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App won't open or crashes

What's happening

Most commonly a network or VPN issue. Alipay and WeChat both struggle to reach servers reliably through VPNs, and some VPN configs block the apps entirely. Outdated app versions also cause crashes.

Steps to fix it

1Turn off your VPN completely and retry. Alipay/WeChat work fine on Chinese networks without a VPN — the Great Firewall doesn't block payment apps.
2Update the app to the latest version from the App Store / official site.
3Force-close the app and reopen it.
4Check your connection — switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
5If the app refuses to open at all, uninstall and reinstall, then log back in.
6Restart your phone if nothing else works.

Backup options

•If the app won't cooperate, pay cash for this transaction and try again later.
•Ask the merchant if they also accept the other app — many accept both.

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