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Tencent, the parent company of WeChat, may be a well-known and widely-used platform, but it's essential to remember that it's a Chinese company. This means that the Chinese government has access to ways to obtain user data stored by Chinese companies like WeChat. Moreover, WeChat itself has been accused of being malware by experts.
A study conducted by the Citizen Lab found that WeChat doesn't just spy on users within China but also targets foreigners, harvesting their data for its machine-learning system. This is used to censor content in Mainland China. As a result, if you're planning to use WeChat, it's crucial to take measures to protect your privacy.
Why Use a VPN with WeChat?
To encrypt your data and ensure that it remains private, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing WeChat. If you're not familiar with VPNs, we have a comprehensive guide on the best WeChat VPN available for you to read.
WeChat Location Hack: How Can I Fake My Location on WeChat?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your location on WeChat:
- Privacy concerns: Most users who want to use a fake GPS location on WeChat are concerned about their online privacy.
- WeChat Shake: WeChat has a feature where you can shake your phone and have the app look for people nearby. When you fake your location on WeChat, you'll be able to connect with people from different regions.
- Pranking someone: Some users just want to have fun by tricking friends, family or colleagues into believing that they're somewhere else by faking their GPS location on WeChat.
To change your location on WeChat, most apps query the OS (Android or iOS) using an API. The API looks at the IP address to determine an approximate location and relays this information to the app.
However, if you use a fake GPS app to hide your actual location, it will replace the API. When an app requests information about your location, the fake GPS app will respond to the query instead of the OS.
WeChat's Tamper-Proofing
But there's a catch! WeChat uses a more tamper-proof method that sends hardware-level queries using the Baidu Positioning SDK. This means that users suspect it interacts directly with your GPS hardware, making it challenging for fake GPS apps to work on WeChat.
Alternative Method: Changing Your Location within the App
A simpler way to fake your WeChat location is by changing it from within the app without having to download a fake GPS app. To do this:
- Go to your WeChat profile.
- Navigate to More > Region.
- Select a different region, and you'll have changed your location.
Combining VPN and Fake GPS: Will It Work?
Some users have successfully signed up for WeChat using a combination of a VPN and a fake GPS app. However, WeChat now detects such attempts easily and will most likely ban the account upon detection.
Final Thoughts
While WeChat can be useful for chatting with friends or associates who use the platform regularly, signing up for an account can be time-consuming, especially outside China due to security verification requirements. If you do sign up, we recommend using a VPN like ExpressVPN to protect yourself.
In addition to connecting with your WeChat contacts, a VPN is also useful in letting you access a world of Chinese entertainment. Learn more about how to watch Chinese TV online.
Have You Successfully Registered a WeChat Account from Outside China?
Let us know in the comments below if you've successfully registered a WeChat account from outside China and had to contact WeChat support. As always, thank you for reading!
FAQ
- How can I get around the verification stage? Try contacting WeChat support or ask someone on an online forum if they're willing to verify your WeChat account.
- Is it possible to sign up for a free WeChat account from outside China? Yes, but it requires getting your account verified by an existing WeChat user.
- Can I download WeChat from the App Store or Play Store in India where it's banned? No, you won't be able to download WeChat if it's banned in your country.