How to Use WeChat in India After Ban (Our Simple Trick)
Before diving into the world of how to use WeChat in India, it is crucial to note that due to regulatory reasons, the app’s functionality might be limited compared to other countries. Therefore, it is essential to stay informed about the current status of WeChat services in India to avoid any inconvenience.
Navigating the digital landscape of communication in India, one cannot overlook the significance of WeChat, a multifaceted messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent. Based on the decade-long experience in the digital communication space, we understand the intricacies of how to use WeChat in India, a country with a diverse and complex digital ecosystem. After following the market trends and innovations for the last decades, we’ve garnered a wealth of knowledge that positions us to guide you through the process of integrating WeChat into your daily life in India.
Why is WeChat banned in India? 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. WeChat went beyond being a mere social media platform. However, we can help you learn how to use WeChat in India even with the ban in place.
How To Easily Use WeChat in India Despite the Ban
Quick Guide
- 1. Download a VPN
- 2. Install the WeChat App
- 3. Sign Up
- 4. Connect with Friends & Family!
Since the government has installed geo-restrictions to prevent WeChat connections within India, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) cannot allow their subscribers to access the platform. Fortunately, we have a simple trick allowing you to enjoy WeChat in India despite the ban. Keep reading to find out more!
Pro 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.
1. Get Started with a VPN for WeChat
In order to access WeChat in India, you need to trick your ISP into thinking you’re connecting to WeChat from another country because the ISPs in India have blocked the app. Luckily, you can achieve this by using one of today’s best virtual private networks (VPNs). A VPN allows you to change your IP address, letting you access apps like WeChat even if you’re in a country where its use is restricted. So, you can simply pick a new IP from a different country.
In addition, a VPN also protects you from cyber threats while browsing. This is possible because great VPNs encrypt users’ connections.
To get started with a VPN, simply follow these steps and instantly access WeChat in India:
- Sign up for one of the top-rated VPNs mentioned below.
- Download the VPN app for your WeChat device.
- Launch the VPN app and login.
- Pick a server from a country that allows WeChat. This connection will grant you a new IP address.
- Finally, open your WeChat app and start chatting!
2. Download WeChat for iPhone and Android in India
Now that you have your VPN, connect from your phone and select a country for a new IP address (of course make sure that it’s a country that allows the WeChat app). Now you’re ready to follow the next steps to get WeChat on your mobile device.
For iPhone Users: To download WeChat for iPhone in India, follow these steps:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Search for “WeChat” in the search bar.
- Tap on the download button to install the app.
For Android Users: To download WeChat for Android in India, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for “WeChat” in the search bar.
- Tap on the install button to download and install the app.
3. Create a WeChat Account
After downloading the WeChat app, you’ll need to sign up for an account:
- WeChat Signup: Open the app and tap on “Sign Up” to create a new account.
- WeChat Login: Enter your phone number and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.
4. Connect & Use WeChat in India
Once you have successfully downloaded and set up WeChat on your device and got started with a VPN, you can use it just like any other user outside of India. You can send messages, make calls, and engage in social media activities, enjoy!
Understanding WeChat in India
WeChat is a popular messaging and social media app developed by Chinese tech giant Tencent. It offers a wide range of features, including messaging, voice and video calls, social media sharing, and more. Many people from students and families to businesses use WeChat in India to keep in touch with business partners, colleagues, friends & family. It’s also popular among those with international connections due to its seamless integration of messaging and social media features.
WeChat, with its multifunctional capabilities, has become a staple in many countries. In India, the app’s versatility allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, share images and videos, and even make payments. However, due to the unique digital policies and regulations in India, some features may not be fully available or may function differently. For instance, WeChat Pay, the app’s payment system, operates within certain constraints due to India’s financial regulations.
The app’s social media aspect is also quite popular among Indian users. WeChat Moments allows users to share life updates, photos, and articles with their contacts, fostering a sense of community. Despite the popularity, new users must navigate a learning curve to fully utilize these features, especially when it comes to privacy settings and managing what is shared with whom.
Another aspect to consider is the language barrier. WeChat supports multiple languages, and in India, where numerous languages are spoken, this feature is particularly beneficial. Users can select their preferred language, making the app more accessible and user-friendly.
For businesses, WeChat offers official accounts that can be used for marketing, customer service, and e-commerce. In India, where the digital market is booming, leveraging WeChat for business can be a game-changer. However, it’s important to understand the local digital marketing landscape to effectively reach and engage with the Indian audience.
Best VPNs to Unblock and Use WeChat in India
Indian ISPs employ tough geo-blocking technology. Therefore, choosing a VPN that can bypass such geo-restrictions is challenging. However, we’ve tested the many available VPNs. Below are the top VPNs we guarantee can unblock WeChat in India:
ExpressVPN
Overall score: 9.8
- Super-fast servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Supports private protocol, Lightway
- Money-back guarantee
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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, using it costs more than the alternatives. You don’t have to worry, though, since you’ll get your money’s worth. In addition, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for all ExpressVPN subscribers.
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NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- Incredibly fast servers
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
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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.
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Surfshark
Overall score: 9.5
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Integrates Stealth mode
- Multihop feature available
- 3,000+ servers
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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.
Best offer: $2.49/month (Save 85% + 2 months for free)
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CyberGhost
Overall score: 8.8
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7,000+ reliable servers
- Strict no-log policy
- Tough security features
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With CyberGhost, you can also access WeChat from within India. This VPN has the largest number of servers on this list. CyberGhost has more than 8,000 servers in 112 locations across 88 countries worldwide. So, it’s pretty easy to connect to multiple countries that support WeChat. You may even have thousands of VPNs to connect to in some of these countries.
Consequently, you wouldn’t have to deal with crowded servers. This means that you can perform all your WeChat activities at impressive speed.
While using CyberGhost for WeChat, you’ll also be behind a reliable security system. We’re talking about the AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption. This VPN also guarantees a tested and trusted no-log policy. So, your WeChat connection logs will never leak to the Indian government or ISPs.
CyberGhost is compatible with several devices and operating systems. These include Android, Apple, Windows, and Linux gadgets.
Furthermore, CyberGhost allows seven simultaneous connections. You don’t even have to pay much money to use WeChat with this VPN. In addition, you’ll get the longest money-back guarantee on this list – 45 days.
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PrivateVPN
Overall score: 9.3
- Advanced configuration settings
- Unblocks restricted platforms
- Compatible with most device types
- Supports the OpenVPN, L2TP and IPSec protocols
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Finally, we strongly recommend PrivateVPN for bypassing the WeChat ban in India. This VPN doesn’t have all the outstanding features of the VPNs above. However, it can get you past your Indian ISP’s geo-restrictions and into your WeChat account. Firstly, PrivateVPN only has 200+ servers in about 60 countries.
However, these servers are specifically designed for entertainment purposes. So, it’s great for accessing a geo-blocked social media platform like WeChat. PrivateVPN also offers solid security for its users. For instance, it uses AES 256-bit encryption. Consequently, your WeChat connection will be safe from hackers and data snoops.
PrivateVPN also has a simple structure and is user-friendly. So, you don’t need to be a techie to set up and use it for WeChat successfully. Notably, you can use PrivateVPN on any device that allows WeChat. These include iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android gadgets.
PrivateVPN even allows ten simultaneous connections on one subscription. Furthermore, any subscription on PrivateVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. A payment plan on PrivateVPN for WeChat can cost as low as $2/month on a bi-annual subscription. So, you should really consider this VPN.
Best offer: $2.00/month (Save 85% + 24 months free)
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Can I Use a Free VPN for WeChat in India?
Certainly, we understand the attraction to free VPN services. You get to enjoy reliable encryption, security, privacy, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions at no extra cost. However, like most free things, it comes at a cost (even if not a monetary cost). This means that there are some downsides to using free VPNs for WeChat in India.
Free VPNs have few servers
Free VPN service providers don’t have the capital for an extensive server network. Furthermore, they even restrict access to only a few servers. Since many people are angling for these free servers, they eventually become overcrowded. Server overcrowding then leads to slower browsing and connection speeds.
Free VPNs compromise security
Notably, many free VPN service providers also compromise users’ security. For example, some such free VPNs lack encryption. Therefore, third parties can hack or snoop on your connection. Free VPNs even sell user data to third parties to raise capital for their running costs. So, the Indian government may yet get your internet connection data.
Resolving WeChat Challenges in India
One of the primary challenges faced by WeChat users in India is the potential for restricted features due to regulatory measures. To overcome this, users should stay abreast of alternative apps that offer similar services, ensuring uninterrupted communication. For instance, if WeChat Pay is not available, users can turn to other popular payment apps in India like Paytm or Google Pay.
Privacy concerns are another issue that users must navigate. We recommend regularly reviewing your privacy settings and being cautious about the personal information you share on the platform. Educating yourself on the app’s privacy policies and terms of service is also crucial to ensure that you are using WeChat responsibly.
For businesses looking to establish a presence on WeChat in India, understanding the cultural nuances and consumer behavior is key. Tailoring content to the local audience and engaging with them in a culturally relevant manner can lead to better engagement rates. Additionally, collaborating with local influencers or brands can help in gaining credibility and reach within the Indian market.
In terms of language support, while WeChat does cater to multiple languages, there may be instances where translations are not perfect. Our team suggests using the app’s language features in conjunction with other translation tools to ensure clear communication, especially when dealing with business transactions or customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Use WeChat in India
Generally, it’s perfectly lawful to use a VPN in India. This is because there are many legitimate uses for VPNs worldwide. In addition, India isn’t amongst the countries that ban or restrict VPN usage. Committing online crimes with a VPN is illegal, though. So, unblocking banned apps may get you into legal trouble. However, there isn’t any law or order in India expressly banning such bypasses. You thus can safely enjoy WeChat with your VPN.
WeChat has a relatively strong security apparatus. However, the social media network is known to surveil its users. It sometimes monitors or censors messages. This surveillance isn’t restricted to Chinese users. Instead, foreign participants on the platform are victims too. WeChat is still the preferred app for many people in India and other countries. However, it’ll be best to avoid sending sensitive messages on WeChat.
Yes, you may use a proxy server instead of a VPN for WeChat. However, it’ll be best to stick to VPNs. Both tools can hide your real IP address. So, proxies and VPNs can help you use WeChat privately and anonymously. However, proxy servers cannot encrypt your internet connection. Therefore, while using proxy servers for WeChat in India, you’ll remain at the mercy of hackers and data snoops.
No, neither ISPs nor the Indian government will know that you’re unblocking WeChat with a VPN. However, we can guarantee this fact with the VPNs above. This is because they all have strict no-log policies. Such a policy means that they don’t store your VPN usage logs. Therefore, such non-existent records cannot be leaked, stolen, or sold. Your ISP or the government thus cannot link your WeChat usage to you.
Yes, WeChat is available for download and use in India. However, users should be aware of any country-specific restrictions that may affect the app’s functionality.
WeChat Pay operates with limitations in India due to financial regulations. It is advisable to explore other local payment options that are widely accepted and compliant with Indian laws.
To ensure your privacy on WeChat, regularly review and adjust your privacy settings, be mindful of the information you share, and familiarize yourself with the app’s privacy policies.
WeChat supports multiple languages, which can be beneficial in a multilingual country like India. However, users may occasionally encounter imperfect translations and should consider using additional translation tools when necessary.
Businesses can use WeChat’s official accounts for marketing and customer engagement. It’s important to understand the local market, tailor content to the Indian audience, and possibly collaborate with local entities for better reach and credibility.
Final Thoughts
WeChat is an excellent app. So, many Indians rely on it for their business and social life. The WeChat ban is the result of a legitimate dispute between both countries. However, it has brought significant hardship for WeChat users.
While the ban on WeChat may pose challenges, using a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access the app for communication and networking purposes. By following the steps outlined above, you can continue to use WeChat in India despite the ban.
In conclusion, using WeChat in India requires an understanding of the app’s features and the regulatory environment. Our expertise in the digital communication space has enabled us to provide you with insights and practical advice on making the most of WeChat in India. For further information, we recommend exploring WeChat’s official resources and staying updated on the latest developments in India’s digital policies.