Use WhatsApp Without Restrictions in Your Country
If you live in a country with limited Internet freedoms, you may need to use a VPN to unblock WhatsApp. In today’s article, we’ll talk about why (and how) messaging services get blocked, plus what you can do to restore access to your favorite apps. You’ll also learn about the best VPN providers to unblock WhatsApp in your country.
WhatsApp has become so popular that it’s hard to imagine being without it. People use the app for staying in touch with friends and family, for business communications and work collaborations, and so much more. Although the app is not totally secure, it is encrypted and is secure enough that most people feel happier using it than using other communication methods which can easily be tracked. As the most used messaging app in the world, it’s an essential tool for everyday life in the digital age.
Don’t let your government block out WhatsApp, beat censorship with these VPNs:
- NordVPN – Best WhatsApp VPN – A massive server network, fast speeds, and a plethora of privacy features make NordVPN the most reliable way to unblock WhatsApp anywhere.
- Surfshark – Younger than its competitors, but full of modern security provisions which make mincemeat of government restrictions.
- ExpressVPN – Blazing fast network speeds and powerful tunneling make this a great choice for unblocking WhatsApp
- CyberGhost – An all-rounder with special provisions for unblocking sites and apps.
However, governments are not always happy that their citizens have the opportunity to contact each other freely in an encrypted and relatively secure way. When a government is seeking to quash news stories or to stop activists from communicating with each other, they may choose to block WhatsApp either temporarily or permanently. When that happens, the WhatsApp service will no longer work anywhere in the country where it is blocked.
Fortunately, there is a way to unblock WhatsApp in your country using a VPN. If you are concerned about WhatsApp blocking, read on to find out how to unblock WhatsApp and use it freely anywhere.
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Why is WhatsApp Banned in Different Countries?
Countries that ban WhatsApp often do it for a combination of reasons, including national security concerns, information control, domestic telecom industry protection, and political unrest.
Governments may believe WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption hinders their ability to monitor communication, potentially allowing for the spread of misinformation, incitement to violence, or coordination of illegal activities. Other governments seek to maintain tight control over the flow of information within their borders; WhatsApp’s ability to facilitate uncensored communication can pose a threat to their authority. Additionally, to safeguard the revenue of local telecommunication companies, governments may restrict or ban services like WhatsApp that compete with their offerings. And finally, although considered atrocious by some, governments might ban WhatsApp to prevent its use for organizing protests or spreading anti-government sentiments.
What Countries Have Blocked WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is fully banned in China, North Korea, Syria, and Iran. Other countries like Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt restrict voice and video calls.
When a government decides to block WhatsApp in whole or in part, they can send an order to all the ISPs in their country to prevent users from accessing the service by putting a block on connections to the app. The ISPs then must legally comply with this order and redirect any traffic from users attempting to access the service to a blocked notification. This means that the app becomes unusable on any internet connection within the country.
RELATED READING: How to stop Facebook from tracking you
Use a VPN to Unblock WhatsApp
The best way to unblock WhatsApp in your country is with a VPN. A VPN works by installing a piece of software onto the device that you use to access WhatsApp, like your tablet or phone. This software then encrypts all of the data that your device sends over the internet, and forwards this encrypted data to a server located somewhere else in the world, masking your real IP address (and therefore location).
In addition to letting you unblock WhatsApp, a VPN also lets you get around censorship and access blocked web pages through the same method. Using a VPN will also improve your security by protecting you from hackers on public wifi networks and from vishers and other cyber criminals. Best of all, the encryption used by a VPN means that your government and your ISP won’t be able to spy on your internet activity and your data will be kept private.
The process of unblocking WhatsApp with a VPN works the same on all devices. The exact steps depend on the VPN app, but here’s a general guide to using a VPN with WhatsApp:
- Download and install the app from the VPN provider’s website.
- Open the app and log in with the same password you used when signing up.
- Pick a server from the list, specifically one from a region where WhatsApp is unblocked.
- Use the app or WhatsApp Web unblocked!
Evaluating the Best VPNs for WhatsApp
If you want to be able to unblock WhatsApp in your country, or any other app or website, then you need a VPN. But there are many, many VPN providers out there and you might not know which one is right for you. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
We strongly recommend that you use a reputable paid (but affordable) VPN service that adheres to the following:
- Excellent security, so that you can be sure that no one is snooping on your WhatsApp conversations or is otherwise monitoring your internet activity. This is especially important for users in countries with lots of internet censorship and repressive governments. We look for VPN providers who offer strong encryption, like the use of 256-bit encryption, and a no logging policy so your data will never be recorded or share with any other party.
- Plenty of servers all around the world. To get around a WhatsApp block, you need to connect to a server in a country where WhatsApp is not blocked. This is easier if you have plenty of servers to choose from, so we look for VPN providers who have a large network of servers that are spread across many different countries for the best flexibility.
- Fast connection speeds, so that even when you are connected to your VPN, your internet will still be fast enough for streaming or downloading as well as for voice calls and WhatsApp text messaging.
- Software for many operating systems. To use your VPN, you’ll install the software on whatever device you use to run WhatsApp. You can also install the software onto all of your other devices to protect everything at the same time. That’s why we look for VPNs who provide software for a wide range of operating systems.
Sometimes users are tempted to go for a free VPN to save some cash but these free services can be very dodgy and often make their money by injecting ads or even selling access to users’ devices.
Comparison of the Best VPNs Unblock WhatsApp and Use It
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
Our Recommended VPNs To Unblock WhatsApp
We looked at each of these key factors for users who want to unblock WhatsApp, and we came up with the following recommendations for VPN providers:
1. NordVPN
- Highly affordable plans
- No bandwidth caps
- Allows multiple connections (6 devices)
- Extra-secure Double VPN for data encryption
- Live chat support is available
- Automatic server selection can be unreliable
- Sometimes slow in procesing refunds (but always do)
NordVPN is suited to users who know their way around VPNs already and want to be able to use advanced features. To use the service to unblock WhatsApp, you can connect to one of the proxy servers in their massive network that encompasses more than 5,400 servers in 59 countries. The regular VPN connections have excellent security like 256-bit encryption and a comprehensive no logging policy.
NordVPN has lots more to offer, however. As well as regular VPN servers, it has speciality options like P2P optimised servers for torrent users, as well as double VPN servers which encrypt your data twice over and are ideal for users who want to keep the government out of their data. Other options include anti DDoS, obfuscated servers, and dedicated IP servers. The software is available for devices running Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Chrome OS, Android, or Windows Phone.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Robust servers blast through geoblocks to access your favorite streaming sites
- Multi-hop connections readily available
- IP, DNS and WebRTC leak protection plus kill switch
- Based in the British Virgin Islands, where there are no data retention laws
- Helpful 24/7 live chat with an actual human being
- Server network is not nearly as expansive as major competitors
- Apps don’t allow for much manual fiddling for power users
While Surfshark is a relatively young VPN (having just launched in 2019), it was built with the modern realities of Internet privacy in mind. That means government censorship galore–but thankfully this scrappy VPN has got more than a few tricks up its sleeve to unblock WhatsApp (or anything else, for that matter).
At its core, Surfshark has a similar load-out to the other major players in the VPN industry: unbreakable cryptography (256-AES-GCM), plus the use of OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. However, it also throws Shadowsocks into the mix for Windows devices, plus the cutting-edge WireGuard when fast performance is a must.
Moreover, their 800+ server network is thoroughly modernized, residing in 50 countries around the globe on diskless infrastructure. In other words, Surfshark couldn’t retain your identifiable user metadata even if they wanted to; the only thing their logging policy states they retain is your login, encrypted password, payment info, and miscellaneous crash data (which you can opt out of).
Overall, government censorship doesn’t stand a chance against Surfshark; it confounds even China’s Great Firewall with ease!
3. ExpressVPN
- Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites
- Super fast servers
- Govt-level AES-256 encryption
- Strict no-logs policy for personal information
- Live Chat Support
- Slightly pricier than the competition
ExpressVPN is a VPN that really excels in our key requirements, in terms of speed, security, and ease of use. If you need to unblock WhatsApp then you can connect to any of the network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 different countries. This means you’ll have plenty of options to get around region blocks of all kinds.
As well as this, ExpressVPN offers excellent security with the use of strong 256-bit encryption to keep your data safe and a no logging policy to protect your privacy. In the software you’ll find more security options like DNS leak protection, a kill switch so you don’t accidentally send data over an unsecured connection, and an IP address checker. The connections are lightning fast, so you can message, download, and stream in peace. The software is available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android, plus some games consoles and smart TVs, and there are browser extensions available for the Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari browsers.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
- LOW PRICE: 6 EXTRA free months (79% off – link below)
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) torrenting allowed
- Apps for ALL devices
- Zero logs
- 45-days ‘No-hassle’ money back guarante
- Doesn’t unblock all streaming services
CyberGhost is the option that we recommend for users who want a VPN that is dead simple to use, even if you don’t have a lot of technical knowledge or prior experience with VPNs. When you want to unblock WhatsApp, you just open up the software and choose the Unblock Basic Websites option. This lets you unblock services like WhatsApp with just a click, with all the settings configured for you automatically. Of course, if you want to configure your own connection, that is also an option. You can select the Choose My Server option and connect to any one of over 5,900 servers in nearly 90 countries.
For other functions, there are further options in the software for Surf Anonymously, Unblock Streaming, Protect Network, and Torrent Anonymously. As well as ease of use, CyberGhost offers good security with 256-bit encryption and a no logging policy. The connections are fast and reliable, and the software is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
Tips on Bypassing WhatsApp Blocks with a VPN
VPNs do an excellent job breaking through country-wide blocks on VoIP services such as WhatsApp. Most of the time all you’ll need to do is run the VPN, sign in to WhatsApp, and start chatting. Some blocking methods are a little tougher to defeat, however. In these cases, you’ll need to roll out more serious measures to restore access to WhatsApp. Below are a few of the more popular methods. If you need a more detailed guide, check out our tips on how to bypass VPN blocks.
- Port switching – A common method of blocking WhatsApp and other VoIP services is to block ports used for communication. By switching which port your traffic travels through, you can often slip through the censorship filter without any problems. If your VPN offers this feature, try TCP port 80 or 443
- Use different encryption protocols – Most VPNs use the OpenVPN protocol to encrypt and manage traffic. It offers the best balance of speed and privacy, but it’s also easy to detect and block. Most VPNs let you switch protocols to make it more difficult to monitor your traffic. Try either L2TP/IPSec or PPTP modes in your VPN’s software. Both are a little slower than the standard OpenVPN, but they often defeat WhatsApp blocks in an instant
- SSH tunnels – Creating and using an SSH tunnel requires a little more technical knowledge than most methods, but it’s an extremely effective way to obfuscate your traffic and unblock WhatsApp. Download SSH Tunnel for iOS (limited use free version) and SSH Tunnel for Android (root required for advanced features) to get started
- SSL tunnels – Similar to the SSH tunnel method above, SSL tunnels are a little more difficult to detect and offer a much higher degree of privacy in exchange for a drop in speed. The best way to use an SSL tunnel is to download stunnel on your mobile device, though you’ll need to set up your own stunnel server or rent one from a third-party provider
Is WhatsApp’s Default Encryption Secure?
WhatsApp announced a few years ago that all messages sent through the service would be encrypted end-to-end. This was great news for the user base of over one billion, but it didn’t take long to find flaws in the plan. A potential backdoor was discovered in 2016 that allowed hackers to gain access to encrypted messages. WhatsApp has since patched the exploit, but you never know when new vulnerabilities will be discovered.
While the default security features in WhatsApp are useful, data encryption provided by a VPN is even better. Not only are you adding an extra layer of protection to every message you send, but you also ensure that no one at WhatsApp can decipher your messages. Hackers attacking WhatsApp servers won’t be able to access your information, either, rendering many vulnerabilities harmless. As long as your VPN is active, your WhatsApp messages are safe.
Is it Legal to use a VPN with WhatsApp?
In any area where both VPNs and WhatsApp are allowed, yes, it’s legal to use both services together for added privacy and anonymity. If you can use a VPN but WhatsApp is specifically blocked, you may encounter some legal issues. VPNs in many countries have been placed under restrictions by the local government. In most cases, with the exception of China where it’s illegal, it’s ok to have a VPN just as long as you aren’t using it to access illegal content. If VoIP services or WhatsApp aren’t allowed, using a VPN to unblock them may be against the law.
The regulations surrounding VPNs and VoIP access are constantly changing. Some countries even have occasional temporary blocks on certain services, which can get confusing. If you’re traveling, always make sure you aren’t inadvertently breaking the local laws by using a VPN to unblock WhatsApp.
Alternatives to WhatsApp
Even with an amazing VPN and all the tips and tricks in the world, it still might not be possible to use the app or WhatsApp Web unblocked in your region. There are some surprisingly popular and functional alternatives to the messaging service, however, many of which come with stronger security and better availability built-in. Check out a few of the best alternatives to WhatsApp below, and remember to fire up your VPN before chatting!
- Telegram – A sleek new app that aims to build a cross-platform communications system anyone can use for just about any purpose. Use it to text chat, voice chat, send files, and more, all with strong encryption and open, distributed network architecture. Telegram works on all smartphones and includes a web version as well as desktop PC downloads. RELATED READING: Russia Bans Telegram, VPN Use Soars
- Viber – A traditional VoIP program at heart, Viber is used on a variety of mobile and desktop platforms worldwide to connect with friends and family through voice, text, and video chat. It even works with both Wi-Fi and 3G connections
- Tox – Send messages to friends, start audio and video calls, share files, and so much more. Tox was built as a response to privacy-conscious users looking for a more secure option to WhatsApp and other VoIP platforms. It works with smartphones and desktop PCs alike, and it’s extremely easy to use
Conclusion
WhatsApp is one of those services that’s so essential these days that it’s hard to live without it. That’s why it causes such problems for users when it gets blocked by a government, often to try and suppress discussion or activism. In other cases, the WhatsApp text messaging feature works but the voice calling feature is blocked to protect the profits of telecom companies.
In these cases, you can unblock WhatsApp using a VPN. Then you’ll be able to use both text messaging and voice messaging on WhatsApp from anywhere in the world, even if the service is blocked in the country you are currently in. We’ve recommended a number of VPN services that you can use to get around censorship and use the service freely.
Are you facing issues with WhatsApp calling in specific regions? We have detailed guides to help you overcome these challenges. If you’re in Qatar, don’t let restrictions stop you from connecting with your loved ones. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to unblock WhatsApp calling in Qatar.
Similarly, if you’re in the United Arab Emirates, we’ve got you covered too. Learn how to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE and stay connected with your friends and family, no matter where you are.
Have you had experience with WhatsApp being blocked in your country? Have you tried out any of these VPNs to get around the blocks? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
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