WhatsApp, the world’s most used messaging platform, said it is starting to offer proxy support to users. Thanks to a new update, WhatsApp users can now stay connected even during internet shutdowns and outages. Accordingly, the company says the launch will help people living in countries like Iran. To help people who continue to be denied the ability to reach their loved ones because of internet shutdowns. Making an official statement on this issue, the company said the following:
If you have internet access, you can search engines to set up a proxy server
“Happy New Year to everyone who uses WhatsApp! We’re mindful that just as we’ve celebrated the start to 2023 through private texts or calls, there are many people who continue to be denied the ability to reach their loved ones because of internet shutdowns. To help, today we’re launching proxy support for WhatsApp users all over the world. What this means is we’re putting the power into people’s hands to maintain access to WhatsApp if their connection is blocked or disrupted.”
“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. If you have the ability to help others connect, you can learn how to set up a proxy here. 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.”
“Our wish for 2023 is that these internet shutdowns never occur. 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.”
How to connect to a proxy on Android
- Make sure you are using the latest version of WhatsApp.
- In the Chats tab, tap More options > Settings
- Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
- Tap Use proxy.
- Tap Set proxy and enter the proxy address.
- Tap Save.
- If the connection is successfully established, a checkmark is shown.
- If you use a proxy but still cannot send or receive WhatsApp messages, the proxy you are using may be blocked. You can delete the blocked proxy by long pressing on it, then enter a new proxy address to try again.
How to connect to a proxy on iPhone
- Make sure you are using the latest version of WhatsApp.
- In WhatsApp, go to Settings.
- Tap Storage and Data > Proxy.
- Tap Use proxy. Enter the proxy address and tap Save to connect.
- If the connection is successfully established, a checkmark will be shown.
- If you use a proxy and still cannot send or receive WhatsApp messages, the proxy you are using may be blocked. Try again using a different proxy address.
