Does WhatsApp Work in China in 2024? Here's How to Use It (2024)

WhatsApp is far and away the most popular messaging app in the world, beating rivals like Messenger, Telegram, and iMessage (sorry, iPhone users). Unfortunately, you can’t use WhatsApp in China, thanks to its government’s obsession with censorship resulting in a ban in 2017.

If you’re a resident of China or are planning a visit to the country, you have to look for an alternative — or you can unblock it. If you’re going the latter route, as we’re sure you are, the most reliable method is a virtual private network (VPN). A quality VPN encrypts your online traffic, providing access to WhatsApp while keeping authorities blissfully unaware.

Read on, and we’ll show you how. And because China is notorious for its restrictive technology, we’ll throw in the best providers to help you navigate the block.

Does WhatsApp Work in China in 2024?

Does WhatsApp work in China? Unfortunately, the answer is no. WhatsApp, like many other services, has fallen victim to widespread censorship.

WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app worldwide, is notably absent in China due to the strict internet censorship policies enforced by the government. The Great Firewall of China, that notorious combination of legislative action and technology, uses sophisticated methods to control the country’s internet access.

The Chinese government is obsessed with regulating the flow of information and communication channels within the country. But WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, which prevents authorities from monitoring messages sent and received through the app. The government finds this a major threat to its control over the internet.

What’s more, Meta, a US company, owns WhatsApp. The Chinese government is wary of foreign companies that could potentially influence Chinese public opinion, so it prefers to promote domestic tech companies.

That’s why it developed messaging apps like WeChat, chock-full of censorship and surveillance instances, to fill the void.

How to Use WhatsApp in China With a VPN

A VPN is your key to bypassing the WhatsApp ban in China and using the app. Because only a few providers are powerful enough to outmaneuver the Great Firewall, you want to use a VPN that works in China.

We recommend NordVPN and will demonstrate this process using it. However, it’s virtually the same steps for other VPNs.

Try NordVPN Risk-Free

Step 1: Choose a Reliable VPN

You want a trustworthy VPN service with a proven track record of bypassing China’s Great Firewall. Make sure it offers strong privacy features, has an expansive server network, and is compatible with your device’s operating system.

Step 2: Download and Install the VPN

Visit the official website of your chosen VPN provider. Sign up for an account and purchase a subscription plan that works for you. Afterwards, download the app suitable for your device (e.g., Android, iOS, Windows, macOS). Follow the installation instructions provided by the VPN provider to set up the app.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN Server Outside of China

Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials if prompted. Select a server outside China — nearby countries like Hong Kong or Taiwan often provide better connectivity. Initiate the connection by clicking on the server location you want.

Step 4: Download and Install WhatsApp

As WhatsApp may not be readily available in Chinese app stores, get the app from a trusted source. Visit the official WhatsApp website or a reliable third-party app store that offers the WhatsApp file. Download and install it on your device.

Step 5: Use WhatsApp in China Without Restrictions

With your VPN connected, open the VPN app, ensure it’s connected to a server outside China, and then launch WhatsApp.

You can now use the messaging without any restrictions, just as you would in a region without internet censorship. Verify your phone number to complete the setup, and you’re ready to send messages, make calls, and share media without hindrance.

Don’t forget to keep your VPN active while using WhatsApp to maintain uninterrupted access to the app and its services.

The Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp in China — Our Top 3 Picks

Now that you know how to unblock access to WhatsApp in China, let’s explore the top VPN providers to facilitate this process. We’re focusing on these premium options because free VPNs simply fall short of delivering the reliability and security required for China.

1. NordVPN

Panama-based NordVPN is a standout VPN for accessing WhatsApp in China. It has an extensive network comprising over 6,300 servers, including in nearby Asian countries. Those servers are lightning-fast, so you can expect smooth connections for chatting and calling on WhatsApp.

One of NordVPN’s notable features is its Double VPN, which routes your internet traffic through two servers for an added layer of security.

The feature-rich provider offers several other privacy and security tools, including AES 256-bit encryption and an app-level kill switch. Like ExpressVPN or Surfshark, NordVPN doesn’t store your identifiable information on its servers, so no digital footprints are leading back to you.

NordVPN’s user-friendly apps and compatibility with various devices make it accessible to a broad user base. It also offers excellent customer support with email and live chat available around the clock. So that you have ample time to make up your mind, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get NordVPN

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an industry leader when it comes to bypassing internet censorship, which makes it another excellent choice for unblocking WhatsApp in China.

It has a sizeable network of servers (3,000+) spread across 105 countries, including nearby regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan. Thanks to high-performance infrastructure and its custom Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN ensures reliable and fast connections.

The British Virgin Islands provider packs a toolkit of robust security features, including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, RAM-based servers, and a kill switch. Several advanced features enhance your online privacy, shielding you from hackers and government surveillance.

ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and offers user-friendly apps, making it accessible to beginners and experienced users.

In addition, it provides 24/7 customer support, so there’s always helpful assistance whenever you need it. While it may be slightly more expensive than many other options, its performance, reliability, and strong security mean the premium price is certainly worth paying. Besides, a 30-day refund policy lets you try it out risk-free.

For all these reasons, this is the second most efficient service for using WhatsApp in China in 2024.

Get ExpressVPN

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a relative newcomer compared to others on this list. That said, it has quickly gained recognition as an effective VPN for unblocking WhatsApp and other restricted apps/websites in China. Despite its affordability, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on security or performance.

The Dutch-based VPN boasts 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide. That expansive country spread means you’re never short of nearby locations to connect to. The VPN doesn’t tax your internet connection much, so you can text, call, stream, and download without buffering or lags.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers. Like other top VPNs, it implements industry-standard encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark also comes with NoBorders, leak protection, multihop, and other advanced and extra features.

We especially like its unlimited simultaneous device connections. It’s a cost-effective choice for large households or users with several devices. If you have a poor impression of the VPN within a month of purchasing a plan, you can request a refund.

Get Surfshark

Conclusion

The People’s Republic of China is one of the most restrictive countries in the world regarding internet access.

Consequently, it’s no surprise you can’t use WhatsApp in China due to a complete ban on the service. That said, a VPN presents a reliable way through the restriction, offering you full access to the app.

We recommend NordVPN as the best provider to unblock WhatsApp in China. You can purchase a subscription, taking advantage of a discount on its two-year plan.