WhatsApp provides a means of communication and interaction between users. But, for some reason(s) it’s not available to everyone.
For example countries like China, North Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and others, the app have either been banned or the users have restricted access.
Also, countries sometimes impose internet restrictions that make it difficult, if not impossible, for citizens to make use of online resources. WhatsApp is now making an effort to make it easier for people in these countries to join the service in the name of “helping people communicate freely.”
As of late, the Meta-owned app allows its users anywhere to make use of a proxy server. Users will now be able to use the instant-messaging service even if they are unable to connect to the internet due to the new update.
Particularly in places where internet outages are common or where WhatsApp is blocked due to government censorship. In this article, we will examine what WhatsApp’s proxy support entails and how to set it up.
WhatsApp proxy support was introduced in situations “when connecting to WhatsApp directly isn’t possible.” According to the Instant-message service, “you have the option via the app to connect through a proxy server,” as this allows users to access WhatsApp without an internet connection.
“Choosing a proxy enables you to connect to WhatsApp through servers set up by volunteers and organizations around the world dedicated to helping people communicate freely.”
The company has further assured its users that proxy connections will also maintain the same level of privacy and security that users enjoy on regular connections. End-to-end encryption will be there which will make sure that communication between two WhatsApp users is private no third person, proxy servers, WhatsApp or Meta can see it.
How to set up Whatsapp Proxy
The first step to setting up the new Proxy feature on the app is to search for proxies created by reliable sources. Ofcourse you will need an Internet conection for this – so do this now! You can find them on social media platforms or search on Google. It is important to save multiple proxy server addresses. Should in case you are unable to connect to one proxy network, you can easily switch to a different proxy server.
Secondly, make sure you are using the latest version of the app on your phone. Go to Play Store (if you’re using Android) or App Store (if your smartphone is an iPhone). The following instructions apply to smartphones running Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android operating systems.
Connect to a proxy on Android
- In the Chats tab, tap More options > Settings.
- Tap Storage and Data then Proxy.
- Tap Use Proxy.
- Tap Set Proxy and enter the proxy address. Tap Save.
- A check mark will show if the connection is successful.
- If you are still unable to send or receive WhatsApp messages using a proxy, that proxy may have been blocked. You can long press the blocked proxy address to delete it, then enter a new proxy address to try again.
Connect to a proxy on iPhone
- Go to WhatsApp Settings.
- Tap Storage and Data, next Proxy.
- Tap Use Proxy.
- Enter the proxy address and tap Save to connect.
- A check mark will show if the connection is successful.
- If you are still unable to send or receive WhatsApp messages using a proxy, that proxy may have been blocked. Try again using a different proxy address.
WhatsApp users can set up a proxy connection using a server with ports 80, 443 or 5222 available and a domain name that points to the server’s IP address. It is important to note that using a third-party proxy connection can share your IP address with the proxy provider.
