Read our guide to find out, why you might want to use the WhatsApp proxy, and how to configure it on different devices.
What is a WhatsApp Proxy and Why Use It?
A couple of years ago, WhatsApp introduced the functionality of accessing the app through proxy servers.
A proxy is a come-between online agent for a user’s IP address and the target platform a user wants to reach. It is usually preferred for considerations of anonymity, enhanced security and bypassing different kinds of bans.
Most often, WhatsApp proxies are used for two reasons:
- full or partial geopolitical restrictions of the service in certain countries, such as China, Egypt, Syria and United Arab Emirates, and service shutdown during the periods of civil disorders.
- Internet failures and shutdowns for technical reasons.
In such cases, tourists and law-abiding citizens lose access to the service they get used to for contacting their friends and relatives, and proxy servers can return them the familiar messenger.
How Does WhatsApp Proxy Work?
If a user connects to WhatsApp via a proxy, data packets are sent first to the proxy server, and then to the WhatsApp server. And when the data are sent back to the user device, they also pass through the proxy as a getaway.
When you start the WhatsApp proxy, it does not influence other online activities. This feature even allows using one proxy for WhatsApp and another one for other online apps at a time.
Lists of proxies from different countries are developed by volunteers and organizations that advocate for freedom of online communications. So, to use WhatsApp with a proxy, users should find such lists, choose and configure a proxy.
WhatsApp access via proxies doesn’t diminish the confidentiality degree. With a proxy, message exchange still remains protected with end-to-end encryption and cannot be accessed by any third party.
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Finding a Proxy Address for WhatsApp
WhatsApp Help Center recommends searching for proper proxies elsewhere, as these proxies are created by enthusiasts wishing to help users, who face connectivity issues.
Advanced users can go to GitHub repository that offers WhatsApp proxy implementation. This repository contains the code that allows to host WhatsApp proxy infrastructure supporting exchange of text messages.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a WhatsApp Proxy
The procedure of proxy configuration may seem tricky at first, but our easy-to-follow instruction will guide you through all required actions step by step.
a. Selecting the Right Port and Proxy Address
An up-and-running proxy listens to the port, and when your smartphone sends a request, this requests is processed depending on the port specified in the settings. That is why, when configuring your WhatsApp proxy server, you will be offered to specify the compatible port. Here is an overview of the supported options.
Port Options
| Port | Type of Traffic | Description | Pros and Cons |
| 80 | HTTP | The standard common port supported by most networks | It doesn’t support data encryption, and therefore can’t ensure ultimate security. It can be used if HTTPS is not available for some reason. |
| 443 | HTTPS | The enhanced version of the standard port | It supports data encryption, and therefore ensures higher security level.As it’s a widely spread and secure protocol, it’s often the most adequate choice of many users. |
| 5222 | XMPP | The protocol used by WhatsApp | As the protocol is designed for the app, it supports a reliable, adequate communication inside the messenger. However, it’s not a common protocol type and not all networks support it. |
If you plan to configure your WhatsApp proxy and are not sure, which port to choose, follow these common-sense prompts:
- Make port 443 your preferred choice, as it offers an adequate balance between communication security and degree of network support.
- If for some reason, you are reluctant to specify port 443 for proxy settings, enter port 5222, as it’s designed specifically as messenger’s protocol. Though this protocol is not widely spread, you can still use it in combination with highly versatile SOCKS5 proxies.
- If port 5222 is not supported, specify port 80. Remember that it’s the least secure option.
b. Choosing the Right Proxy Provider
It’s always tempting to stick with free proxies from ready-made lists. They seemingly contain required data of IPs and ports that promise so much wanted anonymity. However, many free proxies can be already banned, or feature lower security than expected. If you really care of your security, anonymity, and network performance, it’s wiser to opt for private WhatsApp proxies offered by reliable providers.
Here are some recommendations to follow when choosing the best provider for WhatsApp proxies:
- Choose from respected providers with proven reputation. Pay attention to user reviews and find out, if they offer the type of proxy you need.
- Keep in mind security and performance. To ensure higher security, a provider should offer encryption solutions, including HTTPS support. Besides, test the connection speed, so that WhatsApp video and audio calls wouldn’t let you down. The last but not the least is high availability and uptime, as they ensure proxies are available when you need them.
- Customer support is another important factor to think of. After all, if you face any issues, a reliable support will resolve them in no time, and you won’t be left without secure online connection.
- Allowed location. Select the proxy from a place, where WhatsApp can be used freely, as this enhances chances it will run smoothly based on such proxies.
c. Setting Up a Proxy on Your Device
To use WhatsApp proxies comfortably across any device, you should first update WhatsApp up to the latest version.
i. Configuring Proxy on iOS (iPhone or iPad)
The steps to configure WhatsApp proxy are the same both for i{hone and iPad:
- Go to <Settings> and choose <Storage and Data / Proxy>.
- Choose <Use Proxy>, enter the proxy address and click <Save>.
- If the proxy connection works out, you’ll see the check mark.
ii. Configuring Proxy on Android Devices
Configuring WhatsApp proxies on Android devices looks pretty much the same as on Apple gadgets:
- Choose … and <Settings>.
- Go to <Storage and Data / Proxy> and choose <Setup Proxy>.
- Enter proxy details; if needed, you can specify the chosen chat and media ports.
- When settings are complete, check the green box to save the changes.
- Proxy connection is enabled and starts working. If it fails, it means that the proxy is banned. In this case, delete the banned proxy by long pressing it and choose another proxy to configure.
iii. Setting Up a Proxy for WhatsApp Desktop
According to WhatsApp Help Center, proxy-based access is not supported on WhatsApp Desktop. In WhatsApp Web, you can only choose what type of content you download automatically, without any hint to proxy configuration.
But it’s not a blind alley — if you need to use WhatsApp Web with a proxy server, you can set up residential or datacenter proxies on your desktop. Just keep in mind that private proxies guarantee higher security and performance vs. free ones.
Besides, you can choose between rotating or static proxies depending on your goals and budget.
Final Thoughts on Using Proxies with WhatsApp
Millions of people all over the world open WhatsApp every day to see what’s new in life of their friends and relatives, and they usually do it without any technical gambits. However, in some situations, WhatsApp can be banned for geopolitical considerations or because of technical issues.To restore access to your favorite messenger, you can bypass restrictions with proxy servers that are now supported right in WhatsApp. To configure them, follow easy steps in our guide and choose proven private proxies that guarantee true security and anonymity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our Documentation if you have questions that are not listed below.
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What is better to use for WhatsApp: a proxy server or VPN?
It’s up to you to choose. A proxy acts as a middleman and changes the route your request passes through, while VPN encrypts your traffic and redirects it via a secure server. While VPNs are considered to be more secure, proxies are faster. Besides, it’s easier to configure them.
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Can users create WhatsApp proxies by themselves?
Yes, IT savvy users can create their own. To do that, you might need Docker and GitHub repository created for this purpose.
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Is it better to configure a device or a specific WhatsApp proxy?
Apparently, you can configure WhatsApp proxy only for the messenger, if bans or technical issues impact only WhatsApp. It allows you to use other applications based on your actual geolocation, which is quite convenient for such apps as online banking and shopping. But if you need to modify your online location or bypass restrictions for many apps, a device proxy seems a more viable alternative.
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