WhatsApp Introduces Proxy Support To Help Bypass Internet Shutdowns

WhatsApp has announced it will be bringing a proxy support feature for its messaging service that will help users keep connected to WhatsApp if there is a service disruption from their servers. With proxies from volunteers and organizations all over the world, you can use their free proxies to connect to their server during downtime.

According to WhatsApp, they said that proxy connections will still be encrypted and users' privacy, messages, and security will remain the same as before. Users in Iran who cannot access WhatsApp since 2022 due to the government ban on WhatsApp and Instagram can now make use of WhatsApp proxy.

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WhatsApp in a blog post said they will ensure that "these internet shutdowns never occur." They added, "Disruptions like we've seen in Iran for months on end, deny people's human rights and cut people off from receiving urgent help. Though in case these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication."

Users can create a personal proxy server for family and friends by following the guide WhatsApp provided. To do so: Head to Storage and Data settings on the app, and you will see a new option to create/add a proxy server - select Proxy, tap Use Proxy, fill in the proxy address, and select Save to connect to the service. This Proxy support is currently available for Android and iPhone users with the latest version of the app installed.

Proxies are available on so many websites, so you can simply use search engines to check for them, or head to YouTube to see what other users shared. If the connection was successful, a checkmark will appear, so you can then try to send and receive messages with it, otherwise, try another proxy address.