WhatsApp chat is now possible even after internet shutdown: Here's how to use the new feature

• Image Credit: Google

• Jan 6, 2023 | Dhupali Das

For those who are unaware, through an internet shutdown, governments can block access to specific websites or platforms such as...

Digital Desk: As our reliability on the internet increases with each passing day, a few countries around the world are using internet shutdowns as a powerful tool to suppress dissent. For those who are unaware, through an internet shutdown, governments can block access to specific websites or platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and others. The governments are able to order internet shutdowns through coordination with public and private internet service providers. One of the recent instances, where an internet shutdown was used to suppress the voice of people, was seen in Iran where the women are protesting against hijab rules. WhatsApp has made proxy support available to all of its users across the globe to help in user communication in the case of an internet outage. 

What is WhatsApp proxy support, and how does it work?

As the name suggests, proxy support allows users to connect to WhatsApp via servers set up by volunteers and organizations all around the world. If you have internet access, you can look for reliable sources who have set up proxies on social media or search engines. You can follow these instructions to know how to connect to a proxy server for WhatsApp:

How to connect to proxy on Android phone

1. In the Chats tab, tap More options > Settings.

2. Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
3. Tap Use Proxy.
4. Tap Set Proxy and enter the proxy address.
5. Tap Save.
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. You can long-press the blocked proxy address to delete it, then enter a new proxy address to try again.

How to Connect to a Proxy on an Apple iPhone

1. Go to WhatsApp Settings.
2. Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
3. Tap Use Proxy.
4. Enter the proxy address and tap Save to connect.
5. A check mark will show if the connection is successful.
6. 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.

According to WhatsApp’s blog, "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."

It is important to note that using a third-party proxy will expose your IP address to the proxy provider. WhatsApp does not provide third-party proxies.