How to Use WhatsApp in China in 2023 (Safe and Easy)

The Great Firewall of China blocks many apps and websites, including WhatsApp, most probably because its contents can’t be easily monitored. The government restricts internet traffic using a method called deep packet inspection (DPI) to filter out and block unwanted online activities. Luckily, there is a workaround for this.

Even though WhatsApp is banned in China, a good VPN can unblock it without compromising your safety. A virtual private network encrypts your internet activity, so the Chinese government and internet service providers can't see what you're doing online. If they can’t monitor your online activities, they can’t block you.

However, not all VPNs work in China. I tested over 20 VPNs and found that ExpressVPN is the best since it offers special servers for use in China. It is also speedy and reliable, plus you can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can get a refund quickly if it doesn’t meet your needs.

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Why You Need a VPN to Use WhatsApp in China

China is a high-censorship country that uses a combination of laws and firewalls (nicknamed the Great Firewall of China) to control you. The firewall monitors network traffic using deep packet inspection. So, if it detects you're trying to access WhatsApp, it blocks you. Still, you can overcome these restrictions with a good VPN.

A VPN encrypts your data to keep your online activity private, so anything you do on your device remains confidential. If the Chinese government and the ISP can’t see the websites and apps you’re accessing, they can’t block you. That way, a VPN can get past the firewall to allow access to WhatsApp.

But only a handful of VPNs are capable of bypassing the Great Firewall. To overcome these tight restrictions, a VPN needs to have strong encryption and obfuscation. Encryption makes your data unreadable, so no one can see your traffic except for the intended recipient. Obfuscation hides the fact you're using a VPN. This is crucial because China also blocks all non-government-operated VPNs and allows only the Chinese-approved ones.

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Best VPNs to Use WhatsApp in China in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Dedicated Server Locations Designed to Unblock WhatsApp in China

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Tested July 2023

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ExpressVPN has optimized servers for use in China that are based in Japan, the US, the UK, and France. It monitors the performance of these servers to ensure they work reliably in China, as confirmed by its support. I tested ExpressVPN’s USA – Santa Monica server and found it unblocked WhatsApp quickly while maintaining a stable connection. I also used its server in Japan, and I got a reliable connection and had no problems using WhatsApp.

ExpressVPN’s chat representative gave me a list of servers that work reliably in China

ExpressVPN’s kill switch (called Network Lock) kept my connection safe all the time. If for some reason, you lose your VPN connection, this feature blocks all internet traffic until you’ve restored it. That way, all your private information stays safe at all times. Network Lock is usually enabled by default, so you don't need to activate it manually.

It also has built-in DNS leak protection. A DNS leak is a security flaw that allows your ISP or other entities to see the websites you visit despite using the VPN. But with this feature enabled, the firewall is less likely to block you, so you can make WhatsApp calls without worries.

ExpressVPN also has IPv6 leak protection, which prevents websites from seeing your real IP address when the VPN is connected. You can enable this added security feature in ExpressVPN’s advanced settings manually, which is a good idea if you’re using it in China.

One thing about ExpressVPN is that it costs a little more compared to other options, starting at $6.67/month. Still, it’s worth it for its speed and ease of use. You can save on ExpressVPN depending on its active offers. Currently, its 49% discount is still available.

ExpressVPN offers subscriptions for both short and long durations. Similar to most VPN services, longer-term commitments come with more savings. Moreover, for enhanced privacy, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin as a form of payment.

You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, no matter which subscription you choose. To make sure it works, I tested the ExpressVPN refund policy. Getting a refund was as easy as opening the live chat window from the ExpressVPN homepage. It was a no-pressure process that only took a few minutes, and I got my money back in 5 working days.

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2. Astrill VPN — Strong Obfuscation Features That Bypass China’s VPN Blocks

Available on:

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Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN’s StealthVPN protocol uses obfuscation to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. Obfuscation is crucial because it stops the government and ISPs from detecting and blocking the VPN. I found that Astrill VPN’s obfuscation technology works well in China, as tested by our team there and confirmed by its support.

Astrill VPN’s chat support reports that the StealthVPN protocol works in China

In addition to that, as a way of getting around VPN blocks, its Smart Mode assigns you a local IP address. This technology makes it extremely difficult for authorities to spot a VPN. You can enable its Smart Mode in the settings, and then simply connect to any server you want.

Akin to ExpressVPN, Astrill VPN also provides extra security through its VPN kill switch and protection against IPv6 leaks. The kill switch capability is vital to prevent the Great Firewall of China from discovering your internet activity. The VPN safeguarded my identity against IPv6 and WebRTC leaks, and it offered DNS leak protection during my stay in China.

Astrill VPN is a high-end product that comes with a higher price tag. However, you can get its long-term subscription for $12.50/month. If you plan to keep Astrill VPN after traveling to China, I advise you to go with the extended plan since it offers the most value for your money. If you’re concerned about privacy, like ExpressVPN, Astrill VPN also accepts Bitcoin payments.

While it does not provide refunds or a money-back guarantee, obtaining a free month is possible through a referral.

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3. VyprVPN — Chameleon Protocol That Effortlessly Unblocks WhatsApp in China

Available on:

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Try VyprVPN >

www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN is an excellent choice for using WhatsApp in China, thanks to its in-house anti-censorship protocol called Chameleon. This feature is designed to get around the Great Firewall's VPN blocks and makes the VPN connection undetectable. When I tested VyprVPN using its Chameleon protocol and contacted customer support to further confirm that it allows access to WhatsApp in China. An extension to this protocol is its Smart IP, which is currently available on Windows, Android, and iOS. The technology works by continually changing the IP address throughout the session.

Many travelers use VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol to use WhatsApp in China, according to chat support

VyprVPN possesses and manages all of its servers and networks. This ensures that you can utilize it to connect to WhatsApp in China with assurance, confident in the knowledge that your private data isn't distributed to external parties.

Also, it is based in Switzerland, which has some of the most privacy-friendly laws in the world. The Swiss constitution guarantees users’ right to privacy. With that in mind, you don’t have to worry about keeping your browsing activity private while using WhatsApp in China with VyprVPN.

One minor limitation is the inability to acquire VyprVPN through cryptocurrency transactions. However, a multitude of alternative payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or Amazon Pay are readily available.

You can also save money by picking the long-term subscription when you sign up, which starts at $5/month.

You can try VyprVPN risk-free with its 30-day guarantee. I put VyprVPN’s refund policy to the test. The chat representative was super polite, and I received a refund in 7 days.

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How to Safely Download and Use WhatsApp in China With a VPN

When installing a VPN, the service usually sets it up to balance speed and security by default. But to access WhatsApp in China with maximum safety and privacy, you should:

1. Download and install a premium VPN and WhatsApp before leaving for China. Out of all the VPNs I’ve tested, ExpressVPN is my top pick. It even has a mirror site you can use to download it in China. If needed, you can reach out to ExpressVPN support, and they’ll send you a link enabling you to download the VPN in China.
2. Activate the advanced security features. ExpressVPN has a kill switch and IP leak protection to keep your connection safe at all times. But make sure to check if these features are enabled on your device.
   ExpressVPN’s Network Lock and IPv6 leak protection offer an additional layer of protection while using WhatsApp in China

3. Pick any server to connect to, but choose one near China for the fastest speeds. For instance, if you’re using ExpressVPN, you can connect to a server in Japan or Hong Kong.
4. Once you’ve successfully connected to a server, you’re ready to use WhatsApp in China like you usually would anywhere else.

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FAQs on Using WhatsApp With a VPN

Why is WhatsApp banned in China?

The Chinese government blocks WhatsApp and many other apps and websites they believe may spread “undesirable” information. The problem is that the government decides what is and isn’t desirable.

China’s Computer Information Network and Information Security, Protection, and Management Regulation is the reason for the WhatsApp ban. In short, the government has used the law since the internet became available to control what information enters and exits the country.

But there is a way to access your needed resources like WhatsApp while in China. A VPN is a simple tool that encrypts your online activities, so ISPs and governments can’t see which websites you’re visiting or apps you’re using. That way, they can’t block you.

Is it dangerous to use a VPN in China?

Based on my research and our tester team's reports in China, there have been no cases of the Chinese government acting against tourists for using VPNs. The technology itself isn't illegal, but China banned all non-government-operated VPNs. But still, some Chinese businesses use VPNs every day to protect company information even though the Chinese government only allows the use of certain VPNs they can monitor. To stay safe, I recommend you use a premium VPN with top-tier security features to ensure your online data and activities remain private.

Is there a WhatsApp equivalent for China?

WeChat is equivalent to WhatsApp and approved by the Chinese government, but it's not private. The government has full access to users’ WeChat accounts and activities. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is end-to-end encrypted and has features such as read receipts and disappearing messages.

The Chinese government monitors all approved apps and sites closely. It’s safer and much more private to use a premium VPN to access WhatsApp. A VPN is a simple app that encrypts your traffic, so Chinese ISPs and the government can’t see the websites you’re visiting. Although the Chinese government hasn’t penalized any visitors for using a VPN, you still shouldn’t use it to perform any illegal activities.

Where else is WhatsApp banned?

Governments in China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria have banned WhatsApp. It’s also partially banned in the United Arab Emirates, where you can only use it to text. When traveling to these areas, you can use a premium VPN such as ExpressVPN to stay connected with your important contacts. A VPN hides your internet traffic from your ISP and the government, so you can freely surf and use the apps you want.

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Start Using WhatsApp Now

Internet censorship continues to persist in China. If you’re traveling to China, you’ll lose access to mainstream platforms like WhatsApp.

However, with a premium VPN, you can continue using WhatsApp safely even while visiting China. More importantly, you can keep your private information safe. Out of all the VPNs I tested, I recommend using ExpressVPN because it has fast speeds and reliable obfuscated servers that can bypass the Great Firewall. You can even test ExpressVPN out completely risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied for some reason, you can easily get a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for using WhatsApp in China are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.8 /10

Save 49%!

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2

9.8 /10

Save 59%!

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3

9.6 /10

Save 50%!

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