Partly blocked Updated 16 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock WhatsApp in Equatorial Guinea
If WhatsApp won't work in Equatorial Guinea, you're not alone: it has been partly blocked since Nov 2024. Here's how to get it back with Proton VPN, one step at a time.
Short answer
Use Proton VPN, connect to South Africa, then open WhatsApp.
We picked Proton VPN because it's the best fit for WhatsApp here: swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.
Why WhatsApp doesn't work in Equatorial Guinea
WhatsApp has been partly blocked in Equatorial Guinea since Nov 2024. Photo and video downloads blocked on mobile data.
Best VPN for Equatorial Guinea is Proton VPN, 94 out of 100. Second is ExpressVPN, 86 out of 100. Third is NordVPN, 86 out of 100. Proton VPN is the best choice for Equatorial Guinea because it had the highest privacy score.
Is a VPN legal in Equatorial Guinea? Legal with restrictions. There is no published VPN law, but authorities treat online criticism harshly and have arrested people over social media posts.
Step by step with Proton VPN
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Install and sign in
Install Proton VPN on the phone or computer where you use WhatsApp, then sign in.
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Check the protocol
Leave the protocol on Smart (the default) for the best speed.
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Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in South Africa, France or Germany. WhatsApp works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
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Open WhatsApp and send a message
Messages should send straight away. If calls are the problem, make a test call with the VPN on and keep it connected for the whole call.
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Leave the VPN on
Keep Proton VPN connected while you use WhatsApp. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: WhatsApp also has built-in proxy support (Settings, then Storage and data, then Proxy). A proxy can help when a VPN struggles, but it doesn't hide your traffic the way a VPN does.
Try Proton VPNIf it still doesn't work
- Force-close WhatsApp and open it again after the VPN connects.
- Try another server in the same country.
- Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN.
Or try another VPN
ExpressVPN Connects
Leave the protocol on Automatic. ExpressVPN picks the fastest option for you.
Try ExpressVPNNordVPN Connects
Leave the protocol on NordLynx (the default). You don't need obfuscation for this block.
Try NordVPNWhat people in Equatorial Guinea are reporting
Not enough reports yet for Proton VPN in Equatorial Guinea this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does WhatsApp work in Equatorial Guinea without a VPN?
Partly. Some features of WhatsApp are blocked in Equatorial Guinea: Photo and video downloads blocked on mobile data.
Is it legal to use a VPN for WhatsApp in Equatorial Guinea?
Legal with restrictions. There is no published VPN law, but authorities treat online criticism harshly and have arrested people over social media posts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock WhatsApp in Equatorial Guinea?
A trustworthy free VPN can work for a simple block like this one. Proton VPN's free plan is the safest free option. Avoid unknown free VPN apps, which often sell browsing data.
Why does WhatsApp still not work with the VPN on?
Force-close WhatsApp and open it again after the VPN connects. Try another server in the same country. Turn off your browser's or phone's "private DNS" setting if it overrides the VPN.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick