How To Use WhatsApp in China — Updated 2025 Guide
- Why Doesn't WhatsApp Work in China?
- How To Use WhatsApp in China on iPhone and Android
- Using WhatsApp in China With an eSIM
- Compare the Best eSIMs for WhatsApp in China
- How To Get WhatsApp in China With a VPN
- Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Using WhatsApp in China
- Combine eSIMs and VPNs for WhatsApp Reliability in China
- Roaming or Portable WiFi With a VPN
- Alternative Messaging Apps To Use in China
- FAQs Using WhatsApp in China
The Great Firewall of China blocks many apps and websites, including WhatsApp, because its contents can’t be easily monitored. The government restricts internet traffic using deep packet inspection (DPI) to filter out and block unwanted online activities.
I was shocked to discover that between 2023 and 2025, the authorities blocked around 4.2 million domains in the Henan province alone(The Guardian 2024)1. How do I open WhatsApp in China? If you're traveling to China, an eSIM or VPN is the most reliable way to WhatsApp in China. My team and I figured out that combining these two methods actually gives you the best chance of success.
In this guide, I’ll explain why WhatsApp is blocked in China and how you can still use it to stay in touch with family and friends. With the proper setup, you can continue using WhatsApp just as easily as you would at home. Plus, a list of WhatsApp alternatives you might enjoy using while in China.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best Ways To Use WhatsApp in China in 2025
| Solutions | Pros | Cons |
| Use an eSIM | ✅ Easy to set up before or during travel. ✅ It can include built-in VPN access with some providers. ✅ Avoids the hassle of buying local SIM cards. |
❌ Not all eSIM providers work in China. ❌ Limited data packages can be expensive. ❌ Requires a compatible phone. |
| Use a VPN | ✅ Reliable way to bypass internet restrictions. ✅ Works on multiple apps and websites, not just WhatsApp. ✅ Flexible — can be used on phones, laptops, tablets, and more. |
❌ Only a few VPNs work in China. ❌ No one VPN consistently works all the time in China. ❌ Most need to be installed and set up before entering China. |
| Combine eSIMs and VPNs | ✅ Extra reliability — if one option fails, the other still works. ✅ Best for long-term stays or business users. ✅ Covers both connectivity (data) and access (VPN). |
❌ More expensive than using one method alone. ❌ Setup can be more complex. ❌ Requires regular monitoring of VPN availability. |
| Roaming or Portable WiFi With a VPN | ✅ Convenient for short trips — no need to change SIM cards. ✅ Portable WiFi devices can connect multiple users. ✅ Works if paired with a reliable VPN. |
❌ International roaming is costly. ❌ Portable WiFi devices need charging and rental fees. ❌ Still depends on having a working VPN. |
Why Doesn't WhatsApp Work in China?
The Chinese government heavily restricts internet access through its Great Firewall system, which blocks many foreign websites and apps, including WhatsApp. According to Ifex (2021)², China blocks 16% of the top 1000 domains on Alexa. This sophisticated censorship infrastructure prevents direct connections to WhatsApp’s servers in several ways:
- Deep packet inspection analyzes internet traffic to identify and block WhatsApp's protocols.
- DNS poisoning redirects WhatsApp connection attempts to dead ends.
- IP address blocking prevents access to WhatsApp's server infrastructure.
- QoS filtering degrades connection quality to make the app unusable.
How do I download WhatsApp in China? Downloading WhatsApp inside China is difficult because the App Store and Google Play Store versions have been removed under government orders. In April 2024, regulators required Apple to take down WhatsApp, Threads, Telegram, and Signal from the China App Store (Reuters 2025)³.
This crackdown has made it increasingly difficult for new users to download WhatsApp. Currently, only those who installed the app before or who use VPNs can access it. As a result, over 21% of Chinese internet users now rely on VPNs to access the global internet (Statista, 2024)⁴.
How To Use WhatsApp in China on iPhone and Android
How can I use WhatsApp on my phone in China? eSIMs are the most common choice to use WhatsApp on a phone in China, but many travelers also use international roaming or VPNs to chat and make calls via WhatsApp. All these methods work for both iPhone and Android, as long as the tools are correctly configured.
Using WhatsApp in China With an eSIM
An international eSIM is one of the easiest ways to use WhatsApp in China. It lets you connect to mobile networks outside of mainland China, which allows you to use WhatsApp, Google, Instagram, and other apps that are blocked in China. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you don’t need to visit a local store or swap out your card. Being a homebody, I love that it’s all digital and takes just a few minutes to set up.
Once your eSIM is active, WhatsApp works just like it did before. You can send messages, make voice and video calls, and share files without sudden drops or blocks. Some eSIM providers even include a built-in VPN, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.
Here is how to set up and use an eSIM for WhatsApp in China:
- Check device compatibility. For iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and you'll see "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". On Android, go to Settings, click Connections, and choose SIM Manager. Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models support eSIMs.
- Buy an eSIM before your trip. Use trusted providers like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, or Maya. Purchase the plan online to avoid issues once you’re in China.
- Install the eSIM. After purchase, you’ll get a QR code or an activation link via email or app. Scan it or follow the instructions to add the eSIM profile to your phone.
- Enable the eSIM in settings. On your phone, go to mobile/cellular settings and turn on the eSIM. Make sure to set it as your primary data line.
- Turn off your local SIM for data. Keep your regular SIM active for calls/texts if you like, but set the eSIM as the default for mobile data.
- Open WhatsApp and test it. Once the eSIM data kicks in, WhatsApp should work just like it does back home — messages, calls, and media all included.
Compare the Best eSIMs for WhatsApp in China
If you want WhatsApp to work smoothly in China, choosing the right eSIM can make all the difference. Below are some of the most reliable eSIM providers that travelers use to bypass restrictions and stay connected.
| eSIM | Data & Cost | Special Feature | How To Buy | Customer Support |
| Holiday | From $4 for 1GB to about $42.50 for 20GB | ExpressVPN (known to work in China) is already built in | Via the Holiday website or app. Activate via QR code | 24/7 live chat via the Holiday website |
| Saily | From $3.99 for 1GB to about $17.99 for 10GB | Built by the team behind NordVPN, Saily is designed with privacy in mind | Purchase using the Saily app or website | Around-the-clock assistance via the Saily app |
| Airola | From $5 for 1GB to about $30 for 10GB | Doesn’t include a VPN, but provides a wide range of local and regional eSIMs, great for travelling | Use Airola's dedicated app to download and install | You need to email support, but it's available 24.7 |
How To Get WhatsApp in China With a VPN
To safely access WhatsApp in China, use a VPN to reroute your internet traffic through a private server in a different country. This makes your online activities invisible to third parties, like ISPs, but only the best VPNs for China reliably work in the country.
The steps below provide an in-depth guide to using WhatsApp in China on iPhone, but the process is similar for Android devices — you'll just need to go to the Apple App Store to download the app.
1. Pick a Reliable VPN
Not every VPN works in China. In fact, the Great Firewall blocks many, and those that lack advanced tools (like obfuscation to hide VPN use) get shut down quickly. So, you need to find one that has been proven to work in the country.
2. Install a VPN
After you’ve chosen a VPN, the next step is to get it set up before you travel to China. This is really important because once you’re inside China, most VPN websites and even the App Store/Google Play Store versions are blocked.
Astrill VPN offers servers specifically optimized for use in China
Some VPNs offer mirror sites (alternative download pages) that work in China and are regularly updated. However, I recommend installing the VPN and WhatsApp in advance to increase your chances of success once in China.
3. Configure Your VPN Settings
Most good VPNs are ready to go as soon as you log in, but it’s smart to check a few settings — especially if you’re using it on restricted networks, like workplaces and hotel WiFi. The Great Firewall is powerful, and having the right options switched on can make the difference between smooth calls and endless “connecting…” screens.
Here are the features that matter most:
- Obfuscation (Stealth Mode). This disguises VPN traffic so it looks like regular internet use. Without it, Chinese networks may spot and block your VPN.
- Automatic protocol selection. Check that you’re using the best protocol (like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or Lightway (ExpressVPN)) for your connection. This will help WhatsApp stay stable.
- Split Tunneling. This allows you to send WhatsApp through the VPN while keeping other local Chinese apps on your normal network. This is handy if you want faster speeds, as not all your traffic gets encrypted.
- Kill switch. If the VPN drops, this blocks your internet until it reconnects. It prevents WhatsApp from revealing your real location during a chat.
Set the VPN to connect automatically whenever you join a new WiFi or use mobile data
4. Connect to a Server
Choose a server location close to China for the best performance. For example, servers in Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, and Taiwan offer faster speeds for WhatsApp calls and video chats. Connect to one of these locations before opening WhatsApp.
Most VPNs let you save servers to your favorites
After connecting, perform a quick check to ensure it’s working by visiting an IP lookup site and verifying that the server's country is displayed as the one you chose, not a China IP address.
5. Launch WhatsApp
Once connected, you can safely download WhatsApp from your Play Store or App Store. Open the app and check that all features work correctly. You should now be able to send messages, make calls, and share media files.
If WhatsApp doesn't connect immediately, try switching to a different nearby server. The app might take slightly longer than usual to load due to the VPN connection.
You can now make WhatsApp calls and send messages without interruption
Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Using WhatsApp in China
I’ve listed the best VPNs that work in China and have no issues with WhatsApp — they maintain fast speeds for smooth messaging and video calls. The listed VPNs also make it possible to use Google securely in China.
Why Isn't WhatsApp Working When Connected to a VPN?
Even with a VPN connected, WhatsApp might not work in China due to several common issues that can prevent the app from functioning correctly. Here's what might be causing problems and how to fix them:
- Your VPN was detected. China's Great Firewall actively looks for and blocks VPN traffic. Regular server changes and enabling obfuscation features can help avoid detection.
- IP/DNS leaks. Your DNS requests might reveal your actual location despite using a VPN. Top VPNs include IP and DNS leak protection, but you may need to enable it manually in settings.
- Outdated WhatsApp version. China blocks access to WhatsApp's servers, making it difficult to update the app. Download the latest version before traveling to China.
- Connection timeouts. The Great Firewall can cause connection delays that trigger WhatsApp's security timeouts. For faster speeds, try connecting to servers in nearby countries like Hong Kong or Japan.
- App cache issues. Old cached data can conflict with your VPN connection. Clear WhatsApp's cache through your device's settings menu.
Combine eSIMs and VPNs for WhatsApp Reliability in China
The eSIM routes your data through servers outside mainland China, while the VPN adds encryption and disguises your traffic as regular local traffic. Together, they significantly reduce the risk of disconnections or blocked features.
This combo is especially useful because eSIMs often work independently, but they’re not foolproof. In some regions or networks, WhatsApp traffic may still slow down or get interrupted. Having a VPN as a backup means you can quickly switch servers if the connection becomes unstable.
Roaming or Portable WiFi With a VPN
Another way to get WhatsApp working in China is to use international roaming or a portable WiFi router with a built-in VPN.
With roaming, some carriers route your connection through nearby regions like Hong Kong or Japan, which can sometimes get around restrictions. The downside is that roaming is usually very expensive. I know I could never afford a month abroad, accumulating all those fees. On top of that, it’s just not that reliable. Some users report success, while others find that the connection still gets throttled or blocked. Sources like Reddit and MyRoami highlight that it’s hit-or-miss.
A more dependable option is a portable WiFi router (sometimes called a pocket WiFi). Certain providers sell these devices with a VPN already built in, so you don’t have to configure anything. Just turn on the router, connect your phone or laptop, and you’re online with WhatsApp. This method is especially useful if you’re traveling in a group or carrying multiple devices since the same router can serve all of them at once.
Alternative Messaging Apps To Use in China
If WhatsApp isn’t working, you’ll need reliable alternatives to stay connected. Here are the most practical options, along with what you should know before using them:
- WeChat (Weixin). The all-in-one super app in China. It handles messages, calls, payments, booking services, and even social media. It’s essential for daily life, but remember: all data is monitored and subject to Chinese regulations.
- QQ. A long-standing messaging app from Tencent. QQ supports file sharing, voice/video, and even blogs through Qzone. The international version comes with English support and auto-translation, which makes it super handy when I need to chat with overseas contacts.
- DingTalk. A business-oriented app by Alibaba. Popular for corporate messaging, team management, and video calls. It’s often used by companies to coordinate workflows.
- WeCom (WeChat Work). A workplace version of WeChat, built for professional collaboration. It offers messaging, task management, and secure file transfers—ideal if you’re working with Chinese companies.
FAQs Using WhatsApp in China
Reference
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- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/24/alarming-rise-in-regional-internet-censorship-in-china-study-finds
- https://ifex.org/chinas-cyber-censorship-figures/
- https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-removes-whatsapp-threads-china-app-store-wsj-reports-2024-04-19/
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/1367136/china-internet-data-privacy-and-security-user-preferences-and-actions/
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About the Author
Doris is a tech writer and a cybersecurity researcher for The How To Guide. She is enthusiastic about educating people about their rights to online freedom and provides actionable ways to protect their data.
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