WhatsApp is a widely used messaging app with a focus on privacy and security. However, its high level of security has led to the app being banned in some countries. In this case, however, there is no need to worry about your mom's trip to Bahrain. WhatsApp calling works fine in Bahrain, and there are no restrictions on the app by the country's ISPs.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
WhatsApp calls in Bahrain | Not restricted |
What You'll Learn
Bahrain does not restrict WhatsApp calls
WhatsApp has over 2 billion active global users and is the most popular mobile messenger app in the world. It is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook) and offers end-to-end encryption, meaning that messages are encrypted on the sender's device and can only be decrypted by the recipient's device. This means that no third party, including Meta, can read the messages.
This level of privacy is excellent for users but has led to WhatsApp being banned in some countries, including China, North Korea, Syria, Iran, and Qatar. Other countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Qatar, restrict WhatsApp by prohibiting voice and video calls while allowing text messaging.
Bahrain does not place any such limits on the app. Users in Bahrain can make WhatsApp calls without restriction, as long as they have a good internet connection.
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A VPN can be used to access WhatsApp in banned countries
WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app, with over 2 billion active users globally. However, some countries have banned or restricted its use. As of 2024, China, North Korea, Syria, and Iran have fully banned WhatsApp, while Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have restricted its voice and video calling features.
The good news is that you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass these restrictions and access WhatsApp in banned countries. Here's how it works:
How to Use a VPN to Access WhatsApp
- Choose a VPN Service: Select a reputable VPN provider that offers strong encryption, a large network of servers in countries where WhatsApp is not blocked, and fast connection speeds. Some recommended options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
- Subscribe and Create an Account: Sign up for the chosen VPN service and create an account. Look for providers that offer a money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.
- Download and Install the VPN Software: Download the VPN software or app onto your device. Most VPNs offer user-friendly apps for popular platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Log in to the VPN: Open the VPN software or app and log in using your account credentials.
- Connect to a Server in an Allowed Country: Choose a VPN server located in a country where WhatsApp is not blocked, such as the US or Europe. This will spoof your location and make it appear as if you are accessing WhatsApp from that country.
- Open WhatsApp: Once connected to the VPN, open the WhatsApp app and you should be able to send and receive messages, make voice and video calls, and access all other features without restrictions.
Using a VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and route it through the chosen server location, hiding your actual IP address and location. This allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and access WhatsApp even in countries where it is blocked.
It's important to note that while VPNs are effective tools for accessing restricted content, they should be used with caution in countries where their use is illegal, such as the UAE and Iran. Always review the local laws and regulations before using a VPN in a restricted country.
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WhatsApp is banned in China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app with over 2 billion users worldwide. However, it is banned in several countries, including China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
China has blocked WhatsApp due to its strict "Great Wall" internet restrictions, which have been in place for years. As a result, other messaging platforms like WeChat and Weibo dominate the Chinese market. North Korea, which has one of the most restrictive national policies, also bans WhatsApp and does not allow its citizens to use any major global messaging apps.
Syria has intermittently blocked WhatsApp, along with Senegal and Guinea, to regulate information flow in the war-torn country. The UAE and Qatar have blocked WhatsApp voice and video calls to promote local telecommunication companies, but text messaging is still allowed.
Despite these bans, "tens of millions" of people are using technical workarounds to access WhatsApp in these countries, according to the platform's boss, Will Cathcart. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and WhatsApp's proxy service have helped keep the app accessible.
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WhatsApp calling is restricted in Saudi Arabia
A VPN will encrypt a device's internet traffic and route it through a server in a location of the user's choice. This enables users to bypass geographic restrictions and access WhatsApp. It is important to note that using a VPN to unblock WhatsApp may be illegal in some countries, so it is essential to familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations of the country before attempting to use one.
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WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world
WhatsApp's popularity has been growing since its launch in 2009. It now has over 2 billion active global users and is still growing. The app adds more users each year, with an additional 1 billion users between 2016 and 2020.
The app's reach is particularly strong in markets outside the United States, and it is one of the most popular mobile social apps worldwide. It is the leading messaging app in over 60 countries, including India, which has the most WhatsApp monthly active users (390.1 million).
WhatsApp's popularity can be attributed to its focus on privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and recipient can read messages sent through the app. This level of privacy is impressive but has led to WhatsApp being banned in some countries, such as China, North Korea, Syria, and Iran, which block the app for security and political reasons.
Despite being banned in some countries, WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in the world, with a simple interface, strong security features, and a large user base that continues to grow.
In terms of WhatsApp calls in Bahrain, the app is not blocked in the country. Unlike its neighbouring countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, which ban WhatsApp voice and video calls, Bahrain does not place any restrictions on the app.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, WhatsApp calls and messaging work in Bahrain.
No, you do not need a VPN to use WhatsApp in Bahrain.
No, there are no known restrictions on using WhatsApp in Bahrain. However, it is always a good idea to check local laws and regulations before using any communication app in a foreign country.