Travellers in China rely on local apps to stay in touch. WhatsApp, a globally popular app, offers free messaging and calls over Wi‑Fi or mobile data. However, WhatsApp in China has been largely unusable since it was blocked in 2017. This article explains does WhatsApp work in China, how to access it in 2025 and what alternatives and legal issues to consider.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, lets users send text and voice messages, make voice or video calls, and share media. It uses the Signal protocol to provide end‑to‑end encryption.
The Signal protocol is a cryptographic system that scrambles messages on your device so that only you and the intended recipient can read them, shielding conversations from eavesdroppers.
Because WhatsApp’s encryption keeps conversations private, the app goes against China’s censorship system.
Mainland China operates a huge internet censorship system known as the Great Firewall that filters and blocks foreign platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Google and Instagram.
The government blocks any service it can't watch or control. This is meant to prevent citizens from seeing content the government believes could harm the country or cause unrest.
WhatsApp faced disruptions in 2017. First, images and voice calls were blocked. Later, text messages were affected. By the end of the year, the app was fully banned in mainland China.
As of 2025, WhatsApp in China remains inaccessible without workarounds. However, it’s still available in Hong Kong and Macau, which follow different systems.
No. WhatsApp in China doesn’t work without taking a different track. Whether you connect via hotel Wi‑Fi or a local SIM card, the app cannot reach its servers.
Some travelers report limited access, but these cases are inconsistent and unreliable.
For stable and reliable use of WhatsApp in mainland China, you need to bypass the Great Firewall with a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN hides your internet traffic and routes it through servers in other countries, allowing access to blocked apps like WhatsApp.
Here’s a quick visual summary of the VPN setup process:
If one server stops working, try a different country or connection type. China often updates its censorship, so you may need to switch servers.
Avoid free VPNs, and be careful both when discussing certain topics on WhatsApp and when searching for sensitive information online, such as content about government protests.
Using an international eSIM is one alternative for accessing WhatsApp in China. Travel eSIM providers like Maya and Airalo offer data plans that connect to Chinese networks but route traffic through servers outside China.
However, eSIMs must be installed before entering China and require an eSIM-compatible phone.
Another option is roaming on your home carrier’s international SIM, such as T-Mobile or Vodafone. The downside is that roaming charges can be expensive and data may be limited.
Both eSIM and roaming plans tend to cost more than local SIM cards and may slow speeds.
If you tether another device to your phone, that device’s traffic might still be blocked if it uses local Wi-Fi. For longer stays, many travelers combine an eSIM for data with a VPN to increase flexibility and access.
One great option is the Holafly eSIM for China, which offers unlimited data and includes a VPN.
Simply choose your length of stay, install the eSIM before you arrive, and once you land, you can bypass local internet restrictions.
Holafly also lets you access apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Google services without trouble. Depending on your trip, plans can cost as little as $1.99 per day.
Below are VPN services widely reported to work in China.
| VPN | Supports obfuscation? | Offers kill switch feature? | Mobile compatibility | Customer assistance |
| Astrill | Yes | Yes | Compatible with Android and iOS, with dedicated apps for both | Offers manuals, FAQs, video tutorials, live chat, and message support via website form |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes, through Network Lock. | Compatible and supports up to eight devices on a single subscription | 24/7 live chat support with setup, management, and troubleshooting instructions. |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Compatible with Android and iOS, with dedicated apps for both | Provides online instructions, FAQs, chat, and email support. |
WhatsApp alternatives dominate in China because the government blocks foreign apps like WhatsApp, pushing users toward domestic platforms.
WeChat, for example, is essential for daily life and has about 1.38 billion active users. It combines messaging, social networking, payments, and more.
Other popular alternatives include QQ, another Tencent product widely used by younger people for its gaming, entertainment, and customizable features like stickers, themes, and avatars.
Apps like Baidu Hi, DingTalk, and Feishu are commonly used for business communication.
Note that these apps don’t offer the same level of encryption and international reach as WhatsApp because they are designed to comply with Chinese regulations, which limit the use of strong encryption and restrict access outside of China.
There are no specific laws in China that make it a crime to have or use WhatsApp. The app itself isn’t illegal.
1. Is WhatsApp blocked in China in 2025?
Yes. WhatsApp has been blocked on the mainland since 2017 and remains inaccessible without a VPN, travel eSIM or roaming.
2. Can you call on WhatsApp in China?
Voice and video calls only work if your connection bypasses the Great Firewall via a VPN or international roaming. Once connected through a VPN, calls behave normally.
3. Can tourists use WhatsApp in Beijing or Shanghai?
Yes, but only if they set up a VPN or travel eSIM before arrival. Without these, WhatsApp is blocked across all mainland cities.
4. Is WhatsApp blocked on hotel Wi‑Fi in China?
Yes. Hotel Wi‑Fi is subject to the same restrictions as any other Chinese network. To use WhatsApp, connect through a VPN or use an eSIM/roaming plan.
5. Can I download WhatsApp in China?
You should download and install WhatsApp before you travel because app stores may restrict downloads within China. If you forget, you may need to change your app‑store region or use a third‑party source.
6. Is it safe to use WhatsApp with a VPN?
Using WhatsApp via a reputable VPN is generally safe. The app remains end‑to‑end encrypted, and the VPN adds a layer of privacy. However, sending politically sensitive content is risky; Chinese authorities have fined locals for VPN use and monitor communications when possible.
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