WhatsApp is Blocked in China — How to Use It for Free (in 2024)
Reading time: 13 min
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Cybersecurity Editor
The Chinese government has banned WhatsApp, as its end-to-end encryption means it’s impossible to monitor conversations or control information. This means you won’t find WhatsApp in app stores in China, and you can’t use WhatsApp on Chinese networks.
It’s still possible to use WhatsApp in China by using software that changes your IP address. Masking your location and switching to an IP from a server outside of China lets you avoid network restrictions and connect to WhatsApp.
There are several ways you can change your IP address — using a proxy, using the Tor network, or using a VPN. Proxies and Tor are generally not as reliable, as Chinese networks are easily able to detect the software. VPNs are much safer options, but they’re not free. Read on to find out the fastest and safest ways to use WhatsApp in China. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Use WhatsApp in China with ExpressVPN
Editor’s Note: Due to the strict internet regulations in China, VPN connections can be unstable at times. Despite this, ExpressVPN is known to be reliable and has a 30-day money back guarantee for first-time users. Additionally, we do not endorse VPNs for illegal activities. China has banned non-government approved VPNs, but there have not by any publicly reported cases of a tourist being prosecuted for using one. Still, be sure to use VPNs at your own risk and follow local laws accordingly.
Quick Guide: Access WhatsApp in China in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN that works in China. Of all the VPNs tested, ExpressVPN provides the most reliable connections, with obfuscated servers and fast speeds for messaging and calls on WhatsApp.
- Connect to a server outside of China. Choose a nearby server, somewhere like Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, or India — these will give you the best speeds for using WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp and start communicating. You can now use the app to chat with friends and family on a secure and private connection.
How to Use WhatsApp in China for Free
It’s tricky to find working methods for using WhatsApp in China, especially for free. However, there are several ways that might work. Just be aware that even the most reliable methods (like using a VPN) don’t always work, as China is constantly improving its proxy detection technology to maintain network restrictions.
Use a Free Proxy
There are some reputable free proxies that might let you connect to locations outside of China so you can access WhatsApp. However, China actively monitors and blocks proxies, so it’s difficult to find one that works reliably.
For the best chance, I recommend you choose a proxy that provides encrypted connections and data leak protection. This will ensure that your online traffic destination is undetectable, and your personal information remains private.
Use Tor (The Onion Router)
Tor is another free option that might be usable, although it is also monitored closely and often blocked by Chinese networks. Tor is very private and secure, but it’s much slower than a proxy or VPN connection, so be aware that it isn’t ideal for video calls on WhatsApp.
You can make some manual configurations to get the best chance of a Tor connection working; try using the Snowflake proxy, private and unlisted obfs4 bridges, or the meek-azure pluggable transport. This can be tricky and technical to set up, so make sure you’re aware of the steps or have configured the Tor browser before arriving in China.
Why You Need a VPN for Using WhatsApp in China
While it’s not always free, using a VPN is the best way to access WhatsApp in China. It’s the safest and most reliable solution for travelers to use WhatsApp in China and stay in touch with friends and family. Unlike free proxies or the Tor browser, a VPN fully secures your connection and provides fast speeds for instant messaging and smooth video calls.
With obfuscated servers and strong encryption, a VPN avoids China’s network detection and gives you an IP address in a country where WhatsApp is available. This lets you use WhatsApp by avoiding network blocks that restrict connections to your mobile or browser apps.
Pro Tip: Use a Tried-and-Tested VPN for Secure Connections to WhatsApp in China
Not all VPNs are able to work effectively in China, as new network restrictions frequently block VPN connections. Only use VPNs that are known to work in China, otherwise, you may find you can’t connect to WhatsApp even when using a VPN server.
It’s also important to note that China bans non-government-approved VPNs. However, there have been no reported cases of penalizing foreigners for using them. Make sure you download a VPN before arriving in China and abide by the law at all times — my team and I do not condone illegal VPN usage.
Short on Time? Here Are The Best VPNs for WhatsApp in China
- ExpressVPN — obfuscation on all connections and a broad server network ensures fast, reliable connections to WhatsApp when in China.
- PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN is effective at hiding VPN use to access WhatsApp in China, but the smaller server network can cause connection slowdowns.
- VyprVPN — Chameleon protocol and Smart IP technique works well with WhatsApp in China, but doesn’t provide anonymous payment methods to boost privacy.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp in China
| Servers Close to China | Obfuscation | Connection Speeds | Lowest Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| ExpressVPN | Hong Kong, Macau, Nepal, Vietnam, India | All connections | Very Fast | per month | 30 days |
| PrivateVPN | Hong Kong, Vietnam, India | Stealth VPN feature | Good | $2.00 per month | 30 days |
| VyprVPN | Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, India | Chameleon protocol | Good | $3.00 per month | 30 days |
1. ExpressVPN — Top Security and Fast Speeds for WhatsApp in China
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers — with local connections in Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and India
- Obfuscation on all connections to access WhatsApp without issue
- Fast connection speeds for smooth video and voice calls and instant messaging
- Customer support — 24/7 live chat, email support, and online knowledge base
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the top VPN in 2024 for WhatsApp in China thanks to its impressive security. All connections are protected by AES-256-bit encryption and data leak protection, and have obfuscation — they are undetectable as coming from a VPN. This makes it easy for ExpressVPN to avoid China’s proxy detection and access WhatsApp.
During tests, ExpressVPN proved to be the fastest VPN — my speeds dropped marginally, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted video calls on WhatsApp. ExpressVPN’s server network also features plenty of connections near China. I recommend using a nearby server, as this will keep your speeds as fast as possible.
While ExpressVPN is a little pricier than other competitors (plans start at /month), I think it’s worth the cost for reliable connections to WhatsApp from China. I suggest downloading the app before you get to China, as it’s easier to get the app from the official site. However, if you’re already in China, ExpressVPN has a mirror site available.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN, DAZN, and more.
ExpressVPN works on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, browsers, game consoles, Amazon Fire devices, streaming devices, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Feature Obfuscates Traffic to Use WhatsApp
Key Features:
- 200+ servers — with local connections in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and India
- Stealth VPN feature hides VPN use to access WhatsApp
- Good connection speeds, but experiences some slowdown over long distances
- Customer support through live chat, email, and online FAQs
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature makes it a great choice for using WhatsApp in China. This obfuscates your traffic, making it indistinguishable from regular internet activity and bypassing China’s proxy detection. While this slows connections slightly, it’s a necessary feature to access WhatsApp — without it, the connection won’t work.
During tests, PrivateVPN delivered reliable speeds with minimal lag during WhatsApp video calls. For optimal performance, I recommend connecting to servers close to China, such as those in Hong Kong or India. This ensures smooth and uninterrupted communication despite the obfuscation.
PrivateVPN is one of the most affordable month-to-month VPNs for using WhatsApp in China, although long-term plans are a better deal (starting at $2.00/month). Occasionally, PrivateVPN offers a 7-day free trial — just contact customer support before you visit China and ask if it’s available.
PrivateVPN works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN, DAZN, and more.
PrivateVPN works on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Amazon Fire devices, streaming devices, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
3. VyprVPN — Chameleon Protocol and Smart IP Hide WhatsApp Use in China
Key Features:
- 700+ servers — local connections in Hong Kong, Macau, and India
- Chameleon protocol and Smart IP mask access to WhatsApp from China
- Good speeds for smooth WhatsApp use, but not the fastest option
- Live support, email support, and online knowledgebase
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol and Smart IP make it a solid choice for WhatsApp in China. These work together to obfuscate traffic and rotate IP addresses, hiding your WhatsApp use from China’s censorship. The combination makes it easy for VyprVPN to avoid firewalls.
Though VyprVPN’s speeds are slower than both PrivateVPN and ExpressVPN, my tests showed it is still fast enough for steady video calls on WhatsApp. Connecting to nearby servers helps maintain speed for voice and video calls without interruptions.
VyprVPN offers a 3-day free trial on Android and iOS signups, perfect for testing its effectiveness in China. To test VyprVPN for longer, plans start at $3.00/month. Make sure to download and set up the app before traveling, as the official site is blocked in China and VyprVPN doesn’t have a mirror site.
VyprVPN works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN, DAZN, and more.
VyprVPN works on: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Amazon Fire devices, streaming devices, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Our Testing Methodology: How We Tested VPNs for WhatsApp in China
To ensure working, reliable connections to WhatsApp in China, our team rigorously tested the top VPNs in 2024 using thorough testing methods. VPNs are then ranked based on test results and according to the following criteria:
- Works reliably in China — testers in China check each VPN to ensure it can provide consistent, reliable, and secure connections to WhatsApp when in the country.
- Strong security and privacy features — each VPN provides server obfuscation to avoid detection, plus AES-256-bit encryption, data leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero-log privacy policy.
- Servers near China — local servers in countries like Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Macau will provide more reliable connection speeds for sending and receiving messages and making video and voice calls.
- Fast connection speeds — to ensure high-quality calls and avoid interruptions, the VPN connection should be consistently fast — at least 10 Mbps at all times.
- Free trials or money-back guarantees — some of the recommended VPNs offer free trials, while all of the top VPNs for China have a money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.
FAQs: Using WhatsApp in China
Does WhatsApp work in China?
Is it legal to use a VPN with WhatsApp in China?
It’s a complicated issue. WhatsApp is blocked in China, as are all of the top VPNs that work in China. This is due to government surveillance regulations, as both WhatsApp and foreign VPNs don’t allow the Chinese authorities to monitor or control user data and activities.
The legal situation surrounding banned apps is ever-changing, but it’s worth noting that there are no cases of visitors facing legal action for using a VPN to access WhatsApp. It’s likely that you won’t face repercussions as a tourist using WhatsApp in China, but you should also exercise caution when accessing blocked services and be mindful of local laws.
Why is WhatsApp banned in China?
WhatsApp is banned because it is unwilling to allow the Chinese government to monitor and control user messages and data. It’s only possible to use WhatsApp in China with a VPN, proxy server, Tor browser, or other methods that involve connecting to a network in a different country.
Many services are banned in China, including social media and news sites, telecommunications providers (like WhatsApp), privacy blogs and top VPN services, streaming platforms, and search engines.
What are the alternatives to WhatsApp in China?
There are some alternatives to WhatsApp in China, like Threema, Skype, and WeChat. However, none of these are as secure or easy to use as WhatsApp — it’s worth investing in a VPN or using a proxy or Tor connection to avoid switching platforms.
Threema provides secure, encrypted messaging but it isn’t a free platform, so you’ll need to pay for a subscription to use it. Skype is free, but it’s not encrypted, so you could find your conversations being monitored. WeChat is a Chinese service, so while it’s a free option, it’s continuously monitored and shares data with third parties.
Access WhatsApp in China for Free
It’s possible to use WhatsApp for free in China through methods like proxies or the Tor network, but these options lack reliability and can result in inconsistent access. They also don’t typically offer a high level of security and performance, leaving your communication vulnerable to interruptions and monitoring.
Using a VPN is the best way to ensure consistent and secure access to WhatsApp in China. Despite the cost, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN offers advanced features that avoid China’s network restrictions. With a VPN, you can enjoy uninterrupted WhatsApp access, knowing your connection is secure and hidden from government surveillance.
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