Google Play Store in China

[andrew79]

I

 

[Rukbat]

Use a VPN in the US or the UK, and use an app that sets your carrier to a US or UK carrier.

 

[andrew79]

Any recommendations for such a vpn? I’m new to android and was reading a post on this site that basically said if you want to make sure an App is safe/reliable then DL from the Play Store.

 

[mikedt]

Unfortunately gaining access to the US Play store outside of the United States is not as easy as using a VPN, for a US IP address. Not sure how you could spoof the carrier though, because that's determined by the actual network the device is connected to, e.g. "China Mobile Samsung....". I'm pretty sure the Play also uses WiFi and/or cellular information to determine where you are. Sure Google does it to keep Hollywood, MPAA, RIAA, etc, happy, to ensure they're not distributing copyrighted and restricted content outside of the US, e.g. music, movies, ebooks, etc. In addition many games and apps have restricted availability as well, like EA and Gameloft games. Sure Google doesn't have the rights to distribute them in China. Of course most Android devices sold in mainland PRC don't have any Google services on them, they have things like Baidu, Youku and Tencent instead. The reason is mainly political.

Andrew, no doubt you've seen "This item is not available in your country." many times.

If you're rooted there's a thing called Market Enabler you could try, although I didn't have any luck with it myself.

 

[andrew79]

Thanks Mike, I guess I'll have to make do with what I can get.

willnatalie576 - The one that's number 8 on the "Top Free" chart on the Chinese Google Play Store