Which Messengers Work in China in 2024
How to access messengers in China with a VPN
If you're traveling for business, you'll likely head to Macau or Hong Kong—special economic zones where the "Great Firewall" permits all messengers for foreign tourists and local Chinese executives. The government understands that restricting communication with the outside world would harm Chinese companies' competitiveness, though all messenger traffic is monitored. For a messenger to operate legally in mainland China, developers must provide unencrypted user data to authorities. Only under these conditions are they available in official iOS and Android stores without being blocked.
WeChat — "the Chinese everything"
Chinese innovators surprised the world with WeChat, a unique messenger that's far more than a simple messaging app. It functions as a full-fledged payment system, handles identity verification, enables purchases and restaurant payments, taxi ordering, and much more.
Every Chinese citizen uses WeChat—doing business without it is nearly impossible. While it's not popular in Russia (and Roskomnadzor even attempted to block it in 2017), installing WeChat is essential for any business trip to China.
Skype in China Requires VPN
China's government tolerates pre-installed Skype for foreign tourists and business visitors. Officially, you can't download it from Google Play or the App Store within mainland China—it's been removed. However, pre-installed versions work, though the government can decide any day that it poses a threat and cut access immediately.
Since no guarantees exist, protect yourself before your trip by purchasing a RocketVPN subscription to reliably use Skype in China day and night.
WhatsApp Is Also Blocked
China's government has blocked WhatsApp because it's owned by Facebook. The messenger's developers refused full cooperation and didn't grant authorities access to user data. Using WhatsApp in China requires a VPN—it's the only option.
Telegram Blocked Immediately
Pavel Durov's Telegram, launched in 2015, was blocked by the Great Firewall practically the next day. Because Telegram uses truly encrypted messages that can self-destruct after a set time, Chinese authorities viewed it as unacceptable and blocked all Telegram servers. To access Telegram in China, you must use a VPN.
Viber in China — Another Ban
Despite being relatively popular in China, Viber was blocked in 2014 after its developers refused to grant the government access to user communications. To use Viber in China, you'll need a reliable VPN—it's the only workaround available.
How to Access Messengers in China with VPN
China's Great Firewall is no obstacle once you install RocketVPN.
Our service offers VPN for both smartphones and laptops with unified access, simplifying your workflow. With RocketVPN, you won't worry about which messenger to use in China—you can use whichever you prefer. A one-month subscription costs just $5, and longer-term plans offer discounts up to 50%. RocketVPN gives you access to Google services, Instagram, and VKontakte.
With RocketVPN for China, access any messenger without restrictions at high speeds while maintaining complete anonymity.