Many travelers, expats, and business visitors ask the same question before landing in China: does WhatsApp work in China?
The short answer is: WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China, but it works normally with a reliable VPN. This applies whether you’re in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or any other mainland city.
This guide explains how WhatsApp works in China in 2025, how foreigners can use it on iPhone and Android, and what actually works in real life.
Is WhatsApp Banned in China?
Yes.
WhatsApp has been blocked since 2017. Text messages, voice calls, and video calls cannot reach WhatsApp servers without a VPN.
The app is not removed from app stores, but all connections are filtered by the Great Firewall.
This applies everywhere in mainland China including:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Chengdu
- Shenzhen
If you open the app without a VPN, it usually stays on Connecting… and nothing sends.
Does WhatsApp Work in China in 2025?
Yes — with a VPN.
In 2025, nothing has changed: WhatsApp is still blocked, but works fine once a VPN is connected.
This is why many people search things like:
- Does WhatsApp work in China Reddit?
- Does WhatsApp work in China with VPN?
- How to use WhatsApp in China for free?
Expats and frequent travelers on Reddit say the same thing every year: it only works reliably with the right VPN.
Our Recommendation: Tun Access VPN
From actual testing, Tun Access VPN is one of the few services that works consistently in mainland China.
It uses routes specifically optimized for China, so WhatsApp messages and calls run smoothly even during stronger censorship periods.
You can check our VPN Status page anytime to see the latest WhatsApp/VPN availability reports before you travel.
Does WhatsApp Work in Beijing?
Yes — with a VPN.
Beijing has the same Great Firewall restrictions as the rest of mainland China, so WhatsApp does not work on its own. With a stable VPN connection, messaging and calls work normally.
Can I Use WhatsApp in Shanghai?
Yes — with a VPN.
Tourists, business travelers, and expats in Shanghai use WhatsApp every day by connecting to a working VPN.
Does WhatsApp work in Shanghai Pudong Airport?
Yes, but only if your VPN can connect on airport Wi-Fi.
Some airport Wi-Fi networks block VPN apps, so using mobile data is more reliable.
Can I Use WhatsApp in Hong Kong?
Yes — WhatsApp is not blocked in Hong Kong, and you do not need a VPN there.
The same is true in:
- Macau
- Taiwan
Only mainland China blocks WhatsApp.
Can I Use WhatsApp in China as a Tourist?
Yes — tourists can use WhatsApp, but only with a VPN.
If you’re coming for a short trip, make sure to:
- Install WhatsApp before arrival
- Install and activate your VPN before arrival
- Test the VPN at home first
- Bring multiple VPN apps in case one fails during your trip
Tourists often rely on WhatsApp to contact family because their home SIM still works for verification.
How to Use WhatsApp in China (iPhone & Android)
How to use WhatsApp in China on iPhone
- Install WhatsApp outside China
- Install your VPN (Tun Access VPN recommended)
- Turn on VPN
- Open WhatsApp — messages and calls will work normally
iPhone users should disable “Low Data Mode” on Wi-Fi because it sometimes interferes with VPN performance.
How to use WhatsApp in China on Android
Android works the same way:
- Install WhatsApp
- Install VPN
- Connect VPN
- Use WhatsApp as usual
Some Android phones have aggressive background restrictions; allowing your VPN to run in the background helps maintain stable WhatsApp calls.
How to Use WhatsApp in China for Free
There is no reliable free method.
Free VPNs get blocked quickly and often leak your information.
For stable WhatsApp calling, you need a paid VPN that is actually tested inside China.
China WhatsApp Download — Can You Install It?
Yes.
You can download WhatsApp in China from:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play (if using a foreign Google account / VPN)
- WhatsApp’s official APK website
But installing the app does not mean it will work without a VPN.
WhatsApp in China: What Expats Say (Reddit Summary)
Searches like “WhatsApp in China Reddit” or “Does WhatsApp work in China Reddit” appear often.
Reddit users repeat the same points every year:
- WhatsApp is blocked
- VPN is required
- Only a few VPNs work reliably
- Airport and hotel Wi-Fi may block some VPNs
- Bring multiple VPN backups
This lines up with real-world experience from expats who live long-term in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does WhatsApp work in China without VPN?
No.
2. Does WhatsApp work in China with VPN?
Yes — it works perfectly.
3. Can you use WhatsApp video calls in China?
Yes, with a VPN.
4. Is WhatsApp banned in China?
Yes, WhatsApp is blocked on the mainland.
5. Can I receive WhatsApp SMS verification in China?
Yes, but you may need a VPN to complete registration.
Conclusion
WhatsApp does not work in mainland China unless you use a VPN. This applies to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and every other mainland city.
With a stable VPN — especially one optimized for China like Tun Access VPN — WhatsApp messages, calls, and video chats work the same as anywhere else in the world.
If you rely on WhatsApp to stay connected, install your VPN before entering China and test it ahead of time. You can also check our VPN Status page for the latest WhatsApp availability reports.
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