WhatsApp has announced proxy support for the platform for users around the world. Just as 2023 begins, WhatsApp's latest update is focused on providing its service to people who are denied access to the messenger app. We have seen cases of internet shutdowns across the world in recent times and such shutdown often restrict access to the messaging app. With support for proxy servers now, people in these areas will now be able to access WhatsApp regardless of the blockage or bans, provided they get access to the proxy servers.
“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,” says WhatsApp. Connecting via proxy will help WhatsApp users conserve their privacy and security, and the end-to-end encryption ensures that nobody else gets to snoop on your conversations.
WhatsApp says that “To help people reconnect to WhatsApp, you can set up a proxy using a server with ports 80, 443 or 5222 available and a domain name (or subdomain) that points to the server's IP address.”
If you are using WhatsApp on an Android device, here is how you can enable proxy. Note that you need to have access to proxy servers from those who are hosting the servers.
The proxy feature is only applicable on the latest version of WhatsApp. Hence, you need to ensure that your WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
Now open WhatsApp and tap on Settings menu.
Tap on the Storage and Data and then scroll down to Proxy and tap on it.
Next, tap on Set Proxy and enter the proxy address.
Tap on Save.
Once the connection is successful, you will be able to see a checkmark.
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