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China has banned several popular social media apps because of the government’s obsession with internet censorship. Does WhatsApp work in China? How do you outsmart the Great Firewall? Keep reading to find the answers.
By Wisdom Sablah (Writer)
— Last Updated: 2022-06-22T17:03:40+00:00 Facts checked by Eugenie Tiu
Chances are, if you’re traveling to China, you’re asking yourself, Does WhatsApp work in China? Well, the Chinese government has blocked WhatsApp since 2017. This means you can’t send texts, share images and make voice or video calls using the app in China.
However, there’s good news. With a VPN, you can get around a geoblock and access WhatsApp. Although there are several VPNs on the market, you need one with fast speeds and robust encryption features that can bypass China’s Great Firewall and deep packet inspection, which lets authorities differentiate between regular traffic and VPN traffic (VPNs are banned in China, too).
In this post, we’ll show you the finest VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in China. We’ll also give you a step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to unblock WhatsApp. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Zoom is blocked to an extent in China. In August 2020, the company announced that it was shifting to a partner-only model, meaning purchases can only be made through a local third-party company.
Yes, Discord has been banned in mainland China since 2018. You’ll need a VPN to get around the ban. However, those living in Hong Kong and Macau can still use the app.
Yes, Instagram has been banned in China since 2014 because of the Chinese government’s desire to control and monitor information flow. The government urges its citizens to use Xiaohongshu (it’s Instagram alternative) instead.
Chinese authorities blocked WhatsApp in 2017, just before a Chinese Communist Party meeting, and the restriction is yet to be lifted.
While there have been sporadic bans in the past, none have lasted this long, and there’s no indication from the communist-led government that the current ban will be lifted anytime soon.
To understand why WhatsApp and several other social media platforms are a no-no in China, you’ll have to know a thing or two about the country’s political climate. China has been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1949. This authoritarian regime holds tight reins over everything in the country, including internet usage.
In 1998, in a bid to censor and monitor internet use, the Chinese government created the famed Great Firewall — a notorious filtering system that monitors the internet and blocks any service the government sees as detrimental to their cause. Read our article to learn more about China’s internet censorship.
WhatsApp’s China ban is part of a government-led crackdown on social media messaging apps that began in earnest in 2009.
In fact, WhatsApp was the last of Meta-owned (formerly Facebook) apps to be blocked. Facebook was banned in 2009, while Instagram met the same fate in 2014.
WhatsApp may have been shut down mainly because of its end-to-end encryption feature, which prevents authorities from accessing user data. Governments the world over want the app to implement encryption backdoors, which would help them monitor texts and calls under the guise of national security.
However, it’s clear that authorities want control over the kind of information that’s disseminated. Besides, access to WhatsApp data helps them clamp down on anyone they deem an opponent.
Further, the Chinese government is hell-bent on promoting its homegrown apps over foreign ones, which is often the case in countries that ban WhatsApp. That’s why the government promotes WeChat, the Chinese alternative to WhatsApp.
The Chinese government has banned and continues to ban any app that doesn’t meet its demands.
Here are some of the most popular apps and services that don’t work in China.
It’s worth noting that the Chinese government offers homegrown alternatives to most of these apps. For example, China has Youku Tudou in place of YouTube, Weibo for Twitter, QQ for Facebook Messenger and Xiaohongshu for Instagram.
Unblocking WhatsApp in China is not as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is install a good VPN service, connect to a server and start using the app. We’ll show you how to do just that in the example below.
However, note that you need to download and install your VPN before heading to China because some VPN websites don’t work there.
For this example, we’ll use ExpressVPN. To install, go to your Google Play Store on Android (or Apple app store if you’re using an iPhone) and search for the VPN. Click the “install” button, and your VPN should download and install in a few minutes.
Next, open the VPN you just installed and select a server. Always choose a server in a country that has not banned WhatsApp and is close to China so that you can get fast speeds. We’ve connected to a server in Hong Kong, as you can see below.
Once you’ve installed the VPN and chosen a server, you can install WhatsApp (if you don’t already have it) and start texting or making calls.
Finding the right VPN service to unblock WhatsApp in China can be tricky, particularly because the government monitors and cuts off VPNs.
For instance, IPVanish recently reported that China has started blocking its IP addresses, so their service might not work properly there.
Luckily, there are robust VPN services that are great at bypassing the Great Firewall, ensuring that your traffic can’t be read by the government or your internet service provider (ISP). Although no foreigner has been prosecuted for using VPNs in China, you’re better off using them anonymously.
That’s why strong encryption, anti-censorship features and obfuscation should be a priority when shopping for a VPN. Further, you need a VPN with servers in countries close to China so you can get the best speeds. While a server in any country in the Asia-Pacific region is a plus, look for VPNs with servers in countries that border China.
From our experience and testing, ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Windscribe are the most effective VPNs for unblocking WhatsApp in China. Let’s examine each in a bit more detail.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for unbanning WhatsApp in China.
ExpressVPN is our top pick to unblock WhatsApp in China. Of its more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN has a few in countries close to China, including Japan, Thailand, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Laos, and Hong Kong. This impressive server collection means that you’re likely to get fast connection speeds when using ExpressVPN in China.
Further, ExpressVPN’s servers support obfuscation, meaning that your internet traffic will be hidden from rigorous Chinese government surveillance, and no one will know that you’re using a VPN service, much less WhatsApp. Backed by the industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption and leak protection (DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC), ExpressVPN is great at outsmarting the tough Great Firewall.
ExpressVPN’s most significant downside is that it’s pricier than most competitors, but when it comes to value for money, it stands tall. Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
ExpressVPN Plans
NordVPN NordVPN is a reliable VPN for unblocking WhatsApp in China.
Although its server locations (63 countries) are not as widespread as ExpressVPN’s, NordVPN has servers in countries bordering China, including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong. NordVPN is also a bit cheaper than ExpressVPN and is an excellent alternative if you can’t fit an ExpressVPN subscription into your budget.
NordVPN comes decked with all the key features you’d expect, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection and OpenVPN protocol support. NordLynx, NordVPN’s take on the WireGuard protocol, is faster and more secure than the more popular OpenVPN, though. The good news is that it’s now the default protocol on NordVPN.
Another standout feature of NordVPN is that it supports multi-hop connections, a feature it calls double VPN. In essence, double VPN routes your connection through two servers, meaning that your data is encrypted twice. Many VPNs only use one server, so this is significant.
Further, NordVPN’s servers support obfuscation, ensuring that your internet traffic appears to Chinese authorities as normal traffic.
Some websites report that NordVPN is owned by a Chinese firm. However, there’s no evidence to back that claim. What we know for sure is that the VPN is owned by Nord Security and it is registered in Panama. Check out our NordVPN review for more information.
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Windscribe is the best free VPN for unblocking WhatsApp.
If you’re looking for a free VPN to access WhatsApp in China, Windscribe is your best bet. True, it doesn’t have the server fleet that ExpressVPN and NordVPN boast of, but it has some in China’s neighbors, including Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Russia.
As features go, Windscribe comes with the basic ones you’d expect from a VPN, including a kill switch (which Windscribe calls “Firewall”), split tunneling and AES-256 encryption. However, one notable feature of this VPN is that it sports two OpenVPN protocols, named “wstunnel” and “stealth.” These encapsulated protocols hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, keeping your WhatsApp use away from prying government servers.
Windscribe is not the fastest VPN out there, with ExpressVPN and NordVPN much better in that regard, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You can read our Windscribe vs NordVPN article for more insight on how they stack up in terms of speed and other features. Thankfully, the VPN is free to use for up to 10GB of data.
Free
Pro Plan
If you’re heading to China, you’ll need a VPN to access WhatsApp.
Clearly, ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN to help you get past China’s Great Firewall. It’s also a great alternative to bypass the WhatsApp ban in Dubai and other countries where it’s restricted. For cheaper alternatives, go for NordVPN or Windscribe.
Have you ever tried unblocking WhatsApp in China? Which VPN services gave the best results? Share your experience with us in the comments section. As always, thanks for reading.
Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve.
By Josh Summers
Can you access WhatsApp in China in 2022? The fact is that WhatsApp has been blocked in China since June of 2017. However, I still use WhatsApp andI can tell you from experience that it’s entirely possible…as long as you’re prepared. Here’s a quick explanation of what you need to know and how to make sure you can access WhatsApp in China.
When it comes to being censored within China, WhatsApp wasn’t the first and it certainly won’t be the last.
Since 2009, China has made efforts to block all of the major global social media platforms. It started with Facebook, Twitter, and Google but since then there have been many more websites and apps blocked in China.
WhatsApp is slightly different than most of the websites that are blocked in China since it is primarily accessed on a mobile device.
Similar to Instagram in China, the WhatsApp platform does offers desktop apps, but most people interact with it on their phone.
For this reason, it’s important to look at solutions in China that focus on mobile devices.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I will be compensated if you use some of these services I recommend. The good news is that in many cases, such as this link to ExpressVPN, I’ve negotiated special deals to get you 3 months of free service.
Yes. WhatsApp is blocked in China and has been censored since June of 2017. The app joins a host of other social media platforms that have been blocked in China.
What this means is that if open WhatsApp on your phone from within China, no matter if you’re using a network connection or a wi-fi connection, the app won’t work.
It will attempt to connect and then tell you that it can’t reach the server.
If using WhatsApp is important for you to stay connected with friends and family back home, you’ll want to work through these three simple steps to unblock WhatsApp in China.
Time needed: 8 minutes.
We’ve established that WhatsApp is most definitely blocked in China and will likely stay blocked throughout 2022. So now, allow me to walk you through the 3-step process to access WhatsApp in China.
It sounds simple, but you might find this more difficult than you first imagined.
It can be challenging to find good WiFi in China, so unless you’re using international roaming with your mobile carrier, you’ll need to find a way to get a SIM card in China.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like ExpressVPN or NordVPN allows you to bypass internet censorship by connecting to a server outside of China. Ideally, you will set up a VPN prior to arriving to China since it’s much harder to do so once you get here.
One you have access to the internet on your phone and you’re connected to a VPN, you should be able to log onto WhatsApp without any problems. It’s common to experience interruptions with your connection, so test out which VPN servers work best for you.
Ideally, you’ve already setup your VPN prior to arrival in China, since it’s a huge pain to do so once you’ve arrived. Take note of that as you read on and consider getting a VPN on your phone right now.
If you’ve never heard of a VPN, you can think of it like a tunnel through a wall (for a more detailed description, see What is a VPN?).
Even when China has censored everything, a VPN will tunnel through and give you access to sites like Facebook, Gmail and even WhatsApp in China. There’s no need to dive into the specifics of how it work, just know that a VPN is used by pretty much any expat who lives in China, including me.
If you want to use WhatsApp or any other blocked website/app in China, here are the three options I recommend.
One of the most popular VPNs on the market that has one of the best phone apps I’ve seen. I use this every day.
Best of all, they have a 30 day money-back guarantee in case it doesn’t work well for you. BONUS: when you use this link for ExpressVPN, they’ll give you 3 months free on any annual plan.
NordVPN is another VPN that has an easy-to-use mobile app and a massive user base.
I use NordVPN not only on my phone and computer but I’ve also installed this VPN on my Amazon Fire TV so I can watch my favorite shows on a TV.
My final recommendation is a VPN that has been very reliable for numerous expats in China.
VyprVPN is one that I’ve used for more than 8 years now and has always been a go-to when the other two somehow get blocked.
One more thing: I highly recommend you download at least two VPN services for your phone as a backup in case one doesn’t work.
China sometimes blocks certain IP addresses, which can cause major connection issues no matter which VPN you use.
It’s quite possible to use WhatsApp in China – and I hope you have a chance to do so!
Take some time to make sure that you have a good VPN for China setup on your phone before you travel and you should be good to go.
In the same way you get onto Facebook or even upload videos to YouTube in China, it takes a little bit of creativity and a little bit of patience, but being able to share your experiences on WhatsApp can be worth the effort.
Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip!
Download the Tips Here
Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.
One of the world's most popular instant messengers allows you to communicate with people around the world and from any country except China. WhatsApp does not work in China, more precisely, it does not start without special VPN programs that open access to blocked content. We tell you how to use Whatsapp in China, which VPN service to choose, and what are the nuances.
Read review
vpnexpress.
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Read review
nordvpn.com →
Read review
purevpn.com →
Read review
Ivacy.com →
In 2017, it still worked: it was the last service owned by Facebook, which, after all the blocking, still held on and made it possible to call and correspond for free.
First, they removed the possibility of video calls, then turned off the transfer of files. But at least there was an opportunity to exchange text sms. After blocking WhatsApp in China, everything is officially disabled. nine0003
Sometimes you're lucky: in the border areas, the effect of the "Golden Shield" is not so strong, and in Hong Kong, Macau and Shanghai, there is often access through the usual Chinese Internet. It happens that access is open in an international hotel where there are many foreign travelers.
It's probably not worth hoping for access. It may be a pleasant surprise, but most likely it will not happen. And if you do not plan to spend all the time in your hotel or remain without communication, you need to install a VPN for WhatsApp in China. It is possible to use it on a computer or laptop under Windows or Mac, as well as on mobile phones and tablets. nine0003
1.
VPN is a special service that creates its own virtual connection inside your Internet connection, encrypts traffic and outputs it “through” Chinese servers to its own located outside the country. It's convenient and safe:
There is no separate program for WhatsApp in China - with each VPN you get access to all blocked resources. nine0003
Selecting a particular app or service is pretty easy. There are hundreds of vpn providers all over the world, and literally a few work normally in Chinese territory. Therefore, you need to look for individual VPNs for China, and not look through all the ratings.
Consider whether you are able to set up a VPN on your phone or laptop following the instructions. If you need an automatically running application, the choice is even more reduced.
There are only two services in this category in 2020 – ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
You download the app from the site or from the app store, launch it, and everything is installed automatically, as you are used to. Then the program starts with one click of a button.
Applications are guaranteed to work on Windows, Mac, iPhone. For Android, ExpressVPN only.
DOWNLOAD VPN WITH AUTO SETUP
In addition to the above services, you can also use PureVPN and IPVanish. Many use them in their country to access the world's resources and do not want to change VPN providers just for the sake of travel. Not a problem: the technical support of each service will tell you how to connect WhatsApp in China (of course, not only this messenger, but everything else). Detailed instructions can often be found on the official websites of providers.
Important: technical support most often does not speak Russian. But with minimal knowledge of English or with an online translator, you can handle it.
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We've put together a selection of the best tips that seasoned travelers in China give to newcomers who are going to the country for the first time. Of course, it's all about network access.
Free VPN for Viber and WhatsApp does not work in China. If there is a connection, it is so slow that it turns into torture. In addition, these services often collect information about you. Some $10 or so won't make much of a difference to the overall travel budget. It is better to pay, and it is guaranteed to communicate as much as you want. nine0003
It will come in handy for communicating with the locals, but it will not work for communicating with friends and relatives left at home. nine0012 Make your choice. Read our reviews on VPN prices and ways to save, compare services for iPhone and Android. Or install the universal ExpressVPN that works anywhere, anytime.
Select VPN
Usually does not work on its own.
But with the VPN app, everything runs great from any device. So if you need a connection, you know what to do.
Definitely the best choice in the world is ExpressVPN. With it, everything will work for you, and automatically - no configuration is needed.
If you don't have a VPN, install it. If there is, but does not work through a specific service, try changing the country in the settings. Or try a different service. Make sure that other applications are running and that the problem is not in the messenger. Keep the VPN provider's technical support phone separately. nine0003
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| Go nine0002 nordvpn.com |
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| Go nine0002 expressvpn.comDiscount 49% |
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| 5 | Read review of nine0179 |
| Go privatevpn.com nine0179 |
In September 2017, the Chinese government blocked Whatsapp ahead of the 19th Communist Party Congress. The first attempts to turn off were in the summer, and then, apparently, the locking mechanisms were checked.
The messenger worked intermittently, they turned off audio and video communication, the photo sharing function, leaving only text messages. Already in October, the connection was completely disconnected, and it became impossible to start a new profile. nine0003
WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, like Instagram, and it was only a matter of time before it was blocked. The same Facebook has not been working since 2009. The company hoped to maintain its position in China, at least with the help of WhatsApp, but the government does not comment on the shutdown and, apparently, is not going to lift the blocking. The only way out for many users is to use a VPN: according to reviews, everything works without problems through such services.
VPN services use their encrypted communication channels, which allows users from China to use all the functions and capabilities of the messenger. At the same time, no one will be able to hack the channel or somehow control your traffic. nine0003
Test it
Due to the tightening of blocking, there are not many VPN services operating in China today. However, top brands offer apps for iOS, Android, tablets and phones, as well as laptops that allow you to launch and comfortably use the messenger, make calls, use video calls, send photos wherever you are, as long as you are there. was the internet.
According to tests and ratings, the company really confirms its claim of being "the world's fastest VPN". Being one of the TOP-5 VPNs, ExpressVPN works confidently in China, and despite periodic difficulties, it quickly restores functionality through a system of mirrors, providing high-quality connection. This is a great choice for WhatsApp in China.
Get a discount
NordVPN uses the most powerful encryption algorithms in the world, therefore, due to its technical excellence, it easily provides its users with a stable, fast connection. Many tourists and business travelers use NordVPN for Whatsapp and other messengers in China. nine0003
Get a discount
Free Chinese VPN has been working extremely unstable in China since 2017.
The Golden Shield blocks access, as a result of which you can stay for several days without the ability to download at least another VPN. On the territory of the Celestial Empire, such services are not even in the App Store, and Google Play is disabled altogether. It will be difficult for you to gain access. nine0003
Either install 5 applications in advance, and be prepared for the fact that on some days you will only be able to exchange text messages (for video, the speed is definitely not enough, for audio calls - as lucky), or use paid services. In general, there are so many risks with free services that it seems strange to use them. Compared to the rest of spending in China, $10-13 for a reliable, uninterrupted 24/7 connection is quite a bit.
Choose and buy VPN
How can I guarantee access to WhatsApp in China?
If you're using NordVPN, Express VPN, or Vypr, you can be sure you'll be connected.
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