WhatsApp by proxy allows you send messages during internet shutdown

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature where you can now send messages to others even when their internet connection is blocked or disrupted.

This feature, WhatsApp by proxy, was launched against the backdrop of recent happenings in Iran where people were denied the ability to reach loved ones and even participate in political debates or decisions

This enables users to connect to WhatsApp through servers set up by volunteers and organizations around the world dedicated to helping people communicate freely.

According to the Meta-owned platform in a blog post, “we’re putting the power into people’s hands to maintain access to WhatsApp if their connection is blocked or disrupted.”

WhatsApp maintains that “connecting via proxy maintains the high level of privacy and security that WhatsApp provides. Your personal messages will still be protected by end-to-end encryption — ensuring they stay between you and the person you’re communicating with and are not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp, or Meta.”

How to access WhatsApp by proxy

The option to connect to a proxy is available in the settings menu for everyone running the latest version of our app

Connect to a proxy on Android

1. Make sure you are using the most current version of WhatsApp.
2. In the Chats tab, tap More options > Settings.
3. Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
4. Tap Use Proxy.
5. Tap Set Proxy and enter the proxy address.
6. Tap Save.
7. A check mark  will show if the connection is successful.
8. 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

1. Make sure you are using the most current version of WhatsApp.
2. Go to WhatsApp Settings.
3. Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
4. Tap Use Proxy.
5. Enter the proxy address and tap Save to connect.
6. A check mark will show if the connection is successful.
7. 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.

How to set up a proxy server to connect to WhatsApp

When people around the world are blocked from using WhatsApp, volunteers and organizations can create proxy servers that help people re-establish connection to WhatsApp and communicate freely and securely.

To help people reconnect to WhatsApp, you can set up a proxy using a server with ports 80, 443 or 5222 available and a domain name (or subdomain) that points to the server’s IP address.

Detailed documentation and source code are available on GitHub here.

Consider sharing these addresses privately with users who are unable to connect directly to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp says its wish for 2023 is that these internet shutdowns never occur. However, in cases of shutdowns, it hopes this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication.