How to Download WeChat in India After The Ban (Our 2024 Guide)

Aksel Hellerud

Last Updated: 14/11/24

In 2020, the Indian government banned several Chinese apps due to geopolitical tensions. The extremely popular social media platform WeChat was one of the banned services and, unfortunately, millions of Indian residents now suffer the consequences of this decision. However, we can help you learn how to install WeChat in India and use it even with the ban in place.

Is it Legal to Download WeChat in India after the ban?

Before getting into how to install WeChat in India, we think it is best to address first what we consider to be the most important question, namely whether it is legal to access WeChat in India with a VPN. So, for those who rightly fear legal repercussions, let us clear the air now, although we will return to this subject later in this article.

As Business Today clearly reports on the matter, “some argue that those who use such apps illegally may face legal consequences, but the government has clarified the situation, saying there is no penalty or punishment [for] such individuals.” This clarification was revealed in a Right to Information (RTI) query and was promptly confirmed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in its official response, which clearly stated that “there is no penalty for individual users of such apps.“

Quick Guide on How To Download WeChat in India After the Ban

With the ban on WeChat in India, many users are looking for effective ways to continue using the app, which has become much more than just a social media platform.

The most reliable method is arguably via a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which allows you to bypass regional restrictions. This section will guide you step-by-step on how to install WeChat in India using a VPN, ensuring a seamless and secure process for staying in touch with your contacts. We will use Surfshark as an example:

1. Visit Surfshark’s official website.
2. Select and purchase your ideal subscription plan on your PC, laptop, or mobile device.
3. Create an account on the Surfshark website.
4. Download and set up the VPN software on your device.
5. Sign in to your Surfshark account.
6. Connect to a server in a region where WeChat is accessible (wide choice).
7. Proceed to download and install WeChat from the App Store or Google Play Store.
8. Open the VPN application.
9. Launch the WeChat app and enjoy using it.

Tip: Always ensure that your WeChat app is updated to the latest version to enjoy all the features without any hitches. An updated app ensures better security, improved functionality, and a smoother user experience.

Best VPNs to Unblock and Use WeChat in India

To help you access WeChat in India, we are confident in suggesting ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark as the top choices. These VPNs are highly regarded in the industry for their overall superior performence compared to other paid servics, particularly in terms of fast connections, robust security, and ability to bypass geo-blocks efficiently. As for free VPNs, while they may be tempting, they generally lack the reliability and security features necessary for consistent access, making these premium options the best choice for seamless and secure WeChat usage.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

ExpressVPN is the best means for unblocking WeChat since the Indian ban. It has some of the best VPN features you can find. For instance, ExpressVPN covers over 105 countries worldwide, with 3,000 servers in 160 locations. Therefore, you can connect to servers in several countries where WeChat is available.

In addition, ExpressVPN combines speed and security in its Lightway protocol. So, a VPN connection will not adversely affect your WeChat connection. ExpressVPN also uses the AES 256-bit encryption for security, meaning you will be safe from internet threats while using this VPN for WeChat in India.

Plus, third parties cannot know that you’re using WeChat in India. This is because ExpressVPN has a strict no-log policy. This policy ensures that the VPN doesn’t store your internet connection logs. So, they cannot trace it back to you. ExpressVPN is also compatible with different gadgets and operating systems. Furthermore, you can use your Express VPN account on up to five of your browsing devices simultaneously.

However, all these excellent features slightly drive ExpressVPN’s prices up. So, it is a bit more expensive than its alternatives, and that’s because you’ll get your money’s worth. In addition, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for all ExpressVPN subscribers, period during which you can evaluate its quality, and have the money refunded if not satisfied.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Another excellent option for using WeChat inside India is NordVPN. This top-tier VPN also has all the exceptional features for unblocking WeChat. Notably, you can pick a new NordVPN IP address from about 60 countries. You just have to connect to one of NordVPN’s 5,000+ ultrafast servers in these countries.

Some countries have thousands of servers. So, you wouldn’t have to deal with server overcrowding and slow connection speeds. NordVPN also invests heavily in security. While enjoying WeChat with this VPN, you’ll be safe behind its AES 256-bit encryption. Therefore, hackers and other cybercriminals cannot exploit your connection.

Furthermore, NordVPN also has a reliable no-log policy. Thanks to this company policy, it neither stores nor shares your connection logs with third parties. This means that no one can know you’re bypassing the WeChat ban. Getting a NordVPN app for your WeChat device is also easy.

There are apps for all the popular platforms. In addition, you can simultaneously use one subscription plan for six different devices. Fortunately, NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN. For instance, you can unblock WeChat in India annually for as low as $3.39/month. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee with this VPN option.

Best for Connecting Multiple Devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

Visit Surfshark

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

Surfshark, our third recommendation, can also help you access your WeChat account within India. With over 3,500 servers in 65 countries worldwide, you can quickly get a new Surfshark IP address for WeChat. In addition, Surfshark’s servers are all high-speed, so you wouldn’t have to worry about poor connections.

Its incredible browsing speed lets you enjoy hitch-free discussions on WeChat. Surfshark is also great for gaming and unblocking streaming platforms.

While enjoying WeChat with this VPN, you won’t have to worry about hackers. This is because Surfshark’s AES 256-bit encryption will protect your data. Furthermore, it also has a strict zero-log policy. This means that it doesn’t store or share users’ data. So, your WeChat usage, despite the ban, will remain a secret.

You can also unblock WeChat on all your devices. These include Android, Windows, Apple, and Linux gadgets. In addition, Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections on one account. 

Finally, you can get Surfshark for WeChat at amazingly low rates. For example, a bi-annual subscription only costs $2.49/month. All subscriptions on Surfshark also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Therefore, you can get a refund if you don’t enjoy using Surfshark.

Can I Use a Free VPN for WeChat in India?

Certainly, we understand the attraction to free VPN services, but it must be borne in mind that they come at a cost (albeit not a monetary one), consisting of significant limitations and risks. Indeed, although they offer basic encryption and the ability to bypass some geo-restrictions, these advantages are often overshadowed by critical drawbacks:

• Limited Server Availability: Free VPNs typically don’t have the capital for an exstensive server network, resulting in a very limited number of servers, which often become overcrowded due to high user demand. This congestion results in slower connection speeds and unreliable access, making it difficult to maintain a consistent connection to WeChat.
  
• Compromised Security: Many free VPNs do not offer robust encryption, leaving your data vulnerable to interception by third parties. Additionally, to cover operational costs, some free VPN providers may sell user data to advertisers or other entities to raise capital for their running costs, potentially exposing your internet activities to unwanted surveillance, including by government authorities.
  
• Data Caps and Bandwidth Restrictions: Another significant drawback is that free VPNs often impose data caps and bandwidth limits. This can interrupt your usage, especially when engaging in activities that require higher data consumption, such as video calls or large file transfers on WeChat.

For a secure and reliable solution on how to download WeChat in India either on iPhone or Android, we therefore recommend using premium VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. These services provide extensive server networks, strong encryption, and reliable access to geo-restricted content, ensuring a smooth and safe WeChat experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on How to Use WeChat in India