WhatsApp Block: How to Prepare and What to Do

What Is Currently Restricted

As of November 2025, WhatsApp continues to operate globally. But in some regions, users have experienced:

• Full blocking — China, North Korea.

• Partial blocking, mainly of voice calls — Russia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others.

Overall, messaging, media sharing, and file transfer still work. However, if a full ban is introduced, these features may stop working without warning. The safest step for now is to save important data and prepare backup communication channels.

How to Export Chat History in WhatsApp

WhatsApp does not allow exporting all chats at once — each chat must be saved individually. For bulk export, third-party tools like iMyTrans can help.

How to Export an Individual Chat in WhatsApp

The process differs depending on your operating system.

For Android:

1. Open the chat you want to save.

2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select “More”.

3. Tap “Export” chat.

4. Choose whether to include media files (“Without media” or “Include media”).

5. Select a method to export the chat, such as sending it by email or saving it to a file.

For iOS:

1. Open the chat you want to save.

2. Tap the chat name or contact name at the top.

3. Scroll down and select “Export chat”.

4. Choose whether to include media files (“Attach media” or “Without media”).

5. Select a method to export the chat, such as sending it by email or saving it to a file.

Exported chats are saved as text files and cannot be imported back into WhatsApp. They serve as a record of your conversations, not as a full backup.

How to Back Up WhatsApp

Creating a backup allows you to save your chats, photos, and documents in the cloud. This ensures you can restore your data if WhatsApp is blocked or if you need to reinstall the app. After restoring, you will regain access to your conversations.

Important: Backups only save chats and attachments. To avoid losing contacts when reinstalling, go to “Privacy” → “Contacts” and make sure the toggle “WhatsApp contacts” is turned on.

For Android:

1. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and go to “Settings”.

2. Open “Chats” → “Chat backup”.

3. Tap “Back up”.

For iOS:

1. Go to “Settings” → “Chats” → “Chat backup”.

2. Tap “Back up now”.

You can also enable automatic scheduled backups and protect them with end-to-end encryption for extra security.

How to Transfer Contacts in WhatsApp

Contacts in WhatsApp can be stored either in your phone’s address book or only within the app. If the service is blocked, numbers saved exclusively in WhatsApp may be lost.

To prevent this, check your important contacts:

1. Open the contact you want to secure.

2. Tap “Contact details” → “Edit”.

3. Make sure the toggle “Sync contact to phone” is turned on.

This will save the number in your phone’s address book, ensuring it remains accessible even if WhatsApp is eventually blocked.

How to Delete a WhatsApp Account

If you want to remove all your data from WhatsApp as a precaution, you can delete your account. 


For Android: 

1. Tap the three dots and go to “Settings” → “Account” → “Delete My Account”. 

2. Enter your phone number and select a reason for deletion. 

3. Confirm the action.

For iOS: 

1. Open Settings → Account → Delete My Account. 

2. Enter your phone number and confirm deletion.


Deleting your account permanently erases all your data, including messages, media, and channels you manage (unless there are other administrators). You cannot undo this action.

How to Log into WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp also offers a web version. To log in, you need access to the mobile app, so it’s recommended not to wait until WhatsApp is fully banned.

The process depends on your operating system.

For Android:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Tap the three dots and select “Linked devices” → “Link a device”.

3. Scan the QR code to authorize.

For iOS:

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Go to “Settings” → “Linked Devices” → “Link a Device”.

3. Scan the QR code to authorize.

You can also log into the web version using your phone number and a code from the app.

If limitations become stricter, you can access WhatsApp Web using an anti-detect browser, such as Octo Browser. It creates separate browsing profiles with their own digital fingerprints and allows you to use proxies from countries where WhatsApp is still accessible. 



Octo Browser helps you bypass country-based restrictions. Earlier, we explained how to bypass YouTube bans and blocks.

What Business Owners Should Do

If WhatsApp is blocked, businesses could lose contacts, orders, and customer trust. To prevent this, set up customer communication flows that do not rely on a single messaging app.

A key step for this is using multiple communication channels. You can combine WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, email, SMS, and website chats. While WhatsApp still works, test new apps, grow your audience, and gradually move clients to alternative platforms. Send important messages, like order updates and delivery notifications, across more than one channel. This keeps customers connected even if one service stops working.

You do not need to stop using WhatsApp completely. It is still a useful tool for first contact. But stay alert for new rules and watch out for potential blocks, bans, and restrictions, as regulations can change quickly.

WhatsApp Alternatives

If WhatsApp is ever blocked in your country, you can still stay connected using alternative messengers. The main alternatives to WhatsApp are Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Signal.

When you open any website or web version of a messenger, they collect your digital fingerprint, including geolocation data. Regardless of whether a service is banned in a given region, anti-detect browsers, such as Octo Browser, can help you access these platforms even if they are restricted.

Facebook Messenger

In 2025, Facebook Messenger is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 1 billion users. The app supports text messaging, voice and video calls, communities, and stories. It integrates with the Meta ecosystem, including Facebook Pages for businesses, making it suitable for both personal and professional communication.

Telegram

As of 2025, Telegram has around 1 billion users worldwide. The service works across multiple devices, with messages and files stored in the cloud for easy access. It offers channels, chats, groups, and bots, making it ideal for both individual users and businesses. As of November 2025, Telegram is blocked in China, Iran, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Thailand, and Vietnam.


Signal

Signal is a privacy-first messenger. It offers end-to-end encryption by default, avoids collecting user data, and is open-source. The app supports voice and video calls, group chats, and disappearing messages. Its privacy guarantees make it a reliable alternative for users who prioritize data protection. As of November 2025, Signal is blocked in Russia, China, and Iran.


Conclusion

Do not wait for a full WhatsApp block. Prepare in advance to stay connected with family, colleagues, and clients.

Quick checklist for preparing for a possible WhatsApp ban:

1. Stay calm and rely on verified information sources.

2. Back up important contacts and chats from WhatsApp.

3. Install alternative messengers and test how they work.

4. Use an anti-detect browser, such as Octo Browser.

Once you are properly prepared, potential restrictions and possible bans won’t catch you off guard.