Does Whatsapp Work In China

As of June 2017, WhatsApp has been disabled in China, so 2020, how to use WhatsApp in China?WhatsApp is slightly different from most banned websites in that it is primarily accessed via mobile devices. Similar to Instagram in China, the WhatsApp platform does offer a desktop app, but most people interact on their phones. Based on this, it is important to focus on solutions for mobile devices in China.

Does Whatsapp Work In China?

If you open WhatsApp on your phone within China, the app won't work whether you're using an internet connection or a Wi-Fi connection. It will try to connect and then tell you that it cannot reach the server. If using WhatsApp is important for you to stay in touch with your friends and family back home, then you can unlock WhatsApp in these three simple steps.

How to use WhatsApp in China?

We've established that WhatsApp is blocked in China, and will likely be blocked throughout 2020. So now, let me show you the 3 steps on how to access WhatsApp in China.

Access to the Internet in China

It sounds simple enough, but you may find it more difficult than you initially thought. Finding good WiFi in China can be challenging, so unless you're using a mobile operator for international roaming, you'll need to find a way to get a SIM card in China.

Installing and connecting to VPN services

Using a virtual private network (VPN) such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, you can bypass Internet censorship by connecting to a server outside of China. Ideally, you set up your VPN before you get to China because it's hard to do that once you're there.

Login to WhatsApp

If your phone has internet access and a VPN connection, you should be able to log into WhatsApp without any problems, however, your connection may be down, so you can test out which VPN service is best for you.

The most obvious solution is to use foreign SIM cards. The Great Firewall only works on networks in China, so by using SIM cards from other networks, you won't be affected by it. This includes the Hong Kong network, which is sometimes quite affordable for Chinese roaming charges.

If you want to use a Chinese SIM card, you can use a free or paid VPN to break through the Great Wall Firewall. VPN solutions are also often blocked, and it can take days to get back online if there are important government-related events.

The Best VPN for WhatsApp in China

Ideally, you have a VPN set up before you get to China, as it can be a hassle once you get there. Take note of this as you continue reading, and consider installing a VPN on your phone.

Try ExpressVPN

If you haven't heard of a VPN, you can think of it as a tunnel through a wall (for a more detailed description, see What is a VPN?

Even if China has censored everything, the VPN will tunnel you through to sites like Facebook, Gmail and even WhatsApp in China. There's no need to delve into how it works, just know that VPN is used by almost every expat living in China, including me.