I spent a few weeks researching dozens of VPNs and found the best ones for China.
Neither I nor anyone on my team at SafetyDetectives condones using a VPN for any illegal activity.
How to Use WhatsApp in China on Any gadget
1.
Get a VPN that works well in China.
I recommendExpressVPN, which can bypass government censorship in China thanks to its obfuscation feature.
Download and set up the VPN to your rig.
Simply follow the on-screen instructions in the installer, and you should be done in just 12 minutes.
Enable obfuscation, connect to a server, and start using WhatsApp.
Turn on the VPNs obfuscation feature and connect to a server in a nearby country where WhatsApp is available.
you’re able to now log into your WhatsApp account and message your friends from China.
The VPN supports obfuscation across all of its servers and protocols.
This feature hides your VPN traffic, making it look like regular traffic.
It also has a Refresh button on mobile devices it refreshes an unstable connection without disconnecting the VPN.
you could get a mirrored link by emailing ExpressVPNs support.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for using WhatsApp in China.
It also has a Refresh button on mobile devices and mirrored links.
All you oughta do to enable them is punch Multi-Hop under prefs.
It isnt available on iOS, but you’re free to select port 443 when using OpenVPN.
This port is never blocked since it supports all HTTPS traffic.
I like how you’ve got the option to easily navigate PIAs apps, too.
Its great for beginners, as all features are set to a default setting.
Plus, there are short explanations for most tweaks so you wont feel overwhelmed about using them.
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.
To access Stealth VPN, just tap on the tools tab on the side of the app.
Unfortunately, the iOS app doesnt have a kill switch, unlike ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
PrivateVPN has obfuscation through its Stealth VPN feature.
In addition, its apps are extremely easy to use.
However, its iOS app doesnt have a kill switch.
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 governments 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 youre using WhatsApp.
It also lets you connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp is available.
Still Cant Use WhatsApp in China?
However, proxies dont encrypt your connection, leaving your data vulnerable to eavesdropping or hacking.
However, these apps may also face restrictions in China.
Best WhatsApp Alternatives in China in 2025
1.
However, the app comes with significant privacy concerns.
The app logs details like social media profiles visited, communication records, and IP addresses.
A VPN will encrypt your WeChat traffic, so third parties wont be able to spy on your activities.
Threema
Threema is a paid app known for its strong privacy features.
It doesnt 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 doesnt store logs on its servers.
Threemas servers are in Switzerland, a country known for privacy-friendly policies.
Its available for Android and iOS, and can also be paired with a computer for desktop chat.
Although Threema is completely anonymous, I dont condone using the app to break laws or bypass censorship.
Its particularly suitable for business travelers in China.
It offers end-to-end encryption and its open-source code has been independently audited.
Its based in Switzerland and is GDPR compliant, adding a layer of privacy protection even in China.
Signal
Signal is a free app known for its strong encryption, but it is blocked in China.
This means that youll need a VPN to use the app in China.
This app uses an open-sourced cipher for encrypting calls and messages and doesnt store messages on its server.
However, using Signal isnt entirely anonymous, as it requires phone number registration.
Signal is available for both smartphones and desktops, but the desktop version requires first installing the mobile app.
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based app that also requires a VPN to work in China.
Its free and offers features like cloud-based messaging, group chats, and file sharing.
Plus, the app logs IP addresses, equipment information, and username changes for 12 months.
Using a VPN with Telegram would protect information like your personal IP address, though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp in China with a free VPN?
Moreover, theyre missing strong security features to protect your data when using WhatsApp in China.
I recommend purchasing a premium VPN, likeExpressVPN.
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.
The Chinese government favors domestic platforms like WeChat, which allows for greater control and monitoring of online activities.
Why is WhatsApp illegal in China?
If you want to use WhatsApp while in the country, youll need areliable China VPN.
Where is WhatsApp banned?
WhatsApp is banned in a few places like China, North Korea, Iran, Turkey, and Syria.
