It’s still possible to use WhatsApp in China by using software that changes your IP address. Masking your location and switching to an IP from a server outside of China lets you avoid network restrictions and connect to WhatsApp. There are several ways you can change your IP address — using a proxy, using the Tor network, or using a VPN. Proxies and Tor are generally not as reliable, as Chinese networks are easily able to detect the software. VPNs are much safer options, but they’re not free. Read on to find out the fastest and safest ways to use WhatsApp in China. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology. Use WhatsApp in China with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Access WhatsApp in China in 3 Easy Steps
How to Use WhatsApp in China for Free
It’s tricky to find working methods for using WhatsApp in China, especially for free. However, there are several ways that might work. Just be aware that even the most reliable methods (like using a VPN) don’t always work, as China is constantly improving its proxy detection technology to maintain network restrictions.
Use a Free Proxy
There are some reputable free proxies that might let you connect to locations outside of China so you can access WhatsApp. However, China actively monitors and blocks proxies, so it’s difficult to find one that works reliably. For the best chance, I recommend you choose a proxy that provides encrypted connections and data leak protection. This will ensure that your online traffic destination is undetectable, and your personal information remains private.
Use Tor (The Onion Router)
Tor is another free option that might be usable, although it is also monitored closely and often blocked by Chinese networks. Tor is very private and secure, but it’s much slower than a proxy or VPN connection, so be aware that it isn’t ideal for video calls on WhatsApp. You can make some manual configurations to get the best chance of a Tor connection working; try using the Snowflake proxy, private and unlisted obfs4 bridges, or the meek-azure pluggable transport. This can be tricky and technical to set up, so make sure you’re aware of the steps or have configured the Tor browser before arriving in China.
Why You Need a VPN for Using WhatsApp in China
While it’s not always free, using a VPN is the best way to access WhatsApp in China. It’s the safest and most reliable solution for travelers to use WhatsApp in China and stay in touch with friends and family. Unlike free proxies or the Tor browser, a VPN fully secures your connection and provides fast speeds for instant messaging and smooth video calls. With obfuscated servers and strong encryption, a VPN avoids China’s network detection and gives you an IP address in a country where WhatsApp is available. This lets you use WhatsApp by avoiding network blocks that restrict connections to your mobile or browser apps.
Short on Time? Here Are The Best VPNs for WhatsApp in China
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology. Not all VPNs are able to work effectively in China, as new network restrictions frequently block VPN connections. Only use VPNs that are known to work in China, otherwise, you may find you can’t connect to WhatsApp even when using a VPN server. It’s also important to note that China bans non-government-approved VPNs. However, there have been no reported cases of penalizing foreigners for using them. Make sure you download a VPN before arriving in China and abide by the law at all times — my team and I do not condone illegal VPN usage.
Best VPNs for WhatsApp in China
1. ExpressVPN — Top Security and Fast Speeds for WhatsApp in China
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the top VPN in 2025 for WhatsApp in China thanks to its impressive security. All connections are protected by AES-256-bit encryption and data leak protection, and have obfuscation — they are undetectable as coming from a VPN. This makes it easy for ExpressVPN to avoid China’s proxy detection and access WhatsApp. During tests, ExpressVPN proved to be the fastest VPN — my speeds dropped marginally, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted video calls on WhatsApp. ExpressVPN’s server network also features plenty of connections near China. I recommend using a nearby server, as this will keep your speeds as fast as possible. While ExpressVPN is a little pricier than other competitors (plans start at $$4.994.99/month), I think it’s worth the cost for reliable connections to WhatsApp from China. I suggest downloading the app before you get to China, as it’s easier to get the app from the official site. However, if you’re already in China, ExpressVPN has a mirror site available. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Feature Obfuscates Traffic to Use WhatsApp
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature makes it a great choice for using WhatsApp in China. This obfuscates your traffic, making it indistinguishable from regular internet activity and bypassing China’s proxy detection. While this slows connections slightly, it’s a necessary feature to access WhatsApp — without it, the connection won’t work. During tests, PrivateVPN delivered reliable speeds with minimal lag during WhatsApp video calls. For optimal performance, I recommend connecting to servers close to China, such as those in Hong Kong or India. This ensures smooth and uninterrupted communication despite the obfuscation. PrivateVPN is one of the most affordable month-to-month VPNs for using WhatsApp in China, although long-term plans are a better deal (starting at $2.00/month). Occasionally, PrivateVPN offers a 7-day free trial — just contact customer support before you visit China and ask if it’s available.
3. VyprVPN — Chameleon Protocol and Smart IP Hide WhatsApp Use in China
Key Features: VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol and Smart IP make it a solid choice for WhatsApp in China. These work together to obfuscate traffic and rotate IP addresses, hiding your WhatsApp use from China’s censorship. The combination makes it easy for VyprVPN to avoid firewalls. Though VyprVPN’s speeds are slower than both PrivateVPN and ExpressVPN, my tests showed it is still fast enough for steady video calls on WhatsApp. Connecting to nearby servers helps maintain speed for voice and video calls without interruptions. VyprVPN offers a 3-day free trial on Android and iOS signups, perfect for testing its effectiveness in China. To test VyprVPN for longer, plans start at $3.00/month. Make sure to download and set up the app before traveling, as the official site is blocked in China and VyprVPN doesn’t have a mirror site.
Our Testing Methodology: How We Tested VPNs for WhatsApp in China
To ensure working, reliable connections to WhatsApp in China, our team rigorously tested the top VPNs in 2025 using thorough testing methods. VPNs are then ranked based on test results and according to the following criteria:
Works reliably in China — testers in China check each VPN to ensure it can provide consistent, reliable, and secure connections to WhatsApp when in the country. Strong security and privacy features — each VPN provides server obfuscation to avoid detection, plus AES-256-bit encryption, data leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero-log privacy policy. Servers near China — local servers in countries like Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Macau will provide more reliable connection speeds for sending and receiving messages and making video and voice calls. Fast connection speeds — to ensure high-quality calls and avoid interruptions, the VPN connection should be consistently fast — at least 10 Mbps at all times. Free trials or money-back guarantees — some of the recommended VPNs offer free trials, while all of the top VPNs for China have a money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.
Access WhatsApp in China for Free
It’s possible to use WhatsApp for free in China through methods like proxies or the Tor network, but these options lack reliability and can result in inconsistent access. They also don’t typically offer a high level of security and performance, leaving your communication vulnerable to interruptions and monitoring. The legal situation surrounding banned apps is ever-changing, but it’s worth noting that there are no cases of visitors facing legal action for using a VPN to access WhatsApp. It’s likely that you won’t face repercussions as a tourist using WhatsApp in China, but you should also exercise caution when accessing blocked services and be mindful of local laws. Many services are banned in China, including social media and news sites, telecommunications providers (like WhatsApp), privacy blogs and top VPN services, streaming platforms, and search engines. Threema provides secure, encrypted messaging but it isn’t a free platform, so you’ll need to pay for a subscription to use it. Skype is free, but it’s not encrypted, so you could find your conversations being monitored. WeChat is a Chinese service, so while it’s a free option, it’s continuously monitored and shares data with third parties. Using a VPN is the best way to ensure consistent and secure access to WhatsApp in China. Despite the cost, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN offers advanced features that avoid China’s network restrictions. With a VPN, you can enjoy uninterrupted WhatsApp access, knowing your connection is secure and hidden from government surveillance. Try ExpressVPN for WhatsApp in China