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Knowing how to use WhatsApp in China using a VPN is key if you’re living in the country or planning a trip. While the government’s restrictions on Western communication apps are strict, bypassing these blocks is easy.
With a powerful VPN that works in China, you can unlock WhatsApp by simply connecting to a server outside the country. This way, you can not only access blocked applications but also enhance your online privacy despite the Great Firewall.
In this article, I’ll give you key information about China’s restrictions on one of the world’s most popular VoIP apps and show you how to use a VPN to access WhatsApp while in China.
Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp in China
- NordVPN – Best VPN to unblock WhatsApp in China
- Surfshark – Cheap and fast VPN for WhatsApp in China
- ExpressVPN – Secure VPN for WhatsApp in China
- Show Full Guide
How to Unblock WhatsApp in China
- Choose a VPN that works in China. I recommend NordVPN, which performed the best during my tests.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Log in to your account.
- Connect to a server outside China where WhatsApp works, like Australia or Thailand.
- Open WhatsApp and enjoy unrestricted communication.
Does WhatsApp Work in China in 2025?
Since 2017, WhatsApp has been one of the many foreign apps blocked in China. The app is unavailable on Google Play and Apple App Store in the country, so users can’t access its messaging and VoIP features through traditional means.
Unless you use a VPN, even downloading WhatsApp from its official website is a challenge, and the same goes for many VPN applications. So, can you use WhatsApp in China? Yes, but you’ll need to download a reliable VPN before your trip.
Why is WhatsApp Blocked in China?
WhatsApp is blocked in China due to the government’s strict control over citizens’ access to information and services. Many VoIP applications, including WhatsApp and Messenger, use encryption, which interferes with the country’s ability to monitor and filter communications.
When the Great Firewall was introduced, hundreds of platforms and websites were banned in China. Despite this, people still require communication, entertainment, and information platforms. In response, the government has created alternative apps, like WeChat. So, blocking WhatsApp encourages locals to use government-controlled applications.
Another reason WhatsApp is banned in China is to enhance national security. The government argues that VoIP applications owned by Western companies like Meta may negatively influence public opinion and gather sensitive state data.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in China?
A reliable VPN is the best way to access WhatsApp and other restricted platforms while in China. It lets you connect to a server in a different country, spoofing your location and changing your IP address in the process.
VPNs also encrypt your traffic, so the Chinese government and ISPs can’t monitor your online activities and the sites and apps you use.
However, the Great Firewall also attempts to block requests coming from VPN servers. To combat this, highly secure VPNs, like NordVPN, use advanced features like obfuscation. This functionality hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making your requests look like regular HTTPS traffic.
As a result, you can circumvent China’s heavy online restrictions and access services like WhatsApp, plus geo-locked streaming platforms like Netflix and foreign news outlets like CNN and The New York Times.
How to Use WhatsApp in China Using a VPN
To use WhatsApp in China with a VPN, it’s crucial to install both WhatsApp and your chosen VPN before your flight. That’s because these apps may not be available for download on Google Play or the App Store once you’re in the country.
So, here’s how to set everything up for unrestricted access to WhatsApp:
Choose a reliable VPN
My choice was NordVPN, as it offers advanced security and privacy features.
Subscribe
Create an account, pick a subscription, and download the VPN application.
Launch the VPN
Open the NordVPN app and log in to your account.
Connect to a server
Go through the countries list and connect to one that hasn’t blocked WhatsApp, like Thailand and Australia. For the best results, tap the Specialty Servers tab and pick an obfuscated server.
Enable the Kill Switch feature
You can find it in the Settings section; it keeps your real IP address hidden, even if the VPN connection drops.
Download WhatsApp
Keep in mind that the application may not be available on Google Play or Apple App Store, even with the VPN connected. If that’s the case, download it from the official WhatsApp website.
Install the app and connect with loved ones without restrictions
Best VPNs for Using WhatsApp in China
When looking for the best VPN to unblock WhatsApp, remember that only a handful of services are permitted in the country, and these are required to cooperate with authorities. All other VPNs must use advanced technologies to ensure a secure connection in China.
So, after extensive research, here are five of the best VPNs that still work in China and don’t share user data with the government:
| NordVPN | Surfshark | PureVPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Fleet | 6,800+ servers in 111+ countries | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries | 11,700+ in 100+ countries |
| Average Speeds | 930 Mbps | 950 Mbps | 640 Mbps | 560 Mbps | 730 Mbps |
| No-log Policy | Yes, audited by PwC | Yes, audited by Deloitte | Yes, audited by Altius IT and KPM | Yes, audited by Cure53 | Yes, audited by Deloitte |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Free trial | Yes, 7 days | Yes, 7 days | No | Yes, 7 days | Yes, 1,3, or 7 days |
| Starting Price | $2.99/month | $1.99/month | $1.69/month | $4.99/month | $2.19/month |
Can I Use WhatsApp in China with a Free VPN?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp in China with a free VPN, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Free VPNs that work in the country are typically the ones that have agreed to collect user data in exchange for permission to operate. This means that using a free VPN could expose your data to the government, marketing firms, or even hackers.
Moreover, free VPN services tend to offer subpar features that cannot protect you or help you access restricted apps like WhatsApp. You also get small server fleets, old tunneling protocols, and, consequently, slow connection speeds.
If you absolutely must unblock WhatsApp with a free VPN, my top recommendation is Proton VPN. It offers strong data privacy, ensuring that no one collects or tracks your information. But to be on the safe side, I still recommend taking advantage of free trials and money-back guarantees offered by top premium providers like NordVPN and Surfshark. Both services offer 7-day free trials for mobile devices and 30-day refund policies.
Conclusion – How to Use WhatsApp in China with a VPN?
China’s restrictive cyberspace makes it difficult to access Western VoIP services. When planning your trip, it’s crucial to not only choose a VPN that works effectively in China but also download both the WhatsApp and VPN apps before entering the country.
After testing the leading providers, I recommend NordVPN as the most effective option for unblocking WhatsApp in China. It offers an extensive server fleet, top-notch security, and unmatchable unblocking capabilities. In addition, features like obfuscation and double VPN easily bypass the Great Firewall, giving you access to various global services and apps.
