VPN use, but selling or operating an unauthorized VPN can be illegal under Chinese law. If you plan to use a VPN while physically in China know the local rules and risks.

Tips for better streaming speed and reliability

• Choose a VPN server closer to China if you want lower latency.
• Prefer WireGuard or other modern protocols for speed.
• Use a wired connection for desktop streaming when possible.
• Close background apps that use bandwidth.
• Enable the VPN kill switch to prevent accidental IP leaks.

Frequently asked questions

Will a VPN let me watch every item on Bilibili?

Mostly yes for region-locked content. Some items still tie to account region or licensing rights and may remain blocked.

Which server region works best?

Hong Kong often works well for streaming. Mainland China servers can also work but vary by provider. Test both types.

Can I use the Bilibili international app?

The international app gives access to some content. For the full Chinese catalog use the China app with a region-appropriate IP and account setup.

Conclusion

For reliable access to Bilibili outside China use a reputable VPN with Hong Kong or China servers. Paid providers offer steady speeds, obfuscation, and support. Free tools often fail. Keep apps updated and follow the troubleshooting steps when content blocks appear. Use caution if you will connect from inside China and want to follow local rules. The approach in this guide gives a practical path to watch Bilibili abroad with strong odds of success.