How To Use WhatsApp in China on Any Device: Works in 2025

The Great Firewall of China blocks many apps and websites, including WhatsApp, because its contents can’t be easily monitored. The government restricts internet traffic using deep packet inspection (DPI) to filter out and block unwanted online activities.

How do I open WhatsApp in China? A reliable VPN with advanced obfuscation technology masks VPN traffic so that WhatsApp can be securely used in China. Reports show that millions in China use VPNs to access WhatsApp (Pymnts, 2024)¹. A VPN also protects your privacy with advanced encryption, preventing communications surveillance.

My team and I tested over 40 VPNs, and ExpressVPN proved to be the most reliable for using WhatsApp in China. It automatically conceals your VPN traffic to avoid detection and reliably access WhatsApp from anywhere. It's also the fastest VPN we tested for making video calls without buffering. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it offers first-time users a 30-day money-back guarantee*.

Why Doesn't WhatsApp Work in China?

The Chinese government heavily restricts internet access through its Great Firewall system, which blocks many foreign websites and apps, including WhatsApp. According to Ifex (2021)², China blocks 16% of the top 1000 domains on Alexa. This sophisticated censorship infrastructure prevents direct connections to WhatsApp's servers in several ways:

• Deep packet inspection analyzes internet traffic to identify and block WhatsApp's protocols.
• DNS poisoning redirects WhatsApp connection attempts to dead ends.
• IP address blocking prevents access to WhatsApp's server infrastructure.
• QoS filtering degrades connection quality to make the app unusable.

The restrictions are part of China's broader internet sovereignty policy, which promotes domestic alternatives like WeChat while maintaining strict control over online communications. This ensures that authorities can monitor and regulate all digital communications within China. This excessive restriction has led to over 21% of Chinese internet users relying on VPNs when browsing (Statista, 2024)³.

How To Use WhatsApp in China on iPhone and Android

How can I use WhatsApp on my phone in China? To safely access WhatsApp in China, use a VPN to reroute your internet traffic through a private server in a different country. This makes your online activities invisible to third parties, like ISPs, but only the best VPNs for China reliably work in the country.

The steps below provide an in-depth guide to using WhatsApp in China on Android, but the process is similar for iPhone — you'll just need to go to the Apple App Store to download the app.

1. Install a VPN

Download and set up a VPN ideally before arriving in China. Most VPN websites are blocked in China, making it difficult to download them once you're there. I recommend ExpressVPN since its automatic obfuscation disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, allowing it to work reliably in China. Plus, it has a mirror site accessible within China if you need to update or reinstall the app.

ExpressVPN's apps are easy to set up on both iPhone and Android

2. Configure Your VPN Settings

Enable essential security features to prevent WhatsApp from being blocked. Make sure the VPN's obfuscation is enabled. This makes your VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic to avoid getting blocked. While many VPNs require you to turn on obfuscation manually, ExpressVPN uses it by default. This helps you stay undetected by the Great Firewall.

Also, turn on the kill switch to stop your data from leaking if the VPN disconnects. For ExpressVPN, the Network Lock feature (kill switch) is enabled by default.

Always keep these security features enabled when using WhatsApp in China

3. Connect to a Server

Choose a server location close to China for better performance. Based on our testing, servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore provide the fastest speeds for WhatsApp calls and video chats. Connect to one of these locations before opening WhatsApp.

Hong Kong servers gave us the best speeds during testing

4. Launch WhatsApp

Once connected, you can safely download WhatsApp from your Play Store or App Store. Open the app and check that all features work correctly. You should now be able to send messages, make calls, and share media files.

If WhatsApp doesn't connect immediately, try switching to a different nearby server. The app might take slightly longer than usual to load due to the VPN connection.

You can now make WhatsApp calls and send messages without interruption

5. Keep Your VPN Connected

Stay connected to your VPN whenever you use WhatsApp in China. If your VPN disconnects, WhatsApp will stop working. I suggest adding the servers you use most to your favorites list for quick access — just click the star icon next to a server in the ExpressVPN app. This way, you can quickly reconnect if you experience any connection issues.

Best VPNs for Using WhatsApp in China in 2025

Which is the best VPN for WhatsApp in China? ExpressVPN, which has over 4 million users globally (ExpressVPN, 2023)⁴, is our top VPN for accessing WhatsApp in China. Besides ExpressVPN, I’ve listed other premium VPNs that consistently work with WhatsApp in China while maintaining fast speeds for smooth messaging and video calls. The listed VPNs also make it possible to use Google securely in China.

1. ExpressVPN — Automatically Hides VPN Traffic for Reliable Access to WhatsApp in China

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Unlike other VPNs that require you to select specific servers or enable stealth features, every ExpressVPN server automatically disguises VPN traffic when it detects blocking attempts. During our tests in areas with heavy restrictions, the obfuscation kicked in seamlessly whenever needed, letting us use WhatsApp without manually adjusting settings.

Its proprietary Lightway protocol provides impressive speeds for high-quality voice and video calls. ExpressVPN also maintained stable connections to WhatsApp through servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore without triggering any blocks. We recorded an average download speed of 175.09Mbps, testing nearby servers. The Lightway protocol's efficient design also helped preserve my iPhone's battery life during long video calls.

On the downside, the VPN is expensive. However, you can save using its latest deals and discounts. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free as it's supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I liked that it accepts Bitcoin payments for additional anonymity.

2. Astrill VPN — Easy To Download and Start Using in China With Mirror Sites

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN maintains reliable mirror sites regularly updated to work within China — simply access it at https://astrill-mirror.com or https://www.astrillcn.com. Astrill also has a fully operational website in China called www.getastr.com. Before using WhatsApp in China, confirm that the StealthVPN feature is activated to conceal VPN traffic and bypass detection. Clicking the VPN mode button during tests allowed us to choose the StealthVPN option, but it can't be used on iOS.

The App Guard feature prevents WhatsApp from connecting without VPN protection, eliminating the risk of accidental exposure. While testing this feature, all my WhatsApp connections were automatically blocked when the VPN disconnected, protecting my privacy. A minor con is that the VPN has a hefty price tag and no money-back guarantee. However, if you refer a friend and they sign up, you get one month for free.

3. PrivateVPN — Top-Notch Security Features for Safe WhatsApp Messaging in China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN protects your data in China with AES 256-bit encryption — the same level that governments and cybersecurity companies use. It also uses a kill switch and IP/WebRTC/DNS leak protection to keep your online identity and activities private in China.  After testing 12 different servers, our real IP addresses remained private.

Its smaller server network means you might experience delays due to overcrowding. However, we had no problem finding a server that worked with WhatsApp. I recommend nearby servers, like Hong Kong, to minimize speed loss. This prevents choppy video calls. You may need to use the OpenConnect app in China for the best functionality — PrivateVPN provides a step-by-step guide to help set this up.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Using WhatsApp in China

We rigorously evaluated each VPN's ability to provide stable WhatsApp access. Key criteria included the effectiveness of stealth protocols, server proximity to China for optimal speeds, and the reliability of mirror sites for downloading VPNs. We also reviewed their security and privacy features to confirm that you'll remain anonymous online.

Why Isn’t WhatsApp Working When Connected to a VPN?

Even with a VPN connected, WhatsApp might not work in China due to several common issues that can prevent the app from functioning correctly. Here's what might be causing problems and how to fix them:

• Your VPN was detected. China's Great Firewall actively looks for and blocks VPN traffic. Regular server changes and enabling obfuscation features can help avoid detection.
• IP/DNS leaks. Your DNS requests might reveal your actual location despite using a VPN. Top VPNs include IP and DNS leak protection, but you may need to enable it in settings manually.
• Outdated WhatsApp version. China blocks access to WhatsApp's servers, making it difficult to update the app. Download the latest version before traveling to China.
• Connection timeouts. The Great Firewall can cause connection delays that trigger WhatsApp's security timeouts. For faster speeds, try connecting to servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong or Japan.
• App cache issues. Old cached data can conflict with your VPN connection. Clear WhatsApp's cache through your device's settings menu.

More Ways To Access WhatsApp in China

While VPNs are certainly the most secure and easiest way to use WhatsApp in China, there are other ways you can try as well:

• Download and install Tor Browser before arriving in China. Connect to the Tor network to route your traffic through multiple servers, making it difficult for the Great Firewall to detect and block your activity. Note that Tor significantly slows down speeds.
• Set up a Shadowsocks server and configure your device. Shadowsocks is a proxy designed to bypass network restrictions by disguising VPN traffic as regular traffic. However, it does not encrypt your connection.
• Purchase a SIM card that offers international roaming. Enable roaming in China to bypass local internet restrictions. Your data should be routed through your home country’s network. Again, this will not secure your internet from online threats or prying eyes.
• Buy a portable WiFi hotspot with a pre-installed VPN. These devices can be purchased before traveling to China and provide secure Internet access by routing traffic through a VPN server.
• Set up a reliable proxy service on your device. Similarly to VPNs, proxies can help bypass internet restrictions by routing your traffic through a server located outside China. But proxies don't provide the security features required to keep you safe online.
• Switch to cloud-based messaging services that are not blocked in China. Services like Telegram or Signal may offer similar functionalities to WhatsApp and are accessible without a VPN, but they are not fail-proof.
• Access your home computer remotely using a remote desktop application. Connect to your home computer, which is outside China, and use WhatsApp through the remote connection.
• Install a browser extension that offers proxy or VPN services. Extensions like Hola or Browsec can help you access WhatsApp by routing your traffic through servers in other countries.
• Subscribe to an international data plan from your mobile carrier. These plans often route data through servers outside China, allowing you to bypass local restrictions.
• Invest in a satellite internet connection, like Starlink. Satellite internet is not subject to the same restrictions as terrestrial internet connections and may provide unrestricted access to WhatsApp. However, your IP is left unprotected, so you may need a VPN after all.

FAQs Using WhatsApp in China With a VPN

Is it legal to use WhatsApp in China with a VPN?

WhatsApp isn't exactly illegal in China, but the app is blocked. The Chinese government has blocked it because they believe it spreads "undesirable" information. However, people visiting the country can use a reliable VPN to access WhatsApp securely. Still, familiarize yourself with the local laws regarding VPNs and WhatsApp before visiting to avoid breaking any rules.

Can I use WhatsApp in China with a free VPN?

It's doubtful that you'll be able to access WhatsApp in China with a free VPN. Plus, free VPNs might put your data at risk since they lack robust security features. To have reliable access to WhatsApp, opt for a reputable paid VPN that prioritizes security and has a proven track record of working in China.

Most free VPNs typically lack the advanced features needed to work within the Great Firewall, such as obfuscated servers and regularly updated IP addresses. Additionally, free VPNs often have severe speed limitations and data caps that make WhatsApp calls impossible. Some free VPNs can compromise privacy by collecting and selling your data to third parties.

Can I use WhatsApp in China without a VPN?

Using WhatsApp in China without a VPN is not usually possible. However, some travelers have reported occasional success with accessing WhatsApp in certain locations or during specific times. Still, downloading a reliable VPN tested for China is the best solution for consistent and secure access.

Is there a WhatsApp alternative for China?

Yes, there is a popular WhatsApp alternative in China called WeChat. However, WeChat adheres to censorship laws and is monitored by the government, so your communications won’t be private. To protect your online safety and stay anonymous, use a secure China VPN and stick to WhatsApp or another encrypted messaging app.

References

1. https://www.pymnts.com/news/international/2024/chinese-users-report-whatsapp-working-despite-country-ban/
2. https://ifex.org/chinas-cyber-censorship-figures/
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1367136/china-internet-data-privacy-and-security-user-preferences-and-actions/
4. https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/4-million-subscribers/?srsltid=AfmBOooXnPTEtBlFRUhJ7LfOQQ_xMlyisayDprDMpz37pzrL6i6OQVPA