Gjurgjica Panova
Updated on: December 19, 2024
Fact-checked by Katarina Glamoslija
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Use WhatsApp in China in 2024:
- Download and install a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it reliably works in China, maintains very fast speeds, and has strong security features.
- Enable the VPN’s obfuscation tool. Every obfuscation tool works differently. ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is automatically enabled on all servers and protocols.
- Connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp is available. Next, log into your WhatsApp account, and you’re all set to message your friends on WhatsApp from China.
The best way to access WhatsApp in China is with a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic, so the Chinese government and ISPs (internet service providers) can’t see that you’re using WhatsApp.
I spent a few weeks researching dozens of VPNs and found the best ones for China. My top choice is ExpressVPN as it has obfuscated servers that work in China, maintains the fastest speeds on the market, and has top-notch security features.
IMPORTANT: WhatsApp might be limited in your area due to strict government regulations. ExpressVPN is often reliable and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing first-time users to try it without financial risk. Before using WhatsApp, check that it’s permitted in your location and always comply with applicable local rules and guidelines. Neither I nor anyone on my team at SafetyDetectives condones using a VPN for any illegal activity.
Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Use WhatsApp in China on Any Device
1. Get a VPN that works well in China.
I recommend ExpressVPN, which can reliably bypass government censorship in China thanks to its obfuscation feature.
2. Download and install the VPN to your device.
Simply follow the on-screen instructions in the installer, and you should be done in just 1–2 minutes.
3. Enable obfuscation, connect to a server, and start using WhatsApp.
Turn on the VPN’s obfuscation feature and connect to a server in a nearby country where WhatsApp is available. You can now log into your WhatsApp account and message your friends from China.
Best VPNs for Accessing WhatsApp in China in 2024
Quick summary of the best VPNs for accessing WhatsApp in China in 2024:
- 🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for accessing WhatsApp in China (with automatic obfuscation).
- 🥈2. Private Internet Access — Customizable mobile apps for using WhatsApp in China.
- 🥉3. PrivateVPN — Beginner-friendly VPN for chatting on WhatsApp in China.
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Using WhatsApp in China in 2024
ExpressVPN is my top choice for using WhatsApp in China. The VPN’s customer reps confirmed that it works in the country, and the provider has servers in 105 countries, including ones near China, like Hong Kong and Japan — connecting to a server closest to your location typically provides you with the fastest speeds.
The VPN supports obfuscation across all of its servers and protocols. This feature hides your VPN traffic, making it look like regular traffic. That said, the customer reps recommend using the Automatic protocol in China — this is also why ExpressVPN is the best VPN in China.
I also like that ExpressVPN refreshes its IP addresses regularly, so it’s harder for the Chinese government to block your VPN. It also has a Refresh button on mobile devices — it refreshes an unstable connection without disconnecting the VPN. Moreover, ExpressVPN offers mirrored links, which are copies of the site with different URLs in case you aren’t able to download the VPN from its site while in China. You can get a mirrored link by emailing ExpressVPN’s support.
ExpressVPN has value-packed plans starting at £3.91 / month. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out with zero risk.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for using WhatsApp in China. It works 100% of the time in China, has automatic obfuscation on all of its servers, and regularly refreshes its IPs. It also has a Refresh button on mobile devices and mirrored links. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. Private Internet Access — Highly Customizable VPN With Strong Security
Private Internet Access (PIA) is great for securely using WhatsApp in China. It has obfuscation through Shadowsocks, an open-source protocol that disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic so you can use the VPN in China — there are 6 server locations, including Japan. All you need to do to enable them is click on Multi-Hop under Settings. It isn’t available on iOS, but you can select port 443 when using OpenVPN. This port is never blocked since it supports all HTTPS traffic.
I like how you can easily navigate PIA’s apps, too. It’s great for beginners as all features are set to a default setting. Plus, there are short explanations for most settings so you won’t feel overwhelmed about using them.
Private Internet Access has affordable plans that start at £1.69 / month. Each plan also has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Private Internet Access has strong security features for a safe messaging experience while using WhatsApp in China. It works in China via Shadowsocks proxy servers, which are located in 6 countries. You also get customizable apps, fast speeds, and intuitive apps. All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
🥉3. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly for Use With WhatsApp
PrivateVPN’s apps are great for beginners. They’re easy to navigate, you use toggles to turn settings on and off, and there are explanations for all features so you know which ones will be useful to you. It has servers in 63 countries that are evenly spread out, and they’re organized in alphabetical order for easy searching.
PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature is the VPN’s obfuscation tool, which works really well in restrictive countries (its customer support reps confirmed it works reliably in China). To access Stealth VPN, just click on the tool’s tab on the side of the app. Unfortunately, the iOS app doesn’t have a kill switch, unlike ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
PrivateVPN has plans as low as £1.86 / month. All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN has obfuscation through its Stealth VPN feature. In addition, its apps are extremely easy to use. However, its iOS app doesn’t have a kill switch. The VPN backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
I used SafetyDetectives’s rigorous testing methodology to choose the best VPNs for using WhatsApp in China. I made sure the VPNs on my list work reliably, both with WhatsApp and within China, deliver reliably speeds for video calling, and more. Here’s an exact list of the criteria I considered:
- I chose VPNs that work in China. All the VPNs on this list reliably work in China and come with obfuscation tools that enable you to use WhatsApp in China.
- I looked for strong security features. I only recommend VPNs that come with industry-standard security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (which disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops), strong leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
- I tested for fast speeds. All VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption process, and obfuscation tools will reduce your speeds even more. However, top VPNs like ExpressVPN are still able to maintain fast speeds across all servers.
- I checked the server network. The VPN should have servers in countries near China that haven’t banned WhatsApp, like Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, or Singapore. When connecting to a nearby server, you’ll get the best possible speeds.
- I found VPNs that are easy to use. The VPNs on this list have an intuitive interface that makes it easier to find the fastest server near China. Plus, they have apps for all major platforms.
- I picked VPNs that offer good value. The VPNs I recommend have affordable plans and offer a generous money-back guarantee. Plus, they offer extra features like split-tunneling.
Why You Can’t Use WhatsApp in China (& Why You Need a VPN to Use It)
WhatsApp is inaccessible in China due to the country’s strict internet censorship policies, often referred to as the Great Firewall of China.
The government tightly controls online content, blocking or restricting access to various foreign messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. This censorship aims to regulate information flow and maintain control over communication channels.
Downloading WhatsApp in China is challenging as well. The app is unavailable on official app stores like the Apple App Store and various Android app markets. This is because of the government’s efforts to promote and control the use of domestic messaging platforms.
The best way to bypass these restrictions is with a VPN. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for the Chinese government to detect that you’re using WhatsApp. It also lets you connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp is available.
Still Can’t Use WhatsApp in China? Try These Alternatives
Use Tor Browser
Download and install the Tor Browser before arriving in China, as it is often blocked within the country. Tor routes your internet traffic through multiple servers, anonymizing your connection and making it harder for the Great Firewall to track or block your activity.
Try a Proxy
Setting up a reliable proxy service on your device can help bypass internet restrictions by routing your traffic through an external server. However, proxies don’t encrypt your connection, leaving your data vulnerable to eavesdropping or hacking.
Use an International SIM Card
Before traveling to China, purchase an international SIM card that supports roaming. When you enable roaming in China, your internet data is routed through servers in your home country, bypassing local restrictions. While this method may grant you access to WhatsApp, it does not secure your data against surveillance or cyber threats, making it less reliable than a VPN.
Switch to Cloud-Based Messaging Apps
If all else fails, consider switching to cloud-based messaging apps like Telegram or Signal which have similar features to WhatsApp. However, these apps may also face restrictions in China.
Best WhatsApp Alternatives in China in 2024
1. WeChat
WeChat is a free widely used app in China, mostly used for messaging and calling on desktop and mobile devices. It has a scanner to read QR codes, a built-in search engine, and an electronic wallet linked to Chinese bank accounts and credit cards for quick transactions.
However, the app comes with significant privacy concerns. It lacks end-to-end encryption, and WeChat’s privacy policy indicates that it shares user information with a variety of third parties, including advertising partners and regulatory bodies.
The app logs details like social media profiles visited, communication records, and IP addresses. As a foreign user, your activities on WeChat are still subject to monitoring, and there have been cases of government action based on WeChat communication. A VPN will encrypt your WeChat traffic, so third parties won’t be able to spy on your activities.
2. Threema
Threema is a paid app known for its strong privacy features. It doesn’t require an email address or mobile number to sign up. Instead, it generates an 8-digit ID that acts as a private encryption key.
The app uses 256-bit encryption for messages and doesn’t store logs on its servers. Threema’s servers are in Switzerland, a country known for privacy-friendly policies. The app includes standard messaging, group chats, media sharing, and additional features like polls and message pinning.
It’s available for Android and iOS, and can also be paired with a computer for desktop chat. Although Threema is completely anonymous, I don’t condone using the app to break laws or bypass censorship.
3. Wire
Wire is a business collaboration tool that also serves as a personal messenger for both desktop and mobile devices. It’s particularly suitable for business travelers in China.
It offers end-to-end encryption and its open-source code has been independently audited. While the app and most VPNs are blocked in China, it’s recommended to download both before entering the country.
The app logs some data, which it retains for up to 72 hours, but specific details of the collected information are not clear in the privacy policy. It’s based in Switzerland and is GDPR compliant, adding a layer of privacy protection even in China.
4. Signal
Signal is a free app known for its strong encryption, but it is blocked in China. This means that you’ll need a VPN to use the app in China.
This app uses an open-sourced cipher for encrypting calls and messages and doesn’t store messages on its server. However, using Signal isn’t entirely anonymous, as it requires phone number registration. Plus, its privacy policy states that it might share user data because of an enforceable governmental request and other reasons.
For better privacy, the app uses a feature for auto-deleting chats after a set period, has an option for password-protect chats, and a screenshot-blocking feature. Signal is available for both smartphones and desktops, but the desktop version requires first installing the mobile app.
5. Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based app that also requires a VPN to work in China. It’s free and offers features like cloud-based messaging, group chats, and file sharing. I like that it allows you to edit messages after sending them, and you can create polls and quizzes for other users.
Telegram’s security includes end-to-end encryption in its Secret Chats feature, but not all activities on the platform are end-to-end encrypted. Plus, the app logs IP addresses, device information, and username changes for 12 months. Using a VPN with Telegram would protect information like your personal IP address, though.
Once you’ve set up the app and registered with a non-Chinese number, you can link your account to the web app to use Telegram on your desktop. To find contacts easily, you can create a username, but this will enable strangers to send you messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp in China with a free VPN?
No, most free VPNs don’t reliably work in China as they lack the obfuscation tools necessary to encrypt the internet traffic so it works in China. Moreover, they’re missing strong security features to protect your data when using WhatsApp in China.
I recommend purchasing a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN. It has obfuscation on all servers, strong security features, and maintains the fastest speeds on the market.
Which app is used in China instead of WhatsApp?
WeChat is the dominant messaging app that is widely used as an alternative to WhatsApp. WeChat, developed by Tencent, offers a platform that goes beyond messaging, with features such as social networking, mobile payments, and even gaming.
The Chinese government favors domestic platforms like WeChat, which allows for greater control and monitoring of online activities. If you still prefer to use WhatsApp while in China, I recommend purchasing one of the VPNs on this list.
Why is WhatsApp illegal in China?
China banned the use of WhatsApp because its parent company Meta refused to allow the government to censor and moderate messages between users. If you want to use WhatsApp while in the country, you’ll need a reliable China VPN.
Where is WhatsApp banned?
WhatsApp is banned in a few places like China, North Korea, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. So, you’ll need to use a VPN to use WhatsApp in these restricted countries. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice since it has effective obfuscation on all servers, has many advanced security features, and has excellent speeds.
