How to Unblock WhatsApp in China Easily? [2023 Guide]

Wondering how to get WhatsApp in China? Unfortunately, if you are in China, WhatsApp will not work. This is due to the governmental policies leading to a blackout of popular social platforms in China, including the blockage of WhatsApp and Facebook.

However, you can use a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN to unblock WhatsApp in China. Thankfully, today VPN services have realized their true potential and are no longer difficult to operate.

Want to send messages to your friends or long video calls to your family abroad? WhatsApp has it all. Back in 2017, the Chinese authorities blocked WhatsApp. This implies that citizens of China will no longer be able to use WhatsApp for video conversations, texts, image sharing, and other functions.

However, in this guide, we will tell you how to access WhatsApp in China through a premium VPN service. So, without further delay lets get started:

Why do You Need a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in China?

The Chinese internet is totally different from the internet that we use, China has restrictions on some of the most popular social platforms and streaming sites. China does not have Facebook, Google, Instagram, Snapchat, Tinder, and list goes on. Instead, they have their own local apps.

So, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN replaces your original IP address with a different one from their server bank. It changes your location to the region where Whatsapp is available so that you can stream it in China.

Moreover, a VPN allows you to secure your online footprint entirely and lets you browse the web safely without the fear of getting your data leaked.

Why does China Censor the Internet so Heavily?

There are two reasons China censors the internet so heavily, first of all, China is very strict when it comes to surveillance, any anti-state speech is not allowed. The government controls what the citizens can access or not.

Freedom of speech is not so welcomed in China as per the following legislation:

The main idea behind the legislation addressing Chinese internet blocking is the Computer Information Network and Information Security, Protection, and Management Regulation.

Section One states that these restrictions are intended to “strengthen the security and the protection of computer information networks” 

The second reason is that China wants its own local businesses to thrive instead of foreign companies running away with profits.

So, downloading your choice of VPN service before going to China is really a smart move to stay connected with the rest of the world.

What are the Best VPNs to Unblock WhatsApp in China?

We have tested 50+ VPN service providers and we found these 3 best WhatsApp VPNs for China to bypass firewall restrictions and connect to the outside world.

1. ExpressVPN: The Best VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in China

Express VPN is the best VPN to unblock WhatsApp in China due to its lightning-fast server speed. We tested, and it has hit up to 89.42 Mbps while accessing WhatsApp.

Unblock China WhatsApp through ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. You can easily connect to any of its 500+ US servers. Additionally, you can also get access to Chinese streaming services like iQIYI from anywhere using this VPN.

The test results gave us an 89.42 Mbps download speed and 84.64 Mbps upload speed, which is enough to access services easily without interruption.

ExpressVPN delivered amazing results on the New York server at a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN also has vast best features, including the MediaStreamer (SmartDNS), which enables you to unblock services on devices that do not support VPNs. It also uses AES-256 Bit Encryption with IKEv4 protocol to ensure your data is well-protected.

There are also some fantastic security and privacy features like Private DNS, Kill Switch, Clean Web, Speed Test, Network Lock Kill, Camouflage Mode, Trusted Server Technology, and more.

Some supported devices with ExpressVPN include smartphones (both iOS and Android), Windows PCs, Macbooks, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi Routers, among other streaming devices. Its Miami server shouldn’t be used due to slow speeds.

It allows for up to five simultaneous connections on a single account and offers unlimited bandwidth.

It costs US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. All the plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Surfshark: A Pocket-friendly VPN to Unblock WhatsApp in China

Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN to unblock WhatsApp in China with an economical price plan of  US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.

Access WhatsApp anywhere in China through Surfshark.

It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its packages. The New York server we used unblocked WhatsApp within minutes!

When tested on a 100Mbps connection, it performed amazingly well and provided a blazing-fast download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps. This speed is fast enough to unblock American Netflix in China buffer free.

Surfshark Speed Test Result!

We also tested other Surfshark’s US servers and found the Dallas server to be the slowest, so it should be avoided at any cost! For connectivity, users have access to 3200+ servers in 100+ countries including 600+ servers in the US.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to unblock Netflix, Hulu and other streaming platforms anywhere. Not only that, but you can also unblock foreign channels through ExpressVPN.

Surfshark provides military-grade AES-256 encryption, VPN Kill Switch, Clean Web, Bypasser, and Camouflage Mode. The best part of all: streamers enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription

Moreover, Surfshark supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.

NordVPN: Offers a Large Number of Servers to Unblock WhatsApp in China

NordVPN offers the largest server network for accessing WhatsApp anywhere in China. For bypassing geo-restrictions, users have 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries.

Accessing Whatsapp China is easy through NordVPN.

Its applications are quite intuitive and responsive. The interface allows for an easy selection of servers for unblocking. Through Surfshark, you can watch China National Baseball League anywhere.

On a 100 Mbps connection, NordVPN provided a fast download speed of 86.49 Mbps and a download speed of 79.42 Mbps. unblock Spotify. This speed is fast enough to buffer free.

NordVPN Speed Test Results!

On the other hand, the Dallas server should be avoided because it gave us a pretty hard time accessing WhatsApp! NordVPN provides military-grade AES-256 encryption, VPN Kill Switch, Clean Web, Bypasser, and Camouflage Mode.

As a plus, users also enjoy 6 simultaneous connections per account. Also, NordVPN also offers exceptional security protocols, available on all mainstream devices and software as it is the best VPN to unblock Netflix on iPad and iPhone.

Moreover, it supports Linux, Windows, Routers, Android, iOS, macOS, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with streaming devices such as PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi routers.

You can get this amazing WhatsApp VPN just at US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.

And in case you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can claim a full refund as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to Configure VPN for Maximum anonymity on WhatsApp?

While VPNs are an effective tool for avoiding censorship and achieving privacy, they are not without flaws.

With any technology (even a VPN), you can never achieve complete anonymity, although you can come quite close. Here are some tips for increasing your anonymity while using a VPN:

• Sign out of your own accounts. Logging into an account in your name immediately deanonymizes you. If you want to maintain your anonymity, you must register a second account, even for WhatsApp.
• Avoid revealing browsing patterns. If at all possible, avoid accessing specific internet sites that may reveal your identity.

Alternate Ways to Unblock WhatsApp in China?

These are the top alternatives to get WhatsApp working in mainland china:

Prepare for using VPN To Unblock WhatsApp in China – Before You Travel

Here is what you should do before travelling to China in order to access WhatsApp there.

Getting a Local Sim to unblock WhatsApp in China

If you need to install WhatsApp, then this is an important step, but if you already have it, you don’t need this.

Getting a prepaid sim is really simple in China. You can get one from the following carriers (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom). An average of 200 Yuan is enough for a month.

The only thing is that once you sign up for WhatsApp it requires a verification code that is sent to your cell phone. Therefore if you download in China you need to keep your VPN connection so that the verification code can be received and verified.

What Other Platforms are Blocked in China?

China has very strict surveillance policies, and therefore many of the global websites and applications do not work in China. Here’s the list:

• Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Twitch)
• Search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo)
• Cloud storage services (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)
• Non-Chinese news websites (CNN, Washington Post, The Guardian)
• Information hubs (Wikipedia, Quora)
• Privacy or VPN-related websites (OpenVPN and others)

You can also unblock these services in China with the use of a VPN, just as the case with iQiyi china.

FAQs-Unblock WhatsApp in China

Wrapping Up!

If you’re heading to China, make sure you get a premium VPN already. Otherwise, say goodbye to your WhatsApp groups, put up photos on Instagram and share memes on Facebook.

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation to unblock WhatsApp in China. Let us know if you have any queries in the comment section below.